General MINI Talk Shared experiences, motoring minutes, and other general MINI-related discussion that applies to all MINIs, regardless of model, year or trim.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

MINI Cooper S vs. Porsche Boxster

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 10, 2007 | 07:58 PM
  #1  
Rick3000's Avatar
Rick3000
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
MINI Cooper S vs. Porsche Boxster

--------------------
 

Last edited by Rick3000; Aug 17, 2016 at 10:16 AM.
Reply
Old May 10, 2007 | 09:19 PM
  #2  
minimarks's Avatar
minimarks
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 1
From: Winston-Salem, NC
Crap...That's a tough one....
 
Reply
Old May 10, 2007 | 09:22 PM
  #3  
ChrisW's Avatar
ChrisW
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,639
Likes: 0
From: Fresno, Ca.
Keep the Porsche the R56 is ugly.
 
Reply
Old May 10, 2007 | 09:25 PM
  #4  
eny mini
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
I bet the insurance on the MCS is a LOT less $$$??
 
Reply
Old May 10, 2007 | 09:36 PM
  #5  
Rick3000's Avatar
Rick3000
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
------------------
 

Last edited by Rick3000; Aug 17, 2016 at 10:16 AM.
Reply
Old May 10, 2007 | 09:41 PM
  #6  
mistro's Avatar
mistro
6th Gear
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 1
From: Highland Park, IL
sell me the Boxster...
 
Reply
Old May 10, 2007 | 10:30 PM
  #7  
saxman's Avatar
saxman
1st Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by minime07
I bet the insurance on the MCS is a LOT less $$$??
you'd be surprised. We just picked up an 02 MC, and I'm shopping for a boxster for me, and the insurance between the 02 MC and the 98 boxster I'm shopping for is about the same.
 
Reply
Old May 10, 2007 | 10:32 PM
  #8  
koogzah's Avatar
koogzah
Banned
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
My last driving instructor said he liked my JCW more than the Boxster. And this guy drives Boxsters on the track like every other day. And the Mini can seat four. And can hold tons of gear. And is much better in the snow. Whew, yeah, that's a tough call.
 
Reply
Old May 10, 2007 | 10:34 PM
  #9  
koogzah's Avatar
koogzah
Banned
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Oh, wait. You are thinking about getting an R56? Then forget what I said. Definitely get the Boxster.
 
Reply
Old May 11, 2007 | 04:16 AM
  #10  
jeffc's Avatar
jeffc
7th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,559
Likes: 0
From: Orange County NY
He could go with a used R53 JCW which would really bring a smile to his face.
 
Reply
Old May 11, 2007 | 04:34 AM
  #11  
mbcoops's Avatar
mbcoops
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,047
Likes: 0
From: NJerz
Definitely drive the 07 before you do anything - it's a different car and might not suit your preferences. If the 02-06 is more your style, you can pick up a used one. Test drive a few!

mb
 
Reply
Old May 11, 2007 | 05:25 AM
  #12  
Scrumpy_Jack's Avatar
Scrumpy_Jack
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
I am a porsche nut and passed on a boxster when my wife and I bought our first mini. 11 months later I bought myself a GP and I am not looking back!
 
Reply
Old May 11, 2007 | 05:36 AM
  #13  
Rick3000's Avatar
Rick3000
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
-----------------------
 

Last edited by Rick3000; Aug 17, 2016 at 10:16 AM.
Reply
Old May 11, 2007 | 05:42 AM
  #14  
solberg's Avatar
solberg
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 143
Likes: 1
From: Southeast USA
That's ridiculously low mileage on the Boxster. I'd keep it.
 
Reply
Old May 11, 2007 | 05:42 AM
  #15  
jakay11's Avatar
jakay11
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 540
Likes: 0
From: Morristown, NJ
Well, My wife really wants a BoxsterS (metallic blue, tan leather...)
You can make (or get) a Mini to handle nearly as well as a Boxster...

The Boxster gets you PCA membership, and the associated track time.
The Mini gets yo BMWCCA membership, and the associated track time.

You can bring your track tires to the track IN the Mini. (Well, I have a 944 so can do the same )... the Boxster needs a tire-trailer...
Both have a huge following, and large online support groups (Rennlist & NAM to name a few)

Both groups have nice people and ******... (law of groups of people... there's always one @$$ho!e in the group...) but there seem to be more P-car people that spend serious $$ and look down at the person with a budget who is a car enthusiast, but what do you expect of someone who brings a $750,000 LeMans prototype to a Drivers' Ed track event populated by 944s, 914s, older boxsters and 911s... (most of these cars can be had in the 15-25K range).

I guess it comes down to space and styling... I had a choice between a new R56 and used R53... I got the older car, (CPO) with a better warranty, which I feel handles better and is punchier.... Used GPs (Prestige Mini in NJ has/had one FS). is more of the things I like in the R53 more better...

I'm not sure though that I'd sell the Boxster for a Mini, unless you really do need that space for a trip to Costco, or to haul 7 bags of mulch home... (yes the Mini can carry more than the Wife's BMW 3-series...)

