Porsche: winter use and third passenger, winter wheels, wheels and tires


Question
Thanks very much for the answer to my questions. Now, if you had the choice of having a 2003 boxter with 16,000 miles on it, or a 1999 911 with 60,000 miles on it as your first Porsche, which would you choose?
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Followup To

Question -
How will a boxter or 911 do in Boston winter weather? Can I keep a
Porsche on the road all year long?

What models can accommodate a third passenger other than the
SUV? I have a 13 year old boy as third passenger.

Answer -
You can drive any Porsche year round in any conditions.  The key is equipping the vehicle with the right tire.  Any serious sports car will be fitted with a summer compound, performance tire from the factory.  For winter conditions, you must be prepared to swap them with a dedicated set of winter wheels and tires.  Depending on the model, you can acquire a complete set of wheels and tires for winter use for as little as $1200.

The Boxster is strictly a two seat roadster.  The 911 Carrera does have back seats, however, they are not comfortable for anyone over the age of about 10.  The seatbacks are upright and do not recline at all.

Porsche has announced plans for a four door performance sports coupe beginning production in 2008 for model year 2009 (think MB CLS500).  It is to be called the Panamera.  This will undoubtedly be a remarkable automobile that will seat four adults comfortably.  Until then....  

Answer
I would take the Boxster.  With such a big difference in the mileage, there is more life left in the Boxster.  Plus, you will still have some warranty remaining.  Service work can be expensive if the 911 hasn't been cared for properly.  The Boxster is a frequently under-rated.  It is quite a bit of fun to own and drive.  And, three years from now, when you're ready to get into something else, the Boxster with 40,000 miles on it will be worth more than the 911 with 84,000 miles.  Made up numbers, but you get the point.