Which £5k Porsche?
Discussion
So it looks like I may need a car soon to travel to work and generally fool around in, so it may as well be a Porsche since I've been lusting after them for years (similar story to lots of you on here, I imagine).
After a fair few summers and semesters of work I've pulled together what I feel is a fair budget for a "My First Porsche" of £5k, which gives me a reasonable choice of the following models:
- 944 S2 Coupe/Cab
- 944 Turbo
- Ropey 968 Coupe
- 986 2.5
- Stretching it a bit, 986 2.7/3.2 S.
Being a relative youngster, insurance is suitably astronomical for all the models above, with £200ish of a difference per annum covering the cheapest (986 2.7) and most expensive (968 Coupe) - so it doesn't really hold too much sway over the final decision.
Obviously one eye has to be firmly on running costs, since the car will be run on a (reasonable) budget. Likely to be run almost daily for a few months as I work, then tucked up whilst I'm at Uni again.
So with this criteria in mind, which one of the above would you chaps plump for, and why?
After a fair few summers and semesters of work I've pulled together what I feel is a fair budget for a "My First Porsche" of £5k, which gives me a reasonable choice of the following models:
- 944 S2 Coupe/Cab
- 944 Turbo
- Ropey 968 Coupe
- 986 2.5
- Stretching it a bit, 986 2.7/3.2 S.
Being a relative youngster, insurance is suitably astronomical for all the models above, with £200ish of a difference per annum covering the cheapest (986 2.7) and most expensive (968 Coupe) - so it doesn't really hold too much sway over the final decision.
Obviously one eye has to be firmly on running costs, since the car will be run on a (reasonable) budget. Likely to be run almost daily for a few months as I work, then tucked up whilst I'm at Uni again.
So with this criteria in mind, which one of the above would you chaps plump for, and why?
OK I've gone from a 944 2.5 Lux to a 986 3.2S
The 944 is more practical & as a daily driver this may be significant. It has a big hatch & a back seat.
The Boxster boots are quite mean & no back seat to chuck stuff on. The Boxster is much cheaper to service, a full service at an OPC is currently £395 every 12K. The 944 will need more attention & it will be more expensive. If you buy a 2.5 Boxster then the tyre & brake costs are pretty quits, as are suspension bits.
One thing that is expensive on the 944 is belts, this will be every 3 years or so or 40K miles, a full belt kit with idlers & tensioners & seals is £300+ Then you'll need a water pump every second or every third belt change. If you cannot spanner it yourself this will add up to £200-£500 of labour depending where & how much needs doing. Clutches are about the same on both so no real difference.
As for driving I think I preferred the 944, the Boxster is just too quick to really enjoy & only comes together at silly speeds.
As a TIPEC member we have a vast cross section of guys running or having run these so have a nose at www.tipec.net There is also a buyers guide under the 944 group.
The 944 is more practical & as a daily driver this may be significant. It has a big hatch & a back seat.
The Boxster boots are quite mean & no back seat to chuck stuff on. The Boxster is much cheaper to service, a full service at an OPC is currently £395 every 12K. The 944 will need more attention & it will be more expensive. If you buy a 2.5 Boxster then the tyre & brake costs are pretty quits, as are suspension bits.
One thing that is expensive on the 944 is belts, this will be every 3 years or so or 40K miles, a full belt kit with idlers & tensioners & seals is £300+ Then you'll need a water pump every second or every third belt change. If you cannot spanner it yourself this will add up to £200-£500 of labour depending where & how much needs doing. Clutches are about the same on both so no real difference.
As for driving I think I preferred the 944, the Boxster is just too quick to really enjoy & only comes together at silly speeds.
As a TIPEC member we have a vast cross section of guys running or having run these so have a nose at www.tipec.net There is also a buyers guide under the 944 group.
tr7v8 said:
OK I've gone from a 944 2.5 Lux to a 986 3.2S
The 944 is more practical & as a daily driver this may be significant. It has a big hatch & a back seat.
The Boxster boots are quite mean & no back seat to chuck stuff on. The Boxster is much cheaper to service, a full service at an OPC is currently £395 every 12K. The 944 will need more attention & it will be more expensive. If you buy a 2.5 Boxster then the tyre & brake costs are pretty quits, as are suspension bits.
One thing that is expensive on the 944 is belts, this will be every 3 years or so or 40K miles, a full belt kit with idlers & tensioners & seals is £300+ Then you'll need a water pump every second or every third belt change. If you cannot spanner it yourself this will add up to £200-£500 of labour depending where & how much needs doing. Clutches are about the same on both so no real difference.
As for driving I think I preferred the 944, the Boxster is just too quick to really enjoy & only comes together at silly speeds.
