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    Aug 27, 2005 5:21:28 AM

    Paralizer
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    Paralizer
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    Porsche virgin needs reassurance

    I'm 2 months into the wait on my 987S order. So to help pass the endless days of waiting I do what many have done, check out the various Boxster boards. That's why I need some reassurance. I've spent so much time on the various boards I've seen numerous reports of oil leaks, early clutch failures, various rattles, and a variety of computer gremlins. I'm starting to get concerned about the durability of the car. It will be my primary car. I've had a variety of sports cars over the years, some bullet proof and others had that more yellow color. Most recently I've been running around in Miata's. Talk about bullet proof. Drive the hell out of them on the track for a day, take 'em home, wash 'em, and back to the day to day duties. I realize that Porsche doesn't have the durability of some cars, but I am getting concerned about some of what I'm reading.
    If only I was illiterate.

    Aug 27, 2005 6:05:54 AM

    Erpel
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    Erpel
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    Reply to: Paralizer

    Re: Porsche virgin needs reassurance

    Ok, calm down

    I really wouldn't worry too much. While the Miata may possibly beat Porsche on reliability, it is long established that Porsche is a strong brand in that field. In its class Porsche is by far the most dependable car. Also the most versatile in that it allows you to do both the tracking and the everyday driving.

    The oil leaks were more prevalent in the previous generation. While it has been pointed out, doubtless correctly, by more knowledgeable Rennteamers that the way the engine is constructed makes it impossible to avoid oil leaks it took the better part of a year after the 987's introduction before you heard of the first one. So, not a big issue.

    You also have to take into account that many Porsche owners just nitpick - any small problem is a problem that shouldn't be there. While you may end up being just as nitpicky once you have your toy there is no point worrying about it at this stage. You will likely get a car with no major flaws. Over the first six month you'll possibly have one or two minor things you want the dealer to correct which they'll do happily under warranty. If life is much different than that I'd be very surprised.

    The minor issue I think is most popular is the flaps that direct the air coming out of the vents - and for all I know Porsche has managed to eliminate that one by now.

    Don't Panic!

    Aug 27, 2005 6:24:29 AM

    wtsnet
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    wtsnet
    Loc: Bath, UK
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    Reply to: Erpel

    Re: Porsche virgin needs reassurance

    Couldn't agree more. I wouldn't worry. Don't hammer it right out of the box, just to be safe and not stress the engine in the early miles. I had more dealer visits in the early life of my car with my last VW. 2800 miles so far in the 987S and even the small dash rattle has gone again. Very happy, and sure you will be too. Have fun waiting!

    Aug 27, 2005 6:32:28 AM

    Ente
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    Ente
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    Reply to: Erpel

    Re: Porsche virgin needs reassurance

    Welcome to the board Mr. Ente (Erpel).

    Paralizer: I've owned a Miata before and now a Boxster, both as daily allweather drivers. Never took the Miata to a track but ran my Boxster through a trackday with no issues.

    The only thing I observed breaking in the 987S so far has been the dash board air vent flaps coming loose and that's the most minor issue I've ever come across in any of my cars.

    Compared to my various Audi TTs which missed the QA targets on every possible account, both Mazda and Porsche have been holding up phantastically. The Mazda was mine for 1 year (2000 Miata) and the Boxster is a Jan 05 build which has app. 7000 miles now.

    You can worry all you want but you ain't getting mine. Enjoy the wait and don't worry!

    Aug 27, 2005 7:15:10 AM

    wtsnet
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    wtsnet
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    Reply to: Ente

    Re: Porsche virgin needs reassurance

    Quote:
    Ente said:
    Welcome to the board Mr. Ente (Erpel).



    Ooh! Hello!

    Aug 27, 2005 9:19:20 AM

    Dr. Phil Offline
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    Dr. Phil
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    Reply to: wtsnet

    Re: Porsche virgin needs reassurance

    Paralizer.
    * I just got home from a trackday in my 986S Boxey. Not a single thing to note. It just drives.
    * Recent tests showed the 987 Boxster to be the most reliable car...among ALL cars. Not just sportscars.
    * All cars have problems once in a while, Porsches too. But add all those failures you read about and divide it with the number of members of this board. Is it a big problem with Boxsters? Of course not.

    You're going up the wall because you focus on the negatives. Focus on the positive stories and you will know that you have just ordered one of the best cars money can buy. Period.

    "Don't worry. Be happy!"

    Aug 27, 2005 10:30:50 AM

    Martin Tyler
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    Martin Tyler
    Loc: London, UK
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    Registered on: Jul 25, 2003
    Reply to: Dr. Phil

    Re: Porsche virgin needs reassurance

    In 4.5 years and 2 Boxsters, (986S and 987S) I havent really had any problems. A couple of small rattles, and thats it.

    The problem with reading boards is you will mainly see problems being raised, only a few people will post a 'I am completely happy with my car' threads.

    I wouldnt worry at all if I were you.

    Aug 27, 2005 12:31:40 PM

    mcdelaug
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    Loc: Fort Worth, Texas , United States
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    Reply to: Martin Tyler

    Re: Porsche virgin needs reassurance

    I'd buy my 987S again. The computer software problem I posted about is annoying, but it is fixed with a software download into the car and it never left me stranded anywhere. And the car is well built. It's supreme handling conveys a solidity that just can't be found in other cars I've driven. And if you enjoyed the Miata this is the right car for you. It's very similar philosophically, but has a larger performance envelope in every dimensions: power, handling, especially braking, safety, etc.

