Boxster buying conundrum, 986 vs 987 or neither and 911??

[BlueRSedFly]

So, having always wanted a Porsche, I am considering purchasing one as a second car, at most will cover 4-5k miles per year.
I am stuck as to what to get, head says 911 coupe (prob 996) as think will hold it's value better, albeit be more expensive to run, but heart says Boxster (nonS) as I love a roadster (previously had mk3 Mx5 and mk1 TT).
If I went with Boxster my query is whether to purchase a 986 2.7 for 6-8K and spend possibly 4-5k on renewing suspension components/AC parts/Brakes/IMS/electrical issues.
Or would it be more sensible to purchase a 987 (possibly 2.7Sport edition), for 14-16K and hope that it doesn't need much other than routine servicing over the next couple of years?

Which would be the more involving/fun to drive, which would likely be the more reliable and which is likely to become more sought after in the future?
Thanks for your input

[LordHaveMurci]

Worth looking at 996 cab’s?

911’s drive very differently to Boxsters, which do you prefer?

[Jamescrs]

LordHaveMurci said:

Worth looking at 996 cab’s?

911’s drive very differently to Boxsters, which do you prefer?

I own a 986 and I love it personally I paid £6500 for mine with receipts to show IMS and RMS had been done in the not too distant past at OPC, the invoices would make my eyes water if I had paid them myself, mine still needs a suspension refresh at some point to get it on point but overall I love the thing, mines a 2.7.

If I was in the same position as the OP I would be very tempted by a 996 but the price between a good 996 and a 986 is probably pushing £14k at this point, i.e a manual with a good history and clear bore score record etc. I looked at 996's a couple of years ago when they were lower priced than they are now and I do love them but the cost difference for a weekend toy is too great for me.

[BlueRSedFly]

Thanks, had considered 996 cabs, but not driven either atm!
Good to hear that a6.5k 986 has been good, thinking that if I could find one with newish pads and discs and the IMS done then that would probably be the way to go.
Keep looking at 996s on Friends Green Porsche, as they seem to be v. thoroughly prepped before sale, but like you say there's a massive gulf in the price, but if the 996s keep doing up in value then that's OK

[LordHaveMurci]

Forget about the IMS

[esotericar]

BlueRSedFly said:

Or would it be more sensible to purchase a 987 (possibly 2.7Sport edition), for 14-16K and hope that it doesn't need much other than routine servicing over the next couple of years?

Even a top dollar 987 could easily need significant work in the first couple of years.

[BlueRSedFly]

LordHaveMurci said:

Forget about the IMS

I know it's such a small risk, but I have seen that it's more likely on cars that don't get driven a lot, so am slightly concerned that if I only do a few thousand miles a year then it could be an issue for me

[BlueRSedFly]

esotericar said:

Even a top dollar 987 could easily need significant work in the first couple of years.

Yes, this would be the worst case for me, to spend say 18k on a 987, then have to shell out possibly 4-5k in repairs , all the time while the car is depreciating further. As that money could have bought a 996 with lots of suspension/AC condensors and brake pads /discs/clutch and lots of the main items already replaced on it!

[esotericar]

I would go 3.2, whichever model you go for. The 2.7 is a nice engine, but the 3.2 is just as nice, is substantially more muscular, costs no more to run and gives away basically nothing.

987.1 3.2 is the value option. Tonnes of car for the money. 986s are lovely too, if you want a more old school drive with a bit more low speed charm.

[skullandbiscuits]

I was in your position at the start of the year, and I decided to go for 986 2.7. I actually didn’t find many owners opinions on the 2.7. The web was filled with “get the 3.2”

I’ve found the 986 platform to be a great learning experience into the Porsche world, and it will set you up nicely onto thinking about the Porsche you really want to be in.

[julian987R]

BlueRSedFly said:

Or would it be more sensible to purchase a 987 (possibly 2.7Sport edition), for 14-16K and hope that it doesn't need much other than routine servicing over the next couple of years?

you do realise the tax band for the 987 Sport Edition is around £600 a year. That catches people out. Its double that of any other 987, including the R

[Jayho]

I was in a similar position very recently. Modest overall budget, but could have stretched to early 987 on budget. Ended up with a 986S. I and a MK1 TT previously too and knew I wanted a convertible and knew if I went 996 I would 100% have gotten a Coupe and regret it when the sun was shining.

Personally I went for a 986 as I preferred the looks over a 987. I also always wanted a "classic" car, and the 986 is probably as classic I could get without it being a pain to drive. Luckily the first 986 I viewed had a lot of history and work done and drove beautifully. Something which you'll definitely have to go out and test drive to make sure it's the right car for you. Although it's not difficult to drive, it is very different from modern cars. Even though there were barely any years between my boxster and the TT I had, the TT was so much easier to drive. The boxster steering in low speeds and heavy clutch does get some getting used to. When I go into my daily afterwards i feel like I'm driving a cloud it's so light.

If you're hopeful of a car which will go up in value eventually and want a Boxster may I suggest the 2.5 in the launch colour of silver with red interior. Personally I think if any were to go up in value would be that one and the very late 3.2 Anniversary edition. I believe the 2.5 also has no IMS / RMS issues to worry about at all.

