981 Boxster vs Boxster - experiences?

[Driversmatter]

I am looking at getting my first Boxster. Always loved the 981 from launch and now in a position where acquiring one is on the cards.

At the moment I’m torn between two cars - money not a massive issue my main question is which is the better car in man maths terms / ownership. Likely to be my main car at least for a while.

So my choices are a well specced S with nearly 50,000 on the clock or a nice but standard 2.7 with less than 10,000 and three years younger.

Also likely to keep hold of the car for the long term too.

Do I get the one I really like with the looks and the toys or the younger car, in order that I can use it without getting scared by the increasing mileage?

Also because these cars are built to be driven and with less than 10,000 miles in 7 years the 2.7 car will have been sitting for long periods am I over thinking the mileage?

[981Boxess]

I wouldn’t let the mileage put you off, a mate of mine bought a 981S from new and is up to around 120k by now. He bought it to use as a weekend car but ended up using it for commuting simply because there was no valid reason not too. It was supplied and is still maintained by the same OPC and other than routine servicing nothing else significant has been needed to be spent on it. No stretching of service intervals or cutting corners, so it has just been well looked after and has served him well as a result.

The 2.7 v 3.4 debate can only answered by yourself, on paper the 2.7 is more than enough for spirited road driving, the 3.4 might have the edge for track days and willy waving. An almost bigger decision is the PDK, can firmly open …………

IMO the 981 is the best convertible out there for this sort of money, beautifully put together with a gem of an engine, whichever you decide on you will almost certainly enjoy it. I ended up with a 3.4 PDK, I shouldn't really post this on PH because talking about money is seen as a sign of weakness, but I have been pleasantly surprised by the fuel economy given the performance. Other than finding any excuse to go out for a drive so far so good, brilliant car.

Edited by 981Boxess on Saturday 26th March 08:55

[Driversmatter]

Thank you for your reply. Really appreciate it.

[DJMC]

My 2014 Cayman 2.7 PDK is at 58k miles now. Never needed a single drop of oil which I take as a sign all is well in the engine dept.

Of course suspension will wear too, but I wouldn't worry rare for one to fail and they're expected to last 250k miles.

I tried the 3.4S but found it even easier to go too fast and so opted for the base model, but well specced. What's "missing" from the 2.7 you've seen? Can you list the options? Might be something not there which should put you off, or future buyers on resale?

[Royal Jelly]

As mentioned, I don’t think you can go wrong with either. You’ll love them both, for slightly different reasons. I’ve a 3.4 Cayman. If I was going Boxster, I may be inclined to go 2.7..

To echo above, both engines are corkers, and the chassis is brilliant, so I think spec is more important.

What specs are the cars you’re looking at? There’s plenty of opinion & knowledge here on 981 options, and what they bring to the party.

[Voodoo Blue]

With regard to your last point my wife's 981 2.7 Cayman will be 7 years old in October and it has only done 26k miles. Although it does get used regularly it doesn't get taken on many long trips and we've not had any major issues mechanically or otherwise so if our experience is anything to go by I wouldn't worry too much about lower mileage if its been maintained correctly.

[Royal Jelly]

Voodoo Blue said:

With regard to your last point my wife's 981 2.7 Cayman will be 7 years old in October and it has only done 26k miles. Although it does get used regularly it doesn't get taken on many long trips and we've not had any major issues mechanically or otherwise so if our experience is anything to go by I wouldn't worry too much about lower mileage if its been maintained correctly.

No issues with standing, either. Mine is 8 years old, 17k on the clock. I live overseas so it gets taken out a couple of times a year for a month at a time and is in warm, dry storage the rest of the time. It’s lived this way for 4 years. Everything flexible is supple. It’s not from the 60’s. Laying up for years may be a problem, or laying up 6 months at a time outside, but otherwise they’re absolutely fine asleep for long stints.

Regular oil changes (before storage) and seal conditioning is key for a dormant car.

Equally, don’t be put off by a high miler. Get someone to give the suspension arms, tuning forks & mounts a once-over. That’s where you can expect wear. Don’t let some knocking put you off though - They’re easy to replace for the most part. The engine & drivetrain will keep trucking until the asteroid hits, if there’s evidence of regular oil & filter changes.

[Driversmatter]

Thank you everyone for the replies.

The thing is I always wanted an S since the 2012 launch of the 981. When we moved to our house inn2015 our neighbour (2 doors down) had a 987.2 S which he changed in 2017 to a 981 2.7. His car is a black with black hood and leather.

The 2.7 car I’ve seen has 8k miles I think is the better proposition if it were any other colour than black. Its base spec but has the sports exhaust. Going fir a drive in it on Wednesday. It’s £5k more than the 50,000 mile white S that I like the spec: PDLS Bose blue hood yachting blue leather.

So I suppose I’m torn because I’m buying it for the long haul so I think I’m leaning towards the better looking white S drawn in by its spec despite the higher mileage.

