02 C2 996 cab vs 05/06 Boxster

Hi Guys I am in the market for a new to me car and am a little torn between getting a pre-owned 02 911 cab or a new Boxster. This will be my first Porsche. I did some research on here and there are some discussion on purchasing a C2 coupe but not the cab. Is there anything I should look out for when buying a 02 C2 cab? I am looking at a Tiptronic because a stick would not be practical as a daily driver in SF for me. Stead in Walnut Creek has a couple of tiptronics and I am assuming that the other dealers would also have some inventory. How much should I assume to be paying for the car? KBB retail? Should I wait till early next year? Thank you in advance.

As far as power, go 996 As far as resale value go 996 If you're looking for new car smell go for the Boxster. As far as waranty you could get one on the 996.

if you are looking for a better handling car for the street and track --> boxster (hate to admit it )

Why would that be hard to admit? 996 has great power, great handling (in spite of its weight distribution), and is the clear top dog in the Porsche lineup. Boxster would be hard to beat in pure handling. It is going to be slower, less well appointed, and built more to a budget, although I for one like the new interior quite a bit. Both cars are pleasures. A new car with warranty is going to be a less of a financial uncertainty. After all, a CPO is only 2 years (plus whatever is left on original warranty) versus 4 years on a new car. And if you are new to this, the car is going to have some problems. The rear main seal being the big recurring (and apparently unsolved) problem. Do a search on RMS, but try not to let it scare you too much. These cars are not Toyotas, thank goodness. If the financial element isn't determinative, then you just have to go drive them. One of them is going to talk to you.

Without a doubt, 996 cab. 987 won't match in performance to a 996 in every aspect except handling. If you get a 987S, the acceleration will be closer to a 996 cab. The only reason you'd choose 987 would be: 1. warranty 2. new car smell 3. option and color selection Michael Stead will be bought out so they maybe more motivated in selling their inventory before "wholesaling" to the new owner. Definitely check out other SF Bay Area dealer's inventory. Carlsen, Stevens Creek and Sonnen are all pretty reputable. Rector is OK but I'd get an inspection done for a used car of this calibre by another dealer or indept shop if you aren't familiar with 996 common issues (MAF, RMS, Cam Seal). 02 is the best cab IMO. You get facelift styling, 3.6L, rear glass and Bose as option. Make sure your cab has heated seats as that's expensive to add later.

If you don't add a lot of options, the Boxster S should cost you about the same as an '02 996 cab. The S will outhandle the 996 and be just a few tenths of a sec slower in 0 to 60. Hell, if you debadge the Boxster, most people will think you have a 911.

If this is your first porsche, make sure that you have a good handle on the options that you want. Everything on these cars is an option. If you are looking at a C2, think seriously about PSM. I wouldn't buy a car without it. And if you get the cab, make sure that it has heated seats. One other item to look for would be litronics headlights. I went the Boxster route initially - lasted 7 months before I sold it and bought a 911.

A new Boxster S in 6-speed manual would be my choice. However, if you need a tiptronic, I'd opt for the 2002 996 as the Boxster's performance suffers quite noticeably with an automatic.

Check how you fit in the car. Boxster is smaller inside and feels much more cramped than a 996.....if you are smaller in size and limber for ingress/egress you will be fine with Boxster! Make sure that you consider the 987S as it is very close in performance to my 996 C2 3.4 Cab

That is a good point. Make sure you fit in the Boxster. I fell in love with the new one and made three trips to the dealer to convince myself that I could fit in one. At 6'1" I was far too cramped to use it as a daily driver. As a weekend car it might have worked. I went with a 996 and have more than enough room.

Depends what you want - if you get the Boxster, I recommend getting the S to minimize the power difference between the two cars. It also depends on whether you care about the image of the car. Most people will refer to the Boxster as a "chick car," even though it's a great driver's car. I drove an 05 Boxster S and bought a 2000 Cab instead. I like the difference in size and driving experience A LOT. In a previous post, I admitted that if I could do this all over again, I would have bought an '02 996 Cab, even though I'm still really happy with my car. I don't think you can go wrong with either car, but the 996 is very rewarding as you really learn how to take advantage of the rear weight bias (which I am still learning to do). Many people refer to it as a "dance" with the car, and I'm starting to truly understand what that means. Lastly, here in LA, there is a Boxster on every corner. Even though there are a lot of 996s, they are more rare to see than a Boxster. Call me shallow, but that mattered to me as well...

