21 replies to this topic

[a1sjb]

Hi all I've been looking into buying a sports car of sorts early next year and I've narrowed it down to a VX220 2.2 or the turbo or the Porsche Boxter 2.5 or Boxster 3.2 S, so here i am asking you guys the question, which will i enjoy the most? Today i went and sat in a standard Boxter, there was no chance they were going to let me drive it unless we started talking figures, which I'm not in a position to do, so sitting in one is as close as I'm going to get for now, seemed nice inside but it seemed like a bulky car, the nearest VX for sale is 35 miles away, so i didn't get chance today to go have a look, although i wanted to, seems they are becoming few and far between, so my second question is, would anyone one of you guys like to show me one? i did see one in Rotherham (where i live) yesterday, traveling down Aldwarke Lane, a nice red one, but i was going towards Asda in the opposite direction, so didn't get a chance to spy at it for long. Many thanks in advance for your replies PS - I'm scott, 34, living in the center of Rotherham Cheers

[Ben Cole]

2.5 or 3.2?? What's wrong with the 2.7? I had a Boxster S and loved it. Obviously far more user friendly than the VX but pretty raw actually when compared with the Audis and BMWs of this world. The 3.2 is quick enough for 99% of people. I reality it is comfortably quicker than a 2.2 VX. Discount the 2.5 if I were you. Having a Porsche with no real performance is a no-no if you ask me. Running costs can be very high. Although mine was always under warranty and always serviced in the dealer network. Lots can be saved by using specialists. Reading between the lines, if you are thinking of a 2.5 then money IS an issue. Based on that I'd say don't buy one. Problem is finding a good VX is hard (having just done it myself). You really must get multiple test drives of both cars to make up your mind. If you want something in between then think about an S2000 or a bit sideways then the Z4. All of the cars I've mentioned are great to drive and have serious merits of their own.

[BAZ8465]

Daily Drive or Weekend Toy?

[a1sjb]

i currently drive a company 4x4 ford ranger twin cab, the car i'm planning on buying will be a night time/weekend car - s2000 and the z4 have already been discounted for various reasons, the basic 2.5 porsche was an option because of cost to buy, although i was willing to buy a 3.2, but wasn't sure the extra would be worth it - i like the sound of having a quick car, but you can't drive it quick everywhere, i know that the VX has no real creature comforts, but i like the performance figures. thanks for your replies, it's actually nice to get a reply, sometimes you post and get nothing back Thanks again Scott

[The Batman]

a porshe is comfortable, heater works, lights dont steam up, roof doesnt leak, etc a vx does none of the above but is loads of fun to take out on the country road and let loose! even better on track

[Ben Cole]

The Boxster is pretty sensational on track too. In my VX the heater works, the roof doesn't leak (well hardly and certainly not with the hard top) and the lights don't steam up...but I think that's just luck!!

[Angelplayz]

Harsh as it sounds (and I don't mean to sound harsh) but if you have to ask..... Decide whether you want a track toy or a posing pouch! If you want a serious drivers car with track pedigree, then test drive a few VX's to be sure and then get one. If it's a posing pouch you want buy the 2.5 (cos nobody knows the difference anyhow to look at) and enjoy. Running costs will certainly be at least triple in the porker and the configuration of the engine makes even doing an oil change yourself a big No No. Good luck with whatever you decide. Dean

Edited by Angelplayz, 04 May 2009 - 04:53 AM.

[VX-Dan]

I looked at both before buying mt VX220 t. (inc Boxster S, S2000 etc) The 3.2S was fast but didnt feel it until you looked at the speedo. my Vx220 turbo is rapid and feels it - would easily be quicker than the S at speeds below 100.. Maybe after that the 3.2 engine could help push it on more? not sure as never been head to head. The vx is raw and a great driver the Boxster is plush and more of an every day car.. having said that - I use my vx every day. The 2.5 boxster is slow and not rewarding to drive.... not worth it at all unless you JUST want to look cool And even then are they cool??? Servicing... Boxster is very expensive in comparison Costs to buy.... probably similar if not a bit more for a newer Boxster S. Size.... Boxsters are fat boys in comparison.... but more space inside and comfy Ive had 2 x elises and 2 x vx220 turbos.. I wouldnt swap them for a boxster now ive driven and used both.. Only thing I *MAY* in the future swap for is a Cayman S (driven one and although not as quick off the mark, still very nice and capable car) Hope that helps.. If not then keep asking more on here

[a1sjb]

Many Thanks Guys for your advice, i think it's going to be a case of testdrive, testdrive and testdrive until i feel which one feels right for me, i've got a feeling that as soon as i sit in a VX i'm going to choose that. Many Thanks again Scott

[pincher]

