Just for fun: Porsche "build your own"
Discussion
Just for fun, I just configured a basic spec Boxster (which in fairness if I had £40k to spend on a new car I would be more than happy with) as follows. The only thing I would add is PSE when this became available (approx. £1,500?) bringing the total cost to about £41k all in which I think sounds like great value.
Just for fun - keeping in mind the base costs / spec brief, which key option would you add / change to the below and why?
Boxster
£ 36,610.00
Exterior Colour
Guards Red
G1
£ 0.00
Black Cabriolet Roof
4V
£ 0.00
Interior Colour
Black partial leather seats with leather package
AS
£ 1,012.00
Exterior
Mesh wind deflector
551
£ 182.00
Electrically retractable exterior mirrors
748
£ 202.00
ParkAssist rear
635
£ 348.00
Top tinted windscreen
567
£ 77.00
Wheels
18-inch Boxster wheel
395
£ 0.00
Interior
Seat heating
342
£ 283.00
Standard seats
P08
£ 0.00
Floor mats
810
£ 73.00
Interior Leather
Leather package
980
£ 0.00
Others
3rd Year Porsche Assistance
A01
£ 169.00
Third Year Warranty
WO1
£ 660.00
Total Price*
£ 39,616.00
Just for fun - keeping in mind the base costs / spec brief, which key option would you add / change to the below and why?
Boxster
£ 36,610.00
Exterior Colour
Guards Red
G1
£ 0.00
Black Cabriolet Roof
4V
£ 0.00
Interior Colour
Black partial leather seats with leather package
AS
£ 1,012.00
Exterior
Mesh wind deflector
551
£ 182.00
Electrically retractable exterior mirrors
748
£ 202.00
ParkAssist rear
635
£ 348.00
Top tinted windscreen
567
£ 77.00
Wheels
18-inch Boxster wheel
395
£ 0.00
Interior
Seat heating
342
£ 283.00
Standard seats
P08
£ 0.00
Floor mats
810
£ 73.00
Interior Leather
Leather package
980
£ 0.00
Others
3rd Year Porsche Assistance
A01
£ 169.00
Third Year Warranty
WO1
£ 660.00
Total Price*
£ 39,616.00
- including VAT
Edited by Chunk49 on Monday 12th March 13:05
Edited by Chunk49 on Monday 12th March 13:08
18" rims will look tiny in those arches I reckon, so I'd want 19s. Beyond that I don't think there's anything particularly missing to be honest - what's the standard for audio - PCM is standard on 991s, but I'm guessing not on the Box? Think that'd be nice to have, with iPod integration.
My Boxster S spec, pared down about as low as I can get it is £53k and doesn't have PSE which I'd want (and will have on my next Porsche). I didn't bother with the folding mirrors or ladypark, as I'd rather have PCM and iPod integration. That's a pricey option though at over 2.5k when you take into account that you have to have Bose or 'sound package' plus. I hated the Bose on my 987.1, but I'd want to hear the options on the newer cars. The other big expense is the Torque vectoring with LSD as that also means you must have PASM - another 1.5k.
Another tip would be to avoid partial leather - my Cayman has it, and I wish I could have the full hide that my Boxster had - much much better.
Another tip would be to avoid partial leather - my Cayman has it, and I wish I could have the full hide that my Boxster had - much much better.
Actus Reus said:
18" rims will look tiny in those arches I reckon, so I'd want 19s. Beyond that I don't think there's anything particularly missing to be honest - what's the standard for audio - PCM is standard on 991s, but I'm guessing not on the Box? Think that'd be nice to have, with iPod integration.
Although this is just for fun, my man maths "just for fun" thinking what that I would spec the 18s, and then immediately buy separately the 19s, and have the 18s for winter tyes. Would this work out cheaper than speccing the 19s, and then buying 18s for winter tyres? That was my thinking anyway of what I would do if I had £40k to spend. PS - you a lawyer? With a name like I would be amazed if you weren't.
