Buying a 987 Spyder
Discussion
Hi fellow PH'ers, after having a few Porsches mostly 911's i have now got my eye on a 987 Spyder and not knowing too much about them wanted to ask for advice when buying one. I am looking for one with decent spec and low miles and have budget for the right car, i also prefer White with silver wheels but would look at other colours except black. I know that the buckets are a must, and PSE is nice but can be retrofitted for £2k
Is there any way to tell if a car was one of the PEC cars that got thrashed around Silverstone as i would prefer to avoid one of those.
What else should i be looking out for?
I kept looking at the 911Virgin car but it was sold berfore id made my mind up. If anyone sees a good one for sale please let me know.
Cheers
W1TAK
Is there any way to tell if a car was one of the PEC cars that got thrashed around Silverstone as i would prefer to avoid one of those.
What else should i be looking out for?
I kept looking at the 911Virgin car but it was sold berfore id made my mind up. If anyone sees a good one for sale please let me know.
Cheers
W1TAK
The top 555 one looks great and the jct 17 car looks mint one owner 6k miles !
When you say spec, what do you mean, the cars a lightweight concept and when driven in light weight form you can really tell.
But yes spec is key regarding buckets and spyder wheels the 2 big items and of course manual.
White is a good shout, buckets, spyder wheels,manual , pse and SS. and none of the added weight extras, it's not a daily hack and is very noisy inside. But most have AC and radio, mine don't :-)
One of Porsche best cars, one of their lightest and no PASM crap or eps, it's a wonderful thing. Happy hunting and look great value ATM for what you are getting.
When you say spec, what do you mean, the cars a lightweight concept and when driven in light weight form you can really tell.
But yes spec is key regarding buckets and spyder wheels the 2 big items and of course manual.
White is a good shout, buckets, spyder wheels,manual , pse and SS. and none of the added weight extras, it's not a daily hack and is very noisy inside. But most have AC and radio, mine don't :-)
One of Porsche best cars, one of their lightest and no PASM crap or eps, it's a wonderful thing. Happy hunting and look great value ATM for what you are getting.
Edited by Porsche911R on Sunday 4th December 11:20
I still think they are wonderful cars, had mine for over 6 years now. It doesn't pile on too many miles though, but that's not really to do with the car, more my time/usage requirements.
I could see how if it was a daily and doing long motorway journeys, it could become a bit tiresome noise wise though.
A couple of myths to sort out.... 1st, Roof does not leak. Car has been sat and driven in torrential rain, not a drop of water inside. 2nd, Roof is really not that fiddly. Yes you have to read the weather a bit if heading out and want roof off as you need to stop to put it on, but it literally a 60 second job whether that's putting it on or off after a little practice.
I view the roof as a great feature of the car and think it's design is brilliant. If you accept the spirit of it and why it's that way, then you accept the odd draw back from it. I don't understand those who compare it with the standard boxster roof, it's not meant to be as isolating or convienent, therefore don't moan about it!
Usual, buy to condition/history as any other car/boxster.
Values still holding steady.
There is some spec which is important/vital imo regarding values (and looks/feel of the car)... Spyder wheels, Buckets, Manual.
The rest is then personal preference.... I think you can keep to the spirit of the car without having to be anal about the weight. It's a road car, not a stripped out race car, therefore comforts like a radio and air con really won't make a difference.
I tried to keep to the spirit of the car, but wanted something useable and nice for long term ownership. Here's my spec, which I pondered over for a long long time, so in my view is the ideal Spyder......
White, black spyder wheels (coloured centres), manual, buckets (with crests), sports exhaust, short shift, leather interior, extended Alcantara, radio and air con. (Budget wouldn't stretch to ceramics, but wish I could of had them and sometimes at night I wonder how much better the bi-zenon lights would have been)
PDK vs manual is a personal choice, but I hated the PDK version I drove. I thought the whole car felt completely different, but then the rest of the spec of that car was also completely off the above list which probably didn't help also.
