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What's an eco-conscious replacement for my Porsche Boxster?
I have owned a 1998 Boxster happily for about 10 years. It's a beautiful car, lots of fun to drive and I wouldn't be considering saying goodbye to it just yet but for the introduction of the ULEZ in London in April this year. Air quality is a serious matter so I've not got an objection to the idea that older polluting cars should be restricted in high-density areas. What is going to become of all the 'modern' classic cars? Is there a chance of a widely available hybrid replacement engine? And can you recommend a car - of any make - that might be an eco-conscious replacement for my Boxster?
Asked on 31 January 2019 by Virginia Buckley
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First of all, don't hurry to sell your Porsche. Assuming you live in the ULEZ zone and are registered for the residents' Congestion Charge discount, you'll be entitled to a 100 per cent discount until October 2021. There are a few companies around converting classic cars to electric, but I'm not sure they'd offer a conversion for your Boxster. If you could find somewhere to store it outside of London, that might not be a bad idea - an early Boxster will be at the bottom of its depreciation curve, so might go up in value. There are quite a few about, though, so it probably won't become a serious investment any time soon - and you'll have to keep on top of maintenance, too.
I'm not sure you'll be able to find a direct modern, hybrid equivalent to your Boxster, unfortunately. The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is a very good hybrid car, but it's more of a family car than a two-seater convertible. A BMW i8 Roadster might appeal, but it's not cheap - starting at around £127,000. I'd look for something like a new Mazda MX-5 - it's petrol, not a hybrid, but it does meet the ULEZ standards so won't be subject to a charge.
I'm not sure you'll be able to find a direct modern, hybrid equivalent to your Boxster, unfortunately. The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is a very good hybrid car, but it's more of a family car than a two-seater convertible. A BMW i8 Roadster might appeal, but it's not cheap - starting at around £127,000. I'd look for something like a new Mazda MX-5 - it's petrol, not a hybrid, but it does meet the ULEZ standards so won't be subject to a charge.
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