My 58 year old dad is looking to trade in his Caddy for a sports car. He's decided that the S2K is not for him. He seems to be set on buying a porsche. He just told me he test drove a Boxter S yesterday.

So with that in mind does anyone have any advice for someone looking to buy a porsche.

The questions I'm going to look to get answered are:

Where can I find a good comparison of the Boxter S and the Carrera Cabrio? Anyone have any opinions of a loaded Boxter S vs a low end Carrera

With either one, what are the Porsche options that are must haves. I know that Porsche has a million different options.

Any other advice on Porsche shopping?

-- Tom

 

try this board http://www.986board.com/board/986board.htm

I'm not a carrera fan. I'd take boxster S for the look any day

 

Take Looottss of money! And don't forget to save some extra money for those repairs and normal maintenance. Some models may require dropping the engine for a tune-up.

I personally like the slant nose Porche which was made in the mid to late 80s.

LL

 

European delivery.
Which ever one he decides on he can go to Germany and pick it up at the factory.
Get a tour, scream down the autobahn, and he can save enough on the car to pay for the trip.

 

BMW has the same option. They call you when the car is ready, you fly to Germany and pick it up. Drive around a while then when your done, drop it back at BMW and they ship it to your house. I doubt there is a savings there but it sounds like a good vacation idea.

 

I think Mercedes had something simular too! If I would have pick, Carrera Cabrio probably what I like to have! However, I don't buy and drive Porsches!

 

Porsche Pete's is definitely the place to ask around in. The Boxster S / 996 Cab debate pops up somewhat frequently. Being a Boxster board, most participants opted for the Boxster. There's a similar 996 board at http://www.funcarsonline.com/frames/996boa...rd/996board.htm

As for options... They way I'd do it is:

Litronics HID headlights are awesome and I now hate the thought of ever owning a car without them. But as I found out tonight, driving in front of a Boxster with HIDs is more annoying than in front of an S2000.
M030 This is the sports suspension package. Might not be right for your dad, however, if he doesn't feel the S2000 is right for him. But even with the 030, it's still softer that the stook.
Power stuff This is some sort of package that I don't remember the name of. Includes trip computer, cruise control, power locks, power windows, that sort of thing.
Heated seats I wouldn't use them very often here in Dallas, but it still gets below freezing sometimes. These heated seats are wonderful.
Full leather interior with deviating color stiching For example, Metropol Blue with red stichting. It really jazzes up the interior.
Traction control Works quite well.
Aero kit Give it an aggressive, race car look, but is still tasteful. Costs like $6k, though.
DSP stereo Puts the stock stook's to shame. It even can sound better than mine, and I replaced the speakers and added an amp.

I'm only somewhat familiar with the options offered about a year ago when my Dad ordered his Boxster S, and I think they've changed around a bit. There's a ton of interior appearance options, too.

 

There's an interesting comparo of several "sibling" brands at: http://www.roadandtrack.com/RoadAndTrack/A...ibling_pg1.html

 

Thanks for the replies, I'll pass them along to my father.


-- Tom

 

NJTom2000,

Here's something else to tell your father.

The 911 is, and always has been, the only true Porsche.

The Boxster is the "poor man's" Porsche. Look at the 912, 924, 944 -- even the 928.
They have all come and gone. In time, the Boxster will too.

Before the car was bought out from under my nose, I was about to buy a low mileage, dealer serviced, fully documented used 911 Cabrio. Could have gotten a new Boxster for the same money. Never even considered it because the Boxster is a Porsche wanna-be.

In summary: Want a real Porsche? You only have one choice -- the 911!

[This message has been edited by S2000 Driver (edited December 31, 2000).]