Actus Reus said:
My Boxster S spec, pared down about as low as I can get it is £53k and doesn't have PSE which I'd want (and will have on my next Porsche). I didn't bother with the folding mirrors or ladypark, as I'd rather have PCM and iPod integration. That's a pricey option though at over 2.5k when you take into account that you have to have Bose or 'sound package' plus. I hated the Bose on my 987.1, but I'd want to hear the options on the newer cars. The other big expense is the Torque vectoring with LSD as that also means you must have PASM - another 1.5k.
Another tip would be to avoid partial leather - my Cayman has it, and I wish I could have the full hide that my Boxster had - much much better.
I could ditch lady park actually, and reduce the cost even further. The only reason I would go for PCM for £2.5k is to make the car easier to sell (at a decent price). My intention with the fantasy build was to see if I could get a new Boxster that I would actually want for around £40-£41k. Another tip would be to avoid partial leather - my Cayman has it, and I wish I could have the full hide that my Boxster had - much much better.
Unless you were going to use the car on track regularly, would the £3k ish on PTV + PSM be worth it?
Does anyone know the definitive cost of PSE?
Hmmm - interesting thinking re: the winter rubber and you might very well be right regarding the pricing. I probably wouldn't be using my Pork much in winter, so won't bother with winter tyres (my Cayman has done about 400miles since November, but on the up again now the sun's back).
And yes, I am indeed a lawyer - you as well by any chance?
And yes, I am indeed a lawyer - you as well by any chance?
Actus Reus said:
Hmmm - interesting thinking re: the winter rubber and you might very well be right regarding the pricing. I probably wouldn't be using my Pork much in winter, so won't bother with winter tyres (my Cayman has done about 400miles since November, but on the up again now the sun's back).
And yes, I am indeed a lawyer - you as well by any chance?
Aye - for my sins. A year qualified now. And yes, I am indeed a lawyer - you as well by any chance?
I have to say saw some renders of the new Cayman on PH recently and it looks great I think, just as good looking as the new Box. Whereas I would say (owning neither) that the Box 987.2 looks better than the Cayman 987.2.
Also re the leather - the options on the build your own confuse me. If I was speccing regardless of price, I'd have the basic Sport Seats in full leather with full leather interior. I'd then (aftermarket) get the wheel done in Alcantara. On the just for fun base / cost sensitive spec, my thinking was to try and get the best value / leather compromise.
Edited by Chunk49 on Monday 12th March 13:42
Edited by Chunk49 on Monday 12th March 13:42
I'm 7 years PQE now - though I work only as a notary public (in the City) - pretty unusual in that respect.
I like the renderings of the new Cayman too, but on days like today I do wonder if I'd sacrifice a bit of the rigidity and extra feedback of the Cayman for the roof down of the Boxster - tough one to call that, so will be fascinated to read the comparisons of the two 981 models (assuming the Cayman will keep that designation?).
As to PTV - dunno if that's a track toy or not really, if not I'd do without it - PASM I'd probably want to keep - my Cayman is far more comfortable on PASM than my Box on standard suspension.
As to the 40k question - yes, I think there's a great car to be had there for the money, but I'd be spending 40k on used stuff for sure - there's a thread on Boxster Spyders for that money and the Cayman R will go that way soon too - both utterly superb, though I'd probably have the Boxster over the Cayman in that case...
Oh, and as for the winter tyres - it'd be a horrible waste of 4 18" tyres to immediately junk them in favour of winter rubber, you'd have to at least sacrifice them to a few track days first...
I like the renderings of the new Cayman too, but on days like today I do wonder if I'd sacrifice a bit of the rigidity and extra feedback of the Cayman for the roof down of the Boxster - tough one to call that, so will be fascinated to read the comparisons of the two 981 models (assuming the Cayman will keep that designation?).
As to PTV - dunno if that's a track toy or not really, if not I'd do without it - PASM I'd probably want to keep - my Cayman is far more comfortable on PASM than my Box on standard suspension.
As to the 40k question - yes, I think there's a great car to be had there for the money, but I'd be spending 40k on used stuff for sure - there's a thread on Boxster Spyders for that money and the Cayman R will go that way soon too - both utterly superb, though I'd probably have the Boxster over the Cayman in that case...