As a TIPEC member we have a vast cross section of guys running or having run these so have a nose at www.tipec.net There is also a buyers guide under the 944 group.
Boxsters have great boots.The 944 is more practical & as a daily driver this may be significant. It has a big hatch & a back seat.
The Boxster boots are quite mean & no back seat to chuck stuff on. The Boxster is much cheaper to service, a full service at an OPC is currently £395 every 12K. The 944 will need more attention & it will be more expensive. If you buy a 2.5 Boxster then the tyre & brake costs are pretty quits, as are suspension bits.
One thing that is expensive on the 944 is belts, this will be every 3 years or so or 40K miles, a full belt kit with idlers & tensioners & seals is £300+ Then you'll need a water pump every second or every third belt change. If you cannot spanner it yourself this will add up to £200-£500 of labour depending where & how much needs doing. Clutches are about the same on both so no real difference.
As for driving I think I preferred the 944, the Boxster is just too quick to really enjoy & only comes together at silly speeds.
As a TIPEC member we have a vast cross section of guys running or having run these so have a nose at www.tipec.net There is also a buyers guide under the 944 group.
tr7v8 said:
OK I've gone from a 944 2.5 Lux to a 986 3.2S
The 944 is more practical & as a daily driver this may be significant. It has a big hatch & a back seat.
The Boxster boots are quite mean & no back seat to chuck stuff on. The Boxster is much cheaper to service, a full service at an OPC is currently £395 every 12K. The 944 will need more attention & it will be more expensive. If you buy a 2.5 Boxster then the tyre & brake costs are pretty quits, as are suspension bits.
One thing that is expensive on the 944 is belts, this will be every 3 years or so or 40K miles, a full belt kit with idlers & tensioners & seals is £300+ Then you'll need a water pump every second or every third belt change. If you cannot spanner it yourself this will add up to £200-£500 of labour depending where & how much needs doing. Clutches are about the same on both so no real difference.
As for driving I think I preferred the 944, the Boxster is just too quick to really enjoy & only comes together at silly speeds.
As a TIPEC member we have a vast cross section of guys running or having run these so have a nose at www.tipec.net There is also a buyers guide under the 944 group.
You'd class the 2.5 Boxster as quick? Certainly not in my book. I'd start at the 2.7 and theres plenty to choose from and winter is a great time to buy.The 944 is more practical & as a daily driver this may be significant. It has a big hatch & a back seat.
The Boxster boots are quite mean & no back seat to chuck stuff on. The Boxster is much cheaper to service, a full service at an OPC is currently £395 every 12K. The 944 will need more attention & it will be more expensive. If you buy a 2.5 Boxster then the tyre & brake costs are pretty quits, as are suspension bits.
One thing that is expensive on the 944 is belts, this will be every 3 years or so or 40K miles, a full belt kit with idlers & tensioners & seals is £300+ Then you'll need a water pump every second or every third belt change. If you cannot spanner it yourself this will add up to £200-£500 of labour depending where & how much needs doing. Clutches are about the same on both so no real difference.
As for driving I think I preferred the 944, the Boxster is just too quick to really enjoy & only comes together at silly speeds.
As a TIPEC member we have a vast cross section of guys running or having run these so have a nose at www.tipec.net There is also a buyers guide under the 944 group.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
lordlee said:
tr7v8 said:
OK I've gone from a 944 2.5 Lux to a 986 3.2S
The 944 is more practical & as a daily driver this may be significant. It has a big hatch & a back seat.
The Boxster boots are quite mean & no back seat to chuck stuff on. The Boxster is much cheaper to service, a full service at an OPC is currently £395 every 12K. The 944 will need more attention & it will be more expensive. If you buy a 2.5 Boxster then the tyre & brake costs are pretty quits, as are suspension bits.
One thing that is expensive on the 944 is belts, this will be every 3 years or so or 40K miles, a full belt kit with idlers & tensioners & seals is £300+ Then you'll need a water pump every second or every third belt change. If you cannot spanner it yourself this will add up to £200-£500 of labour depending where & how much needs doing. Clutches are about the same on both so no real difference.
As for driving I think I preferred the 944, the Boxster is just too quick to really enjoy & only comes together at silly speeds.
As a TIPEC member we have a vast cross section of guys running or having run these so have a nose at www.tipec.net There is also a buyers guide under the 944 group.
You'd class the 2.5 Boxster as quick? Certainly not in my book. I'd start at the 2.7 and theres plenty to choose from and winter is a great time to buy.The 944 is more practical & as a daily driver this may be significant. It has a big hatch & a back seat.
The Boxster boots are quite mean & no back seat to chuck stuff on. The Boxster is much cheaper to service, a full service at an OPC is currently £395 every 12K. The 944 will need more attention & it will be more expensive. If you buy a 2.5 Boxster then the tyre & brake costs are pretty quits, as are suspension bits.
