This Boxster Vs Z3 Vs SLK Retro Review Helps Answer A Modern Used Car Dilemma

If you're after a relatively affordable rear-drive roadster that isn't a Mazda MX-5, the Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3 and Mercedes SLK are all tempting options. Here's what Motor Week thought of the trio back in the late 90s

Pros

Cons

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Click here to find out more about buying a used BMW Z3.

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Comments

495QED

I will take a TVR Tamora but it is from the early 2000’s

05/14/2016 - 07:54 |
8 | 0
Cory Brayshaw

In reply to by 495QED

Same

05/19/2016 - 10:09 |
2 | 0
Anonymous

Not a surprising result. Porsche’s only downfall was & still is the price premium. I believe either the Boxster or the Z3 would have been great choices at the time. Those people that have passed up a opportunity to purchase a mid-engined Boxster or Cayman due to price would know that it’s money well spent after getting behind the wheel. All the 986, 987, & 981 mid-engined Porsches have wonderful driving balance & are true driver cars.

05/14/2016 - 07:58 |
20 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

I own a 99 2.5 Boxster and it’s probably the most fun car I’ve driven. It’s so well balanced. It’s got enough power with 200hp/2800lbs for your daily needs and even then you can lose the rear end.

05/14/2016 - 12:27 |
2 | 0
JonathanT75

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

You can, and I did, pick up a boxster for under 5K. The Z3 is coming up to 4K for the 3L version.

05/14/2016 - 12:36 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

Or just buy an S2000 which is faster and more reliable than all three of these.

05/14/2016 - 08:12 |
76 | 12
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Then sell it and buy a polo and have instant regrats #gabz

05/14/2016 - 08:42 |
98 | 2
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Some people do like low end torque ;)
^^

05/14/2016 - 15:55 |
10 | 4
Anonymous

Or a Corvette.

05/14/2016 - 09:38 |
2 | 0
Anonymous

the answer is always miata

05/14/2016 - 13:33 |
0 | 2
Anonymous

Already made my choice ahah

05/14/2016 - 15:54 |
0 | 2
......

reminds me of nfs high stakes from ps1

05/14/2016 - 16:07 |
4 | 2
Anonymous

“we thought the roadster was dead and buried”

… how? no really, how?

Anyway… I think I m now sold on the Boxster.

05/14/2016 - 19:51 |
4 | 2
Anonymous

Buy a TT that’s eat em all

11/11/2016 - 15:21 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

I’ve owned a Z3 M Roadster and I happily concede that the Boxster S is a better car.

12/24/2016 - 23:01 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

I am the same person and I used the Z3M US Ver before. Now I own the Euro and I happily kept pace with the 987 Cayman S PDK so nope, I take it back. The Z3M with the ITBd Straight Sixes are strong!

06/20/2020 - 14:09 |
0 | 0