There are so many variables but in the context of both cars costing approximately the same up front and being able to afford consumables for either car, I would go with the Porsche if I were using it more as a street car than a track toy/car that I would beat on. If I were using the car where I would be tracking it regularly, I'd probably stick with the FRS since I would be replacing things more often...

With that said, I do love my FRS.

I can't even get a 986 or 996 due to the narrow pedal box which make my driving position quite uncomfortable on long trips. I can only imagine the air cooled P-cars are even tighter inside.

987.2 would be the logical choice for me due to fit and reliability (no RMS), but yes you are right cost is always a primary factor.

BRZ made the most sense for me (cheaper to own and maintain than my MkV Golf GTI, lower driving position - my #1 concern, usable cargo space - foldable rear seats, much better handling with less weight - subjective, less issues thus far most likely attributed to less complexity - got lucky I guess, port injection - less carbon buildup issue than DI only setup, much much better fuel economy, solid roof with good headroom).

But driving a Boxster with that flat 6 engine note right behind the seat is quite intoxicating.

I've only done minor tuning with factory sports parts to my BRZ (fluids, brake pads, clutch, short shifter with heavier knob, minor suspension and chassis tuning, minor aero, lighter wheels and better street tires, sports exhaust) thus far and I really don't miss driving my friend's Boxster to be honest.

Yeah I can imagine dealer markup is crazy on the ND's right now.

If you didn't like the steering feel on the S2000, have you considered a Lotus Elise? You can buy them used for about $30k, they are open-top, and offer plenty of feedback through the steering wheel.

Yeah so far I'm leaning towards BRZ little bit, but the test drive will determine if Boxster S is worth the extra cost and worry :)

Yeah, I feel you about the carbon build up in GTI's is insanely overlooked.

Since this will be my daily, Elise is too stripped down, and also the front end looks little goofy like a PIXAR car lol.

From all that I read in this thread the BRZ is the car for you. I love the idea of a boxster/cayman but the cost of maintenance plus having that extra power to get me in more trouble wouldn't be worth the hassle unless you plan to use the extra power in a controlled environment.

I could never get over the general looks of the Elise and could never quite put my finger on why. I think you have nailed it!

If you can afford it and still live comfortably get the Porsche.

It truly is :)

http://www.pcwalls.net/download/pixa...er-800x600.jpghttp://i.ytimg.com/vi/0xQ3Qz03oIo/0.jpg

Let the test drive decide. Relatively speaking the newer generation Porsche's are pretty reliable and it sounds like you make enough money that if you got hit with a big maintenance bill you would be okay.

You just need to decide if you want to daily drive a convertible 12 months out of the year in Kentucky. The BRZ will be a lot more practical 12 months out of the year and has more room for stuff.

Pretty tough choice and I don't blame you. And how dare you guys make fun of the Elise :)

You're right, I have to take into consideration 12 months convertible in KY. We don't get bad winters here, but do get snow and ice once in a while.

Also, what many overlook is a car wash. I can't take the damn thing through a car wash (it says in their manual) so it is either: do it myself which would be about 2 hour job every week or every other week, or pay $100-$150 for detailing. It adds up, in ether cost or time.

I live in Minnesota so we can't even hand wash cars in the winter and only a couple places near me can operate once it is -20 and below.

I would say the test drive should be the deciding factor. If the Porsche just stands out to you then you can find a way to deal with the impracticality. If it is close get the BRZ. If you prefer the BRZ, get the BRZ :)

Resale and Porsche is a slippery slope. Obviously the previous gen Boxster had catastrophic engine issues so resale on those was horrible. But a 2 seater convertible is just going to be more limited in buyer appeal vs a 2+2 coupe. As Porsches age (unless they are sought after models) resale can be affected due to the cost of maintenance. It can scare people away.

As has been stated repeatedly there are two elephants in the room that most Toyobaru owners considered to be insurmountable when comparing an 86 to a Boxster or Cayman:

Cost of... well everything, parts, wear items, insurance etc.
Practicality

Neither car will do you wrong if you treat it right. Of course the Porsche has considerable pros from build quality to outright speed and being an older car most, if not all, of the bugs are known (who knows what the FA20 looks like at 120k miles?).

Either the Porsche blows you away when you sit behind the wheel and you have to have one or you go 'meh' and would rather beat the hell out of the 86 with less worry.

:burnrubber:

This!

And this!

I am leaning slightly towards BRZ for now. Porsche will have to really wow me on that test drive.