JoelGoldstein.com
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I love the style and feel but it is such a toss up between a boxster and s2000. Would you buy one again? I am looking at purchasing an 05.
Should I get a Z4
- Thread starter JoelGoldstein.com
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Yes.
I had an 05 3.0 and nearly bought a Z4M on several occasions, and also another 3.0Si too. In fact, if something happened to my current car and it got written off, I'd buy another Z4 with the insurance money.
So there you go
I had an 05 3.0 and nearly bought a Z4M on several occasions, and also another 3.0Si too. In fact, if something happened to my current car and it got written off, I'd buy another Z4 with the insurance money.
So there you go
Don't ask us lot, you know were going to say YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL. 
BUT, All 3 are great sports cars, you need to ask yourself what YOU REALLY want. The S2000 is nice, but hard work, the Boxter isn't a proper Porsche ( you need a 911 for that) and is fugly..( IMO). The Z is a love it or hate it car. I love mine and would only replace it with another Z.
BUT, All 3 are great sports cars, you need to ask yourself what YOU REALLY want. The S2000 is nice, but hard work, the Boxter isn't a proper Porsche ( you need a 911 for that) and is fugly..( IMO). The Z is a love it or hate it car. I love mine and would only replace it with another Z.
I was deciding between those same cars a few months ago. I chose the S2000. Just kidding 
I heard the S2000 is hard work and need to go to high revs to kick in. The Boxter is supposed to be the best to drive and apparently unrivalled in it's league but I didn't like they way it looks at all. I kept thinking about the Z4 form the moment I considered it so that's what I got. In hindsight I would have got an M but don't think I could've afforded one.
We'll all be biased here of course so ask around.
z4dsun, I disagree about the build quality. A lot of things about the Z4 feel relatively cheap considering how much they cost. Is the Boxster worse??
I heard the S2000 is hard work and need to go to high revs to kick in. The Boxter is supposed to be the best to drive and apparently unrivalled in it's league but I didn't like they way it looks at all. I kept thinking about the Z4 form the moment I considered it so that's what I got. In hindsight I would have got an M but don't think I could've afforded one.
We'll all be biased here of course so ask around.
z4dsun, I disagree about the build quality. A lot of things about the Z4 feel relatively cheap considering how much they cost. Is the Boxster worse??
I've driven all 3. The Boxster is the nicest to drive i think. But thats the short answer.
I owned an s2000 for a while and its a mental car that needs eye popping concentration to drive on the limit. It was to off/on for me whereby you would be essentialy in two different cars. One a basic civic with with no roof, and the other a very 'live' definitive sports car that only a VERY good driver could make the most of. Now, being a fair to average driver this made the car a bit useless.
I bought a Z4 and it was immediately apparent that this was a much better all-rounder. As a road car/tourer it wipes the floor with the s2000.
The Z4, if you buy the 3.0 has bags of torque, meaning its effortless to potter around in, as well as fun when you feel like thrashing it.
The point is, the medium ground of most of your driving is a more pleasurable experience.
The boxster is similar to the Z4 only better feeling. The balance is brilliant, the noise is great (only driven the 3.2), the gearchange and controls are just spot on. If i had the money i would have one. But, its not just the purchase price you have to consider as porsches do have the HIGH running costs.
Which brings me to my conclusion....buy a z4, go as fast as the other two, only with lower running costs than the porker, and more useable power than the s2000.
I owned an s2000 for a while and its a mental car that needs eye popping concentration to drive on the limit. It was to off/on for me whereby you would be essentialy in two different cars. One a basic civic with with no roof, and the other a very 'live' definitive sports car that only a VERY good driver could make the most of. Now, being a fair to average driver this made the car a bit useless.
I bought a Z4 and it was immediately apparent that this was a much better all-rounder. As a road car/tourer it wipes the floor with the s2000.
The Z4, if you buy the 3.0 has bags of torque, meaning its effortless to potter around in, as well as fun when you feel like thrashing it.
The point is, the medium ground of most of your driving is a more pleasurable experience.
The boxster is similar to the Z4 only better feeling. The balance is brilliant, the noise is great (only driven the 3.2), the gearchange and controls are just spot on. If i had the money i would have one. But, its not just the purchase price you have to consider as porsches do have the HIGH running costs.
Which brings me to my conclusion....buy a z4, go as fast as the other two, only with lower running costs than the porker, and more useable power than the s2000.
Pull the trigger.
It's the only car that I have had two of (2.5 and now 3.0).
I've seen an 04 3.0 manual with 60k for £9800 today inc 1 yr warrantee. What a steal!
