30k budget? 987 cayman s, 981 boxster or A45 amg?
Discussion
griffter said:
What is it about the S1 that's bored you after 10 months? Is an A45 really going to deliver what you want? Sounds to me like you need something entertaining, not just fast. I don't think you'll go far wrong with a nice 987S.
Griffter I think you've highlighted the key point.. Would like something with a bit more visual impact. I've also become a used to the performance so looking for the next step up. A45 seems logical performance step, but maybe driver involvement of 987/981 is what I'm looking for.Akajak said:
I have a A45, they are fast but lack driver involvement, quick point to point, and mine has been faultless.
Not a sports car but a practical fast hatch
Thanks Akajak. I've been drawn in by the noise with the sports exhaust and 0-100 performance if I'm honest. Don't need the practicality, so to avoid being in the situation 6 months down the line maybe I should focus on driver involvement rather than focusing on 0-60 times. Not a sports car but a practical fast hatch
I think if i was 23 i'd jump into an Elise. A better driver's car than a Boxster and far more 'weekend' too. With the money left over, you could do a ton of track days and tick it off as experience before you face that time in life where you have to be practical, sensible and boring in your decisions.
Either way, i would drive the Boxster first. If your driving career has been hot hatches to date, it's quite a culture shock to jump into a mid-engined car - you may not like it. You're also going from a new, smartly appointed Audi to something that feels it's age.
Either way, i would drive the Boxster first. If your driving career has been hot hatches to date, it's quite a culture shock to jump into a mid-engined car - you may not like it. You're also going from a new, smartly appointed Audi to something that feels it's age.
I think a a few (stage 1 or perhaps 2) mods on the S1 would give you pretty similar performance to the A45, and a less chavvy result too. The A45 spec sheet reads well, but I'd much rather the S1 if I was after that sort of hatch.
A move to a 6 cylinder non-turbo Porsche would be much more satisfying if you're really after a change.
You might find yourself bored and seeking in short order if you swap like for like..
A move to a 6 cylinder non-turbo Porsche would be much more satisfying if you're really after a change.
You might find yourself bored and seeking in short order if you swap like for like..
hondansx said:
I think if i was 23 i'd jump into an Elise. A better driver's car than a Boxster and far more 'weekend' too. With the money left over, you could do a ton of track days and tick it off as experience before you face that time in life where you have to be practical, sensible and boring in your decisions.
Either way, i would drive the Boxster first. If your driving career has been hot hatches to date, it's quite a culture shock to jump into a mid-engined car - you may not like it. You're also going from a new, smartly appointed Audi to something that feels it's age.
Wouldn't really disagree - but an Elise would come as even more of a culture shock and wouldn't serve as a holiday car for two if that is part of the car's remit.Either way, i would drive the Boxster first. If your driving career has been hot hatches to date, it's quite a culture shock to jump into a mid-engined car - you may not like it. You're also going from a new, smartly appointed Audi to something that feels it's age.
hondansx said:
I think if i was 23 i'd jump into an Elise. A better driver's car than a Boxster and far more 'weekend' too. With the money left over, you could do a ton of track days and tick it off as experience before you face that time in life where you have to be practical, sensible and boring in your decisions.
Either way, i would drive the Boxster first. If your driving career has been hot hatches to date, it's quite a culture shock to jump into a mid-engined car - you may not like it. You're also going from a new, smartly appointed Audi to something that feels it's age.
Like the idea of an Elise but worry its less refined than a Cayman/Boxster. I'm also looking at moving closer to work, so car will take on daily duties - don't fancy the occasional 100 mile round trip in an Elise. Either way, i would drive the Boxster first. If your driving career has been hot hatches to date, it's quite a culture shock to jump into a mid-engined car - you may not like it. You're also going from a new, smartly appointed Audi to something that feels it's age.
edo said:
You def need to drive and make your mind up - for me the 987 just looks too dated. If your budget goes to 35k then 981 S Boxster and Cayman are just in budget.