Oh, and as for the winter tyres - it'd be a horrible waste of 4 18" tyres to immediately junk them in favour of winter rubber, you'd have to at least sacrifice them to a few track days first...
Actus Reus said:
I'm 7 years PQE now - though I work only as a notary public (in the City) - pretty unusual in that respect.
I like the renderings of the new Cayman too, but on days like today I do wonder if I'd sacrifice a bit of the rigidity and extra feedback of the Cayman for the roof down of the Boxster - tough one to call that, so will be fascinated to read the comparisons of the two 981 models (assuming the Cayman will keep that designation?).
As to PTV - dunno if that's a track toy or not really, if not I'd do without it - PASM I'd probably want to keep - my Cayman is far more comfortable on PASM than my Box on standard suspension.
As to the 40k question - yes, I think there's a great car to be had there for the money, but I'd be spending 40k on used stuff for sure - there's a thread on Boxster Spyders for that money and the Cayman R will go that way soon too - both utterly superb, though I'd probably have the Boxster over the Cayman in that case...
Oh, and as for the winter tyres - it'd be a horrible waste of 4 18" tyres to immediately junk them in favour of winter rubber, you'd have to at least sacrifice them to a few track days first...
I work in the City too. When did you become a notary? Have used notaries previously on various matters. Would be interested (via PM obv) to know the reasons why you made the switch. Always good to know about other options!I like the renderings of the new Cayman too, but on days like today I do wonder if I'd sacrifice a bit of the rigidity and extra feedback of the Cayman for the roof down of the Boxster - tough one to call that, so will be fascinated to read the comparisons of the two 981 models (assuming the Cayman will keep that designation?).
As to PTV - dunno if that's a track toy or not really, if not I'd do without it - PASM I'd probably want to keep - my Cayman is far more comfortable on PASM than my Box on standard suspension.
As to the 40k question - yes, I think there's a great car to be had there for the money, but I'd be spending 40k on used stuff for sure - there's a thread on Boxster Spyders for that money and the Cayman R will go that way soon too - both utterly superb, though I'd probably have the Boxster over the Cayman in that case...
Oh, and as for the winter tyres - it'd be a horrible waste of 4 18" tyres to immediately junk them in favour of winter rubber, you'd have to at least sacrifice them to a few track days first...
Back to cars, my thinking has always been along the following scenarios:
(a) money not so much of a concern and requirement is a single do everything car then hardtop 911 4/4S.
(b) if it is a case of sensible car + Porsche for fun (and with cost being a factor as it is for most people) then for me the non-sensible car should be a fun drop-top, and it just so happens that the Box seems to be regarded as the best all round / best value package Porsche make.
(c) if it is a case of a modern Porsche with best bang for buck and enjoyment (as a car of any description isn't really needed) it would need to feel fun and special and a convertible fits that bill. It would therefore again be the Boxster.
I definitely fit into (c) and hopefully in about 2 years time when I might have the funds to buy one, I'll still fit into (c)!
PS edited to add yes I would never buy a brand new car anyway (unless I became very rich!) I'd always be looking at approx 2-3yr old cars.
Edited by Chunk49 on Monday 12th March 14:17
You have email...
And I concur - that's why I bought the Boxster when I did - my then GF used it for a short commute to work and we didn't really need anything bigger - it was mainly 'C' for me, though it had to do the odd bit of proper 'work' now and again and the Box was perfect for it.
The Cayman is purely a toy now, though I do pop to the shops in it now and again because...well, because I can. And my local Tesco has a wonderful 90degree right hander, which allows some great tail slides at very low speeds (always greasy as right by the petrol station)...
And I concur - that's why I bought the Boxster when I did - my then GF used it for a short commute to work and we didn't really need anything bigger - it was mainly 'C' for me, though it had to do the odd bit of proper 'work' now and again and the Box was perfect for it.
The Cayman is purely a toy now, though I do pop to the shops in it now and again because...well, because I can. And my local Tesco has a wonderful 90degree right hander, which allows some great tail slides at very low speeds (always greasy as right by the petrol station)...
Actus Reus said:
You have email...
