Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Please note that it is not permitted to have referral links posted in your signature. Keep these links contained in the appropriate forum. Thank you.
https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2055940817/signature-rules
https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2055940817/signature-rules
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest
€13,000 - Help me choose between a Porsche Boxster 2.7l vs Chrysler Crossfire 3.2l V6
-
16-12-2010 10:42am#1Hi guys!
Will be in the market to buy a newer car after Christmas and would be interested in seeing what opinions you good folks can offer on the following choices here, or throw in your own choices that would fit my requirements.
Currently driving a 1993 Toyota Sera. Fun little car to drive but bits and pieces are starting to go on it, lacquer peeling all over the place, and I need a more reliable / presentable car for my job. The Sera is rare enough to keep and fix up little by little, so I'll be garaging her and working on her in my spare time!
Requirements:- Budget of €13,000 or less - have enough set by for tax and insurance for the year.
- Automatic transmission - restricted to auto's by licence.
- 75,000 miles (121,000 km) or less on the clock
- Would prefer to buy from a dealer so I have some kind of comeback, but am willing to go private for the right car.
- I'm only 23, so 'older gent' cars are out! :pac:
Personally, at the minute its a toss-up between a Porsche Boxster, and a Chrysler Crossfire convertible, or possibly a Mercedes of some shape or form.
I'm not that mad about Audi's or BMW's in general styling-wise (exception made for the classic 8 Series); there are only about 15 Sera's on the road in Ireland, so I'm looking for something unusual, or if not unusual, then very fun to drive.
The 2004 Chrysler Crossfire convertible has taken my eye in this regard.
I know the styling isn't to everyone's taste, but it fits my budget, is unusual enough for me to appreciate its aesthetics, and has a decent bit of poke. It also has the benefit of sharing 80% of its components with the Mercedes SLK class, which offers a degree of reliability (and spare parts!)
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Chrysler/Crossfire/AUTO-con/201019197934204/advert?channel=CARS
Have seen this one in person, tiny dent over the left rear wheel arch so I reckon I could either get them to fix it or knock down the price a little. Not spelling 'convertible' right in the title shakes my confidence a little though.. :-/
Then there's the 2002 Porsche Boxster; fairly average looking, but something about the Marque just draws me in. Seems fairly reliable, but with that kind of mileage on it, is it likely that there would be expensive repairs around the corner?
Something inside me tells me that I'd be happier in the Porsche, but that could just be the younger me in my head saying "you've always wanted a Porsche, go for it!" Not sure if the Boxster would live up well to the young boy's fantastical Porsche reputation though. :cool:
These two are the ones I've found that would fit most of my requirements. Private sale, but I'd be getting it fully checked over before I buy in any case.
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Porsche/Boxster/2.7/201044200083772/advert?channel=CARS
Or this one (may be able to stretch budget):
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Porsche/Boxster/2.7-A%23T-/201028198828327/advert?channel=CARS
Any and all opinions, alternative suggestions, car criticisms, whacky ideas and financial donations welcome! :pac:Tagged:0
Comments
-
-
-
-
-
-
Advertisement
-
-
-
Have you drove the boxster?
Looked at getting one earlier in the year, cabin in the pre facelift is quite primative. Took it for an extended test drive and realised I could never live with it as a daily driver.
350Z or S2000 worth a look, predictable, I know
0 -
-
-
Advertisement
-
-
-
-
Old school but that cash would get you a tidy Merc SL......
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2174426.htm0 -
-
-
-
-
Zubeneschamali wrote: »Should be enough for a set of tyres.
:eek:+1
I think you're being a bit optimistic. Of course it depends on your mileage too but if you have a full service and a set of tyres a year you're looking at the bones of €2k. I'd seriously consider a good aftermarket warranty on one too. Great cars but in your budget they are getting on in years and things do fail eventually.
I do tend to do quite a bit of mileage, usually about 20 - 25k a year, but that may come down a good bit as I'll be moving a fair bit closer to where my work is based.
