awatts

I have reached that point in my life that my next car need to be fun.I have narrowed the gap to an S2000 or a Boxter. My budget will allow me to buy an 02 S2000 or a 99/00 Boxter with 30k miles.
Which one?

FCGuy

Drive both and take the one that talks to you.

First, given typical est asking price of $30K for '00 Boxster, I think you might be able to get a new '03 S2000, certainly an '02. With that...

S2000 for:
New, full warranty, 0 miles, no worries on how treated by previous owner. Lower service/upkeep costs. Better reliability rep. Glass rear window ('03 Boxsters added). Better numbers performance. As sharp a handling car. 9000 rpm shriek.

Boxster for:
Porsche cachet. Better low-mid rpm power. Better rep for balance & even handling. Wonderful sound. Personally, I prefer the interior & exterior. Better resale (Honda's is hi, but you'll take substantial new car hit). More cargo room. Questionable reliability (see Consumer Reports).

Should provide many 's either way. Good luck!

Ray S (Chicago)

Both are "at the top of the class". In many ways they are very different despite their similar missions.

FC makes some good points, drive them both so you can make your own choice. Good Luck.....

DarioManfretti

Read the comparison in Consumer Reports. The S2000 is the top rated roadster out there. Although the Boxster is fine. Also keep in mind that repair costs for a Porsche is very high.

ejis

These were two of my finalists as well. I chose the S2000 simply because I fell in love with the car when I drove it for the first time. I enjoyed the Boxster very much, there were some things about it I like more than the S - and I've always been a Porschephile - but like FCGuy said, the Honda just "spoke" to me, and managed to talk me outta $30k+ I haven't regretted it for a day since though. The new car warranty and reliablilty were issues, but those weren't the deciding factor for me.

alexf20c

This is an S2000 board so of course most of us are going to recommend the S2000. You shuold ask this question at a domestic or Civic board, where the answers won't be so biased.

With that said, my only answer is this: If you gotta ask, this car isn't for you.

Z06-KILLR

Honestly I would drive both and leave it up to you. Both cars feel completely different. Once you have driven both of them, it will be clear which one you should get.

Angel

awatts

Thanks all for some great feed back. Having read many of the consumer reports it is quite clear that the Honda is light years ahead in reliability and full of the 'fun factor'.
The Porsche has the 'snob' factor.
Anyhow I shall have a lot of fun trying out a few more but I have to say I am leaning towards the Honda which was my initial choice.

2001_s2000

[QUOTE]Originally posted by awatts
[B]Thanks all for some great feed back.

Fanman

If those are your two choices I would probably say S2000. The 99 BOXSTERS did not have the power increases (went from 201 to 217, now 225). The Boxster has a nice engine (good torque) and is a better everyday driver in my opinion. The chassis is very neutral, and mid engine. The S2000 drives like a civic around town, but when you push it hard, it really comes to life. If the choice was a new Boxster vs. S2000 I would probably go with the Boxster, but the older ones have shortcomings that were dealt with in the subsequent improvements. BTW, they are offering substantial discounts on new Boxsters. See if you can get a deal.