And I concur - that's why I bought the Boxster when I did - my then GF used it for a short commute to work and we didn't really need anything bigger - it was mainly 'C' for me, though it had to do the odd bit of proper 'work' now and again and the Box was perfect for it.
The Cayman is purely a toy now, though I do pop to the shops in it now and again because...well, because I can. And my local Tesco has a wonderful 90degree right hander, which allows some great tail slides at very low speeds (always greasy as right by the petrol station)...
Cheers - sent you one back. And I concur - that's why I bought the Boxster when I did - my then GF used it for a short commute to work and we didn't really need anything bigger - it was mainly 'C' for me, though it had to do the odd bit of proper 'work' now and again and the Box was perfect for it.
The Cayman is purely a toy now, though I do pop to the shops in it now and again because...well, because I can. And my local Tesco has a wonderful 90degree right hander, which allows some great tail slides at very low speeds (always greasy as right by the petrol station)...
For me right now (and in next couple of years) it will be easy to choose between a modern 911 and a modern Box/Cayman - cost means I will be going for the later of a similar age. Starting at the base 2.9 987.2 Box/Cayman also gives me loads of different modesl to try / progress to in future. But the choice between the base 2.9 987.2 Cayman and Boxster is more difficult.
What made you replace the Boxster with the Cayman? Would be interested to know your thoughts as someone who has owned both.
The renders of the new Cayman appeal to me looks-wise much more than the current Cayman which I think only looks good in red, orange or green! However, in reality, in a couple of years time I will prob be looking at 4/5yr old 987.2s for my money rather than 2yr old 981s, so on that basis and assuming I still fall into (c), it will be a 2009/2010 987.2 Boxster 2.9 for me as looks-wise the 987 Caymans don't work for me, and it seems the styling changes from 987.1 to 987.2 haven't had the same impact on the Cayman as they have on the Boxster (in terms of more aggressive styling). I wouldn't go 987.1 as for me they don't look aggressive enough and at certain angles (especially with smaller wheels) look shaped a bit like a boat and then there are some of the known engine issues.
Edited by Chunk49 on Monday 12th March 14:52
I bought the Boxster about 3 years ago as a slightly early 30th birthday present - at the time there were very few Caymans about and I wanted to try a cab, so that was that - 911 was out of reach budget-wise so that was that - mind made up. And it was superb - a gen 1 987S in grey, with a few choice toys, but no PCM or ladypark.
That went when I split with my ex and I bought a Scirocco as I couldn't justify leaving the Pork without moving all week, plus I didn't like leaving it on the street all day as my GTi that I had before got done to the tune of £500 by an anonymous a
hole hitting it.
Fast forward 18months and I'm moving in with a new GF to a house with a garage and we can afford a toy - somehow I persuade the missus to agree and we buy the Cayman. The Boxster itch has been scratched, and the summer was poor last year, so a cab wasn't really high on the list - this time it was 06 997S vs. 08 Cayman S (the Cayman being about 7k cheaper than most 911s at the time). I loved both, but didn't think the 911 was much more special - and I appreciated that the Cayman was probably a bit easier to drive quickly (I'm still a novice and the missus certainly is), cheaper to buy and a bit cheaper to run - so that's what I went for.
Compared to the Box, they're very similar, but the Cayman is that bit sharper and that bit more forgiving on or near the limit. Perhaps my skills have improved, but I'm very happy to slide the Cayman about on the public road and I've never really had a moment - the Boxster once caught me out, though it was very early and a bit greasy...but that's the difference to me - the Cayman lets you get away with more and so lets you go faster and have a bit more fun. That said I'd have a Boxster again in a heartbeat...
That went when I split with my ex and I bought a Scirocco as I couldn't justify leaving the Pork without moving all week, plus I didn't like leaving it on the street all day as my GTi that I had before got done to the tune of £500 by an anonymous a
hole hitting it.Fast forward 18months and I'm moving in with a new GF to a house with a garage and we can afford a toy - somehow I persuade the missus to agree and we buy the Cayman. The Boxster itch has been scratched, and the summer was poor last year, so a cab wasn't really high on the list - this time it was 06 997S vs. 08 Cayman S (the Cayman being about 7k cheaper than most 911s at the time). I loved both, but didn't think the 911 was much more special - and I appreciated that the Cayman was probably a bit easier to drive quickly (I'm still a novice and the missus certainly is), cheaper to buy and a bit cheaper to run - so that's what I went for.