Makes great sense - low running cost, high appeal, great drive, - the NHS should give them away as they make you feel good too!
Just drive all three and you will know why we are all here.
Sceptre
It's the only car that I have had two of (2.5 and now 3.0).
I've seen an 04 3.0 manual with 60k for £9800 today inc 1 yr warrantee. What a steal!
Makes great sense - low running cost, high appeal, great drive, - the NHS should give them away as they make you feel good too!
Just drive all three and you will know why we are all here.
Sceptre
My 2-cents (actual value may vary)...
Given those options, I'd support the Zed wholeheartedly.
Although the S2000 is an admirable performer, it's feeling a bit "long in the tooth" to me. And with the possible exception of the original Miata, the finest examples of roadster designs emanate from Europe. The "flame" styling of the Zed isn't for everyone, but it makes a uniquely distinct and sculptural statement. I also prefer a classic analog driving interface, and the S2000's video game dash isn't for me (but tastes vary). Lastly, the Z feels practically cavernous compared to the Honda's cramped quarters.
The Boxster is a more than capable road-hugger, but it seems almost too precise — almost to the point that it's less "seat of your pants" fun. Depending on the year, the button-festooned cockpit is nothing special and makes you feel the same. Even though more recent years have improved on interior finishes, it still feels less sporting. And although the Boxster is a case study in design evolution, it is a dime-a-dozen on the roadways (if you're looking for a bit of comparative exclusivity).
FWIW, I was recently in similar shoes... cross shopping the new TT and a beaut of a 2007 Cayman, when the local BMW dealer unexpectedly got an even more beautiful 2007 3.0Si Coupe. I previously had two roadsters (Z3 and TT) so was looking for coupes. The Z4 Coupe's style was so striking that it never even made it to the lot... The TT and Cayman are great cars, but the Z4 makes you feel special. Everything from the seating position, to the spartan "road-focused" interior to the pounding rumble of the horses out front just comes together.
You have the benefit of considering some great cars, though. And you're certain to opt for the best for you. But for the money, it's hard to beat a Z.
Cheers!
Given those options, I'd support the Zed wholeheartedly.
Although the S2000 is an admirable performer, it's feeling a bit "long in the tooth" to me. And with the possible exception of the original Miata, the finest examples of roadster designs emanate from Europe. The "flame" styling of the Zed isn't for everyone, but it makes a uniquely distinct and sculptural statement. I also prefer a classic analog driving interface, and the S2000's video game dash isn't for me (but tastes vary). Lastly, the Z feels practically cavernous compared to the Honda's cramped quarters.
The Boxster is a more than capable road-hugger, but it seems almost too precise — almost to the point that it's less "seat of your pants" fun. Depending on the year, the button-festooned cockpit is nothing special and makes you feel the same. Even though more recent years have improved on interior finishes, it still feels less sporting. And although the Boxster is a case study in design evolution, it is a dime-a-dozen on the roadways (if you're looking for a bit of comparative exclusivity).
FWIW, I was recently in similar shoes... cross shopping the new TT and a beaut of a 2007 Cayman, when the local BMW dealer unexpectedly got an even more beautiful 2007 3.0Si Coupe. I previously had two roadsters (Z3 and TT) so was looking for coupes. The Z4 Coupe's style was so striking that it never even made it to the lot... The TT and Cayman are great cars, but the Z4 makes you feel special. Everything from the seating position, to the spartan "road-focused" interior to the pounding rumble of the horses out front just comes together.
You have the benefit of considering some great cars, though. And you're certain to opt for the best for you. But for the money, it's hard to beat a Z.
Cheers!
Like others have mentioned the S2000 is a car that needs to be revved high in order to produce the excitement it is designed for. In urban environment, it rides like a Civic. In northern climates, the S2000 can be truly used for about 15 days a year. :evil: If you like the Boxster, for the same amount of money I would suggest trying an older 911. Two of my colleagues have a 2005 Boxster and a 1999 911 Cab and there is absolutely no comparison possible. 
The Z4 is for the money the best investment and I find it better looking than a Porsche 911. 
The Z4 is for the money the best investment and I find it better looking than a Porsche 911. Like you I was deciding between those cars approximately a year ago. :? I would recommend you go test drive all 3 cars, and do take your time in making your decision. Since you are shopping for a pre-owned sports car, sometimes you need to be patient in order to find your special pristine condition sports car within your budget. The worst thing you could do is to fall in love with one of the first few cars you test drive. :evil: Lets face it, your emotions will be running high when you are test driving a powerful shinny roadster. :roll: When you go car shopping, always bring a friend with you. Your friend may offer a different perspective on the car.
BTW you can't go wrong with any one of the three cars. The S2000 begs to be revved. The basic Boxster handles really well but lacks the low end grunt. The Boxster S model has a little more power but at a higher price. IMHO the Zed 4 gives you the best bang for your buck. If you can afford it go for the M Coupe or M Roadster.
Happy hunting and good luck!
BTW you can't go wrong with any one of the three cars. The S2000 begs to be revved. The basic Boxster handles really well but lacks the low end grunt. The Boxster S model has a little more power but at a higher price. IMHO the Zed 4 gives you the best bang for your buck.
If you can afford it go for the M Coupe or M Roadster.Happy hunting and good luck!
H 2000 - I just didn't like how the engine sounded when at the high RPM's (fun zone) when I test drove it. Plus it didn't give me the "wow" fun drive feeling that the z4 does no matter how fast I drive it.
Porsche Boxter - well I've never driven one, but I did race with one (can't remember the year) at the track, and he couldn't really pull away from me, nor I him. But IMO he had an easier time it seemed around some corners, but he could of just been slightly better as a driver than me.
The Z4 - well after uhm a year an a half (or so) and around 15k miles (I'm sure I added more than that-47k atm) I still walk out of my door, look at the car, smile big, and go wow what a sexy f'n car.
Porsche Boxter - well I've never driven one, but I did race with one (can't remember the year) at the track, and he couldn't really pull away from me, nor I him. But IMO he had an easier time it seemed around some corners, but he could of just been slightly better as a driver than me.
The Z4 - well after uhm a year an a half (or so) and around 15k miles (I'm sure I added more than that-47k atm) I still walk out of my door, look at the car, smile big, and go wow what a sexy f'n car.
Good topic!
I almost bought a boxster and for me it didnt come down to ride quality, but what you got for comparable budgets. I bascially could either get a fully speced z4 or an older, basic spec boxster 2.7. I wanted as new as possible and with the boxster facelift, risiduals are still pretty tight.
I almost bought a boxster and for me it didnt come down to ride quality, but what you got for comparable budgets. I bascially could either get a fully speced z4 or an older, basic spec boxster 2.7. I wanted as new as possible and with the boxster facelift, risiduals are still pretty tight.
I've owned all 3!
All great cars and all very different
S2000 amazing car, not a civilised as either of the others but a real drivers car. I had one for 20k miles and loved every one of them including this summer a 3k miles trip around Europe. I still miss that car
Boxster S I've had 3! Great engine the 3.2, sounds great and pulls really well into 3 figures and they handle like a dream almost too well in fact. Talk of them not being a real Porsche is bollocks!
They do however have issues clutches, rear main seals, suspension bushes etc the list goes on! You need to budget 2-3k a year to maintain them correctly!
I've had a 3.0 Z4 for about 8 weeks now and love it, great engine and fuel economy (how do they do that) and a design thats really been thought about with some great features although I do find the traction control/dsc a bit too intrusive and stops me having fun!
All great cars and all very different
S2000 amazing car, not a civilised as either of the others but a real drivers car. I had one for 20k miles and loved every one of them including this summer a 3k miles trip around Europe. I still miss that car
Boxster S I've had 3! Great engine the 3.2, sounds great and pulls really well into 3 figures and they handle like a dream almost too well in fact. Talk of them not being a real Porsche is bollocks!
They do however have issues clutches, rear main seals, suspension bushes etc the list goes on! You need to budget 2-3k a year to maintain them correctly!I've had a 3.0 Z4 for about 8 weeks now and love it, great engine and fuel economy (how do they do that) and a design thats really been thought about with some great features although I do find the traction control/dsc a bit too intrusive and stops me having fun!
I too considered each of these cars, in fact I joined the Boxster forum first and they inadvertidely (no idea how to spell that word) led me to the Z4 forum! This was due to the fact as Tim said, they recommended budgeting £2-3k per year and the fact that there were several known issues AND less MPG etc, the Z was just much more of an attractive proposition. I'm still to buy a Z but it's the Z4 3.0i for me.................so what's my recommendation after all this? Go buy yourself a Boxster, means there will be more Z's available for me to choose and will keep the prices down! :evil:
Hear, hear! Well put.timcullen said:
Although people who make such statements are generally the proud owner of some s**t heap rustbucket econobox, so of course they'd know!
Another oft' heard spouting that I enjoy is "they got a Boxster <but wanted/because they couldn't afford> a 911". Probably true. But by that token I got a Z4 because I wanted but couldn't afford a 996 Turbo S Cabriolet. Or an M6. Or a Carrera GT. So does that mean a Z4's crap? Because I'd disagree with that!