OK, you all know I have my Cayman S for sale! In case you didn't check the for sale section. So I have committed to my mom to buy my deceased step-dads Mini. From there the plan was to turn it into a monster track car. I have even bought some unobtanium parts (JCW Challenge coil-overs and Wing - both are NEW in box). But being a Porsche guy, I got to thinking about a 1999 to 2002 Boxster (not S, out of my price range). I figure I can spend in the 8-9K range on a Boxster. There are a few of them out there in that price range. Some of them available locally in the DFW area. The idea would be to turn the Boxster into a track monster too.

So WHAT SHOULD I DO!?!?!?!?!? Buy my Mom's mini and have fun with it for a couple of years? Or sell it for her. Then once the CS sells, I would buy a Boxster. AHHHHHHHHHHHH.

 

Rob, I was just going to reply that I've owned a CS and now have an MCS, and give my 2 cents on the Boxster. But since you're already familiar with that platform there's less to explain. LOL.

If money were not a consideration, I'd get the Boxster for the track. I mean it would pretty much be a no-brainer: RWD, mid-engine sports car compared to FWD 4-banger. I track my MCS, but the Boxster would be more fun for me.

Some things to ponder: 1) You probably already know that everything will be more expensive for the Boxster (parts and consumables). 2) With the CS there were concerns with ensuring the engine was getting enough oil during aggressive driving at the track and aftermarket oil management was recommended. Not sure if it's the same for the Boxster. 3) Might want to consider an IMS retrofit kit from LN Engineering. 4) Since it's a convertible, depending on organization hosting the track day, you will likely be required to install a fixed hardtop. Either BMW CCA or PCA (both?) will not allow convertibles on track without a bolted-down hardtop. 5) If you're not trailering the car to the track, then you won't be able to carry your track wheels with you in the Boxter.

So, if you just want to get on track, then the MINI is the easiest and cheapest route. Boxster would be the more competant track weapon - at a price.

 

If the extra room in the Mini isn't required, I'd lean toward the Porsche. That being said, there were some (costly) issues with those early Boxsters. Also, those early Boxsters aren't exactly high on HP. To make them competitive track monsters will cost $$$$.

 

I was thinking about buying a Boxster and was talked out of it. Something about the early year model having crank problems and having to pull the engine for a tune-up come to mind, but I can't remember for sure.

 

Good points! I have a lot of 986 Boxster and 987 Cayman experience. I have done track events for 11 years and have been instructing for the past 3. You are right there are Intermediate Shaft bearing (IMS) and Rear Main Seal (RMS) issues. However by now if the thing is not leaking oil the RMS should be good. It is easy to replace anyway when you pull the trans to change the clutch. I did a LN kit on my previous Boxster S, did it at the same time as Clutch / flywheel and RMS. Not too big a deal.

I can buy my Mom's mini for 7K and it has only 60K miles on it. I just worry that a high milage Boxster that I can buy for 8-9K will have issues. Porsche people selling theirs tend to be higher. Can you tell I am debating here?

Thanks everyone!!

 

Spec Boxster. If they have that class in your area, it is a hoot and a half!! I have a number of friends who run it out here on the Left Coast, and it's good turnout and good fun.

Those cars aren't monsters by any stretch of the imagination, but they are awfully fun. Then again, most MINIs aren't exactly monsters, and they're a load of fun too.

If you want a MONSTER, the Hergesheimer guys (I think!) turned a Spec Box into a mid-engine 911 GT 3 (or near equivalent) that is insanely fast.

 

Sell the other cars and keep the Cayman...

 

There is something about the Boxster that I like more than the Cayman, so I have a tough time passing up a Boxster for anything else. But the MINI will give you a fun platform to work with and the high wear items like brakes and tires should be considerably cheaper.

 

If it were left to me, I'd have got a Cayman (probably an R) as a track car. But as its a joint decision, we got the JCW instead. The MINI is a bit of a compromise as far as track cars go. I'd second the idea of keeping the Cayman, the Boxster is pretty good (and I have driven one on the track), but I'd prefer a hardtop for a track car.

 

I didn't read this whole thread but my advice? If you live where it snows, go MINI. If it's sunny like California or Florida, go Porsche. You won't ever regret that.

 

I would go for the Boxster and plan on upgrading the IMS, replacing the water pump (every three years) and coolant expansion tank.

Three members of my local PCA chapter had to spend close to $10K for engine rebuilds due to the plastic impellers on the WP breaking apart with the pieces blocking the coolant passage in the cylinder heads casuing a hot spot leading to cracks/coolant intermix problems this year.

Good read for anyone looking into a used Boxster and/or 996

http://www.lnengineering.com/buyingausedporsche101.pdf

Other than that , great fun car for the money.

 

Use the MINI for a Track car or trade for a late model Mazda MX5, the early Porsche Boxster non S is not very powerful. The MINI or MX5 will be more fun and less expensive.

 

If you can not afford more than $9000 for the Porsche, do not buy a Porsche. The first thing to go wrong in the car will bankrupt you. Remember, you will be maintaining a $50,000 car, not a $9000 car.

Bob

 

I think this is sound advise. I like driving the Boxster more than the Mini but it is not easy to maintain a mid engine car. You should have a lift or have access to one. And OEM parts are generally more expensive than Minis.

I have had three Porsches so far and know how expensive it is to maintain them.