[adp]

I am in a quandary

I am driving a convertible (American) with about 90k miles on it, and I want a different ride some time soon. I'm considering the C70 (as well as many cars in the $30-$40K range), but I'm not really into buying the first model year of anything. A colleague of mine has a 99 Boxter with 145k miles on it, first clutch, no signficant work ever done it, runs great, new roof and rear window. I am considering buying it to drive for a year or so.

(I know that at some time in the next couple of years I will likely need a new clutch, and maybe even a new engine, though he says the compression is still excellent - I would, of course, take the car to a local Porsche shop to see what they think. It also needs new tires. He has had a very long commute and I know that he puts a lot of freeway miles on the car each day - maybe 100)

What do you think? At what price would you buy the Boxter? His offer is well-below blue book.

My only real concern is that I won't like the "ride" of it - my lower back is a bit touchy and the ride may be to stiff for me.

 

[Beach girl]

Re: C70 or Porsche Boxter?? Your thoughts (adp)

Quote, originally posted by adp »

I am in a quandary My only real concern is that I won't like the "ride" of it - my lower back is a bit touchy and the ride may be to stiff for me.

Can you borrow it for at least half an hour to test drive? If something is uncomfortable it isn't worth any amount of money.

 

[adp]

Re: C70 or Porsche Boxter?? Your thoughts (Beach girl)

yes, my friend is going to trade cars with me this week for a day. I can have it all day - drive it home and then drive it back to work - that will give me a good idea of whether I want that kind of car

 

[t3chn0]

You can't compare them. The C70 is a cruiser and very behave. The Boxster(esp. the S) is a Street Fighter

.

 

[mikewelch7]

Re: C70 or Porsche Boxter?? Your thoughts (adp)

I agree with the other poster that these cars are tremendously different, having owned a C70 for several years (just sold it), and having recently driven a co-worker's Boxster. The C70 is a very refined grand touring vehicle. It is designed for a mix of comfort and performance. The first generation C70's were very quick (particularly the HT versions) but did not (from my experience) handle well (I found my prior Volvo, an 850 sedan, to be a better handling vehicle).

The Boxster is a true sports car. Its cabin feels entirely different - low slung and poised for performance driving.

I would have trepidation buying any car with 145K miles on it, particularly a Porsche. While it would certainly be fun, it might prove to be a costly form of transportation.

Modified by mikewelch7 at 11:51 AM 3-1-2006

 

[VolvoMax]

Re: C70 or Porsche Boxter?? Your thoughts (adp)

I've been thinking about picking up a Boxster myself.
The thing I don't like about the car is the lack of useable space in it.
Otherwise, they seem to be fine cars.

 

[VTT5]

Re: C70 or Porsche Boxter?? Your thoughts (VolvoMax)

The Boxster is a fun car to drive (my father has one), but it's a really tight squeeze for me at 6'4", and he has a little trouble getting in and out with the top up (he's 6'0"). I suspect the C70 will be easier from that perspective, but it will never be able to match the sound of that mid-mounted engine -- it's a beautiful thing.

 

[newie]

Re: C70 or Porsche Boxter?? Your thoughts (adp)

Good day,

I've read your letter, and appreciate the quandry! I'm currently driving a C70 with 15,000 miles on it, and having started with a 140 series back in the 'box' days of Volvo, I guess I'm somewhat qualified to give my opinion about them!

In the current issue of Car and Driver is a review of the 'new' C70. I say new, in that it's a hardtop converitible, which is a significant departure from my model (a soft top model which is designated an 2004 model).

The Porche is a wonderful car, but from friends who have owned various Porche's, I gather that it's an expensive car to maintian. Certainly a car with those many miles will be a possible 'money sucker' when it comes to repairs.

I have found with Volvo's that while the name Bosch means 'twice as expensive' I've had very few maintenance problems with the Volvo. I try and do 5,000 mile oil changes vs. the 7500 that the book recommends, and have had no problems with the engine.

If you've got a good garage or repair person that you trust where you live, I think that would influence your decision as well. The emotional value of a rag top is like that Master Card commercial....priceless! For safety, I think the Volvo ranks up with the best, and I think you'll enjoy the ride of the C70.

