carpediem

Ok... extremely torn now. On my quest to find an 8 I like, I came across a 2001 Porsche Boxter with 28k miles on it.

I need honest opinions... Porsche or 8? I'm not worried about space or snything. This WILL be my daily driver here in Boston, (where the Sox just swept the Angels).

HELP!

-B

mysql101

i'd go with a new rx-8.

the boxter just had a face lift, and you'll look like you're driving an old car.

goforwand

Boxster is a neat car, but they are a dime-a-dozen. Right now that can't be said so much for the 8 (at least from what I've seen) although that may change as well.

If you said 911, then I'd say no contest....Porsche. Take your time and drive both. If utility is not a consideration (the 8 has the advantge here) then judge on driving impressions. I would assume cost of maintenence would be more for the Boxster, and how much is left on the Boxster's warranty?

Also think of yourself driving on 93/128/Mass Pike in a snowstorm in the Boxster vs. the 8. I beleive that many people on this forum say that the 8 performs well in the crud with the right tires. (although my days of driving from Scituate into town during the winter are in the distant past :D )

Good Luck

carpediem

Wouldn't teh Boxter be better in the "crud" due to the mid-rear engine mount?

I'm clueless... I know almost nothing about cars. Get in, fire it up and speed off.

RotorManiac

the 8 outhandles the boxter, which is more than seven years old now (new model in 2005)
the boxter S is another story. still the best in its category, after all those years...

ptiemann

The Boxster is a more fun car than the RX-8 but are 2 seats enough? Trunk size is better on the RX-8 as well.

Do you like the idea of a convertible (+ for Porsche)

The 8 is more of a practical car. Ultimately it's a matter of the price.

-Peter

carpediem

I never pushed the 8 on test drives but the salesman let me throw the porsche around a bit. Wow! HArd to believe the 8 does better than THAT! That's absolutely amazing...

carpediem

Asking price on the Porsche is 28k. That's why im so confused. Great price for it. Actually, if you add in the space under the hood, the porsche has more "trunk" space than the 8. I'm not worried about space anyways... all I need is me and the girl I pick up on the way to wherever I'm going, if ya know what I mean.

Or maybe I'm a loser and am looking at both these cars to spruce up my social life. (j/k)

grapes

Now if it was 2004 Boxster S, i'd say spend the $60 grand and be happy. For less than half that there is no comparison at all. I'VE DRIVEN THEM BOTH-rather be driving the RX-8. A 2001 has less H.P. 228 less room and handles about the same. Why spend $28k for a 4 year old car.

mysql101

especially when you can get a 2004 rx8 with GT for around 24k, brand new.

carpediem

Jason, where you buying? Show me! I can't find any for less than 30k here for GT and Nav...

rotten42

911?...whole different story. The boxter is a "woman's" Porsche.

(I'm sure to get flack for that comment)

carpediem

Hmm... is there such thing as a "woman's porsche"?

takahashi

Totally agree with that. Boxster is no good on twisty road, while the S with sport sussy, brake and 3.2 is much better. Boxster is a second slower on track than my rx-8.

mysql101

uh, I paid 30k 6 months ago for gt and nav. Right now you can get $3500 under invoice.

So invoice for 6MT with GT is $28,300.
$3500 off means you get that car for $24800. With nav that means $26,500.

carpediem

I really wish someone would tell me how you can magically get so much off the car. When I start negotiating, they just laugh at me. I know I'm just a 20 year old kid but it seems nobody takes me seriously when I even ask for invoice. When is the right time in a sale to start negotiating?

mysql101

you should contact the online sales person for the local dealerships. they will be upfront and no sales tactics because they know the internet shopper shops around.

in fact, just tell them straight up you want dealer invoice, with the $2500 incentive, and $1000 off on old 2004 stock. If you have a college degree coming up, I think you can get another $500 off.

Send that letter to all the dealerships in a 100 mile radius.

carpediem

How do I send it to them all? Do I have to do them all individually or all at once somehow?

There's a 2500 incentive? Good to know... lying bastards.

mysql101

i forget how i did it, you might want to try mazdausa and edmunds, they should let you mass mail dealerships in your area.

ayap888

Re-check your reasons for buying a car:

1) If you wanna show you have $$$ bling bling ... go for the Porsche
2) If you drive in cold weather (BOSTON) and topdown? ... go RX8
3) If you drive more in summer and like topdowns? .. Porsche
4) If you want to have some functionality (trunk space, extra passengers) ... go RX8 (you never know when you need space)
5) If you are the type of person who has may regrets after buying something ... don't buy the RX8 and think you should have bought the Porsche.
I was choosing between a BMW Z4 and an RX8 ... now every time I see a Z4 ... wow, I say to myself, it's nice but how impractical is that 2-seater overpriced car. MY RX8 is loaded to the hilt with zenon, navigation system, 6 CD changer, and great handling. The Rx8 can hold its own against the more expensive lot.

carpediem

That was very helpful. I think the 8 may be a better fit for me. Plus, I can pick up 3 girls instead of just 1! And, I just sent out my inquiry to about 15 dealers around here asking for my packaging at invoice - 3500. Let's hope it works!

Fanman

Coming from t a 911, I can honestly say I have had a great experience with my RX8. I just don't see a lot of value in the Porsche right now, even in the Boxster. I have driven both the 911 & Boxster (actually I have driven a Boxster S as well). I would get the RX8 vs. the used Boxster. The Boxster has a 5 speed that is not as good as the 6 speed in the 911 & Boxster S, and even that is not as good as the RX8's. The brakes were the lower end as well (not as good as a Boxster S or 911). Until the 05's come out the Boxster really is a compromise in many ways. Go for the RX8. I get more looks in my RX8, then I do in my 911. Strange.

carpediem

Well, I think I may go for the 8 cause I want to know how the car was driven from day 1. Even though I look good in the porsche (who doesn't), the 8 is just too cool for words. Still kinda scared for the snow. I know the porsche is mid engine over the drive wheels, so I dunno.

Icemastr

Dont forget to buy GAP protection, an extended vehicle service contract, a maintenance program, lojack, and anything else when your doing the financing.

carpediem

Ice, you work for THEM? GAP, yes... all that other crap, hell no! Maybe maintenance but the rest, ive heard, is not worth paying for. Especially if I may trade it in in like 3 or 4 years.