Compared to the Box, they're very similar, but the Cayman is that bit sharper and that bit more forgiving on or near the limit. Perhaps my skills have improved, but I'm very happy to slide the Cayman about on the public road and I've never really had a moment - the Boxster once caught me out, though it was very early and a bit greasy...but that's the difference to me - the Cayman lets you get away with more and so lets you go faster and have a bit more fun. That said I'd have a Boxster again in a heartbeat...
Actus Reus said:
I bought the Boxster about 3 years ago as a slightly early 30th birthday present - at the time there were very few Caymans about and I wanted to try a cab, so that was that - 911 was out of reach budget-wise so that was that - mind made up. And it was superb - a gen 1 987S in grey, with a few choice toys, but no PCM or ladypark.
That went when I split with my ex and I bought a Scirocco as I couldn't justify leaving the Pork without moving all week, plus I didn't like leaving it on the street all day as my GTi that I had before got done to the tune of £500 by an anonymous ahole hitting it.
Fast forward 18months and I'm moving in with a new GF to a house with a garage and we can afford a toy - somehow I persuade the missus to agree and we buy the Cayman. The Boxster itch has been scratched, and the summer was poor last year, so a cab wasn't really high on the list - this time it was 06 997S vs. 08 Cayman S (the Cayman being about 7k cheaper than most 911s at the time). I loved both, but didn't think the 911 was much more special - and I appreciated that the Cayman was probably a bit easier to drive quickly (I'm still a novice and the missus certainly is), cheaper to buy and a bit cheaper to run - so that's what I went for.
Compared to the Box, they're very similar, but the Cayman is that bit sharper and that bit more forgiving on or near the limit. Perhaps my skills have improved, but I'm very happy to slide the Cayman about on the public road and I've never really had a moment - the Boxster once caught me out, though it was very early and a bit greasy...but that's the difference to me - the Cayman lets you get away with more and so lets you go faster and have a bit more fun. That said I'd have a Boxster again in a heartbeat...
Have you kept a Porsche warranty on it? Lots of stories on here about engine issues. That went when I split with my ex and I bought a Scirocco as I couldn't justify leaving the Pork without moving all week, plus I didn't like leaving it on the street all day as my GTi that I had before got done to the tune of £500 by an anonymous a
hole hitting it.Fast forward 18months and I'm moving in with a new GF to a house with a garage and we can afford a toy - somehow I persuade the missus to agree and we buy the Cayman. The Boxster itch has been scratched, and the summer was poor last year, so a cab wasn't really high on the list - this time it was 06 997S vs. 08 Cayman S (the Cayman being about 7k cheaper than most 911s at the time). I loved both, but didn't think the 911 was much more special - and I appreciated that the Cayman was probably a bit easier to drive quickly (I'm still a novice and the missus certainly is), cheaper to buy and a bit cheaper to run - so that's what I went for.
Compared to the Box, they're very similar, but the Cayman is that bit sharper and that bit more forgiving on or near the limit. Perhaps my skills have improved, but I'm very happy to slide the Cayman about on the public road and I've never really had a moment - the Boxster once caught me out, though it was very early and a bit greasy...but that's the difference to me - the Cayman lets you get away with more and so lets you go faster and have a bit more fun. That said I'd have a Boxster again in a heartbeat...
Yes my plan is to have a Porsche by the time I'm 30!
So the million dollar question - if you could only choose Boxster or Cayman - which would you choose and why?
For me, due to the looks, I would have to push the budget and get a 981 base Cayman in 2 years time if I was to go for the Cayman. To me the back end of the Cayman just doesn't look right! (no offence!)
Edited by Chunk49 on Monday 12th March 15:38
Both Box and Cayman came from an OPC, so yes, the Cayman is still covered. I wouldn't buy one without the warranty - my Box was starting to weep a little oil around the seal and that was one of the reasons I chopped it in - I became a little scared of a big bill coming my way.