€2K, steep but not entirely undoable if I shift some other things around / put in heaps of overtime. :pac: As for an aftermarket warranty, how would I go about purchasing one of those? From Porsche directly, from a dealer, from a local garage? Clueless!spottyelephant wrote: »
The Z4 is a little over-budget I reckon, factoring in insurance and tax and all that. Plus its a manual, as is the Elise, and I'm limited in my choices to automatics.
Although that being said, they are a STUNNING looking car, as is the Elise, and I'd snap one up in a second if I could!
The SC430 is a lovely machine, but I'm kind of looking at getting away from the Toyota / Lexus world. Definitely one to look at though, thanks!
I'm not 100% sold on the Boxster's styling myself, though they both have weird backends in fairness! How did you find the Crossfire's handling, I hear its suspension is somewhat more 'Americanised' compared to its SLK relations?Have you drove the boxster?
Looked at getting one earlier in the year, cabin in the pre facelift is quite primative. Took it for an extended test drive and realised I could never live with it as a daily driver.
350Z or S2000 worth a look, predictable, I know
Haven't driven the Boxster yet, too afraid to in case it ruins my childhood Porsche memories! :P With the Chrysler I'm EXPECTING it to be bad, so anything above 'woeful' will be a bonus! :pac: As for the cabin, if it hasn't got shiny silver plastic all over the place then its got one up on the Crossfire! But no, I just haven't yet had the chance to test drive the Boxster, will definitely do both before I make my decision though! Thanks for your input!If it was me I'd buy an S2000.
But then I'm not a badge snob.
A little over budget, but you'll save in the long run
http://www.cbg.ie/Car_Detail.aspx?ID=4049922
No badge snobbery here, I'm looking at a Chrysler for crying out loud!
S2000 would definitely be a runner, but again, I need an Auto which severely limits my choice.
Initial budget won't stretch that far, would already be pushing it at €13,500, but one can dream eh!robodonkey wrote: »Old school but that cash would get you a tidy Merc SL......
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2174426.htm
The garage with the Crossfire actually has an SL too, I'm just not mad about the 90's 'boxy' styling on them! Have a mate who practically salivates over them though, so I can definitely see where you're coming from!0 -
-
Advertisement
-
-
-
I have driven a large amount of the Porsche range and the first gen Boxster is a cracking little sports car. Looks nice, interior while not as nice as the current gen models is tough and wont fall apart over time. While not rocket fast its still a 200+ hp convertible and it handles very nicely. As a Porsche owner (who owns probably the slowest model Porsche ever made) Id said go for it!
Thanks for that LIGHTNING, its good to hear a previous owner's view! Its speed is likely going to be rocket fast in comparison to my current labour of love though; the Sera is a 1.5l, 110 bhp, body-rolling, 180 km/h limited hunk of I-don't-know-what! What's it like on juice, if you can recall at all?But the S2000 is 614 to tax, as opposed to 1200 for a 2.7 boxter and 1600 for the Crossfire. Running costs would be less too I would imagine.
Auto is a problem though, but you could learn to use a clutch and a real gearbox. It's not that hard!
Oh, and this is under budget
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Honda/S2000/201041199843237/advert?channel=CARS
Yeah the tax on both my original choices is high enough, going from paying €400 a year on my current car, and the S2000 would be absolutely perfect, but the auto is still the kicker! And less of that 'real gearbox' nonsense, I'm happy enough driving my go-kart. :pac:
Thanks for the input though! 0 -
-
+1 To everything above! To me the Boxster is an awful place to be stuck in driving a commute. Its a fun weekend car.Have you drove the boxster?
Looked at getting one earlier in the year, cabin in the pre facelift is quite primative. Took it for an extended test drive and realised I could never live with it as a daily driver.
350Z or S2000 worth a look, predictable, I know
@OP, Id very much recommend the Boxster S if you must get a Boxter, though finding one in Auto might be harder. The standard Boxster is, IMO, a bit of an everyman+ car with a Porsche badge. The S is geninely Porsche'y. The Crossfire just doesnt even bear discussion!
Saying all that, I agree 350z is a better choice.0 -
-
-
-
Is there no possibility to get your manual licence?
A Porsche boxster auto is wrong and the 'box is poor.
