Boxster S - practicality?
Discussion
I'll start by saying I've always had an itch to scratch when it comes to Porsches, specifically one of the 911 variants, but practicality has always put me off seeing that I have a need to transport golf clubs and related items on a regular basis.
Now I find myself looking at the new Boxster S because I really like the idea of a 300+ bhp manual convertible and I think the new one is now very good looking. My current S4 leaves me a little cold - very capable no doubt, just not that "interesting" to drive and no real sense of occasion when you get in it.
So my question is what are these cars like as an everyday car? Is the lack of space a problem in the real world? I don't want to run two cars and have access to a hatchback (Focus) should I really need one (but would rather use mine). I realise carrying golf clubs is probably out, but what about say wanting to get to the airport with two medium suitcases for example?
I don't do a lot of miles (less than 6k a year)
I should probably get down the Porsche dealership and have a look, but just after some owners real world experiences to help me decide whether I'm wasting my time pursuing this path. Considered a Panamera, but just too bulky looking and not very elegant IMO.
Cheers
Now I find myself looking at the new Boxster S because I really like the idea of a 300+ bhp manual convertible and I think the new one is now very good looking. My current S4 leaves me a little cold - very capable no doubt, just not that "interesting" to drive and no real sense of occasion when you get in it.
So my question is what are these cars like as an everyday car? Is the lack of space a problem in the real world? I don't want to run two cars and have access to a hatchback (Focus) should I really need one (but would rather use mine). I realise carrying golf clubs is probably out, but what about say wanting to get to the airport with two medium suitcases for example?
I don't do a lot of miles (less than 6k a year)
I should probably get down the Porsche dealership and have a look, but just after some owners real world experiences to help me decide whether I'm wasting my time pursuing this path. Considered a Panamera, but just too bulky looking and not very elegant IMO.
Cheers
I guess that large items likegolf clubs might be a problem in a Boxster, but I have been really impressed by the capacity of my 987.
The front luggage compartment easily fits two large bags packed with enough luggage for a week or two away. The rear compartment can fit a reasonably large supermarket shop, although I'd not recommend travelling too far with food in there as it gets quite hot!
Overall, the car has as much luggage space as a standard hatchback, but is not able to carry one-off, large items.
The front luggage compartment easily fits two large bags packed with enough luggage for a week or two away. The rear compartment can fit a reasonably large supermarket shop, although I'd not recommend travelling too far with food in there as it gets quite hot!
Overall, the car has as much luggage space as a standard hatchback, but is not able to carry one-off, large items.
The boxster is as practical as you could hope for a two seater sports car.
Big deep boot at the front and a wider but shallower rear boot. You can get small bits behind the seat also.
Easily takes bags for a two week holiday. Especially if you buy the bags wisely to fit snugly. There is Porsche luggage but that is expensive.
Much more so that some rivals, Z4, SLK etc.
As for golf clubs, not sure. Depends if your sensible with the golf bag design and just clubs likely to be used. Same golf course? Storage options?
Best go have a look at one and see the space available.
Big deep boot at the front and a wider but shallower rear boot. You can get small bits behind the seat also.
Easily takes bags for a two week holiday. Especially if you buy the bags wisely to fit snugly. There is Porsche luggage but that is expensive.
Much more so that some rivals, Z4, SLK etc.
As for golf clubs, not sure. Depends if your sensible with the golf bag design and just clubs likely to be used. Same golf course? Storage options?
Best go have a look at one and see the space available.
In addition to the two luggage storage areas the 987 also has a roomy cabin. I'm 6ft 4in and managed to wear a crash helmet(with the Boxster S roof up) and did a track day at Brands Hatch. The other half wasn't overly impressed as its her car. Not as fast as my 997 RS.1 but 98% as much fun to drive. Handling is good and the Big Reds are almost as good as braking gets. No wonder everyone is raving about the new Boxster and Boxster S. For comparison look at the Audi R8 which has minimal storage and a smaller cabin than the Boxster 987.
Just got my 981 "S" this week and after nearly 12 years in a 986 "S" have to say no problem with load carrying in back and front. Gear for a 2 week holiday easily stowed away, including the obligatory bucket/chamois/etc.!! The only real difference is in the cabin. The two side pockets are pretty useless and I have lost a really useful rear compartment behind the seats. Insofaras performance is concerned it is light years advanced over previous models and, as Chris Harris said "What more car would you want!!"
I would argue the Boxster is more practical than the 911. The 911 may have rear seats but they are pretty much useless for sitting on (particularly in the carbio) so you could use them for luggage but then it's going to be on view if you park the car up unlike in the Boxster. But have the same stowage up front so the BOx wins overall in the practicality stakes in my view.
Not sure on the 981 but on the 987 there is a recess at one end of the rear boot that I think was delibrately left carved out to allow golf clubs in there. 981 bound to be the same.
Not sure on the 981 but on the 987 there is a recess at one end of the rear boot that I think was delibrately left carved out to allow golf clubs in there. 981 bound to be the same.
boxsey said:
Just for info, a full set of golf clubs fit in the rear boot of a boxster. Take out the driver, woods and brolly and place in the boot first and then put the bag with the rest of the clubs in. Most fold up trolleys will fit in the front boot.
Wow. Any idea if a bag squeezes into all generations?S
I regularly have two sets in mine. A squashy bag with full set in fits between the rear lights. Then a full size bag fits in the remaining space if you remove all woods and put them behind the seats. Two folding trolleys, two shoe bags and two overnight bags can then fit in the front boot and you have enough for a two round two night golf break. I've done it!
Yep, had both a 2.5 and 3.2S 986, and I can vouch for full shopping trips, DIY materials, weekends away and even a satellite dish in the boot. OK, they aren't an estate car, but they are surprisingly roomy and practical for everyday use.
Don't think there is much difference between variants from what I've seen.
G
Don't think there is much difference between variants from what I've seen.
G
stevod said:
Wow. Any idea if a bag squeezes into all generations?
S
Yes, I changed the 986 for a 987 recently. The 987 rear boot has even more room owing to Porsche moving the oil and water fillers. However, the front boot re-design means that it no longer takes my Powakaddy Freeway. So that has to go in a bag inside the cabin. In the 986 it used to fit in the front with the wheels removed:S
Peter Cee said:
Seconded!
Been using the Roadster Bags for a couple of years - the perfect solution.
They look brilliant. Been using the Roadster Bags for a couple of years - the perfect solution.
I got in touch re 981 but they're not doing them until next year. No reason was forthcoming. Perhaps a heap of enquiries from other interested owners could speed things up...
S
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff