My JCW is about to be out of warranty, and I've been floating the idea of getting rid of my bike and getting a convertible, mostly in the interest of that whole "not dying" thing.

I've found a couple of low-mile (25k) 2008 Porsche Boxsters in my price range. If I sold my bike, I could trade my JCW with the cash and break even or possibly come out ahead on what I owe. Basically, money on the trade itself is not a problem.

What is a problem is the cost of ownership. I have no idea what a Boxster is like, but it is a Porsche so I imagine that it cannot be cheap. I realize there's some bias on this board (and rightfully so), but what kind of costs am I looking at once my JCW warranty is up? Big items on the horizon I need to be ready for? And conversely, I think we have a few Boxster owners here, any thoughts on what I'm looking at there? I hear it eats tires and brakes, but my JCW tends to also with my driving style, so I'm thinking that may be a wash.

Thoughts, and other things I need to keep in mind? I enjoy my MINI a lot, but really want a convertible, and an S/JCW Roaster is not cheap...

 

My office mate has a cayanne it does not break very much at all.
My boss has a 911 he does not drive much. For the things he has
had to do (and normal things like tires, brakes) and a couple weird things
like a broken plastic thingy on the oil fill something it has been very,
very expensive. He bought it new and has a service contract or something
but it seems every time he takes it to the shop it is low to mid 4-figures.

Not sure if this helps you.

I think there are some services on the 911, boxster, cars like that that you
have to take the engine out. Or like a Lotus, if you have to do more than
two things at one time you are just better off taking the engine out.

That can run up the bill.

(not trying to deter you at all just saying)

 

try asking on a Porsche board? (sure a few folks here might, but seems to be lots of Mazda Miata folks....closer to the $$ of a MINI...
I'm guessing driving style will be a BIG part, since some Boxsters are driven lightly by moms that have had the midlife crises over driving a MINI-VAN...... just could not resist that!

 

Get yourself a nice JCW convertible. '06. Make sure it has a 6 speed and limited slip diff. Enjoy!

 

DIY service makes a bigger impact in Porsche ownership. Porsches are built tough and don't need much to keep running.. parts are more expensive, but also last a lot longer. Mechanic time is what adds costs, so if you want a car to DIY then it could be a good choice. IMS bearings are a concern with early watercooled engines, but if you keep your eye on your oils metal content and drive it the way its meant to be then you should be good. There are a lot of good options for older watercooled porsches out there that haven't started to go up in price! Im always tempted to swap my mini for a boxster, but then id have 2 not too practical cars (993 is my other car) - the mini squeezes in the practical category since its a hatch.

I would do it.. mini ownership is special, so is Porsche ownership.. you should really at least try both! owning both at the same time is heaven

phil.

 

My wife just bought an 06 Boxter...I have a 2012 Mini Cooper. We're waiting for the weather to clear before we take hers out. I have no idea right now, but give me a year and I'll have an answer for you!

 

My last car was a Boxster

Do not buy an 07 or earlier - the IMS bearings failed in the engine - 5K plus to repair

I had mine for 2 years - I only put a battery in it

The seats are not as good as a Mini

The engine noise is pure sex

Buy an S model!

Is is the only car I have ever driven that handled better than a Mini

In closing - if you have a good mechanic - the costs for a Boxster and a Mini are very close

 

If you want to avoid the IMS worries 2009 is the first year of the new motor with direct injection without an intermediate shaft. I have a few friends with boxsters and the main things to look out for is :

Replace the water pump every three years-impeller blades deteriorate clogging the coolant passages that causes hot spots in the cylinder heads 10k fix.

Coolant tank lasts about 70,000 miles. $300 for the part and 3 -4 hours labor.

Oil/air seperator lasts about 50k not too expensive.

Rear tires lat about 15k to 20k miles.

If you go for a pre-09 plan on retrofitting the IMS bearing with one from Jake Raby at Flat six innovations. About $2,500 to $3,000 including clutch service.

Mod fever is dangerous.

WWW.rennlist.com has an excellent Boxster forum.