Seriously, not everyone on this board likes the Porsche Boxster, but I need something small and sporty on the side of my Lexus that is NOT a lexus. Just a toy.

I currently have three lexus and I'm considering letting the IS300 go in trade for a Boxster. My only other choice would be a mercedes coupe and I am not happy with the reliability. I have plans to buy a BMW next year because I miss my Bimmer, but this year I have pretty much focused on the Boxster. My toys have always been germans.

They have a good following, I don't know much about common problems other than the folding top's rear window becoming creased. I could ask this on rennlist, but I really wanna ask my friends here so I'll get a strait shot.

Whadda ya think? trade the is300 for a Boxster? I've had plenty of Porsches, both water and air cooled, including turbo Porsches so I'm no stranger to P-cars or maintenance on them.

I'd say go for it. If you'll be picking up the 3 series next year (I'm not sure which BMW you'll be looking at getting) you won't need 2 sporty sedans.

A Boxster would be a lot of fun and an entirely different/unique driving experience. Reliability has been pretty good - the 2000 model has an above-average reliability score from Consumer Reports.

M.

Here's what I have:



http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/500/is11.jpg


Here's what I'd be getting:

.
.
this.................


http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/500/medium/stufff_010.jpg





or this..............

nope. nada

The Boxster may seem a bit slow compared to the IS300 I'm not sure, and the interior prior to THIS YEAR is really pretty plain, but the drive is definitely fun. Of course no storage room though.

But still, it's a Porsche. :D

Well if it's your Sunday drive car, then sure, go for it. I don't know about the rear plastic window though. I think they changed it to glass but I can't remember what year.

keep it coming............

Porsche > Lexus.

yeah porsche > lexus

i would get a boxster S though
and one with a removeable hardtop
they look nice

I'd trade the IS3 for the Boxster...especially if that Boxster had an "S" after it's name!!! Any thoughts about getting a Boxster S?

I say if you don't need the backseat, then go for it. But defenitly get the Boxster S IMO. I was looking into getting one but found out it was over my budget. What BMW will you be getting next year?
Richard

One main issue... how tall are you? If you are over 6' you will definitely have issues fitting in the drivers chair. The steering wheel does not have much of a telescoping motion, so depending on if you like steering with your knees, i would say stick with the IS. :thumbup:

id do it only if the boxster has the bigger engine and/or if it has the S package.

personally if i wanted a P-toy id pick up an early 90's 911 or a 928 (manual) with full records.

I'd take the Boxster. Unless your going to be paying lots. The IS's interior leaves much to be desired. At least in the boxster, you explore nature better.

id rather "explore nature" in an S2K ;)

It'd be a good buy but I'd also look at an S2000. Either one would be fun, and sounds like that's what you're looking for.

I had an IS300 for the better part of 5 years ( that's how I got into CL ) and I wouldn't have traded it for ANY Porsche, but part of that is just me...I'm not a pure sports-car type. They ride too stiffly, have lousy traction on wet / slippery surfaces even sometimes with AWD, are too cramped inside for someone my size, too hard to get in and out of, and sit too low to the ground for my tastes.

Having said that, however, there certainly is nothing wrong with a Boxster if you are the sports-car type ( except maybe somewhat poor reliability ) . For the money, it is one of the best sports cars going....especially the Boxster S. Yes, it costs more than a Miata or S2000 but offers the German driving feel and the price won't necessarily eat you up like a 911.

The Boxster may seem a bit slow compared to the IS300 I'm not sure, and the interior prior to THIS YEAR is really pretty plain, but the drive is definitely fun. Of course no storage room though.

But still, it's a Porsche. :D
+1....................

Agree with what some others have said, if you can afford it I would go with Boxter S instead of base but the S2K is a much better value and a lot of fun as well.

I actually said nada, until I realized looking at other posts...you need that S after it.

NO no no no nooooooo!!! I rode in a coworkers Boxter. It's a 2002...the interior is VERY CHEAP and the car has many rattles...not money rattles. I was so unimpressed.

I'd rather own a 2nd gen Honda Prelude Si..had one; or a Toyota MR2 turbo;...or a 2nd gen Mazda RX-7...had one.

