1999 Porsche Boxster Standard 2.5 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Terrific Handling. Porsche really thought this car through
Faults:
Nothing so far, but early days.
General Comments:
I've wanted a Boxster since they first came out, but for some reason I never quite got round to buying one until now.
The first major plus is the handling. It is excellent. I've driven modern Ferrari's and in handling terms (on ordinary roads) the Boxster compares very well indeed.
Performance feels very quick indeed. You get a real sensation of speed even if you are not going that quickly really. I used to own a TVR Chimaera HC which surprisingly didn't feel much quicker than the Boxster, although obviously it was.
Build quality is good and everything works well. Plastic window in the roof is new, but looks like it won't last long.
Ride (on 17 inch alloys) is a little harsh and the gear change is a little slower than I thought it would be (first is a bit notchy).
Overall, very pleased. Personally, I prefer the look of this model to the latest Boxster. If I had the extra cash I probably get a 996 but for now the Boxster offers real performance and good value.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd November, 2005
24th Jan 2010, 20:40
My Boxster 1999 blew the engine at 42.000 miles
I read that 20% of the Boxster engines won't pass 50.000 miles
For a car so expensive that's a crime.
30th Dec 2014, 03:44
You should have checked your oil levels.
11th Oct 2018, 16:25
Where have you heard that motors blow after 50k. Just because it happened to you doesn't mean this is common. Seems like very happy owners here...
11th Oct 2018, 19:21
Intermediate shaft. It's in the forums. It isn't inevitable that an engine WILL blow up, but if it happens to you, regardless of how you maintain and look after your car, shelling out US$12K to fix it is nothing to sneeze at. There's definitely people whom it never happened to, but who pays for the repairs on one that has been maintained fastidiously regardless, and still fails? The owner.
9th Jan 2010, 07:04
I have a 99 Boxster too. So well made and executed. But, I much preferred the Lotus Elan Turbo I had before it. Open top driving ain't the same without rattle, bang and whoosh!!!