DILEMMA: E85 Z4 3.0i or 986 Boxster S??

Huz-Z · 09-05-2014, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chickdr

I has a 2002 986 2.7. Amazing car. The handling was superior to the Z4M I drive now, but the overall experience is made up for by the S54 power plant. I don't care for the electric steering on the non M Z4's.

True, steering feel is not the Z4's best attribute. But the lovely N52 motor makes up for it and the steering is massively improved with a good set of non run-flat tires.

intoflatlines · 09-08-2014, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lark

Maybe not and that's fair. Different strokes for different folks. If we all liked the same thing there would only be 1 car manufacturer and 1 car. But before you completely write Porsche off, drive the 981.

Are you offering?

Lark · 09-09-2014, 08:52 AM

Sure. But I warn you, if you drive it, you'll want one. That is what happened to me.

jdoublehcubed · 09-09-2014, 09:07 AM

If you can only afford to spend $10-$15k, you can't afford to OWN (as opposed to buy) a Porsche. A friend of mine at work bought a cheap, similar age and mileage boxster, and its like watching a train wreck. Its ridiculously hard to work on because of the stupid engine access, and the cost of repairs and even routine maintenance is extremely high.

The Z43.0 is still a very nice car, MUCH more reasonable to maintain (I don't think there are ANY expensive maintenance items to worry about), and no potential repair boogeymen to worry about. The most expensive repair you could reasonably expect is probably less than $1000. Even with an M, the most expensive item you should worry about is the rod bearings, and it costs less than $2k to have those replaced. The list of repairs costing more than $2k on a boxster is long and painful to think about.

By the way, I have an M, and I don't think I could afford to own a Porsche either. So I'm not just trying to be a dick with that comment, they are really expensive to own and you have to be ready for that.

Edit: And if you get tired of the Z43.0, you can drop in some coilovers and get a huge handling boost, or drop in a supercharger and get a massive power boost. So it has lots of upgradeability down the road.

rsutoratosu · 09-09-2014, 09:47 AM

I had a 99 boxster non s, sold it after 19k, z4 driver now

I think the newer z4 are more fun to drive than the older boxster

Lark · 09-09-2014, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdoublehcubed

If you can only afford to spend $10-$15k, you can't afford to OWN (as opposed to buy) a Porsche. A friend of mine at work bought a cheap, similar age and mileage boxster, and its like watching a train wreck. Its ridiculously hard to work on because of the stupid engine access, and the cost of repairs and even routine maintenance is extremely high.

The Z43.0 is still a very nice car, MUCH more reasonable to maintain (I don't think there are ANY expensive maintenance items to worry about), and no potential repair boogeymen to worry about. The most expensive repair you could reasonably expect is probably less than $1000. Even with an M, the most expensive item you should worry about is the rod bearings, and it costs less than $2k to have those replaced. The list of repairs costing more than $2k on a boxster is long and painful to think about.

By the way, I have an M, and I don't think I could afford to own a Porsche either. So I'm not just trying to be a dick with that comment, they are really expensive to own and you have to be ready for that.

Edit: And if you get tired of the Z43.0, you can drop in some coilovers and get a huge handling boost, or drop in a supercharger and get a massive power boost. So it has lots of upgradeability down the road.

I agree. And if you read my prior posts, I encourage the OP to buy a Z4, not a Porsche.

chickdr · 09-09-2014, 09:55 AM

A quote from the latest Car & Driver Lightning lap issue concerning the Porsche Cayman S:

"If we had to choose a car with which to learn VIR, we'd pick a Porsche Cayman S with carbon-ceramic brake rotors. Some cars take to the track and set your hair on fire; the Cayman hits the track and warms your heart with stability and playfulness.

Every piece of the Cayman tasked with controlling speed could have come from a supercar. The Porsche's carbon-ceramic brakes, for example, are strong enough for a 911 Turbo S. The tires and suspension work up to a supercar-like 1.05 g's of grip in Turn One, and the Cayman weighs a relatively light 3079 pounds.

Visualize a series of off-camber freeway entrance ramps that alternate directions and you have a pretty accurate image of the infield. This combination tests a car's ability to maintain itself at the edge of adhesion. In the Cayman, these on-ramps-to-nowhere pass by at an average speed of 75.9 mph. A 550-hp Jaguar f-type R coupe averaged 74.0 mph over the same corners. And the sticky Cayman gained an entire second on the F-type through here.

A healthy 325 horsepower allows for a peak speed of 135.4 mph, but without a turbocharger, the naturally aspirated 3.4 liter engine lacks the juice to flood the chassis with traction-breaking torque. That relative lack of torque, however, makes calling up the right amount of power something that even a beginner could master.