Unless you find a deal on an 06+ boxster S, I say no. All boxsters sound like a vacuum cleaner on crack with the power output to match. Sure it handles well, but then so does a miata

I'm not much of a Porsche guy in the sense that there are Porsche guys, and there are Ferrari guys... I prefer the Prancing Horse. But since even a used 355 is fetching $70K these days... out of the question.

The Boxster is pretty cool but EXTREMELY common here in California. I hate to say it, but it's sort of considered a chick's car... I actually respect it because it is mid-engined, not rear-engined like a 996 or 997. A well-balanced and fun car. Just don't go picking on any GS400s ;) in a stoplight to stoplight run... I've stomped both standard and "S" model Boxsters in my GS4. But I won't mess with a Boxster in the twisties.

I'll make a suggestion: how about a used NSX? These are fabulous cars; you can't really understand how good they are until you drive one.. I just picked up a '94 black/black for my dad. Great sound, reliable as a stone, well balanced, stiff & lightweight structure (aluminum), Titanium connecting rods, 8000rpm rev limit... not to mention WAY more exotic looking than a Boxster. They are 'affordable' now, in the $25-$30K range for a pre-95 car.

Grab an older Viper for $30-35k and be done with it.

OLT, you need a convertible in your stable and the Boxster is a good choice. I would be driving
one now, but I need seating for 3 too often than not.

I'm sure you've been on the Boxster forums, but from what I've gathered:

1. Save up to buy one that is 2000+
2. Lower miles the better, obviously
3. Black > Silver > White

The Boxster in any other color just doesn't look right to me. How much are your planning
to spend? I would personally budget $25K and get at least an 2001 with under 50K miles.
That seems to be the sweet spot for me.

For the fun and driving experience I'd take the mid engine RWD car. It is definately a different kind of driving experience. :thumbup:

I'd trade as long as it wasn't one of the first Boxster's. The first couple years of production were so cheap inside it was very un-porsche-like. Actually, even the 911's had interiors not worthy of the pricetag. They're spartan up until recently but the quality feels better. Since it's not a daily, I'd go for it. Probably wouldn't for any other Lexus but definitely the IS300.

I'm sorry I could not vote... there was no "In a heart beat" choice.

:)

I'm not much of a Porsche guy in the sense that there are Porsche guys, and there are Ferrari guys... I prefer the Prancing Horse. But since even a used 355 is fetching $70K these days... out of the question.

The Boxster is pretty cool but EXTREMELY common here in California. I hate to say it, but it's sort of considered a chick's car... I actually respect it because it is mid-engined, not rear-engined like a 996 or 997. A well-balanced and fun car. Just don't go picking on any GS400s ;) in a stoplight to stoplight run... I've stomped both standard and "S" model Boxsters in my GS4. But I won't mess with a Boxster in the twisties.

I'll make a suggestion: how about a used NSX? These are fabulous cars; you can't really understand how good they are until you drive one.. I just picked up a '94 black/black for my dad. Great sound, reliable as a stone, well balanced, stiff & lightweight structure (aluminum), Titanium connecting rods, 8000rpm rev limit... not to mention WAY more exotic looking than a Boxster. They are 'affordable' now, in the $25-$30K range for a pre-95 car.


I'm with this person, if it's not a 911 you're looking to get I would be taking a look at a used NSX, or S2000 they seem to be much nicer cars than a Boxster imo. ;)

Grab an older Viper for $30-35k and be done with it.

NO. I hate to be blunt, but these cars are J-U-N-K.. They literally fall apart. I have not owned one myself but am close friends with someone who has owned two of them......and the experience of others as well has backed that up.

I strongly agree with the S2000 suggestion, BTW.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=oVUD4jsBD24

Watch this and decide which one you like better...

Boxter
S2k
Z4

without even looking at that youtube link im going to say its the TG eps. where richard, james, and jeremy go to the isle of mann.

If you look on rennlist there is a sticky about the 98 and 99 Boxsters. Apparently the sleeve can become loose and destroy the engine and it has happened so many times the dealer is accepting engine swaps with a labor only payout. :egads:

FYI to anyone that want's a boxster....... 2000+ only the way to go.

Why is everyone so pro Boxster S and down on Boxster base models? Would y'all say the same about Carrera S vs. Carrera?

