I will be replacing my 11 year old car soon and I might be selling my Duc as well in the near future. That's why I'm looking at convertibles. I've narrowed my selections to either a used 2003 + Boxster/S or 2004 S2000. The car will be my primary transport, max 30 miles/day or averaging 10 miles/day.
Has anyone owned or driven both? So far I know,
1. The Boxster handles better than the S2000 on fast sweeping roads where it feets more planted and stable.
2. The S2000 feels more swift but can be a bit squirrelly in the wet.
3. Parts are cheaper for the S2000
4. Both hold their values well
5. Both are reliable
6. There is more storage space and room in the Boxster
7. The S2000 motor needs to be wrung to almost the point of detonation to enjoy any thrills... this can get tiresome for daily driving.
8. 0 - 60 for Boxster S 5.5s, Boxster S Tiptronic 6.4s, Boxster 6.7s, S2000 5.4s
9. Is it worth it to get a Boster S with Tiptronic over the base Boxster?
Depends on what you want. Lots of Mods for the S2000 and its a lot like a motorcycle engine in the performance than a car engine. Insurance is probably cheaper on the S2000 as well and it seems like every other car on the road down here is a Boxster. I would go with the S2000. Just my
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Location: Glendale, California (formerly Phoenix, AZ)
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I had a 99 Boxster for 5 years and hated it after the first year. The lack of power and torque really ruined it for me. The S is a definite step up though.
About the Boxster's values, Porsche have taken a plunge recently. If you're not the first owner, you should be okay and be able to get an off lease Boxster S for a pretty good price. I haven't followed their resale values but they should be at a good price -especially considering the 987 is already out.
Unless you do ALOT of heavy traffic or really don't like shifting, I'd stick with the 6 speed. The triptronic is really a manually activated automatic. It's not like an SMG or F1 type.
I don't know too much about the S2000 -except what I've heard. More raw and harsh ride (which to me is a plus) but really need to be revved to get the most out of it.
For today to today use, I'd probably pick a Boxster S. As for the 350Z convertible, I'm not sure if weight is an issue for your but I believe they weight around 3,400 lbs vs. 2,700 to 2,900 for the Boxster/S2000.
Oh, as for reliability, Porsche have had a problem with the rear main seal leaking causing oil leaks. I don't think its cause major problems but could be expensive to fix if out of warranty. You can get a lot of info here: http://www.ppbb.com/board/986board.htm
As to which is better? I don't have any particular bias towards one car but I think:
1) Boxster and 350Z will be better day to day cars because of trunk space (Boxster) and softer rides than the S2000;
2) The S2000 will probably be a more entertaining car to drive at 6,000 rpm +.
Bottomline, I guess, is the price and quality of car you get for the money.
Last edited by Allan Gibbs; 09-07-2005 at 11:23 PM.
Thanks for the insightful reply folks. Yeah Allan, I think I'll stay away from the base Boxster and thanks for the link. I also did consider the 350Z. It's an excellent value, but the car weighs alot more than the other two. I test drove the 350Z Enthus. model.... The car while feeling very secure and planted, just wasn't as exciting to drive as the Boxster or S2000.
I felt the Z was a little unweldy and not as lithe as the S2000 and Boxster S. I felt kinda weird sitting inside the Z, not unlike sitting in a huge bathtub with sides up to your neck. I also didn't like not having a clear view of the road due to the high dash. The car just didn't feel fast though mentally you know it is taking off. It's a personal taste thing and maybe I'm just old school. I'm 5'11 210 lbs.
The high weight of the Z will surely effect fuel consumption. The interior seemed quite cheap; the other two cars are actually just barely better than the Z in that regard.
I actually felt that the S2000 had the most communicative suspension amongst all the cars and they were finely tuned to match its chasis. It was a hoot to drive and yes the motor does feel like it's from a motorcycle. Its incredible how quickly it makes a beeline to redline without breaking a sweat. However the lack of torque was disappointing.
The Boxster S had the best steering of the bunch and the suspension was very very supple... reminded me of my Ohlins.... I glided over potholes, tar strips train tracks at a fair pace. The chasis was very stiff and communicative. I was really disappointed with the squeeking rubbing of the seat with the back wall though. The Boxster just felt the most composed of the bunch, and it also the most comfortable to sit in compared to the rest of the roadsters... the S2000 is a little tight for me...
Man choices choices ....I must say the S2000 gives the most bang for the buck....
Location: Glendale, California (formerly Phoenix, AZ)
Posts: 410
Oh, have you consider the M-Roadster? They have a low door height which gives you a motorcycle-like feel. And, I've heard the M Roadster are torque monsters. Storage spaces is not great thought. I imagine there prices would have dropped since the Z4 has been out for a few years already.
