29 replies to this topic

[bob blackwell]

Probably. A nice, low mileage (under 60K) 968 will most likely cost nearly $14K by itself. Upgrading wheels, suspension, etc. will quickly eat up another $5K. You might want to take another long look at your Boxster S, good luck, Bob Blackwell.

[flash]

as much as i would love to see another member of the group, i have to agree

this is a 15 year old car at best, and you have to expect the things you would normally expect from that

on top of that, you will pay a premium for a car that has been well maintained - mileage has a lot less to do with it than upkeep too, as many of the parts simply "age out"

do some reading here and you will see the kinds of things that need to be done, what to expect in cost, and then you can determine whether or not a 968 is for you

the most important thing though is to go and drive one - it won't drive anything like the boxster, and that may or may not be a good thing for you

[Johannvb]

a 968 is not a cheap alternative to a Boxster, in fact I think it might be the other way round. In general 968 parts are more expensive and over here in Europe you can now buy an early Boxster for quite a bit less than a 968.

But like Flash said, drive a 968 first. It is a much more raw car than a Boxster, you might like it, you might hate it.

Good luck on your quest!

[rxter]

Agree with Johann 100%. I looked at Boxsters (both 986 and 987 variants) vs. 968s and came to the conclusion that the much smarter financial buy was the Boxter. $15K will buy a decent 986 that is a lot younger than any 968. For me, the buttdyno prefered the 968 (front engine, rear drive, manual with limited slip is my favorite kind of ride) so I went with that way. My bank account will never forgive me, but I sure do smile a lot when I'm in my car.

Like flash says, drive a couple to see what you think.

[968Syncro]

One of the things I still really appreciate about the 968 is the relative rarity. And thus getting chances to talk to people. Last week I had my periodic medical visit, where they only have valet parking, and the regular guy tells me that he always enjoys seeing me drive up in that car, kinda sparks up his morning. Then afterward I stopped in Starbucks and a guy in a S2 Cab pulls right next to me and he wants to talk about 968s as we wait in line. This probably doesn't happen with Boxsters.

Roland

[flash]

lol - nope - with a boxster you get much more pedestrian conversations, like the latest episode of "lost" (does anybody really watch that show? even gilligan got off the danged island)

but on topic, i completely agree about the exclusivity - i rather like having the "red headed step child" too

[Monstrous4Banger]

Yeah, a nice example of a 968 could run you 14k alone. Turbocharging it will cost at least that. You could find a decent one for 10ish, and put another 4k into fixing it up. Everyone wants low miles, thats why they demand a premium. Miles isnt a huge factor to me. Mine has 120k, I paid 8k. For 10k you should be able find something with a sound powertrain, then spend 4k dialing it in(suspension, wheels, bearings, etc which will ideally need the most attn), and be ok. These are 200k+ engines when maintenance is proper. If your going to pull it, an turbo it anyway, what difference does miles make, really? Make sure the pinion bearing is good, that will cost you 4-5k alone, to rebuild, or you could pick up a used one decently cheap. But 10k will get you a higher mileage car, that should last a couple years until you get the budget together to make it a monster. Id say 14k could get you a real nice starter car, its not gonna get you a pristine low mile garage queen tho....Well, it may get you into one, but thats about it. 10k should get a decent builder, and another 4k should be able to get you dialed in. Also do you plan to drive it? Low mile cars arent really ideal for daily driving. Garage queens are just that....garage queens, do you care more about concours, or driving, and modding? Id like to have a low mile example, but Id just ruin what someone worked hard preserving, by driving it, and modding it. I say mod the higher mileage stuff, long as the chassis is good, and hasnt been hit/bent, and interior cosmetics are good. Mechanicals can ALL be replaced, cosmetics on the other hand...those parts are a PITA. I think you can get it done on your budget, but dont expect a low mileage pristine example for that kind of money, these cars are too rare, and even more rare in that condition. The people selling them with low miles know this. Not only that, but a low mile car isnt necessarily better.

[White968]

Lost rules, my car has 76K on it and has had scheduled maintenance. At what point\mileage do you loose HP's?

[Monstrous4Banger]

Doesnt seem to be a set mileage that that happens at. Too many variables.

[AJG]

Just get a good standard example, look after it, oh and find some nice twisty roads to drive on, keeeping low in the box and floor it out of the corners. You won't need anything else...apart from a St Christopher maybe!

Andy