I could go for it, but I'm not entirely sure I'd want to drive a manual at this stage. I remember way back when I took my first driving lessons in a manual Focus, they went fine, it was all easy enough, but then I bought my current car (which is an auto) and just got so used to it that I decided to take the test in that. I also do a lot of city driving at peak times so an auto would just be handier for myself! Is the auto box noticeably bad in the Boxster?Matt Simis wrote: »+1 To everything above! To me the Boxster is an awful place to be stuck in driving a commute. Its a fun weekend car.
@OP, Id very much recommend the Boxster S if you must get a Boxter, though finding one in Auto might be harder. The standard Boxster is, IMO, a bit of an everyman+ car with a Porsche badge. The S is geninely Porsche'y. The Crossfire just doesnt even bear discussion!
Saying all that, I agree 350z is a better choice.
As you say, the Boxster S in auto would be a hard one to find; I'd probably end up having to bring one in from the UK if I went with that option, and then I'd have the VRT etc. which, despite the possible savings on the car itself, would probably be higher on a Boxster S because of the spec? I could be wrong on that one though? What you say there about the Boxster being a bit of an everyman's car with a Porsche badge, that was my initial reservation about it too - how it would measure up to the idea of a Porsche. Have you had one yourself Matt?PeakOutput wrote: »have you gotten a quote from anyone for either of the cars you want? what category is a boxter?
edit; whats the tax going to be? 400/500? insurance i would say wont be less then 2K probably closer to 3k? so you actually have around 10K to get the car. maybe im being pessimistic but i dont think so
Insurance on the Boxster comes in at €3,100 fully comp, and the Crossfire comes in at €3,900 fully comp, or €2,500 3rd party F & T. I'd much prefer fully comp insurance and these costs will certainly factor in to my overall decision.
Tax on the Boxster is €1,164; on the Crossfire its €1,566, and as I said in my OP I've factored all those variants of insurance and the tax into my costs and am left with €13K to spend, maybe €13,500 at a push.
So its doable, but it really does tighten the options that I have.
Thanks for the input though, appreciate everyone's comments!0 -
Advertisement
-
-
-
In fairness I only had a Boxster S (and didnt drove a standard) but to strip it of the bits that make it the S over the standard 2.7 would to me be a step too far, it would be very toned down. I remember seeing a promo video of people in their late 50s who always wanted a Porsche romancing about the great Porsche experience it (std model) delivers.. Not to sound like an ageist prick, but you are 23 and they are 55+, expectations are presumably very different.I could be wrong on that one though? What you say there about the Boxster being a bit of an everyman's car with a Porsche badge, that was my initial reservation about it too - how it would measure up to the idea of a Porsche. Have you had one yourself Matt?
I prefer torquey big engines and the Boxster S, despite being a 3.2 6pot does not deliver on torque or noise at all. It handled great, though not mind-numbingly great IMO. The 350z handles much better than one would suspect, sounds better, and is torquy'er. It would still likely be outhandled by a Boxster (S), but there isnt much in it.
On the flip side, the MPG on the Boxster was strangely good on the motorway (34mpg), but it is featherweight. Dont get me wrong, it was lots of fun, but I just cannot see it as an all round car.
What attracted you to these two models to begin with?
Might be hard to get insured on a 4.4litre V8 though. Its not as sporty as the other options, but at the end of the day is a 1.8ton V8 powered autobahn crusher, it has its own charms. Unfortunately the cheaper ones are early '90s which may be a mixed bag maintenance and reliability wise....there's a lot of 840's on carzone that would come in way under budget. Would that be a possibility? Not a full fat 850 but not bad...the savings on purchase price might be a good thing...
IMO the 8series is a wrencher or rich mans car.0 -
I could go for it, but I'm not entirely sure I'd want to drive a manual at this stage. I remember way back when I took my first driving lessons in a manual Focus, they went fine, it was all easy enough, but then I bought my current car (which is an auto) and just got so used to it that I decided to take the test in that. I also do a lot of city driving at peak times so an auto would just be handier for myself! Is the auto box noticeably bad in the Boxster?
