New Boxster vs. used 996 Cab

I would love to hear any opinions on whether to buy a new Boxster vs a used 996 Cab. I have noticed that two year old 996 Cabs have depreciated significantly. Thanks.

Hands down a used 996 cab. Regards. Mike

I just went through the same thought process....I ended up getting a very nice C2 cab for a great price. About that of a new loaded up Boxter S... I test drove and even did a Porsche "Test Drive " day in a Boxster S. The boxter is just not in the same league.... Take your time look around you will find a nice car... Can you enlighten us on your budget??

Used 996 cab for sure

I wouldn't be too sure about the used 996 cab, guys. I went through this process over a period of about 14 months. I wanted a mid-life crisis car . Finally decided I wanted a ragtop. Looked at Boxster S and C2 Cab, new. Raw performance-wise, it's the 996 hands-down. Looking cool, the Boster S is better looking IMHO. It is a true two seater, as mid-life crisis cars should be. It also has a very nice even feel, very balanced. Plus, for jmmitias, it will be a NEW car, vs a used 996. I was already spec-ing a Boxster S (speed yellow, black leather, yellow accents, 18" wheels), when that darn salesman showed me the brand new C4S pics, and I was hooked. If it wasn't for those pics, I'd be driving that Boxster S now. I'm still trying to convince the wife she deeds a ragtop .

Don agrees with you Palting. The new "S" is the way to go for a true sports car feel. Personally, I like our 02 Cab for general purpose use, ie grandkids in back, the back seat for storage...and I like the hardtop look for Cape Cod winters...before the salt and sand that is.

[quote]Originally posted by indycindy: <strong>Don agrees with you Palting. The new "S" is the way to go for a true sports car feel. Personally, I like our 02 Cab for general purpose use, ie grandkids in back, the back seat for storage...and I like the hardtop look for Cape Cod winters...before the salt and sand that is.</strong><hr></blockquote> Looks like a Boxster S is the next baby in the Watson household!!

As good as the Boxster S is I still think that if there's a 996 in excellent condition it seems like a good idea to test-drive that. I'm pretty sure that once you load up that Boxster with the options you'll probably be in used 996 territory. It actuely depends on the 996 available and if it's in a great condition then why not up-grade to that like dacomovi did. Keep your eyes peeled and your options open and you'll never know what you end up buying. Maybe like Palting you'll end up with a c4s

Very well said.... <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Thanks for all your advice. In fact, a Boxster S with the options that I want comes out to close to $60,000. If I remember correctly the options were PSM, 18 inch wheels, sport chassis, Bose. That is close to a used, low mileage C2 Cab. I already have a 996TT which I drive daily and track but would like a ragtop as well that I could also track.

I don't think there is any question. Used 996 cab. I made the choice about 6 months ago. Sure the S is a nice car but it doesn't have the history of the 911. People that know Porsches think 911. If you can't get a 996 get a 993. Plus where I live Boxters are a dime a dozen. The 996 or 993 is a pleasing rarity. On buying used. There is no financially smarter way to buy a car. A car is a depreciating asset. Let someone else take the huge depreciation the first one or two years and get yourself a bargain. If you buy a car with low miles and only a one to two years old with factory warranty you really aren't taking much of a chance. Most Porsche owners take excellent care of these cars as well so buying used you are going to find low miles and usually good maintenance habits. You can find low mileage 1999-2000 996 Cabs in the low to mid 60's and 70's. The newer 2002 Cabs are easily in the high 70-80's. The differences in these cars is minimal...not worth a 15k-20K+ premium IMHO. People will make a big to do about the 20 horsepower difference but unless you are going to go out and drag race...who cares? Go for it! Good luck and enjoy! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

[quote]Originally posted by jmmitias: <strong>I already have a 996TT which I drive daily and track but would like a ragtop as well that I could also track.</strong><hr></blockquote> Then the Boxster S is your car. Way fun on the track and a great top down cruiser as well. Don't buy into this only the 911 is a true Porshe stuff. It is bull. Get the Boxster S an extra set of wheels and sticky tires and go have a blast at your DE and Time Trial events! My 2 cents and personal experience.

One last point, why buy a new S when there are so many nice used ones at great prices/values. I am seeing the 2000 cars going for low 40's and high 30's with low miles. The new 03 doesnt have that much more HP or changes to justify the additional $ in my opinion. Put that into your equation and makes the S even a better option. IMHO.

You could always trade in your 996TT for the Turbo cab if it comes out . Regards. Mike

Had the same question....answered yesterday by buying a new '02 S for under invoice....plus I will get a $1000 rebate from PCNA....I had looked at Cabs. from '97 to '01.....pricing unrealistic, expired or expiring warranty,lease or auction cars etc....... I owned a '01 S prior to buying the '98 993 CS and the 996 C4 Mill....I liked it, so I filled the gap left by being without a Porsche.....I am going to fill the other spot in the garage with a new Superformance Cobra with a 351W,custom built, balanced and blueprinted (415hp), in the Spring....best of both worlds for me.