OPC cars being 2 years warranty which is well worth the premium, or find a private one with warranty remaining.
I can't agree that the 987 looks dated, in either model. I am, of course, biased as I own a 987.2. I was first attracted to the Cayman due to the rather nice rear end hips and curvy shape. I bought the 987.2 CS having owned a Design Edition 1 987.1 for a couple of years and only moved to the 987.2 because it had the same shape as the gen 1. I felt that the beautiful design of the gen 1 and 2 cars was compromised with the 981 as it had morphed slightly into a 911 shape (more slab sided and less curvy at the rear). It had, in short, lost the shape of it's hips. The 981 may well be a better car but let's be honest, it is all subjective. It is still amongst the best cars ever to be produced by Porsche, in whatever guise you are looking at.OPC cars being 2 years warranty which is well worth the premium, or find a private one with warranty remaining.
JM
GT4P said:
You could say the same for CR! Not so the Spyder with its unique body!
The Cayman black edition has same 330hp engine and spyder wheels of CR and was built in a lot less numbers than the CR and spyder although I would take a BoxsterS or a spyder over Boxster BE! But I would not rule out a Cayman BE as prices use to be just above regular caymanS but £10k cheaper than a CR ! But as said I think you will struggle to find one now!
FFS will you stop the constant slagging off the CR! There are lots of people that like/appreciate/want them which is exactly why they're £10K more than an S. Myself and the majority of current CR owners would not entertain the idea of having an S instead, be it a low volume run out black edition or not!The Cayman black edition has same 330hp engine and spyder wheels of CR and was built in a lot less numbers than the CR and spyder although I would take a BoxsterS or a spyder over Boxster BE! But I would not rule out a Cayman BE as prices use to be just above regular caymanS but £10k cheaper than a CR ! But as said I think you will struggle to find one now!
With the Porsches its all about the spec to make it feel special. Unfortunately your budget wont stretch to a 981S with or without a roof so I would be looking at well spec'd 987S. If it holds its value and you save some pennies you will be in a 981S in no time 
I test drove the A45 and CLA45 before buying my 981S and they were very quick but as someone has previously expressed, they were not 'fun' to drive.
I test drove the A45 and CLA45 before buying my 981S and they were very quick but as someone has previously expressed, they were not 'fun' to drive.
I don't slag off the CR I like all manual caymans! I just point out the facts! Imo the CR is v.good car but it is not limited and it was just a run out special! The standard CS is also a v.good car and should not be overlooked when it is £10-15k cheaper and is just as good a drive on the road as a CR! Yes buying a CR new was a no brainer because of the extra kit ie the £6 k buckets but I do not think it's worth the large secondhand premium over a regular CS
The black edition was everything a CR was but with Pasm and no free buckets but limited and rarer but you never here it mentioned or people talking it up like they do the CR! I had a 987.1 CS and imo it was just as good on the road as a CR!
Also as far as I am concerned the 987 spyder is the only special cayster worth a premium over regular car upto the current spyder/ Gt4! At least the 997gts had the 4wd body and a decent power increase to justify its premium over a regular 997.2s!
Now if porsche built the CR like a gt4 I for one would have not entertained the current Gt4! Yes you can mod a CR to be as quick but if you are going to do that you might as well use the cheaper CS to start with because as time goes by the CR will have to be low miles and original to claim a premium over a CS
The black edition was everything a CR was but with Pasm and no free buckets but limited and rarer but you never here it mentioned or people talking it up like they do the CR! I had a 987.1 CS and imo it was just as good on the road as a CR!
Also as far as I am concerned the 987 spyder is the only special cayster worth a premium over regular car upto the current spyder/ Gt4! At least the 997gts had the 4wd body and a decent power increase to justify its premium over a regular 997.2s!
