Who has the Patience?

Hello guys,

Fact: I am a complete idiot about cars.

I have only bought cheapies my whole life and wouldn't know what was under the hood of anything; so I am sure that many of you distain me already. I am not concerned about horsepower (great, a bigger idiot).

But one thing I do know is that I HAVE to get a Boxter. I have my heart set on it. What I need from you guys is perhaps a little help since I don't know the first thing about financing a car, or what I should look for in a Boxter.

So I have some rudimentary questions:

1. What is the difference of the Boxter and “S” series? What do you prefer?
2. Can I get a reasonable 98 Boxter for 25,000$, or would it generally be a wreck (in a couple of years).
3. I live in LA California, is there any dealership that anyone can recommend ,i.e. who would rip me off the least?
4. What options should I pay attention to?
5. Is 58,000 miles a good deal for a 98 Boxter for 23k?
6. How can anyone be so unknowledgeable about cars?

Thanks

Freaky

Originally posted by Freaky
Hello guys,

Fact: I am a complete idiot about cars.

I have only bought cheapies my whole life and wouldn't know what was under the hood of anything; so I am sure that many of you distain me already. I am not concerned about horsepower (great, a bigger idiot).

But one thing I do know is that I HAVE to get a Boxter. I have my heart set on it. What I need from you guys is perhaps a little help since I don't know the first thing about financing a car, or what I should look for in a Boxter.

So I have some rudimentary questions:

1. What is the difference of the Boxter and “S” series? What do you prefer?
2. Can I get a reasonable 98 Boxter for 25,000$, or would it generally be a wreck (in a couple of years).
3. I live in LA California, is there any dealership that anyone can recommend ,i.e. who would rip me off the least?
4. What options should I pay attention to?
5. Is 58,000 miles a good deal for a 98 Boxter for 23k?
6. How can anyone be so unknowledgeable about cars?

Thanks

Freaky

1. The Boxster has a 2.7 litre Flat 6 engine- the S has a 3.2- the S is more powerful and generally a better car
2. You should get a decent Boxster for that price- the Boxster is an EXTREMELY reliable car and won't break down on you- and is almost maintenence free
3. Can't answer you that sorry
4. What ever options suit you best my friend :sun:
5. YES
6. We've all got to start somewhere ;)

Thank you Jimster-

Here’s a question. Lets say I find the one I like, do a car fax etc. Should I always take it to a mechanic to get checked out?

Do you think it is worth it to buy an extra warranty (3 years)on a 98 with 50k miles?

God DaM$ the insurance is expensive on Porsche’s, is there any company you can recommend? At least 150$$$$$ for full coverage!!!!

Aren’t there stock options that come with the car? Some ads say options installed, are they already installed? I know, sounds stupid…

Originally posted by Freaky
Thank you Jimster-

Here’s a question. Lets say I find the one I like, do a car fax etc. Should I always take it to a mechanic to get checked out?

Do you think it is worth it to buy an extra warranty (3 years)on a 98 with 50k miles?

God DaM$ the insurance is expensive on Porsche’s, is there any company you can recommend? At least 150$$$$$ for full coverage!!!!

Aren’t there stock options that come with the car? Some ads say options installed, are they already installed? I know, sounds stupid…

Most options come fitted on the car from the factory if thats what you are meaning- but always ask the seller what options have been fitted


an extended warranty is not really neccisary- as i the car was going to be a problem- it'd do it at low mleages- so the car should be reliable- but if you want to play it safe get the warranty.

And having it inspected is very wise indeed- and I reccomend it.

I can't recomend any insurance companies as I don't live in the USA- but I'm sure there are some members on here who can help you.:)

Thanks for the help Jim. I would think there would be more fanatics in here. I

keep talking to the dealerships and they try to sell me other sports cars...NOOOOOO..Boxter or bust!