A few years back there was a interview of F1 car drivers and what they choose to drive as their personal car. An overwhelming number of them replied Honda S2000. Many actually have one in their driveway - mind you Honda was a major F1 backer and probably given a few away.
Boxster is a compromised Porsche - good for cruising around but does not hold nearly the performance of its bigger brothers. The 350Z is nice to look at -about 10 feet away. The fit and finish is nowhere near the Porsche or Honda - almost plasticky looking interior. I would go with the S2000 - definitely cheaper to maintain and is more civilized in many ways.
I do know that the S2000 doesnt like it when you skip the gears (Just cruising and going from 1st to 3rd to 5th) they tend to shit the trans if yo do that. No Problems with em if you shift gear to gear (In Etc 1st to 2nd to 3rd and so on) I like the Looks of the S2000 better. the funny part is One of My Dream cars has always been the 67-68 911SC
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My other ride is an S2000. Very impractical and loads of fun. The trunk is fine for a weekend, but I can hardly get change out of my pocket when seated in it. It's been my daily driver for about 70k, though. FYI, I'm 6'4"
I've had the S2000 for about six months, and I still get a grin on my face every time I push the start button. As a day to day driver, I only miss storage space and a decent radio. I have taken care of the radio, but just have to live with the puny trunk. The ride can be a bit rough at times, but not enough to make your fillings fall out. IMO, there is nothing in its price range that can come close to the S2000 in terms of fun factor.
My personal opinion is that the boxster is not really a porsche and its in the same (girl car or guy that dosent know shit about sports car) as the Z4. sorry for whom ever has one, its just my opinion. The boxster and bmw are like the vw bug and Pt cruiser of sports cars.
The 350Z is ok but there's about 2 billion of those things everywhere!Wish they would have kept it more mistic like the 300Z.
I think you should keep the duc for a couple more years and buy the Porsche Cayaman! Now thats a sweet porsche for under 60 grand or get a Z06
Or the old stand bye that Im always looking at the last gen RX7
I'm with Brett. I have always considered those cars (Z4, Miata, Boxter, S2000) to be a "girl's car". I would save up a little more money and get a real Porsche (911).
Holy cow, people! Did anyone read Hotcams' original post???
Quote:
Originally Posted by hotcams
I will be replacing my 11 year old car soon and I might be selling my Duc as well in the near future. That's why I'm looking at convertibles. I've narrowed my selections to either a used 2003 + Boxster/S or 2004 S2000. The car will be my primary transport, max 30 miles/day or averaging 10 miles/day.
Maybe I'm out on a limb here, but I'm seeing a guy looking for a convertible/roadster, to be used as a daily driver, and his budget appears to be in the $30-35K range.
911???
Z06???
Cayman???
Elise???
Old RX7?
Where on earth do these cars fit into what he's looking for?
Hehe... great replies, but I'm outta my league in this crowd. Now I know what you guys drive in to get groceries or cigars!!
But seriously, the 27 - 35k car selection range is getting awfully crowded these days and it's not easy to make a decision. I could blow it all on a 911 but I'd have to live on beans and power the car through generated gas
I'm looking bang for the buck here and the 2004 S2000 just seems to fit the bill. Then I wish it had more room
Well, look. If you change your mind, and start to consider a 350Z, my car is for sale.
I hate to sell it, but we have to build a house and we're trying to generate some cash. I WILL have another convertible one of these days!
Anyway, here is the Auto Trader listing for my car.
It's a GREAT car. Awesome daily driver, decent amount of storage room, and plenty of room for the occupants. Reasonably fast, handles just fine (you won't notice the weight), and according to the guys above, NOT a "girl's car"!
Check out the ad, and if you have any other questions about it let me know...
Personally I would consider a 01-02 M Roadster or M Coupe it has the S54 motor which pushes 315hp. Its an awesome car. It handles quite well. It maybe small for the average person. The bad thing is that it still costs alot for a used car. It runs 30k-35k. I've always been a BMW fan and have owned several so I'm a little bias.
I can't remember if it was in '04 or '05, but the S2000 went a little less oversquare and picked up a bit more stroke, and thus a bit more torque in the midrange... pretty sure there was a small increase in displacement, and I do remember reading that the change made a relatively significant difference around town. I think it lost 500 rpm at redline, though. Still, Porsches have become less elemental and more "GT"-ish, if that makes any sense, and I think the S2000 would make for a more involved driving experience, if that's what you're after. The Elise would be nice, too, but strictly no frills.
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Porsche Boxster or S2000
....I must say the S2000 gives the most bang for the buck....
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sorry for whom ever has one, its just my opinion. The boxster and bmw are like the vw bug and Pt cruiser of sports cars.
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