[Royal Jelly]

I understand choosing a base model over an S, but unless the condition of the S was vastly out of kilter, I certainly wouldn’t spend more on a base.

Assuming both have been reasonably well cared-for, 50k on the clock means some of the suspension componentry will have a bit of wear/play. Not a big deal to correct. Drop links, arms and bushes.

[woodysnr]

I have had 6 Boxsters 2 Spyder manual 3.6 and 3.8 engines a few 986 3.2 Tip and Manual and 987 Tip and my current 981 is 2.7 PDK amazing car love it fast enough and still have the 987 Spyder ..sadly would never buy a black car at any price

[Wollemi]

woodysnr said:

I have had 6 Boxsters 2 Spyder manual 3.6 and 3.8 engines a few 986 3.2 Tip and Manual and 987 Tip and my current 981 is 2.7 PDK amazing car love it fast enough and still have the 987 Spyder ..sadly would never buy a black car at any price

Neither would I.

You'd have to factor in the price of a wrap or re-spray

[Driversmatter]

Yes I’m of the belief that colour in itself isn’t a barrier but I just don’t want to look like I’ve copied the fella up the road by getting a black one.

In the long term I think the higher spec S is where I’m at but I could certainly live with the performance of the 2.7 car. Just nice to have better lighting a decent stereo for when you don’t want to listen to the engine (motorway drives / traffic).

I’m appreciating your replies - I’d not notice the £5k saving in the short term. To my it seems to be better to get a better spec car albeit one that’s done considerably more miles - but what about when I’ve done another 30000 miles?

[DJMC]

Buy white over black.

I had a panther black TTS. Never will I buy a black car ever, ever, ever again!

[Billy_Whizzzz]

From experience - and I’ve no doubt the 2.7 is great - if it was me I’d always regret not having the S. Plenty more used cars around. No one seems too worried about mileage but instinctively I’d want a slightly lower mileage one than 50,000.

[Stuart70]

Not really relevant, but just for interest. I have a 3.4 987 S which is 16 years old.

I use it as a station car and sunny day runaround. It has never missed a beat and makes my blat to the station fun. It has fsh and 56k miles.

Cool story etc.

Buy a Porsche. They are fun…

[paulwrx]

What's wrong with black 😄
My take on it was less milage less problems ..hopefully
I looked at it as your paying around 8 to 10k more for similar spec car with 50bhp more
I Don't think any decision is likely going to upset you

I went for the none S ..I hate the word base
I actually like the fact I can get in it and thrash it about abit and not be doing ridiculous speeds unlike my old c63

[981Boxess]

paulwrx said:

What's wrong with black ??

Nothing, it looks great - but.

You wash it clean it, stand back and admire it, go back in doors feeling like you have done a great job, you come out a few hours later and it is already starting to look dirty. If you are less fussy this will not matter to you, if you are it will and I promised myself I would never buy another one for that reason alone.

Another thing is if you ever have any paintwork done not only do you have a colour match problem, not all solid blacks are the same, but you also have a shine match problem. Get a quote on a respray on a car and then tell them you want it in solid black and see how well that goes down.

[Royal Jelly]

It is tricky to keep clean, bud Jesus Christ, talk about over egging the pudding.

There’s no special Porsche secret sauce that makes their black cars worse to maintain.

Any detailer worth their salt can deal with stone chips on a basalt black Porsche every couple of years.

If you like the black, get it. Realise they show the dirt more readily. Personally, I’d pick the car first, irrespective of colour - particularly a 981 vs 981S; they’re more different than a colour change.

Edited by Royal Jelly on Sunday 27th March 17:28

[paulwrx]

There was a laughing emo when I said what's wrong with black ? but it didn't work

I know fine well its a pain to keep clean but I don't mind the cleaning part of it and it looks really nice after an hour ..in that pic above it's actually dirty
To be honest they look nice in all the colours I'm not that keen on the blue but I'm sure some people will love it

Anyways here's my take on the car after 6 months ownership
When I first got it I wasn't realy a fan
winter was on its way and I didn't realy gel with it for the first couple of months
Since then I've grown to love it and the last week of sun has certainly helped
I personally think it's a thing of beauty other people seem to like it as well

I'm not really a chatty person when I'm filling up and never realy know what to say but people do say nice car mate

It's not fast but it is quick and has a lovely sound track

I can honestly say I didn't really get it at first but I now realise it's just good at everything
Looks nice, well built, reliable, and fun to drive for a modern day car
il probably sell in a year or so but that's just me

Ohh yeah it's not all good Worst thing is people pulling out in front of you and I mean constantly filling gaps I had no intention of taking

My advice is buy the car you would love to look at with the spec you want don't worry about resale they all sell there all desirable to someone all the rest will be good and have some fun and enjoy it

[Driversmatter]

Thanks all.

This has helped massively. Got a few lined up to go and see now but I think spec is more important than colour but would prefer a non black car simply cos I don’t want to copy anyone in my road. Have had plenty of black cars previously.