MSRP was starting at 50K new. Might as well add 4-6K and get a 2001 911 cabriolet. There’s one on eBay right now with 42k miles and buyout price $26,991.
I wouldn’t get an early Boxster. They are quite underpowered. If you can drive stick, for the price of a 2001 Boxster you can get a 2005 (maybe 06) S2000, which is equally fun and worlds apart in terms of reliability and maintenance costs.
How about BMW M3 E46? They really took a dive b/c of the spike in gas prices and the competition from new 335i. 2003 M3 could be found for high teens.[/quote]
Any european car without the factory paid maintanance will be a $$$$$ to maintain unless you plan on DYI.
Boxster is a nice idea until i suppose you need to get major service done.Even wonder how you’re going to change the spark plugs yourself? Um…yeah, then it hits you. Ouch, $$$$….
Let me tell you, audi’s/vw’s aren’t fun to work on…Classic example of overengineering and nothing is placed for the convenience of the mechanic. Example, they decided to stick the fuel filter right underneath the rear end of the car, so to do it right, you technically need to drop your rear exhaust off the exhaust hangers to do it. Some of us cut our own custom tools to get into the tight space… (Of course, german car manufacturer’s also love to use bolts like “tripple squares”, things that most people don’t know about let alone find a local tool store to stock…I guess that’s why several of these german cars now say “lifetime” fuel filter, extended life spark plugs,etc. um,,,yeah right… Basically, it’s a roulette game…Most people don’t keep their cars for “lifetime”. Buying used, you get to play the roulette game.
Of course you could abuse your car, and neglect maintanance. But my motto has always been, do it right, or go home.