As you say, the Boxster S in auto would be a hard one to find; I'd probably end up having to bring one in from the UK if I went with that option, and then I'd have the VRT etc. which, despite the possible savings on the car itself, would probably be higher on a Boxster S because of the spec? I could be wrong on that one though? What you say there about the Boxster being a bit of an everyman's car with a Porsche badge, that was my initial reservation about it too - how it would measure up to the idea of a Porsche. Have you had one yourself Matt?
Insurance on the Boxster comes in at €3,100 fully comp, and the Crossfire comes in at €3,900 fully comp, or €2,500 3rd party F & T. I'd much prefer fully comp insurance and these costs will certainly factor in to my overall decision.
Tax on the Boxster is €1,164; on the Crossfire its €1,566, and as I said in my OP I've factored all those variants of insurance and the tax into my costs and am left with €13K to spend, maybe €13,500 at a push.
So its doable, but it really does tighten the options that I have.
Thanks for the input though, appreciate everyone's comments!
ah ok if 13k is whats left after insurance and tax thats fair enough i thought you meant you had to take it out of the 13,nvm0 -
Having treated myself to a 350Z there a few months back, I couldn't give you any reason not to consider buying one.
It's as happy wafting along on a motorway as it is in the twisty N/R roads. It's also quite a happy car in traffic. That surprised me actually.
The interior is a little drab, but it all pales into insignificance.
As you can tell, I'm smitten with my 350Z.
The only foibles:- Tax is high
- Fuel consumption is mid to low 20's
- Gearbox feels a little notchy when cold (I'm told this is normal enough)
- Interior is a little drab (as stated earlier)
- It doesn't work at all on snow :eek:
Edit: They do come in Autos.
But I just re-read your post. At 23 trying to get insurance on a 3.5l V6 is going be expensive if not very difficult.
You certainly do sell it very well, I'll give you that much!
Tax is going to be relatively high whatever way I go with this, whether it's the Boxster, the Crossfire, or indeed the 350Z / 350 GT, although as you rightly mention, insurance may be the dealbreaker on that. I can imagine calling up an insurance company, giving them mine and the car's details, and listening to them laughing down the phone at me for 20 minutes! :mad:A Manual Boxster will do return 32-34mpg on a Motorways, the autos about 20-25% less. Alot of what you hear about Boxsters is from so called experts who have barely even seen one let alone driven one. The auto box while not brilliant is still ok, I drove a auto one around a track and it was fine. I find the interior is ok but looks better in some colours than others.
Fuel costs shouldn't be too much of a problem as I'll be moving closer to where my work is based, so the long commute won't be tearing into my petrol. That being said, there's also the city driving with traffic, so I'll have to factor that one in. Thanks for throwing that in there.
As for the 'experts', I find that's nearly always the way, regardless of the car in question!
Interior colours don't really bother me all that much, I'm happy enough with black / grey / tan / red, anything at all really! It'll certainly be a step-up from my current interior! :pac:0 -
-
Advertisement
-
-
20-25k miles in the Boxster will probably mean 2 sets of tires, 2 services, pads maybe...I think you'd be mad but if your mileage is going to be lower it could be do-able...there's a lot of 840's on carzone that would come in way under budget. Would that be a possibility? Not a full fat 850 but not bad...the savings on purchase price might be a good thing...
Hmmm, mileage will almost certainly be lower, but still even the thought of 2 services, tyres and pads has me doubting whether I could justifiably afford it.
Could possibly work out too expensive there, but it all comes down to whether I can justify the expense - whether the experience of owning and driving that particular car would be worth it..
I usually do all my own servicing etc., myself, although I suppose there are the necessary routine servicing checks that'll have to be done by somebody who really knows what they're doing.
A friend of the family runs a small independent garage, dealing with a lot of newer high-end cars (Mercs, BMWs etc.), he might be able to service it at cheap labour, but I suppose OEM parts would be the main expense there eh?
If push came to shove I'd really rather something like the Crossfire over the 840. Not entirely sure what it is, I mean I DO like them, but there's just a little niggle in my mind. And when it comes to buying a car that you hope to keep for some time, those niggles really eat away when you've already signed the dotted line, you know that kind of way?Personally I think you should drop your budget a little bit. You seem to be cutting running costs pretty tight, it's not worth the trouble. Especially in the current climate where you can get great deals. Try get something around the 10k mark.