Tahts another good point- don't let them ever talk you out of something you have your heart set on :D:D

hey freaky,

first of all let me say, great choice of car! the boxster is an excellent machine... jim's pretty much mentioned all the important stuff, so let me add a few things

1) the boxster, as jim said, has a slightly smaller engine than the boxster S. neither car is supercar-quick but they are both fast, the S slightly more so. dont let that dissuade you from getting the standard boxster, like i said its an awesome machine and quick enough, especially if youre not a huge petrolhead :D

2) $25k will get you a very nice boxster, though i wouldnt buy a boxster S in this price range as it may have led a tough life, and to echo jim, boxsters are very reliable

3) i cant help you with particular dealerships in LA, but try to visit or call as many as you can to find out about as many possible cars that they have so u have a max number of boxsters to choose from. this also helps when negotiating prices. e.g. u can say to dealer 1 "another porsche dealer has offered me a very similar model for $1k less etc... " basically, it gives you an upper hand in negotiations cos they want you to buy their car and not someone else's, and for you, well it doesnt make that much of a difference. stress that to the dealer :)

4) the most desirable option is a leather interior. apart from that, i like to look for:
- electrically adjustable seats
- cd player or cd changer, either will do
- bigger alloys - you might not find this necessary but it helps the look of the car... if you can get 17 inch rims, the 16's are a little small. but again, dont let something so petty put you off your dream car

5) im not that clued up on prices in the US, but you can find magazines at your newsagent that are specifically for used car prices. it will tell you in there what the price of an average boxster of that year should be. also, try to check out as many cars as poss, this'll also help you develop an idea of fair prices. pay less for cars without leather interior!

6) by having an active interest in cars :D


good luck finding your Boxster.... if there are any more questions, or if u wanna ask me or jim about a particular model and its price, dont hesitate :)

cheers

Jay

Thanks Cray-

I have been forced to learn a lot lately about cars. When I first posted, I had no concern for speed. Now that I have tested a SRT-4, which had 215 hp, I was shocked to see the Boxter had 225. I have read countless reviews on other roadsters and the Boxter seem to come out, overall, on the top.

I now have some leverage with financing because I already got approved for 25k. I also have some paperwork and figures some one else “has to beat”, so I will follow your advise there.

I also found out that dealers are willing to do almost anything, even give me an astronomical price, on my trade-in. This makes getting a Boxter very realistic in the next three months.


“4) the most desirable option is a leather interior. apart from that, i like to look for:
- electrically adjustable seats
- cd player or cd changer, either will do
- bigger alloys - you might not find this necessary but it helps the look of the car... if you can get 17 inch rims, the 16's are a little small. but again, dont let something so petty put you off your dream car” ----- Great advise!!!!!

You're very welcome

about road tests, the Boxster comes out on top pretty much every time... its not the fastest car ever in a straight line, but it's more than quick enough, and through corners it's a masterpiece.. good luck, and let us know what happens :)

Don't worry Cray, you will be one of the first to see the pics. I have GOT to just calm down and make a good decision. When I see them I become impulsive!

One of the best parts will be shocking my friends and family. Like me, they probably had no idea that a Porsche could be bought for under 25k. Oh man, I get fired up just thinking about it.

I'll be back in a week. Going back to Florida to meet the girlfriend's parents
:bloated:

it's difficult not to be impulsive when youre buying a Porsche, but by all means do try :D

GRRRRR..I found a 97 for 18k with 75 thousand miles. Is this to many miles for the price? The interior/exterior look sharp but I have yet to run a Car Fax and a full diagnostic.

hmmm... freaky im sorry i dont know the going prices in the US, but that doesnt seem to be a great deal... you should have an idea whether the price is ok or not considering the range of prices youve seen for other boxsters.... so did the price strike you as expensive, or cheap, or nothing special? Porsche engines are extremely strong and durable but 75 thou is already quite a lot... you mentioned earlier you were willing to spend $25k, so i'd probably hold out for a better deal.. sorry i cant help you more, up to you...

Ya I hear ya...

I have to get used to the mileage factor playing such an important role. I have vowed now not to get a car over 55k miles. Of course this will cost me.

I was just about to shower to go look at it - that could have been a mistake. My emotions got the best of me: it was red, cheap, and I know they would have financed me. Oh this is painful.

The worst part is, I am dead set on the Boxter but - I checked the prices of the Z3. BIG MISTAKE. I can get a frickin' 2001 with 30k miles for the price of these Boxters! Dammit! NO, I must stay on track (repeats to self).

