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- - SLK 350 vs Boxster S (https://www.scoobynet.com/other-marques-33/591328-slk-350-vs-boxster-s.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saxo Boy (Post 6761873)

As you all know my last car was an S2000 and my current one is a full decat 300bhp STI-5. I can assure you that the turbo lag from the Impreza on gear changes and the fact that it is total devoid of any performance below about 3500rpm is far more annoying than the S2000's so-called 'lack of torque'. The cabin is a bit tight though and the digi readout not to everyone's tastes. It's a far more appealing car to me than a Boxter though :)

Should have got a nice Spec C then mate!!!! Drove a modded one recently and just over 2k it was like Whooooshhhh!!!! lovely broad spread of power from just over 2k to the redline - utterley addictive:thumb:

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordretsudo (Post 6751104)

Has anyone had experience of owning/running these two cars? We're seriously thinking about trading in our beloved MR2 Roadster against one of the two, looking at 2004/05 cars.

The SLK 350 was our initial choice but having test driven a couple neither of us really like the fact that they're automatic (I know there is a manual option, but there are hardly any about and they're supposed to be difficult to re-sell), plus the interior is pretty shoddy I thought for a £30k car (vast expanse of dull black rubbery plastic stuff), little flair or style. We do really like the fact that it has a folding hardtop though.

The Boxster S only has a soft top, but most cars seem to be manual. I like the interior a lot more, but am not so sure about the exterior compared to the SLK. More fun to drive, sounds better, but perhaps less exclusive than the Merc (there's certainly a lot more for sale than there are SLK's)?

Both cars seem to have held their value amazingly well, especially compared to the Scoob! We'd probably be looking at a 2004 Boxster as opposed to a 2005 SLK based on a budget of ~£30k.

Any thoughts/opinions/recommendations would be very welcome as we're intending to do something about it very soon (this weekend perhaps).

I tried the SLK350 before the Boxster S (987), really wanted a shot of a 55, but there were none to try. Fairly quick, I unexpectedly liked the auto-box, but scuttle shake and the facia strewn with buttons put me off a tad. Bit of a granny image too. Tried the Boxster S the next day and there was no comparison, miles ahead, built for thrashing to the limit should you choose. Didn't go any further trying to test a SLK55 after that, knew it would be a laugh, but they were full / over list and I don't see them worth the 55k dealers were asking then. If you can wait / push it a bit the 3.4 Boxster has a lot more grunt than the figures suggest. If you really hammer your car on the twisties, I'd try and get PASM (especially with 19's) they pitch about a bit at the limit otherwise, (I include the Cayman here too, it's not a convertible flex thing). On the lovely Scottish roads I have access to, you don't need any more power, you need stunning brakes and balance.
I had an S2000 for 2 weeks, proper car, third-gear yee-haa, but you can feel the extra 15k in the Boxster in the chassis and brakes.

Why not consider Evo Magazine's favourite choice in this particular category, the 350Z:)

http://car-audio-video.info/blog/nissan-350z.jpg

It's got more than enough power, with oodles of torque from anywhere in the range. Completely different experience to the S2000 for example.

The interior is a step up from the Scoob, although it's not about to trouble the best of the European marques:) I'd recommend a test drive, although the S2000 is a fine machine, it's probably a little closer to your original choices.

It's also a fairly versatile beast, happy to drive in the city in a very civilised fashion, but more than happy to go 'hooligan-sideways' whenever you feel like it:)

Read a few decent reviews (Like Evo etc.) and get a test drive booked. Something tells me you won't be disappointed. And for your budget, you'd be looking at new as well:)

Don't kid yourself on depreciation on a Boxster, it still is mental but no where near as bad as others.

Guy at work traded his 4yr old Boxster S (£43k new) with 20k on it for a new Boxster (£38k new) - lost 21k on the old one !! OK not bad % wise but still a shed load of cash and what does the new one give him over the old one ??

If it were my £30k I would defo go for a non-S post update version with a few bits but try not to pay for the bits. How about a non franchised dealer specialist for a car still in warranty and take it to a dealer to check if anything needs replacing.

Well 20 grand is now saved and am off to Bremmen in Feb to pick up my SLK 55 Amg

Quote:

Originally Posted by andys (Post 7360536)

Well 20 grand is now saved and am off to Bremmen in Feb to pick up my SLK 55 Amg

Lovely lovely engine noise - one of the best you can get IMO.

yep can not wait. Ended up going for this colour

http://mbslk.de/modules/4nAlbum/albu...194ed46142.jpg

Very nice indeed.
Make sure you put pics up when you get it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dracoro (Post 6752610)

And if you want the best of the lot, get the Honda S2000 :D

Spot on, i was close to getting an S2000 last month but wife got the better of me.

Between a Boxter and S2000 i would go with the S2000. Just to be diffferent if nothing else, both great cars.

The merc would not come in to it for me.