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These cars could not be more different. The SC is a soft, smooth boulevard and highway cruiser. It is not an exciting drive, nor is it intended to be, and if you push it hard it will turn into mush. But if you want to drive 2 people cross-country in serene comfort, it's a great choice.
The Boxter is on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. It is a legitimate sports car that will widen your smile the harder you push it. Highway cruising is just meh, and significantly louder/harsher than the SC. But on twisty backroads, you will be hard pressed to find a more fun car.
The only Toyota cars that have anything in common with the Boxster are the various MR2s. The SC is kind of like a non-AMG e-class coupe - forget about the word "sport" in anything near stock trim, which is not bad per-se if a nice-sounding V8 auto smooth convertible cruiser is what you're looking for. If you get the boxster - get some driving lessons and become intimately familiar with what lift-off oversteer means, how to prevent it and why this car really isn't for "fun" driving on open roads. That said - boxster all the way.
That's my take. I love a good Boxster, but from a luxury/comfort standpoint I can't recommend it. There's tire and road noise galore and the interior materials (looks like we're buying an older one here) is just not going to wow you. The driving experience is amazing though. The SC430 doesn't have many redeeming factors imo but I know people love them from a cruising and reliability standpoint.
As a former owner of a similar LS430 and current owner of a Cayman (coupe version of the Boxster), here are my 2 cents:
Boxster cars range in price from maybe $12k for a late '90s original 986 to around $100K for a new 718 4-liter Spyder.
If you buy an early 986 (pre 2006), you should research the IMS issue prior to spending money. Could be a good car but plan on a few thousand more to get it sorted. The 986 had the worst interior but that has improved a lot with each successive model. The S models come with larger engines / more power. If you buy a 986 or 987.1 (with the M96 / M97 engines) check for bore scoring as oil starvation can be an issue with high-G turns (i.e. if the former owner tracked the car).
The 987.2 (staring in 2009) came with the much improved 9A1 engine (IMS and bore scoring issues resolved) and optional double-clutch transmission (vs. the old automatic option). So that would be a step up. The 981, starting in 2013, is larger, has more leg room (if you're tall) and a yet nicer interior. In 2016, the 3.4-liter flat 6, NA 9A1 engine was replaced with a turbo-charged flat 4 - unless you get a special version like the spyder.
My 2012 Cayman has been pretty reliable with about 4 repairs required that were not related to normal wear and with 15 to 20 track days and several road trips. I've had 2 such repairs on my 2014 GS.
BTW, it's the rear-engine 911 that is subject to throttle-lift oversteer but not so much for the mid-engine Boxster / Cayman. Instead, these mid-engine cars are subject to snap-oversteer that can happen when you put on too much throttle while still in a turn. I've never spun my 911 or Cayman.
I have driven an SC430 on a parking-lot course at a Lexus event. It seemed very much like a small version of my LS430 although it did handle a bit more nimbly since it is smaller and lighter. I didn't see any reason to buy one since I had the LS at the time.
I've had some decent road trip experiences in the Cayman. If the pavement is good, it's not too noisy. But with bad pavement it is. It's not an LS for sure.
The Porsche can be a hobby, not just a car, with the Porsche club and Porsche sponsoring all kinds of events - driving tours, track days, club racing, social events. E.g., I will be a Rennsport Reunion in September.
boxer has my vote for reasons already shared. pure driving fun out of the gate! not as comfortable as the SC but as stated both cars are in different leagues. porsche can be as reliable if you keep up with maintenance which is more costly than the lexus.
I would get a 911 Cab.
You can still buy a 996 for fairly cheap.
If you have larger budget - get a 997 or 991. Both great and will continue to retain value.
Miata meets everything but Luxury. You can get a much newer model that will be more reliable and cheaper to maintain. I've had a 718 Cayman GTS and Miata and the driving experience is very similar. Both are a blast to drive. If I were to go buy another vehicle like that right now...Miata...even after owning a 992 Carrera S. It's just very fun, light, small and useable at a bargain price.
Last edited by Sodbuster1; Aug 14, 2023 at 03:04 PM.
I appreciate every one sharing your opinion, advice, experiences! very grateful to have such a cool club/group chat - really helps me learn, work on cars, decide! Thanks to eeach & everyone of you. Keep those comments, insights coming, thank you
Miata meets everything but Luxury. You can get a much newer model that will be more reliable and cheaper to maintain. I've had a 718 Cayman GTS and Miata and the driving experience is very similar. Both are a blast to drive. If I were to go buy another vehicle like that right now...Miata...even after owning a 992 Carrera S. It's just very fun, light, small and useable at a bargain price.
I have been thinking about the Miata as well. Comparing Boxster vs Miata - Miata's be reliable, less repairs/maintenance, etc.
I would get a 911 Cab.
You can still buy a 996 for fairly cheap.
If you have larger budget - get a 997 or 991. Both great and will continue to retain value.
Lexus SC430 vs Porsche Boxster (Manual)
Sure, will make it a poll! thanks for the idea.