I hope this hasn't confused you, but good luck with your decision!

Mewie from K.C.

 

[eVOLVOer]

Re: C70 or Porsche Boxter?? Your thoughts (adp)

Two completely different cars. The Boxster is really in a class all it's own.

 

[mikewelch7]

Re: C70 or Porsche Boxter?? Your thoughts (adp)

My co-worker has a Boxter. She's been pulled over twice for speeding in the past six months. It's not that she drives recklessly, it's just that the police will notice a sports car.

What I like about Volvos is that they're 'wolves in sheep's clothing.' That is, they are sleeper cars that look like soccer-mom cruisers, but drive like lusty stallions!

My last Volvo was a C70 coupe with a five speed, and I've just upgraded to the S60R. They're both stylish, yet non-ostentatious vehicles that are a blast to drive!

I'd love to own a (true) Porsche some day. One buddy at work makes the comment that Boxters are "girl cars." Hmmmm...I think they're pretty hot, but I'd take a good sports tuned Volvo any day!

 

[phuz]

Re: C70 or Porsche Boxter?? Your thoughts (adp)

it seems as if there is one of these posts in each of the forums...
come on, you are asking volvo owners if they think its wise to buy a volvo over a porsche boxster....

*sigh*

 

[Boxsterjoy]

Re: C70 or Porsche Boxter?? Your thoughts (adp)

Well, here are some comments on a Boxster forum that can give you some opinions on Boxsters.
http://www.ppbb.com/scgi-bin/b...99504
They are very different cars, so I really question whether you would want one. I have an 02 Boxster and have loved it. It is very reliable, fun to drive, expensive to have worked on. BUT, people who have had to replace the engine say it usually costs $7 - 10K Dollars, not for the faint of heart, I know I couldn't afford a hit like that.

Bottom line, I wouldn't want a Boxster out of warranty, the potential expenses are to great. Now, as far as the C70, I would expect it to be a nice car, but probably extra heavy with the Hard Top that folds. Won't be near as fun to drive as a Boxster, but that depends on what you are wanting from your vehicle.

Boxster has a surprising amount of storage with the front & rear trunks. Comfort on long trips is fantastic for me & I have had mine for almost 4 years and have never been pulled over (knock on wood) so that other poster's friend probably isn't as innocent as she acts

.
Thats my $.02.
MichaelD.

 

[Kirb]

Re: C70 or Porsche Boxter?? Your thoughts (mikewelch7)

Quote, originally posted by mikewelch7 »

My co-worker has a Boxter. She's been pulled over twice for speeding in the past six months. It's not that she drives recklessly, it's just that the police will notice a sports car. What I like about Volvos is that they're 'wolves in sheep's clothing.' That is, they are sleeper cars that look like soccer-mom cruisers, but drive like lusty stallions!

Dunno about Volvos being under the radar. I got pulled over in a new 2.4T V70 loaner and my wife got pulled over in our old 99 V70R....Both cops needed to fill quota...

 

[Eric_H]

I thought you were actually going to ask us if you should buy a new Boxster or a new C70. lol

 

[adp]

Re: (Eric_H)

well, my buddy's Boxster is gone

he offered it for 10K and his voice mail was completely full within an hour

he sold it to a guy who drove it around the block and came back with the cash

I probably missed out on a good deal, and a fun ride. Oh well.

 

[nobbe3728]

Re: (adp)

Boxster all the way!!!!

 

[adp]

Re: (nobbe3728)

Quote, originally posted by nobbe3728 »

Boxster all the way!!!!

sure, now you tell me

I admit that I have non-buyer's remorse - he sold the car for $10K in a heartbeat. It wouldda been fun. I just need to remind myself how expensive upkeep would have been... a new engine........

 

[nobbe3728]

Re: (adp)

Quote, originally posted by adp »

I admit that I have non-buyer's remorse - he sold the car for $10K in a heartbeat. It wouldda been fun. I just need to remind myself how expensive upkeep would have been... a new engine........

There are plenty of them out there....a friend of mine bought a '98 with 50,000 miles for $13,000.