I test drove the Audi TT roadster, 2.5 and 3.0 Z3 and the Boxster. Also looked at the S2000, but couldn't stand the Honda salesman. Narrowed down to 3.0 Z3 and Boxster. Tried to buy the Z3 but they wouldn't come down enough on price, so went out and bought the Boxster.

Best decision I've made in a long time. Handles much better. Lots of room (considering the class of car). Great fun to drive. Much better build quality. Very solid feel. Good dealer service (only a few minor nits a month after owning the car)

Heated seats are a must have. Wish I got the Litronic HID headlights.

I live in So. CA and the weather has been so nice this winter so far I put the top down more in the last month than in the previous year with my '84 VW Rabbit convertible I just got rid of.

Here's an update now that I've had the car for a while:

You quickly get used to the engine power, and start wanting more each time your foot steps down on the gas pedal. The car handles so well it's sometimes hard to feel much difference between 30 and 70 mph, so you better pay attention to the speedometer.

At first the plastic rear window bugged me a lot, but you get used to the visibility and it's not really all that bad. It's a lot of work to keep clean and you need to pay particular attention to make sure you don't scratch it. I found Plexus plastic cleaner works the best at keeping it clean and clear. I realized the rear window would have to be a lot smaller if they used glass (as is rumored for the '03 model year), and the plastic is a tradeoff I find easier to live with over time.

The car has been very reliable, although some of the cheap interior pieces are showing defects (which the dealer is replacing under warranty). For a car this price, the quality of materials on the interior leaves a lot to be desired.

Maintenance gives new meaning to the term "sticker shock". I took the car in for the 15,000 mile service (the first scheduled maintenance) and drove off a little over $600 lighter in the wallet -- for only the scheduled maintenance! I found that just a basic oil and filter change is over $100! The engine takes 10 quarts and they recommend a very hard to find weight of Mobil 1

If you're thinking about buying a Boxster, particularly a used one, do a lot of research at some of the online Boxster boards first, then do more. Find out what kinds of problems owners are having and whether you can live with it. I'm still totally pleased with the car after several months, and every time I drive the car (top up or down), I still have a permagin on my face. It is a Porsche and it drives like no other car
Amount Paid (US$): 41000
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2001
Model and Options: Heated leather seats, 18" turbo wheels, comfort & sport packages