Would you have one over an STI8 PPP or a GTR Skyline?

Id prefer a Skyline

Yes.

Of course - it's a question of taste and class, ultimately. the Japanese simply don't have it.

Yes. If I wanted a convertible.

I'd take the S over any of the choices you mentioned. In fact I'd probably even take a 2.5.

Skyline would be tempting, more so than an 8.
The Box is nice enough, but if i was to own a Porsche, it would need to be quick enough to go like a Porsche and the Box isn't :p

Gotta be the skyline, only thing is you'd need to start dealing drugs to get away with driving it round, but rather that than selling houses!!!!!! ppl who drive box's cant afford the real deal!!!

"ppl who drive box's cant afford the real deal!!! "

Oh purleeeeese.
So a 40k car isn't the real deal?
There is certainly nothing wrong with the Boxster (but I would go for the Skyline :) )

Just cause a car costs 40k this does not make it the real deal!!! i mean if i'm buying a porsche i want something that goes like a porsche, not a good modern day hot hatch, i mean a clio cup is only around 1 second to 60 slower and cost 27k less....!!!!!

There is so much more to a car than 0-60. I also find it difficult to believe that you can't see where the 27k premium of the Porsche over the Clio went.

There's more to a car than performance. Have you ever had to deal with Renault customer services? Have you seen the dash on the 27k Clio V6? Same as the standard clio. Throwing out "luxury" items to reduce weight isn't to everyone's taste either, as in the case of the cup.
The performance of the S is certainly acceptable, the build quality is excellent and the customer service is above average.

So, which Clio is the real deal? The 12k cup or the 27k V6? ;)

Fantastic residuals! 5 year old examples are still about the 18K mark.

You gotta laugh at any muppet who compares a renault to a porsche. I always thought they were hairdressers cars but my mate got a Y reg Boxster S about 6 months back. They are very quick on the move, great handling (go-kart like) and brakes to die for. Sounds great on full throttle.

Driven hard and properly they still hold all the cards that the more expensive porka's offer at a fraction of the cost.

If you want a convertible then its hard to beat. Deffo pay the extra for an S though.

Simon.

Personally I would have a second hand 911 than a new boxster

If financial sensibility comes into the equation, I'd go for the Porsche. However, finances aside I'd go for the Skyline. However, if you expand the selection to choose from I would agree with chrisp; 2nd hand 911 is the way to go.

It really pizzes me off when pople say Boxters owners buy one just because they can't afford a 911.

Its just because Clarkhole said so.

Its like saying to a 360 owner you only got that coz you can't affor an Enzo. Get some perspective !

I'd go for a Skyline because of the tunability...and because I think it has more road presence than the other 2...

TRANSLATION: I have a hard-on for all things square, blue with big chunky spoilers that provide rally level downforce.

TRANSLATION: I drive a MK3 Supra and I have a pony tail and wear a big 'peace' sign around my neck. Holland & Barrat is my favorite shop. I also know Leon.

:D :D :D

Boxters are the best buy in the car world at the moment.

I would have a 355 over a 360
I would have an old 911 over boxster
I would have a countach over a diablo
I would have an XKR-R over a DB7
I would have a MY00 Type RA over a MY03 STI

But thats just me :D

Oh and I hate it when people miss the s out of boxster

A good friend of mine has been running a Boxster S for the last 18 months and I have driven it quite a bit so I can give you an opinion on this one.

To the original question, yes I probably would have a Boxster S over an STI8 PPP or a Skyline although obviously the Porsche is considerably less practical and more expensive than the STI so the question is a bit hypothetical.

The main problem with the Boxster is that like the M3 it comes with a large does of 'knob factor' which (unlike the M3 :D) is somewhat undeserved. Part of this is due to the 'poor man's 911' thinking, but if you can leave image aside the Boxster S is a great car. It may not be the fastest thing in a straight line, but A to B handling is pretty awesome once you learn to exploit the car's potential.

The only thing is that the temptation to grab a secondhand 911 instead is pretty overwhelming and the only thing that makes this decision is running costs. The 911 is consderably more expensive to run than the Boxster so if you're not doing many miles I'd choose a secondhand 911 otherwise go for the Boxster S.

tiggers.

Just remember this saying at all times...

Porsche. There is no substitute.

they're like chalk and cheese

4wd hard top turbo jap car vs 2wd rag top german car

you cant compare, Id love an R34 Id also go for a Boxster S if I was in the market for that sort of car

If you're interested in 0-60 times then get yourself a Mk2 Escort with a Mustang V8. If you want sublime handling, a great engine note, tank like build quality, strong residuals and a car that will start every morning, not leak and make you feel like there is a point to going to work each day, then get the Boxster.

True the 996 will be quicker on the track in the right hands, but in my experience, you will be locked up before the 996 gets away from you on the public roads. Also, the "S" is better balanced but you need to drive it and make that decision yourself.

Also, for the price of a well specced used "S" from an OPC, you'll get a 993 911 or a very used 996 (I'm talking of the £40k mark) which, in the long run, will cost a LOT more money to run.

Get the S - you wont regret it.