No one I know has a Porsche (friends at least). I must stay focused...LOL.

Thanks for the help though. I need auto guidance.

How do the stats of this Boxter look?


This Car's Details
Price $23980

Mileage 58900

Exterior Color Silver

Interior Color Black

Body Style Convertible

Doors Two Door

Engine 6 Cylinder Gasoline

Trans. 5 Speed Manual

Stereo Premium Sound System

Fuel Type Gasoline

Drive Type 2 wheel drive

VERY NICE VEHICLE, SILVER ON BLACK LEATHER, 5-SPEED MANUAL 2.5L 6CLY, STEREO CD WITH PREMIUM SOUND, PREMIUM WHEELS, LOADED, AWESOME

what year?
i love boxsters too but im only 16 and one isnt in my near future i would love to see some pics when you get one cause i love that car

98

1. don’t get a Z3. the Boxster’s a thousand times better

2. whats the base price of a boxster new? this’ll help me advise you

MSRP USA: $42,600

In that case the $24k car seems decent value.. the options are good, cd, leather, and bigger alloys so it just depends on whether the mileage is acceptable for you... and dont think you cant knock a grand off that asking price :smile:

They aren’t likely to come down a grand? Damn…

I’ll go today to check it out. Maybe I will get the ball in motion

If the seller is a dealer, he will play ball. Useful tip, dont wear flashy clothes / watch!

More tips? Oh, I have a situation that might make you sick...

what is it?

There are more tips in the Cars in General forum on AF, under “car buying Q&A”. There's one on page 2 i answered about buying from a dealer

Easier :smile:

Click here (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t83388.html)

Ok, this is painful. I will cut to the chase. My girlfriend is willing to pay for the insurance if I get an automatic. Any way you put it, this has a huge impact on my payments (at least 150 a month less). Meaning, of course, that I can get a newer car with substantially less mileage.

But you cry - “What’s the use of a sports car if it isn’t manual?” I know…I know…

Well, you knew exactly what I would say about automatic, and yeah I’d want to go for a manual… but if getting an automatic would help cash flow, then so be it. Sometimes you have to compromise. I take it she wants it to be automatic so she can drive it too? Im taking a wild guess with that… if she doesn’t know how to stick-shift, teach her, or convince her that its more fun to drive and that she’ll get the hand of it once you teach her… If she’s not budging, the steptronic gearbox is not 100% auto, it gives you a taste of a manual transmission, so go for it. A steptronic Porsche is better than no Porsche.

Your right and she must learn.

I will look into new manipulation tactics...

Exactly. But don’t force her, after all she is helping you out

Remember: you are on the internet. Why are you acting like a rational human being? :bigthumb:

Tryin’ to give good advice is all. I can be so blinded by my love of cars that an impartial point of view can sometimes slap me out of it. From an outside point of view, im telling you not to force her. In your shoes, I’d remind her of every single thing ive ever done for her, guilt trips you name it. But I know that’s mean, so I’d like to think, in a perfect world, I could restrain myself from doing it. It aint a perfect world though :biggrin:

I really appreciate the help Cray.

Fortunately, I got rejected today. I went for a 26k Boxster and got denied for having to “new” of credit. It was a “Trinitronic?”- one of the automatics with 33k miles. It was too good to pass up. I never wanted it anyways (sour grapes defense).

So I will be facing a little adversity unless I want to drop my price. A minor setback but I am still undaunted….

Tiptronic… I keep mixing it up with bmw’s steptronic.. :D
The car sounded nice, bad luck… don’t give up though

Cray,

Would you get a Boxster with 70k miles or a z3 with 35k miles. Both are under 20 grand. I still have some time to choose.

This question is driving me crazy. My friend says stick to your guns for the Boxster but practically I think I should go with the Z3.

Dude, a Boxster is a much much much better car than the Z3. Sorry if this makes it more complicated, but youre spending a lot of money so buy the right car. If it were me, id stick it out and find a Boxster. The right one will come along. It always does

Got ya,when anything concrete happens you will know-

Oh god Cray, you were right!

