Boxster or Cayman - Any regrets?
Discussion
For those who spent countless hours debating the two, who has embraced or regretted their decision and why?
I've been looking at gen 2 Boxsters and they really are very nice but with the roof up I felt slightly claustrophobic and was a bit weary of only having a bit of fabric above my head.
I like cars that make me feel cosy especially when its 6am on a cold winters day, tempted to play it safe and buy the traditional steel roof version but I know for I'll regret it for a few months of the year!
I've been looking at gen 2 Boxsters and they really are very nice but with the roof up I felt slightly claustrophobic and was a bit weary of only having a bit of fabric above my head.
I like cars that make me feel cosy especially when its 6am on a cold winters day, tempted to play it safe and buy the traditional steel roof version but I know for I'll regret it for a few months of the year!
I went from a Boxster S to a Cayman S specifically because I wanted the fixed roof. 2 things about the Boxster's roof irritated me; often a cord (piece of string) would be sticking out after I'd closed the roof and the Boxster's cabin does seem a little claustrophobic as the rear window is right behind the seats.
So no I didn't regret my decision to change but sometimes I did wonder why I'd spent X thousand pounds for essentially another version of the same car
So no I didn't regret my decision to change but sometimes I did wonder why I'd spent X thousand pounds for essentially another version of the same car
I bought a Cayman S after a few soft and steel tops because I liked the look and feel of the car. I still love the car and can't think of a better car to replace it with. But following the poverty pork threads I ended up buying on older (2004) boxster for my wife. So in the end the best of both worlds, both great cars in different ways and for me I prefer to own the newer Cayman and the older Boxster rather than the other way round.
I got a Cayman in 2008, and I'm still loving it. Both are brilliant cars, but I got the Cayman because it's easier to get it safe enough for serious track and open road racing use, and at the time I was living in a climate that alternated between baking humidity and snow!
For all that, if you'll get more enjoyment out of a few months' top down motoring than a few days at the track each day, the Boxster is a fantastic car and has a very good insulated roof for when it's wet and cold.
For all that, if you'll get more enjoyment out of a few months' top down motoring than a few days at the track each day, the Boxster is a fantastic car and has a very good insulated roof for when it's wet and cold.
Beknown said:
Some interesting comments thanks.
The Boxster being quieter, is that fact? I'd have that it would have been the opposite.
What about thermal insulation?
With the Boxster, the engine is outside the cabin, rather than under the hatch, unlike the Cayman. One thing to watch....the 987 Cayman always had a funny 'booming' sound in the cabin...some people didn't notice this...I did, but learnt to tune it out...probably to do with grafting a metal roof onto a design that was orignally meant for a soft top. No such issues with the 981's as they were designed together.The Boxster being quieter, is that fact? I'd have that it would have been the opposite.
What about thermal insulation?
edited to add....they are all great cars....would happily still have my old Boxster or 987 Cayman....but the 981 is really special
I was undecided between Cayman and Boxster 981's and tried both. I probably prefer the look of the Cayman if I am honest but the increased noise in the cabin of the Cayman (very noticeable to me)and the allure of open top motoring meant I took the Boxster. Haven't regretted it for a minute, the default position for the hood is down, the better to enjoy the PSE, and it has been an absolute joy up to now.
Over the last twenty years I've owned a string of hot hatches, mostly Golf GTi's, followed by a 325i Touring before I bought a new 981 CS this year (I didn't consider a Boxster). My biggest grip has to be cabin noise, I find it hard to believe Porsche can't tune out the tyre roar. I'd swear its nosier than my Mk1 Golf GTi was back in the 80s! Other minor grips; the analogue speedo is a usless guauge, you'll only look at the digital display, and the central locking switch LED is far too bright (particularly for night time driving).
But there are no regrets, I can honestly say the Cayman is the most enjoyable car I've ever owned or driven (and I have driven some very good cars including far too many Aston's most V8/V12 Mercs and the odd Lambo).
Biggest surprise is how practical the Cayman is; I don't miss the space of the touring and its the easiest car I've driven through central london traffic (but I did add PASM, ACC and PDK which make it a doddle)
But there are no regrets, I can honestly say the Cayman is the most enjoyable car I've ever owned or driven (and I have driven some very good cars including far too many Aston's most V8/V12 Mercs and the odd Lambo).
Biggest surprise is how practical the Cayman is; I don't miss the space of the touring and its the easiest car I've driven through central london traffic (but I did add PASM, ACC and PDK which make it a doddle)
engineermk said:
Over the last twenty years I've owned a string of hot hatches, mostly Golf GTi's, followed by a 325i Touring before I bought a new 981 CS this year (I didn't consider a Boxster). My biggest grip has to be cabin noise, I find it hard to believe Porsche can't tune out the tyre roar. I'd swear its nosier than my Mk1 Golf GTi was back in the 80s! Other minor grips; the analogue speedo is a usless guauge, you'll only look at the digital display, and the central locking switch LED is far too bright (particularly for night time driving).
But there are no regrets, I can honestly say the Cayman is the most enjoyable car I've ever owned or driven (and I have driven some very good cars including far too many Aston's most V8/V12 Mercs and the odd Lambo).
Biggest surprise is how practical the Cayman is; I don't miss the space of the touring and its the easiest car I've driven through central london traffic (but I did add PASM, ACC and PDK which make it a doddle)
I've always hated the central locking light, so always programme for the doors not to auto lockBut there are no regrets, I can honestly say the Cayman is the most enjoyable car I've ever owned or driven (and I have driven some very good cars including far too many Aston's most V8/V12 Mercs and the odd Lambo).
Biggest surprise is how practical the Cayman is; I don't miss the space of the touring and its the easiest car I've driven through central london traffic (but I did add PASM, ACC and PDK which make it a doddle)
I can only echo the comments from other Cayman owners about what a great car it is. Engaging, practical, good looking, surprisingly frugal- just really easy to live with and doles up loads of driving fun when you ask it to. There's a great range of options to suit everyones taste, you can spend 40k or 70k and get the car you want. My only gripes are the stop start function which can be "programmed away" and the centre console ergonomics are a bit random (gear lever obstructs the temp control for example).
As for Boxster/Cayman - purely personal, I preferred the looks of the Cayman and wanted everyday practicality of a hatch and a boot. Didn't drive a Box so can't comment on noise/dynamics etc.
As for Boxster/Cayman - purely personal, I preferred the looks of the Cayman and wanted everyday practicality of a hatch and a boot. Didn't drive a Box so can't comment on noise/dynamics etc.
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