I had a brief moment earlier this year when I considered changing the VX for a Boxster but the more I looked into it, the more unappealing the idea became. When I started looking, I quickly discounted anything but the 'S' because, if I was going to get one, it would have to be the best variation (a bit like an NA VX ). Then I discounted any pre-facelift models as whilst the idea of an electric roof was nice, the prospect of opening it halfway and then having to get out and karate-chop the plastic rear screen to make sure it folded away properly didn't really appeal. Servicing looked expensive in comparison to the VX (unsurprisingly) and there were question marks around some other things as well that I have forgotten about (something to do with a 50p seal that costs about £1000 to change as the car needs to be taken to bits to do). I figured that I would end up spending about £14k-£15k on a nice example, which for a weekend car, I can't possibly justify. My VX is worth ~£8k, so I would rather spend the money getting it supercharged and still have the best part of £3k in my pocket. I realise that things go wrong the a VX but generally, they are cheaper/easier to repair than a Boxster. Have a looks over on boxa.net for everything you'll need to know about the different incarnations.

[AliM]

My original plan was to keep the NA for a year of fun, then buy a boxster S. Now 2 years into ownership and I couldn't part with my VX!!. Like the others have said £££ is going to be higher on the Boxster due to running costs. The boxster is more comfortable, more spacious, and marginly more practical! all of which being things you'd want for your everyday drive...... but for a fun weekend toy i'd pick the vx anyday. Test driving all of them is the fun bit, happy shopping

[XXX]

If it is a weekend/evening toy you are after and can put up with minimal creature comforts then the VX it is, surely! Have a good look at one/test drive then make a decision. I am sure you already know it, but the VX is pretty raw, basic, difficult to get in and out of (for newbies, anyway), nasty in the rain (from a comfort point of view - misting windows, rain gushes in if you lower the door glass to peep out at a junction) and fairly impractical. BUT it is a joy to drive. You will often ask yourself "why dosent everyone have one?".

[JonnyVX]

Hey if your from 'Up North' there will be a load of us at the Cars In The Park show just outside of Harrogate this weekend. Great chance to look at the VX's and some porkers!

[MAXR]

Go for the Boxster....I've had 3 so far. They are just so much fun on road & track...they are built properly too! MaxR

[wrightster]

i test drove a 3.2S a month or so ago and was suprised how normal it felt after the VX, the 3.2 was a good car and for an everyday Cab it would be great but for proper raw fun the VX wins hands down IMO If i wanted an everyday fast cab it would be the Boxster but for weekend fun the VX definately expecially when you factor in the much lower running costs of the VX all IMO of course

[shilts]

Check out the insurance! For some reason its really expensive for me to insure a boxster (twice the price of the vx) -Not a clue why. Also unless its the new shape boxster the interiors dont look that great IMO. The vx is a very fun car, the question is do you need extra practicality and comfort or are you a propper pertrol head?

[DundeeVX220]

My honest opinion is that if you want a REAL sports car with the true feeling of being connected with the car/road get the VX. If you want an overpriced hairdressers car that are a dime a dozen on the roads todays, all be it with a decent lump under the bonnet, get the Boxster. Apologies to any owners or former owners of boxters . The VX never fails to put a smile on your face and always turns heads from 9 to 90. That being said, if you cant live without all your creature comforts, you wont enjoy the VX, it's not refined in any way and it's noisy. EDIT * Agree on the Cayman S comment, now that's a proper car

Edited by DundeeVX220, 08 May 2009 - 05:14 PM.

[Ben Cole]

Make no bones about it, the Boxster is a proper sportscar. The way it drives is fantastic too. Power delivery, steering feel, balance are all excellent. The noise is streets ahead of a VX too. Compared to most road cars the Boxster feels raw. The biggest thing against the Boxster is that it is now very common as you say.

[dw1]

Make no bones about it, the Boxster is a proper sportscar. The way it drives is fantastic too. Power delivery, steering feel, balance are all excellent. The noise is streets ahead of a VX too. Compared to most road cars the Boxster feels raw.

The biggest thing against the Boxster is that it is now very common as you say.

The Boxster is a fabulous car, it's not raw like the VX and the driving sensation is no way near as electric but it is nevertheless a wonderful drive. For an assisted steer, its weighting is excellent with very good feedback and direct control. It feels so planted and assured with wonderful handling. As for braking, the VX could learn a lot from the Boxster, it stops so well and is unfazed by difficult road surfaces.
The Boxster is a proper Porsche with excellent feel, balance and weight distribution - the Cayman is a direct descendant and is smothered in Boxster DNA. Its also very handy on a track and covers ground at a rapid rate albeit not in the same raw manner as a VX.
For me, lovely though it is, it's too tame. If you like things hard edged and are prepared to take the compromises that come with that then very few cars come close to the VX. Enjoy your search its a lovely, privileged position to be in.

Edited by dw1, 08 May 2009 - 10:05 PM.

[Nev]

If the car is going to be your second car, why not get the most extreme one you can? I.e a VXT stage 4 or 5, or a 2.2 N/A with a stage 3 supercharger. Surely the whole point of 2 cars is to have one reliable one with lots of space and practicality and one that is mental! Well, thats my tuppence worth !