Saying that, some of the links below are way above that :pac:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mazda/RX-8/---www.N/200840190264585/advert?channel=CARS
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mazda/RX-8/225-EXCL/201049200461290/advert?channel=CARS&featuredListingClickThru=true (This looks like a very good deal)
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Toyota/Celica/Auto-1.8/200951196255453/advert?channel=CARS
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Toyota/MR2/Spyder-L/201019197949174/advert?channel=CARS
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/Z4/Z4-3.0I-/201044200115762/advert?channel=CARS
Oh there will be money for running costs throughout the year, but it'll come at the expense of the money I'm putting into various other things which is really something I'd rather avoid having to do. On the other hand though, a good, nice car that I'm going to really enjoy is quite valuable to me, so the right car may be worth the trade-off!
Thanks for taking the time to search for those; I'd spotted that MR2-S before and quite liked the styling of it, but again, I've been driving a Toyota for long enough that I'm in the mood for a change. Never really been a fan of the Celica either, too similar (aesthetically) imo to the Hyundai Coupé. Mazda's don't give me that funny feeling like the thoughts of the Porsche or Crossfire do either, but your suggestions and advice are much appreciated!Matt Simis wrote: »... expectations are presumably very different.
I prefer torquey big engines and the Boxster S, despite being a 3.2 6pot does not deliver on torque or noise at all.
On the flip side, the MPG on the Boxster was strangely good on the motorway (34mpg), but it is featherweight. Dont get me wrong, it was lots of fun, but I just cannot see it as an all round car.
What attracted you to these two models to begin with?
I completely understand what you mean about differing expectations within varying age groups!
As for the torque / noise, that is a little disappointing to hear alright. Would've expected it to have quite the purr.
Not entirely sure what attracted me to the Boxster and the Crossfire; I guess the affordability of both within my budget, whilst also being aesthetically pleasing and somewhat out of the ordinary, in line with my current car. I just couldn't go to something like a Focus or an A4, styling-wise. It seems to have been one of those things where you lay your eyes on the car and think 'That's the one for me!'0 -
-
-
Hmmm, mileage will almost certainly be lower, but still even the thought of 2 services, tyres and pads has me doubting whether I could justifiably afford it.
Could possibly work out too expensive there, but it all comes down to whether I can justify the expense - whether the experience of owning and driving that particular car would be worth it..
I usually do all my own servicing etc., myself, although I suppose there are the necessary routine servicing checks that'll have to be done by somebody who really knows what they're doing.
A friend of the family runs a small independent garage, dealing with a lot of newer high-end cars (Mercs, BMWs etc.), he might be able to service it at cheap labour, but I suppose OEM parts would be the main expense there eh?
Actually, that's the beauty of it - the Boxster is such big seller, there's load's of parts available at reasonable prices for it. The likes of brakes, shocks etc are all widely available from a number of places, and they're quite reasonable. Discs are only € 87 each (Pagid), pads are €67 a set of 4. Plugs (€5), oils, filters (€15 - €30) are all the same, price-wise, as any VAG, tbh.
And, as you're looking at a Tiptronic - you don't need to know how much a clutch kit is!!...........but if you did, it's only €410 for a whole kit anyway. Lot's of 'ordinary' cars cost a lot more, tbh.......
But, and here's the but: it's popularity has meant there's a lot of drive-and-forget owners out there, so you do need to buy a good one. Do that, and you can't go too far wrong, and there's loads of help around.
It's eminently as usable as an everyday car, tbh.Ode To The Motorist
“And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road”
0 -
Advertisement
-
-
-
-
-
-
If you need to do the maths to this extent I dont think you can afford a car in this class yet.
Apart from the usual calculations on the predictable consumables -tax/insurance/tyres/servicing/fuel etc you need to think about the unforeseen issues. It's not a new car you're buying. A few moderate failures could put you out of action. Be 100% sure of the car's history. A fully stamped logbook should be a good indication for example. Far too many Irish people stretch for the brand, dont spec any extras, and then run them into the ground with barely an annual oil-change as a service.
