Second Hand Sense/Porsche Boxster S:It has been some time since I drove a Porsche Boxster S, but the memories are still impressive. Dustin the Turkey was in the passenger seat (but that's another story entirely - he's a Boxster fan), the sun was shining and the drive was one of those when you felt an absolute harmony of engineering and performance.
The Boxster, as you may know, was the car that saved Porsche from almost certain ruin and helped it become, perhaps, the most profitable car company in Europe, based on profit per unit of production. It is easy to see why. Notwithstanding its lack of green credentials, it is one of the best cars around and is probably up there with the best cars ever built.
It has been around since 1996, and it's a car for those who believe in spending money on classic design and near-perfect engineering. It is a two-seater convertible, pure and simple, and you can forget about taking rear passengers or stowing more than an overnight bag.
The Boxster is not practical, it is built without compromise to be a driver's car with a low centre of gravity and an engine located midships. When you lower yourself down into the car, you can anticipate a driving thrill, and the Boxster does not disappoint. The ride is bumpy, and you will have the impression that there is not a lot between you and the road except the rubber on the tyres.
The 2.7-litre engine is the more standard, but there is a 3.2-litre version too. The engines are powerful and smooth, and are ideally mated to either manual or automatic gearboxes, depending on your preference. When you open the throttle you will discover what some car manufacturers can do when they refine their product again and again. What really differentiates a Boxster, however, is that you don't really feel the need for a lot of speed, or at least you shouldn't.
One of the main questions about buying one, is whether the car is a rather pointless indulgence. Speed limits are set low here and you probably won't be able to book Mondello Park for private outings very often. Fuel consumption is also an issue, as are the car's emission levels. Ultimately this car was built for the autobahn and its presence on Irish roads may be unwelcome for some. But there are people out there willing to pay the money for a thoroughbred, even a collector's item, and you may never see one being driven carelessly.
There is no EuroNCAP crash test programme result for the Boxster, and only a very small number have ever been recalled for technical problems.
A 2003 model with the 3.2-litre engine with every conceivable extra, and with 48,000km on the clock is on offer for €49,950. A 2004 model with the 2.7-litre engine and Tiptronic gearbox is on offer for €54,750. Finally, a 2005 model, again with a host of extras, a 2.7-litre engine and only 26,000km on the clock is on offer for €61,000. These cars are not bargains and many are being sold privately on the internet.
FOR:Superb driving experience, great performance and balance
AGAINST:Impractical. Over-priced