Buy 2008 Boxster S or 2014 BRZ limited?

[220volt]

Originally Posted by jdp530

If you do purchase a Boxster, keep in mind that the intermediate shaft bearing can fail and destroy the engine in a matter of minutes. There is an upgraded bearing that can be used now to replace the original piece. I believe there was a class action lawsuit against Porsche because of this failure. It will cost around $600 to 1K to replace the bearing depending on the model of car and bearing used.

See the following article on this bearing/shaft:

http://theimssolution.com/ims-101/

No luck for upgrades for me, because on 2008, they would have to take the engine apart completely to upgrade the bearings. It is not as easy as on 2005 models or lower ones. That is between 6-8k job on a Porsche. That is why I am going with full warranty.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by 220volt

I honestly have no idea, especially since Carmax prices are very high compared to some dealers and private sale. But with PPI and warranty for 5 years I should be good.

Drive it yet?

[220volt]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Drive it yet?

Not yet. Title finally came in and will be doing it tomorrow Will post after the drive.

[Cope52]

The BRZ is a cut rate Porsche, and a used one--or even a new one--it too pricey to maintain. I don't know how much faster a "stage 1" GTI is, but if you're in eastern KY the roads are mint and you'll want the BRZ.

[220volt]

I finally tests drove the Boxster S. I took it by myself for a 30-35 minute drive.
Wow. That car is in totally different league than any other car I've driven. I really did not expect that it was going to wow me, but it did.

I mean, it handles like it was on rails, where as the BRZ was little more playful. Some like that though. I personally like the feeling of being more planted though. More I drove it, more I liked it. Everything on it has that old school sport s car mechanical feel: clutch, steering, doors, lids etc...

Acceleration was simply exhilarating. You get that nice shove in the back and torque at any RPM pretty much. But 4000 + is where the fun lives It feels like a muscle car in a straight line, while light and precise in corners. So you get the best of both worlds. Really remarkable.

Even though it is 7 years old, material quality is really good. Everything is sturdy and nice to touch. No hard or flimsy plastic anywhere. Both trunks and doors close and open with satisfying mechanical thump. You can just feel the quality.
CDR24 (radio) is the exception. That carp will have to go.

The closest car I can compare it to is S2000 which I drove (not owned) several times. It has that raw feeling like you're in a true sports car. Everything is driver focused and oriented. Boxster has little more room and is bit smoother in every aspect. It is also faster and lot more torquier.

Now, one of the best features on this car is the clutch. I know some think it's too heavy or stiff, but it really isn't. It is heavy, but it is smooth and not stiff. Not sure how to describe it. Close to S2000 if you ever driven one, but bit heavier and more communicative. Way heavier and lot better that BRZ one. I got used to it immediately, like it was tailored specifically for me. I loved it.

BRZ was tad bit more fun I must admit, and I like the steering wheel itself better in the BRZ. Boxster steering wheel is god quality but it is too thin in my opinion. But it is a easy change for a thicker wheel thankfully.
BRZ also has more supportive seats. While Boxster's seats are better quality, they are not as supportive as the BRZ's. But it is a roadster, so that's expected.

I know that financially and practically the BRZ would be much better decision. Especially since to get the Boxster up to par with BRZ in terms of practicality and tech, I would have to invest $3,500 minimum (nice touch screen with Bluetooth/hands-free, short shifter, heated seats, maybe even new steering wheel), but that rationale went out of the window pretty much when I drove it off the parking lot to test it So I bought it.


I wanted to thank anyone who gave me advice. I am a member of many forums from BMW, GTI, Porsche, Motortrend etc... but I must admit that this forum is friendliest out of all, and also should I say "the most grown-up". Where there were no condescending, flaming or trolling comments at all. I mean every post was something useful and substantive. And this is not me kissing butt, but the truth.

There she is

[BlueDubbinTDI]

Of these options the BRZ would be last for me

[Pat]

Glad to hear it. I really don't understand how any real driver could drive a modern Porsche and not come away from it thinking it's not superior to the BRZ, S2000, or anything else half it's price. I'm mean really, it's not a fair comparison. Porsches are simply fantastic vehicles.
Is the BRZ a great car? Sure. Is it a better value? Probably. But that depends on one's priorities. In just about every objective consideration the Porsche is going to be much better.
I'm glad to hear you got to experience that. SO much fun!