One thing that is expensive on the 944 is belts, this will be every 3 years or so or 40K miles, a full belt kit with idlers & tensioners & seals is £300+ Then you'll need a water pump every second or every third belt change. If you cannot spanner it yourself this will add up to £200-£500 of labour depending where & how much needs doing. Clutches are about the same on both so no real difference.
As for driving I think I preferred the 944, the Boxster is just too quick to really enjoy & only comes together at silly speeds.
As a TIPEC member we have a vast cross section of guys running or having run these so have a nose at www.tipec.net There is also a buyers guide under the 944 group.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
bqf said:
Save an extra grand or two and get the 3.2S Boxster. It's excellent, genuinely a terrific handling car. Knocks spots off my old 996 C4 (Cab).
You dont need to save - in fact I reckon they would take a hit on this as they've had it for a while now. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
tr7v8 said:
OK I've gone from a 944 2.5 Lux to a 986 3.2S
The 944 is more practical & as a daily driver this may be significant. It has a big hatch & a back seat.
The Boxster boots are quite mean & no back seat to chuck stuff on. The Boxster is much cheaper to service, a full service at an OPC is currently £395 every 12K. The 944 will need more attention & it will be more expensive. If you buy a 2.5 Boxster then the tyre & brake costs are pretty quits, as are suspension bits.
One thing that is expensive on the 944 is belts, this will be every 3 years or so or 40K miles, a full belt kit with idlers & tensioners & seals is £300+ Then you'll need a water pump every second or every third belt change. If you cannot spanner it yourself this will add up to £200-£500 of labour depending where & how much needs doing. Clutches are about the same on both so no real difference.
As for driving I think I preferred the 944, the Boxster is just too quick to really enjoy & only comes together at silly speeds.
As a TIPEC member we have a vast cross section of guys running or having run these so have a nose at www.tipec.net There is also a buyers guide under the 944 group.
Excellent information there - thank you sir. Especially related to the servicing costs, although many of these cars (regardless of type) are reaching mileages where key parts will be nearing replacement, which is a worry on the maintenance costs side of things.The 944 is more practical & as a daily driver this may be significant. It has a big hatch & a back seat.
The Boxster boots are quite mean & no back seat to chuck stuff on. The Boxster is much cheaper to service, a full service at an OPC is currently £395 every 12K. The 944 will need more attention & it will be more expensive. If you buy a 2.5 Boxster then the tyre & brake costs are pretty quits, as are suspension bits.
One thing that is expensive on the 944 is belts, this will be every 3 years or so or 40K miles, a full belt kit with idlers & tensioners & seals is £300+ Then you'll need a water pump every second or every third belt change. If you cannot spanner it yourself this will add up to £200-£500 of labour depending where & how much needs doing. Clutches are about the same on both so no real difference.
As for driving I think I preferred the 944, the Boxster is just too quick to really enjoy & only comes together at silly speeds.
As a TIPEC member we have a vast cross section of guys running or having run these so have a nose at www.tipec.net There is also a buyers guide under the 944 group.
A family member runs a tidy 944 2.5 as a daily, and recently he's had all manner of things needing replaced - discs, calipers, brake lines, handbrake cables, driveshafts - which has made me extremely wary!
Dalto123 said:
You would get yourself a very nice 944 S2 in that budget. Plus insurance can be quite cheap if you get a classic policy 
Classic insurance - what's the deal with that? Is it limited to those over 25 or is it available to youngsters (I'm 21)?anonymous said:
[redacted]
I think it was something to do with the Thatcham Cat 1 security that was fitted to the example I stuck through the meerkats - something that the 2.5 I compared didn't have.Another vote for the Boxster, then.
What do we think of the "944 as investment" idea? Fallacy of owners looking to sell, or genuine solidifying of values?
lordlee said:
You dont need to save - in fact I reckon they would take a hit on this as they've had it for a while now.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
That's a terrific buy. Looks very tidy.http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
Go for a Boxster!
Imo the only great concern is if an engine goes as even second hand you'd be looking at over half the cars value for a second hand one however all other aspects of ownership are pretty affordable with loads of parts available through places like GSF and often on the shelf too!
Dont be put off by a high mileage but check that the car has been loved. I sometimes have concerns about low mileage older cars that have only seen a few services. Theres a theory that the IMS failures are often seen in lower mileage/ little use cars? Its good to see plugs and coils being changed as well as the clutch, rear main seal and IMS bearing at some point too.
MPG from a 2.7 should be mid twenties to 30 mpg
MPG from a 3.2 should be 22-28 mpg
Oil/air/fuel/pollen filters and mobil 1 oil cost me about £100 however you can use something like Morris Oil which is cheaper.