A stable car can be a boring car, but the Cayman's sensitive controls and friskiness are exciting. It's the perfect learning tool"

Lark · 09-09-2014, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsutoratosu

I had a 99 boxster non s, sold it after 19k, z4 driver now

I think the newer z4 are more fun to drive than the older boxster

And I agree with this too. That is why I had a 2006 Z4 3.0si before I was fortunate enough to be able to buy a 981.

basuni90 · 09-09-2014, 01:35 PM

Thanks for all the input everyone! I've been convinced to go with the zed. Purchasing one as we speak and is in the works

Feel free to keep the convo rolling tho!

Lark · 09-09-2014, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basuni90

Thanks for all the input everyone! I've been convinced to go with the zed. Purchasing one as we speak and is in the works

Feel free to keep the convo rolling tho!

Congrats! Let the modding begin!!

funkle · 09-10-2014, 12:34 AM

Not exactly the same, but when I was shopping, the contenders were the Z4M and Cayman S. To me, the Porsche felt much more precise, and in many ways, a better car. But the Z just just grabbed me by the you know what. Sorry to use this analogy, but if they were women, the Porsche would be the the perfect looking, well heeled blonde with a pleasant but predictable personalty, who is really the better choice on paper, but the Z is the spicy brunette who keeps you on your toes and draws you in with a slightly dangerous & more intriguing personality.

Lark · 09-10-2014, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funkle

Not exactly the same, but when I was shopping, the contenders were the Z4M and Cayman S. To me, the Porsche felt much more precise, and in many ways, a better car. But the Z just just grabbed me by the you know what. Sorry to use this analogy, but if they were women, the Porsche would be the the perfect looking, well heeled blonde with a pleasant but predictable personalty, who is really the better choice on paper, but the Z is the spicy brunette who keeps you on your toes and draws you in with a slightly dangerous & more intriguing personality.

At your age, the brunette works for you. At my age, I'm looking for a trophy wife.

007M · 09-10-2014, 04:24 PM

I own a 2001 Boxster S with 60 or 70k miles on it. Drives and handles like a top. Amazing to drive lots of fun and man, goin out for a drive in the twisties or out to a fancy dinner... great car. Almost anywhere I go kids are shouting out "look it's a Porsche!" That being said. I also own a 2007 M Coupe. It is hands down my favorite car ever. I've been considering selling the Boxster for something else but I can't think of anything... I like enjoying both. If you're worried about the ims bearing failure, it's simple enough to have your oil checked for metal shavings whenever you have it changed... you'll start to see that before the failure. Glad to hear you're goin for the z4... you won't be dissapointed!

basuni90 · 09-10-2014, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lark

Congrats! Let the modding begin!!

Stubby antenna and NOAH car cover (unfortunately she'll have to be parked outdoors) are already on the way

Huz-Z · 09-12-2014, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 007M

I own a 2001 Boxster S with 60 or 70k miles on it. Drives and handles like a top. Amazing to drive lots of fun and man, goin out for a drive in the twisties or out to a fancy dinner... great car. Almost anywhere I go kids are shouting out "look it's a Porsche!" That being said. I also own a 2007 M Coupe. It is hands down my favorite car ever. I've been considering selling the Boxster for something else but I can't think of anything... I like enjoying both. If you're worried about the ims bearing failure, it's simple enough to have your oil checked for metal shavings whenever you have it changed... you'll start to see that before the failure. Glad to hear you're goin for the z4... you won't be dissapointed!

And to be perfectly fair, there is a retrofit kit that can be installed in your Porsche which claims to eliminate the possibility of an IMS failure.

http://imsretrofit.com/

I have no idea if that is a good option, so I leave it those familiar with engines and working on them to assess.

HEY32G · 09-19-2014, 11:38 PM

I've had a '78 924 Turbo, an '86 944 Turbo, and a '92 968. They were all three maintenance nightmares. Anything and everything broke. I swore to never buy another Porsche again, unless it's brand spankin' new. Also had a coworker buy a used Boxster, drove it for two months, then had to drop $13,000 on a brand new engine, drove it another year and traded it in on a Mercedes.

If you buy an '01 Boxster find a mechanic you like spending time with, and one that will appreciate you supporting his family.

Go with the Z4!

