Thought I should add to his thread now we own a Boxster S.
I have been unable to make a firm decision about whether to sell the Caterham or not for the past 12 months. The combination of my job clashing with many social track and race events has been frustrating this year, plus I use the Seven increasingly on the road, where the short gear ratios make little sense and it's too compromised to enjoy for touring as we found out this year in the heat when in Cornwall. I have driven a 996, a 1988 Carrera 3.2 and a Boxster S recently and both Elizabeth and I actually preferred the drive of the Boxster (although my heart is with the air cooled 911s).
A few more weeks passed, we wrote the article on Beths Celica TRD on Pistonheads and then before we knew it the car was gone after the previous owner saw the article and wanted his car back.
Rather than me selling the Caterham until I’m sure what I’m doing we decided to replace the Celica with a Boxster S. It does leave me with no tow car, but I can live with that for now.
We bought a 2000 3.2S in Guards red with black sports leather, two owners, full history and 51k miles.
Impressions after 2 weeks and 1500 miles
+
Love the noise, although it’s a bit too quiet as standard, would like to drive one with different throttle body and exhaust
A good mix of comfort and poise, likely to be a bit soft for track work but will see
It’s not a 911 but it makes us feel good when driving it
Love it with the top down
Doesn’t feel that fast until you look at the speedo (BMWs always seem the same), maybe due to the smooth power delivery
-
Visibility through the rear with the hood up is poor (original plastic rear window)
The gearing is best suited to fast cruising, would like to slightly lower the final drive (75mph in 2nd!)
No lsd slightly limits arse out action
(something we might look at adding)
Would have liked to put the seat back an extra couple of cms, but the bulkhead stops further adjustment
No drinks holders, although hardly a major issue
Stereo without rear speakers is pointless at speed
Time for a trackday I think.
Cheers, Dave