Porsche Boxster Running Costs?

Posted by: Paul Hutchings on 02 April 2006

I'm not old enough for a mid-life crisis but I'm now considering a Boxster (new 987 shape).

Does anyone have one and can you give me some ideas of running costs?

So far I've seen the menu price servicing costs, and had a couple of insurance quotes, I've looked at some rough guides on depreciation and it's not as silly as I thought - in fact although the car costs more than, say, an MX-5 it appears after three years it might not have lost a lot more, or cost stupid amounts more to run.

I don't know anybody who has one, so rather than go simply off press write-ups I wondered if anyone here has one and can tell me anything?

thanks,
Paul
Posted on: 04 April 2006 by Not For Me
[People said .... ] [stuff about the best Porsche]

I am sorry if in my previous post anybody thought I was ignoring them or putting a slight on thier vehicles.

So all the 959 and Carrera GT owners on the forum, I take it back, your cars are worthy of high praise too.

DS
Posted on: 04 April 2006 by Paul Hutchings
Thanks Matt. They did also give me figures based on a £15k balloon, which were (with £5k down again) £592 a month over 36 months, overall you save around £500 on the total paid.

I hope I'm looking at this the right way by concentrating on the difference (what I'd call the "real" interest it's cost me) after 3 years between the invested £35k + compounded interest, and the total cost of buying on a balloon payment deal.
Posted on: 04 April 2006 by manicatel
Hi Jay. Yes, you do pay interest on the balloon. The balloon is part of the overall loan;look at it as just that its a big final payment to keep the monthly instalments lower. Some say its a way of having a car that you wouldn't be able to afford.
Paul, if the deal feels right for you, then it is. A 15k balloon is fairly safe. Personally, I think I'd put a larger deposit in, & keep the monthly instalments to around £400 per month. £600ish a month is a lot of money to me for a car, but if you're happy with that figure, you will definitely be keeping ahead of the monthly depreciation, which as I said, I feel to be key. Remember that the figures they quoted you are not set in stone, & that their apr rates are negotiable to a degree, so don't be scared of trying to knock them down a bit more yet.Even with a superb car like a 987, there are always deals to be had. You could try to go to another dealer, get their best figure, & play them off against each other.It extends the process, but could save you a tank of gas or so a month!
matt
Posted on: 04 April 2006 by Steve Bull
quote:

Bit of a side-issue, and at some point I need to speak to an IFA anyway, but what options are there to get a decent return on the £35k with no risks?

Paul
I'm an IT manager, not an IFA but the options seem to be (in no order of preference or recommendation):
1. Cash ISA - 4 to 5% tax-free but max £3,000 per tax year
2. Premium bonds as per Beano's suggestion (max holding £30k I think)
3. Overpay a chunk of mortgage (if applicable) - tax-free return equivalent to your mortgage interest rate though watch for repayment penalties if you're still in a discount/fixed rate period.

To get a better return than that, you're really looking at riskier investments.

Educate yourself at www.fool.co.uk

Steve.
Posted on: 08 April 2006 by Paul Hutchings
Just done the dirty deed and got back from ordering a Boxster. Wanted to say thanks to all those who've provided info/advice/opinions etc. It's much appreciated.

Paul
Posted on: 08 April 2006 by John Channing
quote:
Originally posted by Paul Hutchings:
Just done the dirty deed and got back from ordering a Boxster. Wanted to say thanks to all those who've provided info/advice/opinions etc. It's much appreciated.


What spec? You won't regret it, it's a fantastic car.
John
Posted on: 08 April 2006 by Paul Hutchings
quote:
Originally posted by John Channing:
What spec? You won't regret it, it's a fantastic car.
John


Went for the 2.7l in Seal Grey with the grey roof. Someone on a Boxster forum has that combo and sent me some pics and it looks great IMHO, I think the black roof is too much of a "top/bottom" divider.

I've kept the goodies to a minimum, I'm not going to blow loads of money on toys that won't get used so I went for metallic paint, leather sports seats, automatic climate control, wind deflector, and the uprated sound system (not the Bose), oh and colour logo wheel caps Smile

The bad thing is I have to wait until September, the good thing is it'll be a 56 plate, and by then apparently the engine should be a little more powerful.

I'd love to think I'm above this sort of thing but I feel like a big kid and I can't bloody wait Smile

Paul
Posted on: 08 April 2006 by John Channing
quote:

I've kept the goodies to a minimum, I'm not going to blow loads of money on toys that won't get used so I went for metallic paint, leather sports seats, automatic climate control, wind deflector, and the uprated sound system (not the Bose), oh and colour logo wheel caps Smile


Seems like a sensible choice. I didn't choose the spec on my car because I bought one that was in stock (couldn't wait!) I have a wind deflector, but I am not convinced it does much. I would consider the SatNav indispensible, but it's obviously pretty pricey. I would also say that heated seats are pretty much essential as they allow you to drive the car with the roof down in winter/spring if you happen to get a bright sunny (but cold) day. The Sports Chrono is probably the biggest waste of money, I don't think I've ever used it.
John