WilliamS2K

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the IMS issues that Porsches have had for the past decade or so. I've also considered a Boxster S and have since completely turned my back to them after researching them. The worst part is that the failures are not based on age, mileage or usage. They are completely random. It may fail at 20k or 100k. Frankly, I'm surprised that such a renown automaker such as Porsche didn't correct their design flaw immediately after the complaints started pouring in.

Chris S

Probably b/c the IMS issues are pretty much restricted to the 9x6 series cars, which aren't part of this discussion. I'd never consider a 9x6 aside from a GT3 (which isn't afflicted by such issues), so that's pretty irrelevant for this discussion.

Saki GT

Well, Porsches are a blast to drive until the IMS goes out! I guess I wouldn't buy one without a warranty to go with it, at least until the new engine Porsche has trickles down into the Boxster.

mxt_77

Personally, if I had to have a convertible, it would not be a 911. If I bought a 911, it would be a coupe. If you want a convertible Porsche, I'd say go with the Boxster S.

don2007

Zonda. Go with the R if you want better performance.

JonBoy

@ don

st4rk

996TT's do not suffer the same IMS failures like the non-turbo M96 engines.

Jacques79

Aside from an S2000, my personal favorite roadsters are:

-2008+ Lotus Elise SC

-987S

-Z4M


The supercharged Elise is totally insane. It's on another planet when it comes down to driving pleasure. After a test drive in the Elise, you'll think your power steering is broken once you get back into your car...

Do yourself a favor and test drive a 2008 Elise. The addition of the supercharger makes the acceleration so much better below 6000RPMs. And that supercharge noise coming from behind your ears...

If you need more comfort-space and decide to get the Boxster S, make sure to get the 2007 model as is gets 15 more HP and torque, .2L of extra displacement, as well as more agressive gearing.

The 987S, especially the 2007+ model, is a huge upgrade over the 986S which was already a great car.

The Z4M is basically the same from 2006 to 2008. They added an MP3 aux in jack in 2007 I believe. Great car, ballistic driving experience, but not as ''precise'' as the 987S. It does weigh 300 pounds more, which you can feel.

I still consider the Z4M an upgrade over an S2000. It just takes the driving experience to another level. Downshift a gear or two on the highway and you'll grin from ear to ear as you see the front hood lifting up

The transmission is also better than the E46 M3 unit. More precise, not as vague and rubbery.

You can't go wrong with any of these cars. You should test drive them all in one day to have a good idea of what you really want in a roadster.

Disclaimer: the above-mentioned information is based solely on my personal-subjective experience.

[DT]

Is the Elise available in an actual roadster vs. a targa? I realize there's just a minor difference between the two.

I think the Elise might be a little too light in the luxury/cruising aspect[?]

Good input though and I hadn't even considered the Lotus (I'll do a little research since this isn't something that will happen in the near term).

mingster

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