Depends how big a dog the Boxster is. They are generally pretty untidy and prone to expensive niggles at that age. If its tidy then its a no brainer, take it to the track and see what porsche designed it for.

"I actually made the choice between the Fiat and the Porsche when I bought my 20vt plus from new. I chose the Fiat because it's faster, more beautiful, rarer, cheaper to run / maintain, and more practical.

I would only pick the Porsche for the brand (which for me actually is a reason NOT to do it) and maybe build quality (though that has to be confirmed...)."



Exactly

I was fancying a Boxster, but I'm going to keep my Coop. I'm really pleased after reading this that the Coop more than compete's with the Boxster all round. However ya'll, don't underestimate the kudos of brand power. For example:
Scenario 1
"What do you drive?"
"I drive a Porsche"
" "
Scenario 2
"What do you drive?"
"I drive a Fiat"
" "

(Harrumph) As a multiple ex Porsche driver, there is a lot to be said for the badge kudos (a very small percentage of people have even been in one let alone owned one), and the build quality & handling are legendary, BUT I'd go for the 2.7 if given the option (or even a 911 or Cayman) - but you won't get a decent one of these for £5k!

Beware the 2.5 engine as well - I believe that the engine is prone to piston damage too - and we're talking VERY expensive see you in bankruptcy court repair costs there!!

No brainer if you ask me. The Porker has better brakes, better handling, better ride, better build quality, probably more reliable, more Kudos, and NO ROOF!!

I mean come on guys,,,, OK it might be a *bit* slower, but if its in good condition, surely the Porker wins!!!

Not necessarily - although you raise some valid points there. I know of at least one person who chopped his Boxster for a 20v Turbo - and I see more Boxters around than Coupes, so which one is the more exclusive ....

I do quite fancy a Boxster and considered when buying my Merc, but the running costs scared me. And they are also very common around here!

If to really care if the Boxster is slower, you aint ever going to be happy IMO, there are, and will always be a lot faster cars. IMO, who cares?
If you like the badge, roof off two seater fun, good handling and good residuals - get it. If you like it more than your Coop buy it. I bought my coop cos I liked it. Not cos it was the fastest. I didn't NOT buy it cos of others 'scaremongering' over the reliability. It looked good. Was fast enough. Sounded great. Could fit four adults/surfboard in it. I liked it. Of the other cars I had driven - I liked it the most.
If I was in your position I'd care less what others think and go with what you like. Simple.

It really depends on what YOU want. Performance wise the coupe is quicker in a straight line, and the turbo kick makes it feel more so. Is this what you are after or is corners and low end torque your thing.....?

Unless you want to throw A LOT of money at a coupe it will never come close to the porsche.

Go and test drive the boxster - you'll make a decision pretty quickly then. I've driven so many cars now that are impressive on paper and according to the way they look, but drive them and you just know that it is not for you.

I like the coupe. But have driven the Boxster S and it is an awesome car too

Further reading

http://www.mazefrenzy.com/

I also read that the engine in the early 1998/1999 builds and onwards is very dodgy, read on...

http://www.porschaforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=3774&p=48918

Makes you wonder really if the brand deserves its quality reputation?

My take on the views so far:

1. You can find a website ranting about the weaknesses and problems with any engine.

2. Quality has nothing to do with reliability.

3. If you really think its just the badge that distinguishes a Fiat Coupe from a Porsche Boxster then congratulations, any car you ever own will be just perfect.

4. Ubiquity sometimes means, most people know better than you and you are the odd one out (Ode to Betamax man or Alan Partridge types who insist on using string backed driving gloves for extra purchase).

5. A well driven 2.5 Boxster will waste any 20VT on a very twisty and wet road. A 20VT driven by me anyway.

6. Roof down motoring is cool, get with it kids. If you are a chav it also gives you a legitimate reason for wearing your baseball cap, innit.

7. You won't lose any depreciation on a £5K Boxster, you'll lose your shirt on a £5K 20VT.

8. Hairdressers do own Boxsters but they also own Fiat Coupe's, Nova's, Allegros, and Range Rovers too.

9. I'm running out of ideas.

10. Swap your Coupe for the Boxster, when you need more go, sell the Boxster and buy the 3.2S. Better still keep both. Two cars is always better than one.

Well my tuppence worth...

I have been in and driven a friend's Boxster 2001 3.2S, it was great fun, looked very smart, nicely poised, fantastic brakes and pretty quick. The interior isn't up to much, a bit cheap looking especially the centre console. It's quite a handful in the wet and has caught him out on a couple of occasions, indeed I would be wary too of pushing it very hard except on the track. He has had a few issues over the last 18 months and even with a specialist it doesn't come cheap. It may be the bottom end of the Porsche range but the running costs do not reflect this. However the single biggest problem has been abuse. It has been keyed very badly three times and the final straw was a bucket of acid/paint stripper over the bonnet. Unfortunately it has to be parked on the street however this is in Clifton, the nicest part of Bristol. When claiming on insurance it happened to be the second Boxster of the day to get the paint stripper treatment, perhaps coincidence but there you go.

I don't think the 2.5 is up to much, you buy a Porsche because it's a fast sports car but short of the 3.2 I don't think it will satisfy in that regard. I would honestly hold out for the bigger engine as it completes the package.

As for #5 Cosmo, I truly beg to differ.

Fair comment Flea, but if you noticed I qualified the statement with "A 20VT driven by me anyway".

I could guarantee I'd get down the road faster in a 2.5 Boxster than me in your 20VT monster.

Obviously I give due deference to your car and your own driving abilities.

Dont do it - have you seen/heard what can go wrong??

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=311

From the same site

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=103

This seems a bit odd given the design of the wheel and the 205 profile tyres. Are they linking kerbed wheels to "bad" cars

As said test the Boxster and make your decision. I'd probably stick with the coupe as 80% of my driving is motorway based (boring I know!).

Whats pretty mad is that we're reading a thread where someone is comparing these two cars to buy at similar prices. Not too long ago this would be unheard of!

A work mate is looking to buy one with a 10k budget so i've been looking to help him. He's just like I was last year when I brought the coupe, not aware of the power a car forum carries...
With his budget he can afford a 5 year old 2.7, Pistonheads has loads and I wanted to open his eyes to potential issues. Unlike me who saw a good looking car and have now spent about 2.5k in the first year...

id go coupe everytime.
i was following a friend in his mk3 golf VR6 when a boxster tried to play with him but found out he couldnt shack the VW of his rear end.

plus you get alot more for your money with a coupe

I say: go for a decent spec 3.2L Boxster as a minimum, the 2.7 is still a great car to drive, but for me wouldn't be quick enough. It'll cost you £10k+, but is so much more of a car than a Coupe ever can be.

If you want the fastest car in the world, go and buy a 700bhp skyline. No Porsche/Merc etc... will be good enough to satisfy a straight line speek freak with a limited budget of £15k or so.

There are now quite a number of 3.2 versions for £10k or less on Autotrader - not saying they are all mint, but could still get a good one if your lucky!