Thank you all for your feedback. I am definately going to look into getting a pre-owned 911 and keep my fingers crossed.

Get yourself a 6MT. I worked in SF for 3 yrs and drove my 6speed cab. No problem. Just got to get use to it. Good luck and maybe you want to check out Carlsen Porsche.

apples and oranges porsche=911

that's so funny! if you've driven a boxster you will know that it is TRULY a porsche (speaking from experience, of course). if porsche gave the boxster/cayman equal power to the 911 you would see the 911 go it looks like kengkeng is looking for a cruiser anyway so the 911 is perfect. it a great boulevard cruiser.

Agreed. I'm 6'4" and went with a 2002 C4 Cab and love it. If you are going to get a used 911, don't limit yourself to local dealers. Search on cars.com and ebay. I found mine on ebay and it was actually at a dealer only a 4 hour drive away. It had all the options I wanted (including the Carrera wing and rocker panels so I didn't have to add them afterwards). Good luck. I kind of wished that I would have fit in the Boxter, just to try it out.

Don't forget, the first Porsche was a mid-engined convertible... Post the same question on the Boxster board and you may get a different feel. The newer Boxsters are far better than the earlier ones for fit and finish, especially in the interior. Even the "base" Boxster has a very usable and fun 240 hp...for most average drivers, you'll never need the difference. And while it's personal opinion, I think the Boxster is a far better looking convertible than the hump-backed 911. Throw in the full warranty and security of buying a new car, and it's a no brainer for me....new Boxster all the way.

We're all a product of our experiences, and my experience is that (just like the CARFAX commercial says) people do strange things to cars. That is why I'd rather buy a less expensive new car than a used car that was more expensive when new and would probably buy the Boxster if I were in your shoes. If someone has had good experiences with used cars and feels like the damage the previous owner does to the car is outweighed by the savings especially in not taking the initial depreciation hit, then buying a used car is a rational choice. My experience is that I'd rather not gamble with a used car unless there were special circumstances like an amazing deal or I knew the previous owner well.

911 is higer up the food chain. You will look like a girl in the boxter. Are you a man or a girl?

PBTPBTPBT!!! Did he really just say that?

I was considering the new boxter S as well. I went to the dealer and drove a 2001 996 Coupe then a 2005 Boxter S back to back. After the 996 the boxter certainly felt slower but not by much. It felt like it didn't pull as well as the 996 but man did it feel connected to the road!! Handled very very well and sounded very good as well, great car. So, I walked away thinking that the 996 would make me smile more but I certainly was impressed with the Boxter S. In the end I purchased a 2003 996 which widened the gap a bit further than the 3.4l did for me but I would never say the Boxter S is a bad car, I think its a great car just not for me. I was looking for a 996 coupe so perhaps the performance difference between the Cabs would be closer "seat of the pants". Also, I would highly recommend getting the 6sp manual and not the tiptronic.

Doug - did you really come on the 996 board and call the 996 Cab ugly? I respect your positive opinion on Boxsters, but give us a little credit here on our taste - line my car up next to a black Boxster and see which one is more appealing to MOST people. There are exceptions to every rule.

I think you may have over-bit on the 911 comment. Ofcourse the boxter is a porsche, drives like one...but I don't think it is settled that the 911 would be gone if the power was given to the lower models...The 911 stands on alot more that just power. The little measure of additional room means a lot to a significant portion of porsche owners. I am not knowledgeable enough to comment on a handling comparison though.

i had 2 kids. that's why i go for 911, otherwise i would get boxster. for beginner, boxster is easier to drive. 911 is a serious sports and needs lots of learning to drive it well IMHO.

...er, no. I said the Boxster is far better looking. And my reasoning is the 911 looks a little "hump-backed". That doesn't make it an ugly car. The Boxster is just more of a true roadster...which makes it a more handsome convertible (tighter package). IMO of course! (..although, I DID got to school for automotive design, for what that's worth..)

