What they said when the Porsche Boxster was new… (Mar 26 2002)
IF YOU happen to be dripping with cash and have a spare £38,300 to throw around, then buying a gleaming new Porsche Boxster S would be a pleasant way to spend it.
There are some sexy coupes around like the Audi TT, powerhouses like the Jaguar XK8 and flying machines a la Nissan Skyline, but without getting into the realms of seriously silly money, you can't beat the Boxster.
So what about going for a basic 2.5 litre model, the first examples of which are now just over six years old and can be snapped up for around the £20,000 mark?
First, a bit about this irresistible line-up of cars. This is a two-seater roadster which puts the Mercedes-Benz SLK, MGF and other sports cars in their place. Visually, the joy of the Boxster is that its lines all seem so effortless, and yet they are faithful to the marque and the legendary 911, though half the price.
Exclusivity, joy in the engineering and that lovely glow of belonging to an exclusive club are the hallmarks of Porsche ownership, and the Boxster is enjoyable at all times.
This two-seat soft-top is an able motorway cruiser but it is only when you find a B-road with corners giving ample vision that you get the Boxster buzz. You needn't break the single-carriageway country speed limit either - just drop it into second gear and prod the accelerator.
Porsche placed the engine where it should be in a sportscar - behind the occupants, and driving the rear wheels. The 2.7 litre engine, which replaced the Boxster's original 2.5 in August, 1999, is beautifully flexible and delivers equally happily when cruising with minimum revs or responding to a call for maximum power in lower ratios.
Discreet exterior styling is carried through into the cabin where there are few disappointments. The S is basically a more sporty version of the standard car. It's a classic roadster - beautifully designed, with a positive six-speed gearbox, 3.2 litre flat six 'Boxer' engine that pumps out 252bhp, re-designed suspension and fantastic poise. Visually, the only difference from the standard Boxster is the titanium covered Boxster S logo on the back and a twin tailpipe.
A few points to note: Make sure the car you buy has a full service history, look out for any crash damage and beware of any faults to the wheel tracking and alignment.
While bargains are rare, Boxsters are still relatively cheap for a Porsche and depreciation is low.
Words: Mike Torpey
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