I'm not saying you shouldnt buy, but I would advise against. I think something like an S2000, Z4, etc is more likely realistic.
They arent Porsches, but hey -get a 911 next time around.
You're obviously into your cars. In the meantime why not man-up and get a "proper" licence!
0 -
Sorry I'm only getting back to you all now, was swamped for most of the day!
@ galwaytt
Thanks for the prices and the advice there, much appreciated!SouperComputer wrote: »I don't mean to pi$$ on the OPs chips, but I think you might have the cart before the horse. If you haven't already, start calling around insurance companies and get quotes.
Tiptronic is meh IMO. I have it (well same principle "geartronic") on the S80. I nickname it "suggestive automatic" you can suggest a gear, that's about it. It's handy to be able to hold gears and whatnot, but at the end of the day its still a slushbox.
PeakOutput also mentioned this; the insurance works out at €3,100 fully comp on the Boxster and €3,900 fully comp on the Crossfire, coming down about a grand on each if I go 3rd party F & T but I'd rather get fully comprehensive.
(I do realise that my posts can be quitevery drawn out so I won't ask you to read through all of them! :P :pac: )
The €13,000 is what I'll have to spend on the actual purchase of the car after taking both tax and insurance into consideration. Tip-tronic / general autobox is a requirement for me; manuals, in my opinion, are an optional part that you have the opportunity to make redundant - sort of like evolution removing our tails when we no longer had the need for them! Granted driving a manual makes you feel more 'in tune' with the car, but with the amount of city driving I'll be doing, combined with the Auto restriction on my licence, they're just not for me. Each to their own though!Idbatterim wrote: »op the cossfire is 3.2L, if your paying top rate of tax, why not go all put for an m3 or similar?
As stated in my OP I'm not mad about a lot of BMW's styling - the M3 being 'a souped up 3 Series wearing a different suit' in the sea of 3 Series BMW's out there (I realise how sacreligious that sounds to M3 fans - I don't mean it that way it comes across! :P), and I want a more unusual looking car than a lot of what's on the road.
Performance-wise the M3 is a machine and a half, but I also want the aesthetic value of an unusual looking car, as I'm currently driving a Toyota Sera and I guess it gives me that funny feeling knowing that I'm not very likely to bump into another car the exact same. Although I suppose the fact that there are so few Crossfire's on the roads must mean something eh! :pac:
As for the Boxster, ever since I was very small I've wanted a Porsche. And now I have the opportunity to get one, albeit an entry-level model. Its just an innate draw I have to the Marque.. Call me crazy, but... :cool:
Thanks for the suggestion though!If you need to do the maths to this extent I dont think you can afford a car in this class yet.
Apart from the usual calculations on the predictable consumables -tax/insurance/tyres/servicing/fuel etc you need to think about the unforeseen issues. It's not a new car you're buying. A few moderate failures could put you out of action. Be 100% sure of the car's history. A fully stamped logbook should be a good indication for example. Far too many Irish people stretch for the brand, dont spec any extras, and then run them into the ground with barely an annual oil-change as a service.
I'm not saying you shouldnt buy, but I would advise against. I think something like an S2000, Z4, etc is more likely realistic.
They arent Porsches, but hey -get a 911 next time around.
You're obviously into your cars. In the meantime why not man-up and get a "proper" licence!
On the contrary! I come at it from the opposite viewpoint; I'm doing the maths to this extent so that I can afford a car in this class. From the suggestions and opinions given here I can get an idea of running costs, repair costs, servicing costs etc., so I can loosely plan where my income is going to go, and can have a 'kitty' for any potentially expensive repair bills. If worst comes to worst and fixing the car becomes completely economically unsound loony, then I can go back to something like I'm driving now and try again the next time I have the necessary cash.
Money, to me, is simply a means by which one gets to experience certain things in this life that would otherwise be unattainable, be they material goods, cars, clothing etc., or trips to deserted islands, and the chance to climb a mountain. If you run out of money, sure it can seem bad, but its not the end of the world; you can always earn more of it. I realise the necessity of actually possessing it in order to get by in the system that we live in, but it isn't really that important in the grand scheme of things. People have made millions, lost millions, and built it all back up again, so running out of it is just a small stumbling block in one's pursuit of the various aforementioned experiences!