When i come side by side at the traffic lights with a boxter the driver has my resepct because he drives a porsche but it is sort of like your little brother who you can give a clip around the ear if he gets out of line. Probably the same thing a gt3 driver thinks when he comes across my C4, has a sniff round the rear end like a dog to see what my badge says then pisses on the tree by burning me up after the lights have changes. Humans are like dogs

I sure would feel like the big dog if I had a loud Ruf!!

'...er, no. I said the Boxster is far better looking. " I was looking in the showroom yesterday at all cars whilst waiting for the service guy to finish his thing.. There was a boxter inside, a cayman a few meters away outside and a shed load of 911's to the right of that. I would say by far the turbos, c4S's etc did it for me. Like I said earlier the boxter looks like a womans car and the only reason you buy it is because you cannot afford the 911. Site on the porch and watch the big dogs play

I consistently spank the azz off of 996's at MSR with a Boxster. So what if it doesn't have the acceleration of my C4S? It's a heck of a lot more sure-footed than any of it's 911 brethren save for a C4 which has it's own handling quirks. If you put the uppity attitudes aside and look at the car for what it is, it's one of the best handling cars Porsche has ever built. Period.

Drive them both and decide for yourself. I felt the boxster was too underpowered, and with a tiptronic it would be celica-esque in the power department. If you must have an automatic get the 911. You ought to consider the manual even in frisco, it's not a particularly onerous drive even in traffic.

I loved my boxster, but the first one I drove was a tip and it nearly put me off buying one period - it was that **** if you HAVE to get a tip, then I think the 996 is the only way to go If manual is any kind of option then a new boxster s is a great choice

Agreed with above

you said it!!! the boxster has such awesome balance and at the track that's what you need. on the street not so much and that's why the 911 is better for the street. like i said, the 996 is a great boulevard cruiser but needs suspension tuning for the track. it is a shame that the boxster/cayman is under powered ON PURPOSE by the factory. it's obvious that the boxster can handle a bigger, more powerful engine (as evidenced by the 3.4L/3.6L conversions). now those will really spank a 996! if one can get beyond the snobbery of 996 vs. 986 then it becomes quite evident. as far as looks is concerned then "to each, his own". (i miss my boxster )

I miss mine too I've been trying to get the wife to get a boxster instead of a 3 series convertible, but shes not having it i can't justify a boxster, 911, 325 ic and a jeep for 2 people with no kids

IMO, Speaking as a first-time p-car owner ('00 996 cab), the 996 is on another level...you won't regret it.

Depends , both different cars I went with a 911 because I am a man. You do know if you have a buddy in the boxster with you , you will appear gay.Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Interesting that the positive comments about the Boxster are from people who have actually driven them , and the (non-constructive) negative comments are from people who are clearly concerned with image. Very telling!

Image is everything.... , and don't assume I haven't driven a boxster, I have it was way underpowered and I felt wrong driving it . If you cant drive a car and feel proud then you shouldn't be driving that car.All kidding aside the boxster is a neat little car....not many 911 guys will tell you you to buy that over a 911, but hey how many 993 guys will tell you to buy a 996.

I need to support kilrgt a little bit here - image isn't everything, but it definitely matters to nearly everyone here, I believe - otherwise, why would people do mods and spend a ton of money on great looking wheels? It's to differentiate their cars and have the car look (and drive, but yes, "look") even better than stock. While the Boxster is a very good car, I went 996, because of the drive, and partially because of image. If image didn't matter, and the drive were the only thing that mattered, I would have saved some money and bought a low mile pre-owned Honda S2000 - that car drives awesome and is engineered very well, but I don't care for its looks/image... Anyone who comes on the 996 forum and asks "what is better, a 996 or a Boxster?" should know the answer they're going to get before they ask the question. That's like asking a BMW M3 owner if he should buy a BMW 330.

