M3 or Boxter S?

Zascar

For my next car I've pretty much narrowed it down to either a BMW M3 or a Porsche Boxter S. Very different cars I know - but both very special in thir own way. The M3 is an obviously a cracking car, fantastic drivers car, great looking, street cred, and practical too! I know some perceive the Boxter as a hairdressers car - but that does not bother me at all. I like the idea of having a Porsche before I'm 30, I've always wanted a convertible - and it is undoubtedly a fantastic sports car.

I'll probably be spending about 30-35k and won't be until next year some time - not sure yet. I might bring it in from the UK as there is a larger selection of cars that are better maintained there.

Running costs do concern me. Neither are exactly economical but my guess is that the BMW would be worse. Servicing costs are going to be the main issue. Anyone know what it is going to cost to service these types of cars?

What would you pick if you were me, and have you any tips or advice on either car?

Thanks

kdevitt

M3 will be cheaper to run I'd imagine, but I'd go for the Boxster. Its a fantastic car - thats coming from an M3 owner.

You'll get some people calling the Boxster a poor mans Porsche, but they're all idiots and Clarkson wannabes.

Churchy

I'd imagine the M3 would be cheaper to service , they probably have comparable fuel economy. Do you need a five seat car with a sensible boot?
If not go for the Porsche.

Older M3's have a slightly downmarket image - should be easy to pickup a clean ,unmolested ,1 owner Boxster.

Pete4779

Zascar wrote: »

I like the idea of having a Porsche before I'm 30, I've always wanted a convertible - and it is undoubtedly a fantastic sports car.

I'll probably be spending about 30-35k and won't be until next year some time - not sure yet. I might bring it in from the UK as there is a larger selection of cars that are better maintained there.

What would you pick if you were me, and have you any tips or advice on either car?

Thanks

If it's only the "idea" of "a" Porsche, then be aware you are buying with heart more than head. I would say M3 (I assume E46). They are a solid car, with a good reputation, with a backseat.

The image of M3 = someone who likes a subtle car that is quick, etc.,
The image of Boxter = a Porsche. The S has great reviews, but I would say it's more of an image conscious car than the M3 is.

If you are image conscious, then "a" Porsche would probably suit better. You also said that you wanted a convertible, so again, it seems its' the physical style of the car is what attracts you to a car more than what's underneath, so again, the Porsche would be the choice (seeing as the Porsche name and brand, style is something you value over a car that could be unnoticed in traffic).

junkyard

I'd go for the M3 any day over the Porsche, the Boxter is way over-rated in my view anyway and yes I've had both.

Anan1

Why not a good 911 cabriolet, it'll be nicer than a Boxster, it'll depreciate less, and it has back seats.

Plug

junkyard wrote: »

I'd go for the M3 any day over the Porsche, the Boxter is way over-rated in my view anyway and yes I've had both.

Im with you on that except the part were you said i had both:D

junkyard

Plug wrote: »

Im with you on that except the part were you said i had both:D

Well I only had them to sell them.:)

drdre

M3 anyday.Hopefully will get one soon as i have always wanted one in the Savage blue , Look on carzone for some amazing M3's, Go for the SMG gearbox if you can

cantdecide

M3- it's a complete, self contained finished article that can't rightly be knocked. If the boxster wasn't a porsche it would be too but it is and so it's a wishy washy intro model.

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=865248 here's a real porsche in your budget.

Anan1

cantdecide wrote: »

M3- it's a complete, self contained finished article that can't rightly be knocked. If the boxster wasn't a porsche it would be too but it is and so it's a wishy washy intro model.

This only makes sense if the badge is more important than the car.

smartypantz

We'll assume you've read *all* buyers guides/model details regarding both cars.

I'm a wee bit biased (as a long term Carrera owner )

I can't comment on the Beamer, having never driven one. But, have read a lot about the Boxster.
Which even in baby form (original 2.7) is an excellent car, tho a little underpowered IMO.
Boxsters also have long service intervals. Plus, its a Porsche, so expect an unburstable/long lived engine.
Get a good independent and your service bills will be little more than a family car! (thats another thread)

Design, well thats up to you! IMHO the Boxster hints at the old Porsche 550. Ignore comments about pur-man's, they're only made by jealous types.

All the best with your search!

CarLover

smartypantz wrote: »

Ignore comments about pur-man's, they're only made by jealous types.

Why do people say things like this? That's hardly the case...I could afford a Boxster S in the morning...I could not afford a 911. So if I say the Boxster is bought more for badge than car that does not make me 'the jealous type'!

Undoubtedly the Boxster is a poised and fun drive - however there's no getting away from the dreadful image it has if you're a man. Same rule applies to the MX5...wonderful little car, rwd and a hoot to drive...but hairdressers receptionists image unfortunately.