I test drove a 2000 Boxster auto and I felt underwhelmed. Acceleration was not impressive at all; the car almost felt sluggish. It felt like a regular car to me while driving it in the city. Too bad I didnt have a chance to open her up on a twisty road, but if you're going to get one, make sure its at least a 5 speed.

ever look into a lotus elise?
i hear the handling is AMAZING..
just dont get caught in heavy wind, you might get blown away (litteraly)
lol

i love the lotus, but...... NO, at least i can get parts for the p-car.

of course handling is great
its meant more for tracks than roads

definately not practical for everyday driving
Boxster S is and still handles superbly and its got porsche reliability
like 1000 times better than all british car companies...

porsche's reliability is better than lexus if u dont count the cayenne

but yeah, the only reason that u would buy a boxster is because u cant afford a 911
but who cares, if u are self confident enuf and want to have a good time, just buy a porsche boxster S and ull still get my respect and that of many others

porsche's reliability is better than lexus if u dont count the cayenne

but yeah, the only reason that u would buy a boxster is because u cant afford a 911
but who cares, if u are self confident enuf and want to have a good time, just buy a porsche boxster S and ull still get my respect and that of many others
You are horribly confused. There has never been a german car produced that is as reliable as a Lexus. More fun, but not more reliable.

Even more confused on why someone would want a Boxster. I doubt I will buy a car just for "your respect" .....LOL. Laughable, get over yourself. There is no need for a 911 here. Perhaps if I had a garage, but never under these tree's that make me have to wash all 3 lexus every day (or at least spray down).

http://www.cartest.ca/59b6a260.jpg

like i said, without the Cayenne, Porsche actually has less problems per vehicle than Lexus
2006 is a bit weird for porsche though
but before that, it was the cayenne that dragged their ratings down by a heck lot because it was based on the toureg

you misunderstood me
im not saying that u should buy a porsche just to earn my respect
no, im saying, i wont think less of anything that buys a boxster over anything else even though boxsters among porsche purists are still considered not worthy of the brand name, and the lady boxster drivers image associated with the car
but those purists are just a bit coo coo...
my ex's father is a porsche purist
hes had a 356 back in the day and a 911 around the 70s as well
hes been itching to buy another porsche lately but just wont settle for a boxster

all im saying is im just worried that ur decision making MIGHT be affected by these purists' views but if not then pls just ignore me

but yeah, the only reason that u would buy a boxster is because u cant afford a 911
but who cares, if u are self confident enuf and want to have a good time, just buy a porsche boxster S and ull still get my respect and that of many others

I know that is the purist way of thinking, but I just don't understand it. Too me, the only reason why you buy a Boxster is because you can't afford the Carrera GT. The 911 is a rear engine while the Boxster and Carrera are mid engine. Sometimes people just rather have a mid engine car but a Carrera GT is just way out of reach. Personally, my favorite Porsche right now is the Cayman because of the mid engine hard top coupe. But then again, that is just me.

without the Cayenne, Porsche actually has less problems per vehicle than Lexus

People can say the same about the IS models having squeaky dashes. You can point out one model and lay blame, but the same can be done with most of the IS owners complaining when the 250/350 was introduced.

It's the company as a whole, and there is no german company as stated before, that has ever beat out Lexus.

In any case, I've rocked the turbo porsches, the air cooled porsches, and even a few N/A porsches. I've been there and done that...... I don't NEED to go back. I'm gonna try everything and keep enjoying all the models offered and that may mean I'll try a Boxster too. :)

People can say the same about the IS models having squeaky dashes. You can point out one model and lay blame, but the same can be done with most of the IS owners complaining when the 250/350 was introduced.

)

The problem is that for so many years Lexus vehicles DIDN'T have squeaky dashes. They were superbly built. The IS300, in particular, was a quality machine. The new ones ( 2007 ), especially the ES350 and IS250/350, have shown some noticeable drop in build quality, at least to my eyes and senses. Nowever, they are still a long way from a twenty-year-old Hyundai or a Pontiac Fiero in junkiness.
Fortunately, the new GS, at least IMO, does not seem to have suffered like the new IS and ES. It is a superb machine.....the GS300AWD, along with the Acura RL, are two of the Ten Best overall cars I have ever tested.