09-09-2014, 08:52 AM	#25
Lark Gone but not forgotten 4 Rep 148 Posts Drives: '09 335i Dinan S3/'13 BoxsterS Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	Sure. But I warn you, if you drive it, you'll want one. That is what happened to me. __________________ 2015 Audi SQ5 RECENT PAST 2013 Porsche Boxster S 2009 335i/Coupe/Dinan S3 2006 BMW Z4 3.0si
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2014, 09:07 AM	#26
jdoublehcubed Mechanical Engineer 96 Rep 1,025 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4MR, Imola Red Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (1)	If you can only afford to spend $10-$15k, you can't afford to OWN (as opposed to buy) a Porsche. A friend of mine at work bought a cheap, similar age and mileage boxster, and its like watching a train wreck. Its ridiculously hard to work on because of the stupid engine access, and the cost of repairs and even routine maintenance is extremely high. The Z43.0 is still a very nice car, MUCH more reasonable to maintain (I don't think there are ANY expensive maintenance items to worry about), and no potential repair boogeymen to worry about. The most expensive repair you could reasonably expect is probably less than $1000. Even with an M, the most expensive item you should worry about is the rod bearings, and it costs less than $2k to have those replaced. The list of repairs costing more than $2k on a boxster is long and painful to think about. By the way, I have an M, and I don't think I could afford to own a Porsche either. So I'm not just trying to be a dick with that comment, they are really expensive to own and you have to be ready for that. Edit: And if you get tired of the Z43.0, you can drop in some coilovers and get a huge handling boost, or drop in a supercharger and get a massive power boost. So it has lots of upgradeability down the road.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2014, 09:47 AM	#27
rsutoratosu Captain 114 Rep 779 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	I had a 99 boxster non s, sold it after 19k, z4 driver now I think the newer z4 are more fun to drive than the older boxster __________________ -Roranji
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2014, 09:55 AM	#29
chickdr Lieutenant Colonel 140 Rep 1,989 Posts Drives: 2006 M Roadster Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buford, GA iTrader: (0)	A quote from the latest Car & Driver Lightning lap issue concerning the Porsche Cayman S: "If we had to choose a car with which to learn VIR, we'd pick a Porsche Cayman S with carbon-ceramic brake rotors. Some cars take to the track and set your hair on fire; the Cayman hits the track and warms your heart with stability and playfulness. Every piece of the Cayman tasked with controlling speed could have come from a supercar. The Porsche's carbon-ceramic brakes, for example, are strong enough for a 911 Turbo S. The tires and suspension work up to a supercar-like 1.05 g's of grip in Turn One, and the Cayman weighs a relatively light 3079 pounds. Visualize a series of off-camber freeway entrance ramps that alternate directions and you have a pretty accurate image of the infield. This combination tests a car's ability to maintain itself at the edge of adhesion. In the Cayman, these on-ramps-to-nowhere pass by at an average speed of 75.9 mph. A 550-hp Jaguar f-type R coupe averaged 74.0 mph over the same corners. And the sticky Cayman gained an entire second on the F-type through here. A healthy 325 horsepower allows for a peak speed of 135.4 mph, but without a turbocharger, the naturally aspirated 3.4 liter engine lacks the juice to flood the chassis with traction-breaking torque. That relative lack of torque, however, makes calling up the right amount of power something that even a beginner could master. A stable car can be a boring car, but the Cayman's sensitive controls and friskiness are exciting. It's the perfect learning tool"
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2014, 01:35 PM	#31
basuni90 New Member 8 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 2006 z4 3.0i Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the input everyone! I've been convinced to go with the zed. Purchasing one as we speak and is in the works Feel free to keep the convo rolling tho!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-10-2014, 12:34 AM	#33
funkle Second Lieutenant 27 Rep 223 Posts Drives: '06 Z4 M Coupe Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: SF CA iTrader: (0)	Not exactly the same, but when I was shopping, the contenders were the Z4M and Cayman S. To me, the Porsche felt much more precise, and in many ways, a better car. But the Z just just grabbed me by the you know what. Sorry to use this analogy, but if they were women, the Porsche would be the the perfect looking, well heeled blonde with a pleasant but predictable personalty, who is really the better choice on paper, but the Z is the spicy brunette who keeps you on your toes and draws you in with a slightly dangerous & more intriguing personality. Last edited by funkle; 09-10-2014 at 12:45 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-10-2014, 04:24 PM	#35
007M Private First Class 17 Rep 144 Posts Drives: '007 ///M Coupe & Boxster S Join Date: May 2013 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (1)	I own a 2001 Boxster S with 60 or 70k miles on it. Drives and handles like a top. Amazing to drive lots of fun and man, goin out for a drive in the twisties or out to a fancy dinner... great car. Almost anywhere I go kids are shouting out "look it's a Porsche!" That being said. I also own a 2007 M Coupe. It is hands down my favorite car ever. I've been considering selling the Boxster for something else but I can't think of anything... I like enjoying both. If you're worried about the ims bearing failure, it's simple enough to have your oil checked for metal shavings whenever you have it changed... you'll start to see that before the failure. Glad to hear you're goin for the z4... you won't be dissapointed!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-19-2014, 11:38 PM	#38
HEY32G Captain 224 Rep 770 Posts Drives: Z4 sdrive35is Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	I've had a '78 924 Turbo, an '86 944 Turbo, and a '92 968. They were all three maintenance nightmares. Anything and everything broke. I swore to never buy another Porsche again, unless it's brand spankin' new. Also had a coworker buy a used Boxster, drove it for two months, then had to drop $13,000 on a brand new engine, drove it another year and traded it in on a Mercedes. If you buy an '01 Boxster find a mechanic you like spending time with, and one that will appreciate you supporting his family. Go with the Z4!
	Appreciate 0 Quote