I went to three dealerships yesterday. Two were for the Boxsters, and one was a Z3. When we got to the first dealership the boxster was on a test drive. When that sucker finally pulled up I was floored. I have never seen a more striking car: a bright red flawless exterior. The interior was ok for a 97, just a little wear on the leather. The car had 65k miles but was darn cheap. I have to admit, I am a bit tall for that car (and my girlfriend kept rubbing that in). I couldn’t judge how worn the clutch was (only having ever test drove two).

Anyways, the point of this post is that I finally test drove the Z3 and you were right. There is ABSOLUTELY no comparison. The Z3 drove like a sedan, it didn’t feel like a sports car. Furthermore, it had a brutal blind spot over my left shoulder. It was a 2k, 2.3L, automatic. WEAK! Unfortunately, my girlfriend flipped out when she saw it. So now I am haggling with the salesmen when I know damn well I will never get it.

Hi, my name is dave and i own a Boxtser 2.5 98.... Its the best car i have ever owned. I am 23 years old and its black. 204 bhp, but its been superchipped to 305 bhp. The boxster is one of few cars that a GT3 engine can sit right in.

The boster 2.5 is powerful enough, because it has a qucik shift gear box. My car used to be 204 bhp, and it was still beating subaru WRX STI and evo 5 on the road, because of my quick shift box.

To buy a boxter make sure it has EXELLENT tyres. This is vital! Remember at 150 mph.. there the only things keeping your car in one piece. Also, evo inductions kits and K and N filters are also available.

Driving the porsche boxter is the most best feeling in my life. People stare at your car everywhere you go. You have to own one to appreaiate it. Also £23,000 is a good price for a 99 boxtser...

I hope you get this car, you will never ever regret it.

i will post some pics of my car soon. good luck

from what I have seen in my area (Kansas City) you can get that year boxster a little cheaper than 25K. For around 27K you can get a 98 (I think) Boxster S with around 37K-40K miles. I am looking hard at S models until I find one perfect for me once I start working again. Don't laugh at me for saying this, but if you have a CarMax around, I would go there. I know many people that have went there and it was very easy to deal with, more than accomodating, and they know how to service all thier cars. Even the oil changes in the Boxster are cheaper there. Nicest thing is, if you drive a boxster or an S and want a different color or whatever, if that lot doesn't have it you can have one shipped from another dealer. Shipping is 350-500 dollars depending on from where to where. If you do buy the car the money you paid for shipping goes towards your deposit.
I read that you mention the Tiptronic (whatever it is), I have read lots of people having issues with it starting to slip. I would go for the manual. Of course I am one of the people that think if you get a sports car it HAS to be a stick.
I think you asked about insurance....not sure what to tell you. Different areas have different rates. I think full coverage premium policy for me through state farm on a 2000 Boxster S was 105 dollars a month. But keep in mind I have been with them for 11 years, 9 cars, 4 speeding tickets, one accident (not my fault), and a sportbike. You will pay a high price for anything newer if you are not over 24.

My best advice is......
Seriously check out CarMax. I have heard nothing but good things from friends, and plan to use them myself when I get a Boxster.
First most, don't settle. I may have to wait longer until I can afford it, but I will wait until I can get an S. Since you are younger maybe that is not your best option, so the base may be better. Since it will be a good sum of money I won't settle for anything less than perfect for me. I would rather pay 1 or 2 grand more for the combo I want (either dark blue, grey int. with full silver trim OR deep yellow with black int. with full silver trim) rather than what I don't really want ( ex. the more pastel toned yellow). About the only thing I would take over it is a vette. If you are going to pay for it, then only pay for the one you really want.

MY personal opinion is DO NOT get a Z3. I just think they are too girlie of a car. Although females do look hot in them!!! My ex actually has one and WOW. She looks hot as hell in it but it just seems so slow. It is a little quick, and handles ok....but people call the boxsters cream of the crop for a reason. I can't wait for the day to pull up in an S and rip her a new one...again. Besides, her Z3 is that pastel yellow :loser:
Good luck searching, and I know how it is to have new credit. Just don't jump into anything.