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by 220volt

I finally tests drove the Boxster S. I took it by myself for a 30-35 minute drive.
Wow. That car is in totally different league than any other car I've driven. I really did not expect that it was going to wow me, but it did.

I mean, it handles like it was on rails, where as the BRZ was little more playful. Some like that though. I personally like the feeling of being more planted though. More I drove it, more I liked it. Everything on it has that old school sport s car mechanical feel: clutch, steering, doors, lids etc...

Acceleration was simply exhilarating. You get that nice shove in the back and torque at any RPM pretty much. But 4000 + is where the fun lives It feels like a muscle car in a straight line, while light and precise in corners. So you get the best of both worlds. Really remarkable.

Even though it is 7 years old, material quality is really good. Everything is sturdy and nice to touch. No hard or flimsy plastic anywhere. Both trunks and doors close and open with satisfying mechanical thump. You can just feel the quality.
CDR24 (radio) is the exception. That carp will have to go.

The closest car I can compare it to is S2000 which I drove (not owned) several times. It has that raw feeling like you're in a true sports car. Everything is driver focused and oriented. Boxster has little more room and is bit smoother in every aspect. It is also faster and lot more torquier.

Now, one of the best features on this car is the clutch. I know some think it's too heavy or stiff, but it really isn't. It is heavy, but it is smooth and not stiff. Not sure how to describe it. Close to S2000 if you ever driven one, but bit heavier and more communicative. Way heavier and lot better that BRZ one. I got used to it immediately, like it was tailored specifically for me. I loved it.

BRZ was tad bit more fun I must admit, and I like the steering wheel itself better in the BRZ. Boxster steering wheel is god quality but it is too thin in my opinion. But it is a easy change for a thicker wheel thankfully.
BRZ also has more supportive seats. While Boxster's seats are better quality, they are not as supportive as the BRZ's. But it is a roadster, so that's expected.

I know that financially and practically the BRZ would be much better decision. Especially since to get the Boxster up to par with BRZ in terms of practicality and tech, I would have to invest $3,500 minimum (nice touch screen with Bluetooth/hands-free, short shifter, heated seats, maybe even new steering wheel), but that rationale went out of the window pretty much when I drove it off the parking lot to test it So I bought it.


I wanted to thank anyone who gave me advice. I am a member of many forums from BMW, GTI, Porsche, Motortrend etc... but I must admit that this forum is friendliest out of all, and also should I say "the most grown-up". Where there were no condescending, flaming or trolling comments at all. I mean every post was something useful and substantive. And this is not me kissing butt, but the truth.

There she is

Now you have to by a cloth driving cap, a tweed jacket with elbow patches and a pipe. I was told these were the mandated Boxter driving apparel when I was thinking about getting one.

Congrats on the great deal and enjoy.

[220volt]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Now you have to by a cloth driving cap, a tweed jacket with elbow patches and a pipe. I was told these were the mandated Boxter driving apparel when I was thinking about getting one.

Congrats on the great deal and enjoy.

I think you're thinking about Jaguars or 911's

[ajaxthebetter]

Are you going to enjoy the car stock or do you have an agenda for it?

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by 220volt

I think you're thinking about Jaguars or 911's

Well up here the Boxter qualifies as well. I have the cap in case I ever decide to go that route.

[220volt]

Originally Posted by ajaxthebetter

Are you going to enjoy the car stock or do you have an agenda for it?

Stock for now. Most mods I do now will be convince such as: short shifter, radio with Bluetooth and hands-free, heated seats, new steering wheel, set of winter tires or all seasons.

Later on, I might get an exhaust, intake and a tune. Not really for power, because this beast has more than enough as it is, but for the sound and throttle management perhaps.

[brzaapi]

Congrats. I love both cars pretty equally for their own merits. Join your local PCA (Porsche Club), they are actually pretty cool guys and not near the jerks I was expecting. In fact I have made some good friends.


Then you should get out and AX or track the car. The local PCA should have some good events to allow you to push the car in a safer environment than the streets.

[WolfpackS2k]

220volt, congrats on your purchase! Looks like you did your due diligence in researching the Boxster and understand the (minor) risks involved. As a fellow Porsche owner, I say welcome to the club!

If you haven't already joined it, I recommend registering over at Planet-9.com. Message forum that caters exclusively to Porsche Cayman and Boxster owners. Lot of great information there and friendly folks as well.