HTH, and good luck!
 
Reply
Old May 11, 2007 | 05:52 AM
  #16  
jakay11's Avatar
jakay11
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 540
Likes: 0
From: Morristown, NJ
BTW, to sell the Boxster, try listing it on PCA's website (yes you need to be a member). Also Rennlist & Pelican have forums and FS space (for free)...

You can always TRY to sell it for 2K more than you bought it for...
(just make sure that you have RMS repair documentation as well as all maint. With that low mileage you'd hit the time vs. miles maint. items.)

As for performance, are we talking braking, straight line (not really appropriate for either machine), track times, MPG, range?

If you're talking about Modding, the Boxster can easily get bumped to well over 400hp... turbo kits and 3.8L engine swaps, big brakes, blah, blah, blah... the '07 Mini is a NEW car that does not yet have the same depth of mods available (YET)... you can make a great track toy or canyon carver out of a Boxster for the same $$ you'd put into a Mini... BUT if you bring your P-car to a dealer for maint, they will bend you over, and then steal your wallet... (read this months' C&D on a $79K long-term BoxsterS )

Again, it really comes down to styling and how much cr@p you need to move around.

Or just go out and buy a used (CPO) Mini and keep both
 
Reply
Old May 11, 2007 | 06:20 AM
  #17  
MOE4me's Avatar
MOE4me
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: Near a mediocre place on a Great Lake, WI
Originally Posted by Rick3000
Hi,
... unbiassed opinions are appreciated.
Thanks!
Dude, you're on a MINI forum. Although we try to be "fair and balanced", there's just no way.
 
Reply
Old May 11, 2007 | 08:01 AM
  #18  
DixonL2's Avatar
DixonL2
6th Gear
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,173
Likes: 2
From: Pgh, PA
Dude, you're on a MINI forum. Although we try to be "fair and balanced", there's just no way.
+1 !

Check your values and the value/dollar proposition. Cars are a money-losing proposition at best. Why not enjoy the Boxster for a while, then sell it (you'll still have rediculously low mileage) and get a CPO Mini?

Is it the car, or the image thing? Minis definitely throw a different vibe than Boxsters... is there value in that for you?

Whatever - both are good enjoyable cars, the Mini's, well, smaller (in expense as well as size), but bigger (in fun, diversity of ownership). DOn't forget ther huge number of regional MINI clubs in addition to BMWCCA - the regional MINI clubs get you track time, instruction, and fun events as well, with a completely different vibe than Porsche or BMW events.
 
Reply
Old May 11, 2007 | 09:40 AM
  #19  
clarkdr81's Avatar
clarkdr81
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,272
Likes: 0
From: Arlington, VA
It's a tough call, although I haven't driven a Boxter I imagine it is a fun car. I guess it comes down to what car you like best. That may not be much help so here's one more thing to consider, don't underestimate the advantages of owning a new car. The MINI will have a four year warranty AND 3 years of free maintenance. I don't know if the Porche has any kind of warranty on it at this point, but if it doesn't and you have any mechanical problems, repair costs could get ugly.
 
Reply
Old May 11, 2007 | 09:49 AM
  #20  
roaduscarnivorous's Avatar
roaduscarnivorous
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 915
Likes: 0
From: bay area
i didn't know you can buy boxsters for that cheap now. that's pretty sweet

buy an r53 :P
 
Reply
Old May 11, 2007 | 10:57 AM
  #21  
justintime's Avatar
justintime
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,184
Likes: 0
From: bryan tx
keep the boxter and drift
 
Reply
Old May 11, 2007 | 12:02 PM
  #22  
MDK's Avatar
MDK
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 1
From: NC
Since you just got and don't want to take a bath on taxes,etc- I would suggest you keep the Boxster for 6mo-1year-heck it's spring and top down motoring weather is here! After that time the loss situation will be better or resolved AND the 08 Mini's will be out. I am always unsettled about gettinga first year car, let Mini work out the bugs this year and make improvements to the 08. Waiting for 08 will also give you a chance to get a JCW version of the MCS-it's not out yet for the 07's
 
Reply
Old May 11, 2007 | 12:18 PM
  #23  
roaduscarnivorous's Avatar
roaduscarnivorous
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 915
Likes: 0
From: bay area
you guys're not being helpful. he wants us to convince him to trade in his box for a mini

if you've always *dreamed* of having a porsche then you might regret selling it mostly 'cuz you just got it and will most likely lose money selling it. but if you just want a good car, a car that's good, and a car that'll be good to have fun with, R53!
 
Reply
Old May 11, 2007 | 01:03 PM
  #24  
chows4us's Avatar
chows4us
6th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,478
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by Rick3000
unbiassed opinions are appreciated.
Be sure to read up about RMS seals on the Boxster. That can cause a bit of money to fix.
 
Reply
Old May 11, 2007 | 04:17 PM
  #25  
Rick3000's Avatar
Rick3000
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
--------------------
 

Last edited by Rick3000; Aug 17, 2016 at 10:17 AM.
Reply



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:27 PM.