Now if porsche built the CR like a gt4 I for one would have not entertained the current Gt4! Yes you can mod a CR to be as quick but if you are going to do that you might as well use the cheaper CS to start with because as time goes by the CR will have to be low miles and original to claim a premium over a CS
Edited by GT4P on Wednesday 24th August 14:17
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
Porsche Boxster 3.4 981 S Convertible 2dr
27,000 miles Manual
Agate Grey Metallic with Black Leather, A stunning example, with nearly £8k worth of extra specification including Porsche Communication Management, Satellite Navigation, 20" Carrera wheels with darkened centres, Red Callipers, Dual zone climate control, Mobile phone prep with Bluetooth interface, Sound package plus, CD, Leather Multi Function S/Wheel, Cruise control, Wind deflector, Heated seats, Power steering Plus, Electro mechanical handbrake, Windscreen top tint, Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, Brushed alloy interior trim, Sports function, Acoustic Rear park assist, Traction control, Stop/Start function, Outside temperature gauge, Cupholders, Service indicator and Porsche tailored over carpets. Just had major service at Porsche Centre, Edinburgh August 2016, and new Pirelli P Zeros fitted to rear. Porsche demonstrator plus 1 lady owner. A superbly specified car, chosen in a particularly desirable colour combination. As nice an example as you are likely to see offered. May P/X, £34,940
Porsche Boxster 3.4 981 S Convertible 2dr
27,000 miles Manual
Agate Grey Metallic with Black Leather, A stunning example, with nearly £8k worth of extra specification including Porsche Communication Management, Satellite Navigation, 20" Carrera wheels with darkened centres, Red Callipers, Dual zone climate control, Mobile phone prep with Bluetooth interface, Sound package plus, CD, Leather Multi Function S/Wheel, Cruise control, Wind deflector, Heated seats, Power steering Plus, Electro mechanical handbrake, Windscreen top tint, Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, Brushed alloy interior trim, Sports function, Acoustic Rear park assist, Traction control, Stop/Start function, Outside temperature gauge, Cupholders, Service indicator and Porsche tailored over carpets. Just had major service at Porsche Centre, Edinburgh August 2016, and new Pirelli P Zeros fitted to rear. Porsche demonstrator plus 1 lady owner. A superbly specified car, chosen in a particularly desirable colour combination. As nice an example as you are likely to see offered. May P/X, £34,940
I was in a similar position when I was 22 (2002) the only difference was the main Hot Hatch availability at the time was sitting around the 150-200bhp mark with the more powerful reaching around 225bhp (Cupra R's, S3 etc), I went from the Ibiza Cupra (156bhp) to a Boxster 2.5 (202bhp), I had options of 3.2's, 2.7's at the time but the 2.5 had a massive spec and was such a bargain in comparison at the time - I loved it, to me it felt so much more special than what a Hot Hatch would have, I'm sure most of the higher powered Hot Hatched would have left it standing in a straight line as the current ones would.
I recently looked into getting a New Golf GTI / R / S3 as a daily, but opted on keeping my current Leon FR and adding a 986 Boxster S to my fleet instead. I didn't think I would gain a great deal more from changing the Leon apart from the added Power / Costs and probably depreciation.
As a kid all I always wanted a Porsche, so my decision making maybe a lot easier than some...
I recently looked into getting a New Golf GTI / R / S3 as a daily, but opted on keeping my current Leon FR and adding a 986 Boxster S to my fleet instead. I didn't think I would gain a great deal more from changing the Leon apart from the added Power / Costs and probably depreciation.
As a kid all I always wanted a Porsche, so my decision making maybe a lot easier than some...