WAY off-topic there, but just wanted to give you a bit of an insight into why I wouldn't have a problem putting money into something that I'm really going to enjoy. You only live once, eh!
And yes, I know all too well the general Irish attitude to taking care of cars - I used to work in precision engineering; mates used to get me to service / fix various bits and pieces on their cars. I've seen some completely unnatural gunk come out of a sump on quite a few different cars! A shame really, because with the right care and attention, they'll nearly last forever.
Another problem with the used car market here is that a huge chunk of Irish people don't keep receipts / service history, so its often hard to be 100% certain of the car's upkeep.
Personally I keep the receipts even when I buy new oil and a new sump nut; its no guarantee to the buyer that they were actually ever used, but if the car is purring, with a clean engine bay and everything visually the way it should be, and you have receipts that complement the healthy state of the car, then its a better indicator that that car has had a good life than not having anything at all.
S2000 is unfortunately a non-runner due to the lack of auto-box, and the Z4, whilst impressive and a potential option that I'm slowly coming round to considering.. I don't know.. it just isn't different enough for me. VERY sexy car though, I will admit that! :pac:
"Man-up and get a 'proper' licence!" - from the amount of city driving I do, I'll be happy to be labeled as a sissy-driver for driving my auto. :pac: Total comfort! :P
Appreciate taking the time to dole out the advice though, thanks very much!0 -
-
-
That's a lot of money to be spending on insurance.
I can understand paying that for your first car to get it comprehensively insured and so on, but to be paying that solely on a car that you'd just fancy buying.... I dunno.
And the tax on top of that as well...
If you had a full license to drive manuals, you'd be in s2000 territory and with 13k you'd get a mint one with probably money left over for tax/insurance.
I was paying 1500 to 123.ie for fully comp on a 350z last year when I was 24.
They wouldn't even entertain me this year (my insurance lapsed and I went for a new quote).
I ended up with XSDirect for 1080 as a 25yo this year ... not ideal, but I'll be damned if I'm paying over 3k (like others quoted me recently) for fully comp.. it's just too much.
If my car was worth 20k+, I might consider paying that sort of money for insurance. But to be paying 3800 on a car worth 13k is madness - to me anyway.
I'd also vote against that 2.7 Boxster... I thought the 3.2 S was a step in the right direction after driving it, but ultimately, I'd prefer the 350Z... so I really wouldn't vote for a 2.7 Boxster. And the Crossfire.... no thanks.
I'd also vote for getting a manual license and opening up your options. 13k's a lot of money to be spending and I wouldn't pigeon-hole myself by limiting my options to only autos. An S2000 is a great shout.
Hi Vertakill,
Thanks for your input!
The tax and insurance I don't really mind paying if I'm REALLY going to enjoy the car. I work very hard at my job, put in the long hours etc. (like a lot of people, of course), so I'd like to treat myself to a nice machine (and to the peace of mind that I'm not going to be left stranded when something blows up in my current one! :pac:)
I know that a manual license would open up my options a fair bit but I'm used to the Go-Kart now :P and am happy enough with the options that an auto-restriction throws at me.
To be honest (and this may be a tad sacreligious!) I'm not a huge fan of the S2000's styling. I mean don't get me wrong, I fully appreciate the beauty of it's mechanics, but something about it just doesn't appeal to my own taste and I don't think its a car that I'd be pushed getting a manual license for, but thanks for the suggestion all the same!
I'm used to high insurance, the Sera cost me €4,000 to buy and my first year of insurance was about €3,500 (on a 1.5L car.)
Obviously its come down a lot but I'm also earning a good deal more than I was back then, so I can afford it these days.
Yeah, the general consensus seems to be against the 2.7L Boxster and to go with the 3.2L 'S' version instead. How did you find it on acceleration, handling etc.?
350Z's styling doesn't really do much for me either, though again, it's a beautiful car in its own right!
Thanks a lot for the input, appreciate it!0 -
Advertisement
Advertisement