    I suspect the guys that assemble Porsche cars are a little more comfortable with complex mechanical pieces than complex electronic pieces, if you get what I mean.

    mcdelaug

    Aug 27, 2005 12:38:23 PM

    Steve R
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    Steve R
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    Reply to: mcdelaug

    Re: Porsche virgin needs reassurance

    I'm gonna be on my second car and I would expect it to be perfect - I think problems are less than common!

    Aug 27, 2005 4:49:31 PM

    964C2
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    964C2
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    Reply to: Steve R

    Re: Porsche virgin needs reassurance

    Don't worry....all you typically hear about on the boards are problems, just like bad news in the press....you rarely hear about all the owners that have trouble-free experiences. Regardless, everything is under warranty and can be fixed....enjoy your new car.

    Aug 27, 2005 8:33:48 PM

    Louis Offline
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    Louis
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    Reply to: Dr. Phil

    Re: Porsche virgin needs reassurance

    Quote:
    Dr. Phil said:

    * Recent tests showed the 987 Boxster to be the most reliable car...among ALL cars. Not just sportscars.

    Are you serious?! Wow! That makes me feel better (I'm a 987S waiter) but I would love to know the source of that information

    Aug 28, 2005 12:44:48 AM

    Dr. Phil Offline
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    Dr. Phil
    Loc: Denmark , Denmark
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    Reply to: Louis

    Re: Porsche virgin needs reassurance

    Quote:
    Louis (Toronto) said:
    Quote:
    Dr. Phil said:

    * Recent tests showed the 987 Boxster to be the most reliable car...among ALL cars. Not just sportscars.

    Are you serious?! Wow! That makes me feel better (I'm a 987S waiter) but I would love to know the source of that information



    I believe it was the ADAC in Germany.
    I'll look into it.

    Aug 29, 2005 1:59:39 AM

    Paralizer
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    Paralizer
    Loc: Bay Area, CA , United States
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    Registered on: Jun 25, 2005
    Reply to: Dr. Phil

    Re: Porsche virgin needs reassurance

    Thanks all for your reassurance. I think part of it is just the long wait and overanalyzing. The other part is because I haven't spent this much money on a car before.
    But I took part of the day and reminded myself on why I love roadsters so much. Beautiful day in the Bay Area, 70's gentle breeze. After spending the afternoon at SBC watching the Giants, off to the hills for a little therapy. Took my Mazdaspeed Miata for a little excercise. Can't wait for my Miata on steroids 987S. Thanks again everyone.
    Paralizer

    Aug 29, 2005 2:04:59 PM

    AJVIP
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    Re: Porsche virgin needs reassurance

    In the time you're worrying about whether the wait is worth it, drive around town and see where all the good-looking women are in your town so you know where to drive once you take delivery.

    Aug 29, 2005 4:02:53 PM

    Paralizer
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    Paralizer
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    Reply to: AJVIP

    Re: Porsche virgin needs reassurance

    Quote:
    ajcastaneda said:
    In the time you're worrying about whether the wait is worth it, drive around town and see where all the good-looking women are in your town so you know where to drive once you take delivery.



    Oh I know where that part of town is. Unfortunately this is SF and Boxsters are a dime a dozen. I was cruising through the Marina district on Saturday and saw 5 Boxsters just in one block. The cars in the Marina district rival the women for beauty. But its still a nice thought and drop tops do allow you a better look at the ladies.
    PS no offense to any of the ladies on the board.

    Aug 29, 2005 4:39:15 PM

    AJVIP
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    Reply to: Paralizer

    Re: Porsche virgin needs reassurance

    Quote:
    paralizer said:
    Quote:
    ajcastaneda said:
    In the time you're worrying about whether the wait is worth it, drive around town and see where all the good-looking women are in your town so you know where to drive once you take delivery.



    Oh I know where that part of town is. Unfortunately this is SF and Boxsters are a dime a dozen. I was cruising through the Marina district on Saturday and saw 5 Boxsters just in one block. The cars in the Marina district rival the women for beauty. But its still a nice thought and drop tops do allow you a better look at the ladies.
    PS no offense to any of the ladies on the board.



    Correction - drop tops allow women to have a better look at the man they're going home with

    Aug 29, 2005 6:41:02 PM

    DaveC
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    Reply to: 964C2

    Re: Porsche virgin needs reassurance

    I had a 99 986 through 03. There was one oil leak which the dealer fixed and I had no other problems with the car which I drove about 7500 mi/year. Even the plastic rear window remained clear with care. In the US Porsche has been very attentive to the engine failures that did occur. One can argue the merits/flaws of the M96 engine, but none of the problems described on the boards would be sufficient to disuade me from ownership. Grins >>> Grimaces

    Aug 29, 2005 7:01:03 PM

    DamienL
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    Reply to: DaveC

    Re: Porsche virgin needs reassurance

    Don't worry about the reliability, if you're always concerned about that you'll never be able to fully enjoy the car. Boxsters are among the most reliable sports cars on the market and I'm sure any worries you have will disappear after experiencing the car.
    Just don't be too aggressive with the car when you first get it and respect the break in period.
     
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