edo said:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
Porsche Boxster 3.4 981 S Convertible 2dr
27,000 miles Manual
Agate Grey Metallic with Black Leather, A stunning example, with nearly £8k worth of extra specification including Porsche Communication Management, Satellite Navigation, 20" Carrera wheels with darkened centres, Red Callipers, Dual zone climate control, Mobile phone prep with Bluetooth interface, Sound package plus, CD, Leather Multi Function S/Wheel, Cruise control, Wind deflector, Heated seats, Power steering Plus, Electro mechanical handbrake, Windscreen top tint, Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, Brushed alloy interior trim, Sports function, Acoustic Rear park assist, Traction control, Stop/Start function, Outside temperature gauge, Cupholders, Service indicator and Porsche tailored over carpets. Just had major service at Porsche Centre, Edinburgh August 2016, and new Pirelli P Zeros fitted to rear. Porsche demonstrator plus 1 lady owner. A superbly specified car, chosen in a particularly desirable colour combination. As nice an example as you are likely to see offered. May P/X, £34,940
Looks like a lovely spec, although I worry it may suffer steeper depreciation than a low miles 987 2 cayman. Probably what I will end up going for though!Porsche Boxster 3.4 981 S Convertible 2dr
27,000 miles Manual
Agate Grey Metallic with Black Leather, A stunning example, with nearly £8k worth of extra specification including Porsche Communication Management, Satellite Navigation, 20" Carrera wheels with darkened centres, Red Callipers, Dual zone climate control, Mobile phone prep with Bluetooth interface, Sound package plus, CD, Leather Multi Function S/Wheel, Cruise control, Wind deflector, Heated seats, Power steering Plus, Electro mechanical handbrake, Windscreen top tint, Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, Brushed alloy interior trim, Sports function, Acoustic Rear park assist, Traction control, Stop/Start function, Outside temperature gauge, Cupholders, Service indicator and Porsche tailored over carpets. Just had major service at Porsche Centre, Edinburgh August 2016, and new Pirelli P Zeros fitted to rear. Porsche demonstrator plus 1 lady owner. A superbly specified car, chosen in a particularly desirable colour combination. As nice an example as you are likely to see offered. May P/X, £34,940
The 981 is such a great car though. It feels light years ahead of the 987 and, to these eyes, also look way,way better than the bar of soap that is the older shape Boxster.
People will have a pop at the steering etc, but in comparsion to your S1 it is another level. It will feel slower, but with a PSE it will sound like you have the fastest car in the world!
People will have a pop at the steering etc, but in comparsion to your S1 it is another level. It will feel slower, but with a PSE it will sound like you have the fastest car in the world!
hondansx said:
to these eyes, also look way,way better than the bar of soap that is the older shape Boxster.
People will have a pop at the steering etc, but in comparsion to your S1 it is another level. It will feel slower, but with a PSE it will sound like you have the fastest car in the world!
yes they pulled off the MR2 look with the 981 for sure sniggerPeople will have a pop at the steering etc, but in comparsion to your S1 it is another level. It will feel slower, but with a PSE it will sound like you have the fastest car in the world!
again we will have lovers for every model and hence that's why we buy the models we like best,
I still like the 987 Cayman shape, but never a fan of the 986/7 Boxster. I would have bought a 987.2 Cayman in 2014 but for lack of interior space and a feeling it was a little dated inside. The 981 Cayman at first seemed a little Panamera-ish at the rear, but a year later I saw a white 981 on the motorway and it looked so good my heart did a little flutter, literally, and I had to have one!
Here's my MR2...
Here's my MR2...
OP...as you've already mentioned driving all of them is the only way to decide which Cayman is for you, I will say one thing though after driving one even with the smaller engine you'll see what you've been missing.
Here's my 2p worth of what to buy...I'd have a 987.2 CS or better still an R all day long over a 981, I recently had a good go of a Cayman GTS and really enjoyed it,...it's a pretty thing, it has more room inside it's interior better finished but when I got back in 987.2 it just felt so right it's hard to explain it felt tight compared to the 981, the steering and brakes have better feel to them, now l'am not saying the 987 is faster or better handling it's not...to me it just feels better.
Here's my 2p worth of what to buy...I'd have a 987.2 CS or better still an R all day long over a 981, I recently had a good go of a Cayman GTS and really enjoyed it,...it's a pretty thing, it has more room inside it's interior better finished but when I got back in 987.2 it just felt so right it's hard to explain it felt tight compared to the 981, the steering and brakes have better feel to them, now l'am not saying the 987 is faster or better handling it's not...to me it just feels better.
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