And if you want to you can tell me that you don't buy a car for the image you buy it...blah blah blah...but it's a factor for most people.

in relation to the original question - I would say M3 hands down (these two cars are in very different leagues)...but with one caveat - buy a good one from the UK yourself...not some knackered yoke with huge mileage.

High&Low

What is the performance difference between the M3 and the Boxster S?

For practicality reasons the M3 wins every time, but if you like the idea of a Porsche or space/seats in the car is not an issue...

GoalsGoneWild

May sound obvious - but it might be an idea to take both for a long test drive and see which you prefer???

Make sure you bring it in before July 1st next year btw. Can't imagine that either of those will be too far below the top CO2 band...

Good luck with it. You'll be getting a good car no matter which way you go...

RobAMerc

I would say Porsche - particularly if you live in Dublin and your under 30.

Reason being - it would be almost comparable to drive in terms of handling and power for the few days you'll actually get to drive it on the open roads , plus if you live in Dublin you can use the top down while stuck in traffic, therefore enjoy it on ordinary days (if its not raining), something you'll not do with the handling and power !

Also as your under 30 and not married with kids etc you can have a 2 seater car no problem, the BMW M cars will be still a real possibility when you do have them.

rs

I think the only problem with both Porche and the Boxter is their image. The Boxter is a great car, and just about everyone agrees one this. It looks great, handles well etc.

But the general perception is always going to be this.

1. Porche == Im having a mid-life crisis
2. Porche Boxter == I'm having a mid-life crisis and couldn't afford a 911

Sorry.

R

Zascar

I'm really not concerned with how other people percieve the general image of my car - it's what i think about it that matters, The Poor Mans Porsche bollocks annoys me. I'm 27 I'm doign well to be able to afford a boxter, there are very very few who can afford a 911 at this age.

I think I do need to test drive both to get a good idea but you've all made good points so far! Keep em comin!

S.I.R

porsche are rubbish , bmw ( once its pre 36 ) m3 is 100 times better.

RobAMerc

Zascar wrote: »

I'm really not concerned with how other people percieve the general image of my car - it's what i think about it that matters, The Poor Mans Porsche bollocks annoys me. I'm 27 I'm doign well to be able to afford a boxter, there are very very few who can afford a 911 at this age.

I think I do need to test drive both to get a good idea but you've all made good points so far! Keep em comin!

Good man - please don't let a cars image sway your decision, thats just silly.
Buy the car you want because you like it.

I certainly never thought any less of someone because they drove a Porsche

TCP/IP

I am in the exactly same position, can not deciede on a M3 (SMG) or a boxter S

galwaytt

S.I.R wrote: »

porsche are rubbish , bmw ( once its pre 36 ) m3 is 100 times better.

nothing like scientific fact, is there........??:rolleyes:

btw - if you don't need the rear seats, buy a Boxster - you certainly won't be bringing one into Ireland after July, so do it now. And you don't need to spend 35k, either.........

M3? Well, quite apart from looking like every other 316-from-poland-but-with-a-bodykit, I'm sure it's a nice car. Mind you, my sis-in-law is distinctly UNIMPRESSED by the quality of her 3-series coupe - it lives in the garage !

Boxster cheap to buy and cheap to run. Get it serviced religiously and it'll outlive you. At least, years on, you'll be able to say btdt........

If you're in the market for a Boxster, it's extremely unlikely you're in the market for a 911, anyway, unless you're buying v.old..........and I don't advocate that.

TCP/IP

The Boxter S is hardly cheap a decent 04 would be €50,000

unkel

Tough choice. In your situation I'd probably go for the Porsche for the same reasons as RobAMerc stated. Also the Boxster in your budget has probably had a much easier life and it will be easier to sell on

If you're importing either, make sure you have done it before July '08!

Zascar

Lads what difference will it have after July 08 for bringing in a car from the UK?

Eoin

galwaytt wrote: »

M3? Well, quite apart from looking like every other 316-from-poland-but-with-a-bodykit, I'm sure it's a nice car. Mind you, my sis-in-law is distinctly UNIMPRESSED by the quality of her 3-series coupe - it lives in the garage !

An e46 coupe is an awful lot harder to make look like an M3, I've not seen many convincing replicas at all. The e36 M3 was a lot easier to replicate.

unkel

Zascar wrote: »

Lads what difference will it have after July 08 for bringing in a car from the UK?

Both cars will attract 36% VRT based on the Open Market Selling Price (what the VRO reckons the car sells for in Ireland) instead of the current 30%. That's an additional €2,100 it will cost based on your budget

And both cars will have an annual motor tax of €2,000 (currently €1,343 rising to €1,491 from 01/02/2008)

cancan

Get the porsche - BMW will bankrupt you in repairs if it is not under warranty.
Anyone who says that the boxster is a poor mans 911, knows nothing about cars.