Common problems are:
Air Con not working-
check condition of rads which are located in each corner behind the front bumper and clearly visible through the grills. If there is any evidence of corrosion, bowing or weeping then they've had it (cost approx £80 each if you shop around)so do not fall for the 'it only needs gassing line' and use this in negotiation.
Noise when depressing clutch- most likely dual mass flywheel.
Hunting revs- MAF sensor (think £100 ish) or dirty throttle body. Also check for air leaks around intake. If plugs havent been replaced in a while then this is a good place to start as as well.
Blue Smoke on start up- can be AOS valve which are approx £60 from Porsche and a couple of hours to fit (fiddly), can possibly be valve stem seals so whilst the motor is running check for pressure by trying to unscrew the oil cap. If its stuck fast its most likely the AOS.
Roof- weak points can be rods which can break but these are only about £20 and a DIY job. If the roof doesnt close neatly then these might be at fault. If you have one broken check it hasnt gone through the membrane underneath as these stop water ingress to the cabin.
Wet carpets- check for wet carpets, this is a sign of water getting in which can damage the control module which is a headache and cost a few hundred to sort. Most likely places are from the membranes underneath the roof rods, from the doors if they've had the door trims removed and the membranes not replaced or the from drainage holes underneath the scuttle panel becoming blocked.
Knocks from rear suspension- there are two long control arms that deteriorate that always go unnoticed that can need replacing. Again not hugely expensive.
Id listen for a smooth sounding engine that you want to hear from stone cold. A rattle on start up could indicate worn tensioners and this is a bit of a job to fix and although not immediately problematic will need sorting at some point. The engine should sound smooth and free from any odd noises.
Cant think of anything else for now!
I bought a 5 grand Boxster S in the summer which has just turned 100k and has been used properly and taken me to Donington Park, Oulton Park 3 times and the Ring once and hasnt missed a beat! It went for 30 minutes without a breather the other day at Oulton! I have done 1 full service and 1 oil service since owning it.
Imo the only great concern is if an engine goes as even second hand you'd be looking at over half the cars value for a second hand one however all other aspects of ownership are pretty affordable with loads of parts available through places like GSF and often on the shelf too!
Dont be put off by a high mileage but check that the car has been loved. I sometimes have concerns about low mileage older cars that have only seen a few services. Theres a theory that the IMS failures are often seen in lower mileage/ little use cars? Its good to see plugs and coils being changed as well as the clutch, rear main seal and IMS bearing at some point too.
MPG from a 2.7 should be mid twenties to 30 mpg
MPG from a 3.2 should be 22-28 mpg
Oil/air/fuel/pollen filters and mobil 1 oil cost me about £100 however you can use something like Morris Oil which is cheaper.
Common problems are:
Air Con not working-
check condition of rads which are located in each corner behind the front bumper and clearly visible through the grills. If there is any evidence of corrosion, bowing or weeping then they've had it (cost approx £80 each if you shop around)so do not fall for the 'it only needs gassing line' and use this in negotiation.
Noise when depressing clutch- most likely dual mass flywheel.
Hunting revs- MAF sensor (think £100 ish) or dirty throttle body. Also check for air leaks around intake. If plugs havent been replaced in a while then this is a good place to start as as well.
Blue Smoke on start up- can be AOS valve which are approx £60 from Porsche and a couple of hours to fit (fiddly), can possibly be valve stem seals so whilst the motor is running check for pressure by trying to unscrew the oil cap. If its stuck fast its most likely the AOS.
Roof- weak points can be rods which can break but these are only about £20 and a DIY job. If the roof doesnt close neatly then these might be at fault. If you have one broken check it hasnt gone through the membrane underneath as these stop water ingress to the cabin.
Wet carpets- check for wet carpets, this is a sign of water getting in which can damage the control module which is a headache and cost a few hundred to sort. Most likely places are from the membranes underneath the roof rods, from the doors if they've had the door trims removed and the membranes not replaced or the from drainage holes underneath the scuttle panel becoming blocked.
Knocks from rear suspension- there are two long control arms that deteriorate that always go unnoticed that can need replacing. Again not hugely expensive.
Id listen for a smooth sounding engine that you want to hear from stone cold. A rattle on start up could indicate worn tensioners and this is a bit of a job to fix and although not immediately problematic will need sorting at some point. The engine should sound smooth and free from any odd noises.
Cant think of anything else for now!
I bought a 5 grand Boxster S in the summer which has just turned 100k and has been used properly and taken me to Donington Park, Oulton Park 3 times and the Ring once and hasnt missed a beat! It went for 30 minutes without a breather the other day at Oulton! I have done 1 full service and 1 oil service since owning it.
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