The Boxster S would be the way to go if you can get the automatic transmission out of your thinking. Handles like a go-cart with leather interior. If you want a vehicle with a little more get up and go, then get a 02 996 or up. If you try one with a sport suspension on it, that may make your mind up. If not, when and if you do get the 996, change the suspension out if you really want to drive it hard. DO NOT GET AN AUTOMATIC! Told my wife the other day that I was considering getting a newer 911. Maybe something a little more radical then my 02, C2. Thought maybe she would want to keep the 02 C2 for herself. She said no way, she wants a yellow Boxster S. She also likes the Go-Cart handling. Go figure? Tom L 2002 C2

Its true its not everything,but it is important

That's exactly why I chimed in originally...just to give a little balance to the argument. (Notice I did suggest the original poster also try the Boxster board to get some "other" opinions.) But please don't think I'm anti-996. In fact, I'd love to have one (just a coupe for a daily driver...I'm not so much a fan of a convertible as the daily - unless you live in So Cal!). Re: Image...believe it or not, I can honestly say I don't drive my Porsche(s) for the image at all . In fact, in a lot of circles, that image can be very negative, regardless of what Porsche you drive. (..what's the difference between a porcupine and a Porsche? With the porcupine, the ****** are on the outside.) Based on the opinions thrown about on these boards, do you think I'd have driven Boxsters if I were concerned about my "image"?

Yes, often there's a lot of negative connotation associated with driving a Porsche. Most drive the car because of it's soul and history, NOT to make up for low self esteem, etc...

I was just replying to what someone said, I know how driving a Porsche can have a negative impact on ones image and yet I still drive the car in spite of that, I am a team player!! Lets face it Boxster owners would have a 911 if they could, just like NA 911 guys would have a TT if they could. This is a nasty cycle all the way up to the CGT. I believe some members are full of B.S and can�t admit that part of the reason they have a Porsche is for vanity reasons. At first I thought the Boxster would have been a nice car for my wife, she laughed at me when I said lets get you a Boxster. You know what she said and I quote " A would rather drive a Mustang"

kilrgt - why do I feel like you and I are fighting such an uphill battle here? I think you're the only person on the same page as me - funny thing is when I was looking at cars, the dealer offered me a BIG discount on a Boxster S and my wife, who is pretty conservative, is the one who said to him "hell no"...

I am not sure blackcab, I do know this however you have a smart wife!. I think maybe people are not agreeing with us is because , they might feel we are bashing the Boxster. I don't think I am ,but its hard to understand ones thoughts in black and white text. I i have to say if these people are trying to say they are being true to the Porsche heritage are not really thinking. What the hell are they doing driving liquid cooled cars then?? The Porsche they knew died when they came out with the Boxster.Not to say its not a neat little car, its no 911 tho

to some, it matters what the car looks like. to others, what matters is how they look in the car.

porsche went liquid cooled to get more HP. it doesn't help you out when you call a great porsche like the boxster a neat little car". wow, your wife would rather drive a POS mustang rather than a porsche? hmmmm :evigrin:

I'm definitely not bashing the Boxster - if I had enough money and garage space, I would have a Boxster S and use it at the track. My dad has one in Michigan (I'm in CA) and I've driven it - it's a very well balanced, forgiving car, but I still like the additional power and rear weight bias of the 996 more - in addition to the image. In the spirit of the Holidays, I'll also acknowledge that we're all fortunate to be in positions to have such a debate.

This conversation is getting absurd. Let's settle it. I have owned both a new 2000 Boxster S for 5 years, and now just recently sold it and bought a used 2000 911 Cab. So, I can really compare apples to apples because they are the same year. Here's the deal: Had I the wherewithal to afford a 911 back in 2000, I would DEFINITELY have gotten a 911. End of story. That's all there is to it. Yes, I am in it for the 'heritage' and the 'tradition', but it also has more power, more torque, feels more substantial, and it sounds odd, but that weight on the rear of the car seems to really throw down hard on the tarmack. Don't get me wrong, the Boxster S was a great and fun car; I loved driving it around town and believe me, even in New York City (the land of Ferraris, Mercedes, BMWs, and Porsches everywhere), it turned more than a few heads. Part of the reason people want the 911 is because Porsche makes and markets it as better. There's nothing wrong with wanting the best out there. That's what makes us work for a living; else, I would move to Brazil and just sit on the beach all day. Hmm, maybe I should do just that. ;-) The used 996 cab that I have is my first experience with a used car and I can say that it has been flawless. Do a little due diligence, talk to the prior owner if you can (the dealer can often put you in touch if necessary if you go that route), and have it checked out thoroughly. You'll save some pennies and some worries. Assuming all that, you'll likely have no problem with a used 996. It's a great car and the only way I would go in the future. Frankly, I wouldn't even buy a new Boxster S if you go that route, preferring instead to take a used one also. Let someone else eat the depreciation. By the way, for what it's worth, I loved the back of the Boxster. But, I also LOVE the rear of the 996 too. It's NOT less attractive: to me it looks meaty and substantial...like there's an engine under there...and come this summer, there'll be a freer flowing exhaust too. :-)

That and the new SL-500 I have All kidding aside i do like the Boxster , and I was just rubbing some people.Anyone who knows me knows that I respect the crest, even the boxster, not because its a good car but because its a Porsche.

NA 911 guys would have a TT if they could _______________ if i can afford it, i would have a CGT. however, i will never ever prefer turbo charged cars over N/A. assuming i can afford CGT, if it had a turbo charger in there, i would lose interest right away.

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Heh-he . This thread has been a fun read. I think some guys nailed it on the head when it was noted that the original poster asked the question on the 996 board. He was looking for affirmation on his already made choice, and some help on what to look for in a used 996 cab. Well, I kinda have both, a 2002 996 and a 2005 Boxster S. And I'm NOT going to tell you which one I like better.

WOO HOO I cant wait till it lands. I think the car after the TT, is a Lambo .I am in my early 30s so I say by the time I am 35....lets hope

Anyone recall the episode of Sopranos where the Boxster was referred to as a "Porsche with panties?" I'm personally at a loss as to why/how the Boxster developed this image problem. If you think we're bad, you ought to read what they say in the UK press. I think the Boxster is a fabulous car, and if I could sell my wife on a 4th car, I'd love to have one for the weekends. I disagree with Kilrgt about the NA-TT-CGT comment. I can afford a TT (and in fact my wife encouraged me to get one) but opted for the C4S. The NA engine with the PSE sounds fabulous in a way a TT never can. And despite what I've read, when I test drove the TT, the throttle response is NOT linear. Perhaps I was sensitive to this as my two previous cars were the BMW M3 and the M5 which have immediate and linear throttle response. The TT's appearance is a tad racer-boyish to me (I'm a 42 yo cardiologist...I have an image to maintain ). Finally, 0-60 in 4.6s is plenty fast for me, and driving a $90k car says plently about my good fortune in life. John 2002 C4S

I hear the point your trying to make, yet I don't understand it.As long as you like what you drive is what matters( I have said this many times).I think for fun if you had a little poll from 996 NA owners to whom would rather the C2/C4 over a TT i think you would be the only one.As to what i said As long as your happy with your choice who cares what I think! I might have come off a bit harsh but that really was not my intension...but i gotta say I think your nuts for wanting a heavier car with less power, because you like the way the exhaust sounds, but then again you open peoples chests up so what do i know..but I do know this $150 k could say more about your good fortune is life, but hey its not about image! You should know I am just playin with ya!

Kilgrt, I can see Johnlee's point. I'd take a C2S over a TT also. The driveability just feels better to me. But you're right, it comes down to people's preference. Frankly, you and I have had this sort of discussion before if you remember the discussion about the new Vette. I keep trying to get out, but they keep pulling me back in. ;-)

Was it Jeremy Clarkson who said a Boxter is a Porsche with panties? & who is building them now?

I just got rid of an 02 Boxster and bought a '99 C4 could not be happier. Traded an 86 Carrera in on the boxster. Loved the A/C and the quiet engine but after three years could not live without a 911.

Also, respectfully disagreeing here. I would take a Ruf Boxster/Cayman 3.8L over any of the above or seriously consider one of the GT* cars if I could justify it.

I just like grating the boxter drivers too. Boxter is fine.....if you are a girl or a poof

ya, i would take a RUF 3600 too. if you wait some, i am sure Ruf will make their own 3.8 cayman. that would definitely smoke a 997 c2S on the track and would give the GT cars a good run. or how about the Ruf RK spyder, 3.8L supercharged, yummy. hmmm, maybe i shoud start saving...

But that is comparing apples to oranges, i believe the conversation is talking stock vs. stock.... Now, would you take a RUF 3600 over a RUF RGT? Or a RUF Cayman over a RUF RT12? RGT and RT12 for me pls....

hmmmm. i am thinking of apples to apples when looking at the price. cayman 3.8/boxster 3.6 (this conversion uses x51 w/ gt3 ecu ~ 355HP) to a comparably priced 997 C2S. i WOULD take a supercharged 3.8L cayman over the RT12. the RT12 is just brute power, whereas the cayman would also have brute power (of course not as much) and an awsome chassis.

True. But the comments are a reaction to those who think that we bought Boxsters because we couldn't afford a 911. That's not (always) true. But if money is no object, then yes, I'd rather have Ruf build me a Boxster / Cayman based car than a 911 based car. He can stuff any motor in any car..and the mid-engined car is just better. A better question might be...what would you rather have, a $40k used 996 or a $20k used Boxster and spend the extra money to put a 3.4/3.6 motor in it? I'll take the Boxster, spank you very much!

not that i am disappointed with my 996, far from it, but i sometimes wish i held on to my '98 boxster and did a 3.6 swap. would've been a lot cheaper than getting the 996 and doing all the mods. but hey i am not complaining, a porsche is a porsche.

I agree that that's not always true (boxster owners wanting 911s), but in most cases, it is. I was actually referring to arena red's comment saying if he had the choice, he would pick the RUF boxster/cayman over a NA 911 and a TT. IMHO, it is not fair to compare a RUF boxster/cayman vs. a NA 911 or a TT. It is fully modded performance car vs. a stock car.... Personally, i would choose the RUF as well... But it is a subjective matter Yes, you can stuff a motor into a 986 for approximately the same cost as buying a 996 (maybe), but how many people are willing to go that far? Hypothetically, it sounds nice (and would be a helluva machine), but let's be real, a small % of people actually go through with it. And I doubt the original poster will go that far. But again, I may be totally wrong as I don't know his/her intentions.

Ruf 3600 vs. stock 996...probably not a fair comparison. But a Ruf 3600 vs. a TT? ...probably pretty fair. But I certainly see your point. And I still can't afford either. Original poster...??? Oh yeah, how did we get this started anyway? ...wait, let's not go there.

True. It really boils down to whether or not you want a convertible. But when the Caymans start hitting the used market and those prices start dropping, that'll really screw things up!

guys come on now, i was just yanking some of your chains, I have to say tho, If the boxster came in a 3.8 TT I would then like to drive it, but not a rag top only a coupe ..OH yea thats called a Cayman

Heh, heh, heh. Just stirring the pot some more. No offense directed at anyone in particular or personally. My interpretation of this thread was comparing an older 996 Cab to a new 987 Boxster, presumably for similar money. The tangent that keeps coming up that I disagree with are implications that Boxster owners bought Boxsters because they are either girly or couldn't afford a 911. My intent is to show (as karlooz mentions) that Ruf can also put a 3.8L into a Boxster/Cayman for similar money as a 997 S. My hope is that the factory does it for those of us that would like the 911's power and the Boxster/Cayman's handling. That is my first preference, of course. And with a Cayman since I would like the stiffer chasis which makes for easier suspension tuning. And, yes, I would put a 3.8L in my 986 S if I could, but the biggest I can put is a 3.4L which isn't worth it (vs. a 3.2L). So, some time down the road, I will have to switch, probably to the Cayman and hopefully Porsche has something for me. If not, I will be looking at the aftermarket. Comparable is a subjective matter. I would consider the TT a "fully modded performance car" of a 911 comparable to a RUF engine swap. I would even consider the TT even more "fully modded" since the drivetrain bears little resemblance to the M96-based 911s and Boxsters. Anyway, take it easy everybody and enjoy what you like!

I like them all. How about a different one for each day of the week?

The Turbo is a fully engineered production vehicle and is not simply a modded base 996. It is sold fully stock, which could be defined as "un-modded". Not only is the Turbo not "fully modded", it is sold absent any mod's whatsoever. It also comes with a full factory warranty, and has dealership service available at hundreds of locations worldwide (as opposed to a "conversion" (engine swap)). However, the Turbo can be modified in an almost infinite number of ways. These are examples of "modded" Turbos: Evolution Motorsports GT900P 830 rwhp / 819 lb-ft ImagineAuto IA800RR 680 rwhp / 744 lb-ft Evolution Motorsports GT900P 642 rwhp / 635 lb-ft FVD-USA 911 Turbo 527 rwhp / 549 lb-ft Akkurat 911 Turbo Tip 678 rwhp There are others of course, inlcuding Ruf and Gemballa.