And as for the hairdresser/receptionist tags, I don't know of too many hairdressers and receptionists driving around in porsches!

The S is the model to go for.

Traumadoc

Caymen S is the one to go for- 911 beater.

Zascar

Traumadoc wrote: »

Caymen S is the one to go for- 911 beater.

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=815010
Not a bad idea! Although I'm about 55k short!

Rowley Birkin QC

M3 for me too.

"When you drive a Boxster, you do not savour the mid-engined balance or the hand-crafted soundtrack. Because this car doesn’t remind you what it is. It reminds you, all the time, of what it’s not. And what it’s not is a 911. "
-Clarksonius.

rs

Zascar wrote: »

I'm really not concerned with how other people percieve the general image of my car - it's what i think about it that matters, The Poor Mans Porsche bollocks annoys me.

Just be prepared to be reminded that you have a "poor mans Porsche" with alarming regularity. If it annoys you already, it'll get very old, very fast.

Zascar wrote: »

I'm 27 I'm doign well to be able to afford a boxter, there are very very few who can afford a 911 at this age.

Indeed. Not denying that. I'm just saying that if you buy an M3 you won't have to listen to the "poor mans Porsche" for as long as you own the car.

MarkN

Zascar wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=815010
Not a bad idea! Although I'm about 55k short!

I was so close to buying one before I made up my mind and went for the 335.

Would you consider an older 911? This one has one owner from new and would probably be same ish price as a 04 Boxster S.

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=755090

I can understand that you might want something a bit newer though. I was kinda in the exact same boat as you only a few months ago and I ruled out a 2002 or so 911 as I was just scared of the price of replacing things, that and the prospect of owning a Porsche at 25 and wondering what the hell I was going to want to drive in my 30s - you've touched on that point a little so I can understand that bit too!

TomMc

Porsche for me too but would much prefer a Honda NSX instead.

smurf32

u should buy a skyline r 34 much better than both of them and if u r going
for a uk car dont but 1 older than 2 years and 35k r u will b sorry!!!
From my ex most of the cars over that r ruff the underbody will b in bits
Jap all the way!!!!!;)

MarkN

Mad as Skylines are, we're talking about an M3 or a Boxster S here. They're in a totally different class.

cpoh1

MarkN wrote: »

Mad as Skylines are, we're talking about an M3 or a Boxster S here. They're in a totally different class.

I agree, the R34 GTR Skyline is in a totally different league performance wise to these cars. But if its a drivers car you want then the skyline is the only one to go for.

The boxster is a posers car. It handles just great and has a beaut of an engine because its a porsche. Build quality is good as its a porsche and it looks nice because did I mention it already, its a porsche. BUT for all its attributes its a car for people who want a porsche even when there's much better cars for the same money. Its not in the same league performance wise as the E46 M3 and nowhere near a skyline. The s2000 is a better and faster car for much less money.

The E46 M3 is a middle of the road performance car, not as driver orientated as the skyline but more so than the boxster. If you have to have a drop top buy an s2000 (if you dont depend on car badges to measure penis size) and with the chage get an R32 GTR skyline for those track days.

Zascar

All good points, I think really its very much down to personal preference. I agree the S2000 is a fantastic car - I have driven one - but currently I drive a 2002 Honda Civic Type R - and when I drive the S2000 it just reminded me so so much of the civic - it was just live a rear wheel drive open top version of the same car - with less practicality. I want a change...

I agree Syklines are fantastic, but they are pretty basic inside and still more of a Boy Racer image that I'm trying to get away from at the moment. I'm looking for more comfort and refinement than total out and out performance.

bitemybanger

no question about it, it would have to be the M3,
Far more comfort, reliability and value for money. Ive driven both of theese cars and the boxter s is nothing to write home about.

Menace_m3

Hi, I was thinking the same a few years ago but with the S2000, boxster not the S and the M3, as one of the guys said above they are all great cars... the stigma is that a boxster is the poor mans porsche (right or wrong you decide) where as the 911, carrera, GT etc... are the main men !!

I went for the M3 convertible in the end incredible car, loves fuel, never looked back....never driven the boxster S but the straight boxster is nothing to write home about, even to pick up the pen for semi manual roof etc.. blah blah...

My only bit of advice is think about a M3 Coupe as the convert has a real hard time on these roads with that shudder (lack of extra strength) 2 cd players later and have to use a usb stick now ha

If your in a city then I would say go for either....

Good luck in your search

drunkmonkey

Before anyone says it I know this is a Zombie thread but most of the posters are still active, i'm curious did Zascar or any of the rest of you got for the Boxter S?
I'm really really tempted to get one.

TestTransmission

5 year old thread, it's a zombie.