Who has the Patience?

[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

[Jimster]

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

[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…

[Jimster]

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.

[Freaky]

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!

[Jimster]

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

[crayzayjay]

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

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


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

[Freaky]

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!!!!!

[crayzayjay]

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

[Freaky]

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

[crayzayjay]

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

[Freaky]

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.

[crayzayjay]

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...

[Freaky]

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.

[Freaky]

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