Scottish Elises

I know there are a few owners on here so thought it would be worth asking.
Looking for buying advice for a Porsche Boxster 05-12. The car will be used as an everyday car, I might do the odd trackday in it but its really not what Im buying it for. Looking to spend up to 16/17k
Ive been looking for a while now and would appreciate some help with a few questions, all I really know at the minute is I want a black one or maybe grey and go for smaller wheels due to tyre costs.

Thinking I need the 3.2 is the 2.7 as underpowered as online chat suggests?
Any info on real life running costs difference between the two?

Are the OEM (pagid?) brakes up to the odd track day?

Any essential options and ones to be avoided? Anyone nearby that could give me a look at their car?

Any other buying advice would be appreciated

Just subscribing. I started thread about buying soon and asked about Elise. These are consideration also so will add thoughts when not on phone. There are a few on here testament to how good they are. Goldie, andyg and hboag (red one in avatar) meaning I must at least try one.

Mikey,

Sure I have a couple of Evo buying guides to help you out.

Also just purchased a 987 Boxster Spyder which you are more than welcome to have a look at as you are close by. Should be pretty similar to the Boxster (although there are a couple of nice differences).

George

Thanks George, A look at the buying guide would be great not sure my budget will extend to a Spyder though.

My experience of running costs have been low, but guess that depends on condition of car you buy. Only cost for me has been a front spring. Otherwise just normal stuff like a service and a brake fluid & belt change. Servicing is only every two years therefore no real difference in overall cost over 2yrs to an Elise.

Never driven a 2.7 but I went for a 3.2 as reckoned I would always wonder or regret not doing so. Only ever done 1 track evening in it and the OEM pads were fine, although I was taking it reasonably steady. If I was wanting to push hard or intended doing a few track days, I would probably upgrade. Pretty sure the OEMs are not pagids.

Avoidables are really personal choices on options. I understand the coloured or grey hoods & interiors aren't as popular - better with the black/black leather. Never thought I would use them but like the heated seats Agree re the 18" wheels are better all round than the 19" for cost, ride etc. And if concerned about unnecessary cost, keep an eye on the reg. I intentionally went for a '55 plate as exact same car on an '06 onwards is £200 a year more expensive to tax.

Main think I picked up when buying one was how many needed the consumables replaced - low tyre tread, pads, disks or service history wasn't quite right or bonnets were stone chipped or scuffed alloys etc. Made we concerned at what else might be skimped upon.

Not that close to you being but if you wanted to come and have a look and poke around mine, welcome to do so.

DJ

I have an 05 Boxster S
It is in everyday use as well as track day car
I have covered 40,000 without a hitch
Tyres are expensive at £300 a corner on 19" rims
Smaller wheels are considerably cheaper
I have replaced the OEM discs and pads (Texstar) with Pagid High Carbon Discs and Pads
I have changed from Dot 5 to fully synthetic brake fluid
Servicing is once a year at SP Autobahn

It is a great place to be with Bose/ Climate/ Bluetooth for workdays
It is a hoot to drive on track favouring the longer tracks (Oulton) where it can get a good head of steam up

Can't think of anything better for the money?

quite fancy a cayman myself, Boxsters appear a better VFM option though.

mikeyb13 wrote:Thanks George, A look at the buying guide would be great not sure my budget will extend to a Spyder though.

Pm sent.

Neil, also have a Cayman guide if your interested

George

Loved my boxster, and would have another one in a flash. Although mine was only a 2.7 it was lovely to drive and own did lack a bit to punch but made up for it by sounding so good. If I were to buy again I think I would try a 3.2 but nothing wrong with the 2.7

Agree about the 18" wheels, ride I suspect would be better and tyres were certainly much cheaper. Make sure you buy a good one that has been cared for and that the servicing and maintanince is all up to date.

Bought mine and sold it a year latter for the same price other than servicing and tyres it cost me nothing.

Thank for the replies. Shame the Elise is probably going it's an awesome car and a credit to Alan.
It looks like it will be staying within SE though so I might get a go every now and then.

Stretch the budget and buy a Gen II 2.9 with the PDK box would be my advice.

Regards,

Jeremy

Unfortunately I dont set my car spending budget any more.
Maybe a good thing as the family would be sleeping in a tent

I like the Peter Morgan boxster buying guide, but always buy one before buying any Porsche. Worth the 10 pound (or whatever they cost now), but its mostly common sense.

Is there one particular company best for inspections? Assume location dependant...?

There are 2 major companies from within the Porsche world who are renounded for inspections:
Peter Morgan & Phillip Raby

I have had an inspection performed by both companies and my own personal preference was for the Peter Morgan report which was a lot more detailed

Phillip Raby is also a renowned specialist and their report did not really miss any information out. It may have been the vehicle we got inspected was suspect and the recommendation was not to go ahead and purchase, hence the detail was lacking on the report as most major discussion was over the phone.

George