2005 Porsche Boxster

S Model is the Best Roadster!

By E27 on Monday, November 26, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,000

Pros: "Very fun to drive"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We tested the 911s, Cayman, Z4, and Elise and came away with a Boxster S black on black. The jump in hp with the S is noticable and needed. If we could, we would drop in the 911 S engine. With that engine mounted mid-engine in the Boxster the car would be awesome. As it is, the car handles very well in its design envelope and can be driven comfortably as a daily driver. The 911 is rear biased, but has good power - no. The Cayman is closed up - no. The Z4 is front engined - no. The Elise handles well at the track but is not well sorted with a huge blind spot - no. The Boxster could handle a bigger engine but Porsche will never put as powerful of an engine as any 911 engine into this car. 911 owners would cry foul! Overall the Boxster S has everything we were looking for - a droptop, decent power, very good handling, and a classic design. The Bose stereo is very nice at full volume but you will want to turn it off when you get on the throttle as the boxster engine makes a very nice growl wide open. Mileage is ok at 19 combined. Oh, and get the short shift kit on the 6 speed manual for sweet snappy shifts in the power band. At the track you will definitely want more power, but most times you will be driving on city streets so for that, the S has power a plenty. If you really want and need therapy, this car for what it is, will no doubt make you one very, very happy patient... ;-)"

35 people out of 35 found this review helpful

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Exceptionally well balanced

By JohnB (AR) on Friday, June 15, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,700

Pros: "Great value in a great sports car! :>"

Cons: "No dealers in Arkansas. :("

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The S version of the now venerable Boxster is the one to own. Our previous 2004 base Boxster was okay, but the S is several steps above it in power and handling, so if you're in the market for a Boxster, spend the extra money on an S. The interior of the Boxster is IMHO not up to par with the Porsche image of quality and the surfaces wear prematurely if care isn't taken to treat them gently. Otherwise, the car is pretty much "bullet proof" reliable as long as scheduled services are done. If you own a Porsche, you should have the funds to keep up on maintenance. That having been said, the scheduled maintenance intervals are verity well spaced, so while the bills can be large, they don't come often. If considering a pre-owned Porsche, get it inspected before buying, and have the technician check the intermediate main bearing seal on any model prior to 2009. Failure of this bearing will require engine overhaul/replacement. MY 2009 on is not a problem, as this potential problem was addressed by Porsche. Get two keys with the car. Replacement keys are very costly ($500 ) and require coding by a Porsche dealer at the dealership. Avoid black exterior color. It looks good for 5 minutes after it's cleaned, and then it shows scratches and dirt plainly, and it gets HOT in the summer. Finally, if you do buy a Porsche of any model, join the Porsche Club of America. Lots of benefits, plenty of activities, a wealth of information, and it will add tremendously to your enjoyment of owning one of these cars."

24 people out of 25 found this review helpful

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Therapy on wheels.

By Dan (DE) on Friday, March 30, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 31,500

Pros: "Fun to drive, Comfortable, Turns Heads!"

Cons: "Dealer Service Costs"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned this car as my 1st Porsche- and overall I am thoroughly amazed. I have the "S" model, and with the additional power and slighly sharper tuning it is the most enjoyable car you can buy for the money. Even my wife loves to drive it as much as she can- it brings a smile to your face every time. The quality and reliability has been top-notch, though the yeary service visits are quite expensive, and some of the features like cruise control are not the most intuitive. Those are my only complaints. This will not be my last Porsche."

6 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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great handling, great to look at, fun to drive

By DENNI (MA) on Thursday, March 29, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 16,400

Pros: "fun to drive"

Cons: "squeaks"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Great car: however not worth the price: does not hold its value as well as i thought it would. Expensive to purchase, but when trading in most dealers do not come close to blue book value"

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Disappointing!

By JIM (OR) on Saturday, February 11, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 59,000

Pros: "Fun to drive"

Cons: "Workmanship, ergonomics pricey to fix"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"I bought this car new, and have had this car four years. At 50,000 miles wear and tear are catching up with poor design and workmanship: radio goes out all the time, floor mats won't stay in place, cup holders break, seat leather is breaking down. I had a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T before this, and that car held up better. While the car was on warranty, I didn't mind so much taking it in 2 or 3 times a year when things randomly broke. But 2 years I bought a Honda Element, and the overall quality of ergonomic design and materials is so superior to that of the Porsche -- and nothing ever breaks down. Getting the Porsche fixed is expensive, too, especially since the only thing the dealers will do is replace parts; they can't fix anything. I will definitely not buy a Porsche again."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Great car to drive

By Spyder (FL) on Tuesday, November 15, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 17,000

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Even my wife drives it with the convertible manual to automatic transmission. Corners like a race car"

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