Too Porsche to pay…

[Andyconway]

I’m looking to buy a Porsche. Because I want one. And am considering, due to budget, either a (circa) 2006 911 Cabrio or a 2014 Boxter. So I need input as to which may be preferable. And where better to ask???

[RedWhiteMonkey]

Andyconway said:

I’m looking to buy a Porsche. Because I want one. And am considering, due to budget, either a (circa) 2006 911 Cabrio or a 2014 Boxter. So I need input as to which may be preferable. And where better to ask???

It's Boxster not Boxter. Two different cars, have you actually driven either of them?

[ZX10R NIN]

Which one do you like more?
What do you want the car to do? as in weekend warrior or daily duties etc

[Andyconway]

It’s just for fun use. No commuting, just weekends and weekends away.
I drove a 911 a long time ago and it was fabulous. I drove a BoxSter (apologies, I’m a little dyslexic and spellcheck can only get you so far in life) and thought it handled incredibly and was great fun.

[ZX10R NIN]

How much do you want to spend as this will also help in which direction to go.

[samoht]

A 2006 911 will be a 997.1 with the M96/M97 engine, so inform yourself about their reliability issues before purchase.

Conversely a 2014 Boxster 981 will have EPAS, which may or may not bother you.

[maz8062]

The Boxster will be better more so if an ‘S.’ I prefer the looks of the 981 generation compared to the 987 or even the 718. The 997.1 has a bad reputation due to the engine issues which can be ruinous if you’re caught out.

The 911 has rear seats and gives you that unique driving sensation. It also makes you feel good when driving and kids wave at you. It’s a 911, a fulfilment of a dream for some of us.

Your cash, you choose

[Audis5b9]

Ive had a 981 and a 991S

Hard to believe but the 981 was more fun to drive and more enjoyable. Loved both cars, but if I was buying another weekend sports car I'd go back to the 981 rather than a 911.

[Mad Maximus]

911 if your handy with the spanner’s boxster if your not. The 911 will I think be more special but it’s older so will require more upkeep. If you just want a ready to go Sunday blaster the boxster will probably serve you better.

[Ezra]

There is actually a specific Porsche forum.

I've had 2 911's...a 2002 4S manual and a 2006 4 manual and 3 Boxsters...a 2007 S manual, a 2010 base PDK and a 2014 S PDK. I think the best one to drive was the 2010 base PDK Boxster. It was the least powerful and 'slowest' but it was absolutely sublime. You could actually rev the engine all the way and drive it properly without just breaking the NSL in 2nd, and do not be put off by the auto PDK system that Porsche have. Unless you're a total driving god, the PDK is fantastic - lightening quick and almost telepathic.

If I was in your shoes, I'd go for a base Boxster with the 6-cyl n/an engine. Buy on condition/history (esp. service history/details) - not necessarily mileage, and try for a few decent options (Bose, sports exhaust).

[venster70]

If you go for the Boxster, get PDK, Bose (standard stereo is terrible) and a sports exhaust.
Also look for dual climate, because the controls are much less fiddly.
It will be a joy to drive and look at, I talk from experience!

[MrBen.911]

You have picked two quite different models, and it's not clear how you have picked them other than perhaps budget versus newest possible car?

There are other options, for example a 2009-2012 Boxster or Cayman (the 987.2 generation) has the later Direct Injection engine, but is still the earlier shell, with hydraulic steering. 911's of that era (997.2) have the same criteria but tend to be a fair bit more money than a 997.1 so perhaps outside your budget.

All of these cars are a good few years old now, so I'd very much recommend buying on condition rather than age.

[alfa phil]

Had both back in the day , boxsterS first ,loved it being first Porsche I've owned , after 5yrs of ownership got a 997 , both great cars no problem with either. Prefered the 911 , buy a good one and you won't be disappointed with either
But yes its worth driving them first.
Must add the 911 was 14k more to buy on like for like age condition ect , than the boxster.

[Johnniem]

Ezra said:

.... and do not be put off by the auto PDK system that Porsche have. Unless you're a total driving god, the PDK is fantastic - lightening quick and almost telepathic.

If I was in your shoes, I'd go for a base Boxster with the 6-cyl n/an engine. Buy on condition/history (esp. service history/details) - not necessarily mileage, and try for a few decent options (Bose, sports exhaust).

I'm glad someone mentioned the PDK gearbox option. Not many like to admit that they are not driving Gods and prefer what is probably the best auto box in the world. Just bloody sublime and amazing for hooning in the mountains.

981 Boxster S or (even better) Cayman S, is the answer to this question, all day long. Solid as a rock.

[Herbs]

Ezra said:

There is actually a specific Porsche forum.

I've had 2 911's...a 2002 4S manual and a 2006 4 manual and 3 Boxsters...a 2007 S manual, a 2010 base PDK and a 2014 S PDK. I think the best one to drive was the 2010 base PDK Boxster. It was the least powerful and 'slowest' but it was absolutely sublime. You could actually rev the engine all the way and drive it properly without just breaking the NSL in 2nd, and do not be put off by the auto PDK system that Porsche have. Unless you're a total driving god, the PDK is fantastic - lightening quick and almost telepathic.

If I was in your shoes, I'd go for a base Boxster with the 6-cyl n/an engine. Buy on condition/history (esp. service history/details) - not necessarily mileage, and try for a few decent options (Bose, sports exhaust).

Also owned a 2002 4S widebody and whilst it was a lovely car, it was far too accomplished for the road. To get the sensation of using the car, I would have lost my license had I kept it and it was too sensible at normal speeds.

All depends on what you want it for - a day to day usable car then a 911 with PDK but if you want to drive the car and be involved then a manual Boxster would be my choice.

[Linkin]

Based on my own experience, i'd choose a nicely specified Boxster S.

'Nicely specified' for me would pretty much be my previous fun-car.
Manual, Adaptive Suspension, Sports Chrono Pack, Sports Exhaust, Adaptive Headlights (I though this was unnecessary, but they are absolutely brilliant for a night-time blast round the back roads).
Oh, and ensure you get a spot-on service history.

If you choose carefully and maintain it, the residuals should hold up nicely as well....

Linkin

[Freakuk]

I'd say a Boxster would be the better car for your needs, more practical (boot front and rear), the rear seats on a 911 aren't much use unless you have small children. And with a Boxster you can put the roof down on those limited summer days.

It's not a 911 though, although as already mentioned the 997 would possibly ruin you.

[LuS1fer]

I was musing over this earlier and it seems you need something from a 987.2 ie 2009 onwards Boxster to avoid some of the issues like the IMS.

I concluded I was far too mean to pay the running costs though and I don't need the badge.

[SV_WDC]

OP the best place to start will be the Buyers Guides. They have them on porscheclubgb site (should come up if you search google), and Pistonheads no doubt have them too.

As others have said, the 997.1 will likely require more work due to age.

You haven't specified which transmission but if you're looking Auto then 997.1 will be Tiptronic whereas 981 Boxster will be PDK.

If you're searching manual then probably less of a consideration

[mikey P 500]

Unless you need rear seats boxster is the better option on value (they are fairly similar cars but have a wide price gap). I have owned a 986 and 996 and apart from the rear seats and slightly different handling at the very limit they are very similar to drive.