Given the choice of any, I'd have a Boxster Spyder I think. If it were just the 'base' cars, I'd have a Cayman I think, but it would be a tight choice. The Cayman's the better steer, but getting the roof off the Box was always fun. I will say this though - grey Boxster, only kids ever complimented it, white Cayman, countless people have said how nice it looks.
So if I were single, I'd buy another white Cayman
Given the choice of any, I'd have a Boxster Spyder I think. If it were just the 'base' cars, I'd have a Cayman I think, but it would be a tight choice. The Cayman's the better steer, but getting the roof off the Box was always fun. I will say this though - grey Boxster, only kids ever complimented it, white Cayman, countless people have said how nice it looks.
So if I were single, I'd buy another white Cayman
Actus Reus said:
Both Box and Cayman came from an OPC, so yes, the Cayman is still covered. I wouldn't buy one without the warranty - my Box was starting to weep a little oil around the seal and that was one of the reasons I chopped it in - I became a little scared of a big bill coming my way.
Given the choice of any, I'd have a Boxster Spyder I think. If it were just the 'base' cars, I'd have a Cayman I think, but it would be a tight choice. The Cayman's the better steer, but getting the roof off the Box was always fun. I will say this though - grey Boxster, only kids ever complimented it, white Cayman,countles peopleFITTIES have said how nice it looks.
So if I were single, I'd buy another white Cayman
I should have added white to the list of red, green and orange above. To be honest, I think all porsches look best in those colours (plus Riviera blue...)Given the choice of any, I'd have a Boxster Spyder I think. If it were just the 'base' cars, I'd have a Cayman I think, but it would be a tight choice. The Cayman's the better steer, but getting the roof off the Box was always fun. I will say this though - grey Boxster, only kids ever complimented it, white Cayman,
So if I were single, I'd buy another white Cayman
Why does being single / not single affect your choice of which Porsche to buy!? ;-)
PS edited to correct your statement...
Edited by Chunk49 on Monday 12th March 15:46
Edited by Chunk49 on Monday 12th March 15:47
Chunk49 said:
I should have added white to the list of red, green and orange above. To be honest, I think all porsches look best in those colours (plus Riviera blue...)
Why does being single / not single affect your choice of which Porsche to buy!? ;-)
You haven't seen my missus driving - I needed something that would be forgiving. I lust after a GT3, but only when I can also afford a Boxster for the missus as well.Why does being single / not single affect your choice of which Porsche to buy!? ;-)
Though if you are looking to 'pick up' a Porsche, in my experience, was a very mixed blessing indeed!
From those inflation figures, are we able to infer that a Boxster is now much better value? 60k sounds a hell of a lot for a 2.5 Boxster!
Actus Reus said:
You haven't seen my missus driving - I needed something that would be forgiving. I lust after a GT3, but only when I can also afford a Boxster for the missus as well.
Though if you are looking to 'pick up' a Porsche, in my experience, was a very mixed blessing indeed!
From those inflation figures, are we able to infer that a Boxster is now much better value? 60k sounds a hell of a lot for a 2.5 Boxster!
I assume my "correction" of your post above was correct then by your silence.... Though if you are looking to 'pick up' a Porsche, in my experience, was a very mixed blessing indeed!
From those inflation figures, are we able to infer that a Boxster is now much better value? 60k sounds a hell of a lot for a 2.5 Boxster!
Please elaborate re "mixed blessing" - as a recently single chap I'm all ears!
Yes re values - pretty much all mass produced consumer items are cheaper today than they used to be. This is why I always give my dad some ribbing when he exclaims that the washer hasn't lasted 25 years like the last one - in real terms, it probably cost half the price! Given that the 981 also must generally be more realiable / better quality than the 986 variants then you've got to say that either the 986b was overpriced or the 981 is under priced. I'd go with the former, for the following reasons: Porsche at that time probably had (if anything) even more prestige than it has now (semi-hand built, racing history, bombproof build quality etc) and the 986 created a new market segment and had little competition.
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