13th Jun 2002, 15:51

I want to assist the previous comment. I'm happy owner of a (new bought) Boxster since 99 and have not faced a single problem till today (>60.000 km). The regular services are quite affordable (as opposed to Ferrari), and the car is absolutely fit for every day use - I can tell it because it actually is my every day car.

I regret that the starter of this thread made no good experiences with Porsche, nor do I understand why Porsche reacted in the reported manner. It is definitely the opposite to my experiences with Porsche so far.

13th Jun 2002, 18:11

In general I've found the quality of Porsches to be rather low. While the engine and running gear has a sturdy, Germanic feel to it, the quality of the interior and the durability of catches, latches, hinges and smaller plastic components is laughably below par. Porsche models are all overpriced, with a hefty surcharge levied simply for having that famous badge on the front.

Additionally, my experience with Porsche dealers has been extremely negative. They are very focused on sales and really aren't that interested in dealing with problems (mine had paint quality issues on the passenger door).

Take my word for it, Rolls-Royce and Bentley dealers are in the league Porsche dealers WISH they were in. You ain't seen proper service until you've bought an Arnage...

30th Jan 2003, 05:04

I apologise in advance for my knee jerk reaction, but what a load of absolute rubbish!

Porsches are badly built are they? Badly engineered? Poor subsystems?

From my experiences (and those of plenty of people I know) quite the opposite is true.

Porsches are generally massively over engineered. You will never get close with a Ford for overall competency and reliability for similar money.

Arnage? Okay, by a huge margin more expensive than a brand new 911 Turbo. Like for like comparisons please!

Compare a boxster with a TT for example. well, if there's any argument over the BETTER DRIVERS CAR then you obviously haven't driven both. Price, spec, reliability, etc are all comparable, but the Audi is NO FUN to drive.

Don't believe me? Drive both before you argue.

I own a 993, and whilst I don't particularly like the newer 911's I do still feel that they are better value for money than most of their competitors.

10th Jul 2004, 21:59

I have just purchased a 97' Boxster, and let me tell you I am absolutely thrilled with it. Even though I haven't had it but for a short while, I could not be happier with the handling and overall performance of it.

Now, to address the issue of these people that aren't satisfied with its performance. Well, some folks just can't be happy no matter what and always have to complain about something; they'd probably complain even if you hanged 'em with a new rope. So, to those negative 'outlookers' out there, remember what mom told you as a kid, "If you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all."

2nd Jan 2006, 21:30

I bought a 1997 boxster two years ago--it has been a superb daily driver and a thrill to drive.

29th Sep 2007, 13:47

Well I have neither negative or positive on the Boxster. I have been looking into buying one to replace my ageing 928. The only thing I fear is the performance end of the car. I have driven only 928's 3rd one I'm on and I'm like the style on the Boxster, but I'm afraid of the car not providing enough of a (kick) like you get with the 928. I am open to advice.

Cheers.

22nd Jun 2009, 21:44

I bought a 1997 back in 2003 with 70,000 KM and love it, put about $1500.00 for repairs and maintenance, workshop manual, 4 brake rotors & pads & oil flush, oil & filter, 2 front tires, 6 spark plugs,2 carpets, 1 MAF sensor, changed coolant, air filter.

I drive the car 6 months (5,000 KM) and store it in the winter.

Montreal CANADA.

23rd Jun 2009, 05:34

Of course you people are having problems.I would suggest spending a little more money a getting something worthy of driving, such as a Carrera. It's the same thing with Jaguar. People that can't afford a good one settle for the cheap X-Type. The X-Type is just Jaguar's version of the Taurus. Porsche has made some damn nice cars and some terrible ones. Starting in the 70's with the 914. Just realize the Boxster doesn't have very good quality in order to keep the prices somewhat low. And the old adage is true, you do get what you pay for.

24th Jan 2010, 01:45

I wish I was lucky enough to be in a position to criticise my 1997 Porsche Boxster, but alas I am yet to own one.

I have test driven a 1998 Boxster and have every intention of continuing to save until I can afford one of these beauties.

8th Dec 2010, 17:11

I just purchased a 1997 Boxster from a friend of mine. I am the third owner, and it has 33000 miles on it. It has been garage kept and has the hard top. The car is flawless, and looks and smells new. I have had three other Boxsters (newer) with no problems at all, and one 911 with no problems at all. My friend had this '97 for six years, and is an engineer who researched the early problems of porosity in the block, etc. and assures me this car should be trouble free. Having done some research myself, it appears the early Boxsters that had the serious problems, presented themselves as such with very few miles, and Porsche was responsive in fixing the problems.

I love Porsches, and am hopeful this one will serve me well as a daily driver (I do have other autos, but will drive this one frequently). I am 70 years old, and enjoy the thrill of motorsport.

13th Jun 2011, 12:25

The suggestion to buy a few of them? For real? Yeah my Dad had a Porsche, and my buddy had 2: a 944 turbo and a 928S.

They are great cars for people who have either of the following going for them: work from home, live near ANYWHERE they could need to go, have another car, huge amount of disposable income, own a Porsche dealership, own a reliable second car. Every picture I saw of a Porsche always shows another car in the background!