[jimmy p]

julian987R said:

BlueRSedFly said:

Or would it be more sensible to purchase a 987 (possibly 2.7Sport edition), for 14-16K and hope that it doesn't need much other than routine servicing over the next couple of years?

you do realise the tax band for the 987 Sport Edition is around £600 a year. That catches people out. Its double that of any other 987, including the R

It's due to the 6 speed gearbox in the sport edition which pushes up the co2 emissions up into top tax bracket, the same as all 987.1 boxsters registered after 23 March 2006 until model year 2007 2.7's 5 speed which were under the 225 co2 level hence cheaper tax. Gen 2 cars were cheaper to tax

[BlueRSedFly]

Plenty of good feedback there, thanks. Hadn't considered the tax, didn't realise that some Boxsters would be up to £600, bit of an anomaly with 3.4Sport edition I think!!
Will look again at 3.2s, kind of discounted them due to potential IMS/bore scoring issues and also just thought the 2.7 would be more enjoyable. A large reason for considering Porsches is the flat 6, and 2.7 would give more opportunity for using the full rev range on the road, think 3.2 probably too quick?!

[esotericar]

Re 986 and 987.1, the only engine that is a worry re bore scoring is the 3.4 in the 987.1. Re IMS, a MY2006 3.2 will be safer than any 986, as it has the final big bearing.

The 3.2, whether in the 986 or 987, is not a bore score worry. The 3.2 is definitely not too quick.

[ChrisW.]

jimmy p said:

julian987R said:

BlueRSedFly said:

Or would it be more sensible to purchase a 987 (possibly 2.7Sport edition), for 14-16K and hope that it doesn't need much other than routine servicing over the next couple of years?

you do realise the tax band for the 987 Sport Edition is around £600 a year. That catches people out. Its double that of any other 987, including the R

It's due to the 6 speed gearbox in the sport edition which pushes up the co2 emissions up into top tax bracket, the same as all 987.1 boxsters registered after 23 March 2006 until model year 2007 2.7's 5 speed which were under the 225 co2 level hence cheaper tax. Gen 2 cars were cheaper to tax

Quality information ... the forum at its best ... and Gen2 engines are still not blowing-up ... poetic licence ;-)

[Ezra]

I currently have a 2010 987 gen 2 base Boxster with the 2.9 engine. It's the least powerful Porsche I've owned (had loads but all 'S' or '4S' versions of Boxster/cayman/911...even Panamera) and, tbh, its the absolute best as it can be driven enthusiastically at high revs easier on public roads without doing jail speeds - even the 986 'S' Boxster/caymans redline at about 70 in 2nd. You'll be out-dragged from the lights even by a lot of the newer hot hatches, but for real world roof down, engine screaming driving pleasure, I think the base engine boosters are hard to beat.

[Mr Tom]

I had a similar conundrum and went for an 05 2.7 987 (sport with 6sp gearbox). Lower tax band which is preferable. I didn’t get to drive a 986 but the more modern look of the 987 appealed. I think if I was going to get a 986 I would get an orange indicator ‘S’.

I paid £9.5k last year from a second hand car dealer. Reliable for the last 18months. Had £2.5k of work done this year (rear lower suspension arms, front shocks, coolant crossover pipes, coil packs, brake fluid and major service). Also had a front end respray and exhaust mod (£2k). Full service history with numerous ‘big’ jobs done.

It doesn’t have any history of IMS being done but will keep fingers crossed it will be ok until the clutch/RMS needs sorting.

Overall it drives lovely, not that quick but enjoyable on a B road without silly speed. I think the next step would be a 3.4s or a 997 911 s. The thing is with a 911 is that it’s a good £15-20k more which I personally can’t see the value? Having said that I have never driven a 911.

I would pay for a pre purchase check as I didn’t and could have used it as a bargaining tool?

Any other questions please ask but overall, I would say you will be happy with any of the above options. Really it’s a question of how much money you want to part with.

[BlueRSedFly]

Ezra said:

I currently have a 2010 987 gen 2 base Boxster with the 2.9 engine. It's the least powerful Porsche I've owned (had loads but all 'S' or '4S' versions of Boxster/cayman/911...even Panamera) and, tbh, its the absolute best as it can be driven enthusiastically at high revs easier on public roads without doing jail speeds - even the 986 'S' Boxster/caymans redline at about 70 in 2nd. You'll be out-dragged from the lights even by a lot of the newer hot hatches, but for real world roof down, engine screaming driving pleasure, I think the base engine boosters are hard to beat.

That's good to hear! Don't mind about being left at the lights, you only have to stop at the next ones anyhow!!

[BlueRSedFly]

Mr Tom said:

I had a similar conundrum and went for an 05 2.7 987 (sport with 6sp gearbox). Lower tax band which is preferable. I didn’t get to drive a 986 but the more modern look of the 987 appealed. I think if I was going to get a 986 I would get an orange indicator ‘S’.

I paid £9.5k last year from a second hand car dealer. Reliable for the last 18months. Had £2.5k of work done this year (rear lower suspension arms, front shocks, coolant crossover pipes, coil packs, brake fluid and major service). Also had a front end respray and exhaust mod (£2k). Full service history with numerous ‘big’ jobs done.

It doesn’t have any history of IMS being done but will keep fingers crossed it will be ok until the clutch/RMS needs sorting.

Overall it drives lovely, not that quick but enjoyable on a B road without silly speed. I think the next step would be a 3.4s or a 997 911 s. The thing is with a 911 is that it’s a good £15-20k more which I personally can’t see the value? Having said that I have never driven a 911.

I would pay for a pre purchase check as I didn’t and could have used it as a bargaining tool?

Any other questions please ask but overall, I would say you will be happy with any of the above options. Really it’s a question of how much money you want to part with.

Sounds good fun and not too pricey, is tax £340 for 2.7 Sport then? How many miles has yours covered?