Good luck with your search. (Agree, both the cars mentioned look right spec and nice examples)
I could see how if it was a daily and doing long motorway journeys, it could become a bit tiresome noise wise though.
A couple of myths to sort out.... 1st, Roof does not leak. Car has been sat and driven in torrential rain, not a drop of water inside. 2nd, Roof is really not that fiddly. Yes you have to read the weather a bit if heading out and want roof off as you need to stop to put it on, but it literally a 60 second job whether that's putting it on or off after a little practice.
I view the roof as a great feature of the car and think it's design is brilliant. If you accept the spirit of it and why it's that way, then you accept the odd draw back from it. I don't understand those who compare it with the standard boxster roof, it's not meant to be as isolating or convienent, therefore don't moan about it!
Usual, buy to condition/history as any other car/boxster.
Values still holding steady.
There is some spec which is important/vital imo regarding values (and looks/feel of the car)... Spyder wheels, Buckets, Manual.
The rest is then personal preference.... I think you can keep to the spirit of the car without having to be anal about the weight. It's a road car, not a stripped out race car, therefore comforts like a radio and air con really won't make a difference.
I tried to keep to the spirit of the car, but wanted something useable and nice for long term ownership. Here's my spec, which I pondered over for a long long time, so in my view is the ideal Spyder......
White, black spyder wheels (coloured centres), manual, buckets (with crests), sports exhaust, short shift, leather interior, extended Alcantara, radio and air con. (Budget wouldn't stretch to ceramics, but wish I could of had them and sometimes at night I wonder how much better the bi-zenon lights would have been)
PDK vs manual is a personal choice, but I hated the PDK version I drove. I thought the whole car felt completely different, but then the rest of the spec of that car was also completely off the above list which probably didn't help also.
Good luck with your search. (Agree, both the cars mentioned look right spec and nice examples)
Edited by DS240 on Sunday 4th December 13:10
Edited by DS240 on Sunday 4th December 13:17
Have had my 987 Red Spyder since March 2012 and only covered 13.000 miles thus far used as a weekend car .I agree with most if not all of the above .Mine has Manual . Short shift .Silver Spyder wheels .Buckets Alcantara .Sport switchable exhaust .Red Hoops and Dials it is one of only 2 in Scotland in Red.
I actually prefer the PDK box but suppose manual is the preferred option by most .As to the roof it is totally waterproof been out in monsoon weather up here and not a drop inside ,the noise in your right ear can get a bit tiresome especially at 70+ and the seats can be a bit hard on a long journey again depends on your build .
I am fortunate in having a 981 Red Spyder since April 1300 miles and can tell you the 987 is a far more planted car and just drives different in a good way not the same power and sound as the 981
Back to the roof the 987 is far superior to the 981 in that you can still use the rear boot without undoing the fins ,It is though a nicer cabin and quieter inside than the 987 .If I had to choice it would be the 987 old skool feel about it .Good luck in your search good low miles ones and good service history are £45K imo
I actually prefer the PDK box but suppose manual is the preferred option by most .As to the roof it is totally waterproof been out in monsoon weather up here and not a drop inside ,the noise in your right ear can get a bit tiresome especially at 70+ and the seats can be a bit hard on a long journey again depends on your build .
I am fortunate in having a 981 Red Spyder since April 1300 miles and can tell you the 987 is a far more planted car and just drives different in a good way not the same power and sound as the 981
Back to the roof the 987 is far superior to the 981 in that you can still use the rear boot without undoing the fins ,It is though a nicer cabin and quieter inside than the 987 .If I had to choice it would be the 987 old skool feel about it .Good luck in your search good low miles ones and good service history are £45K imo
woodysnr said:
Have had my 987 Red Spyder since March 2012 and only covered 13.000 miles thus far used as a weekend car .I agree with most if not all of the above .Mine has Manual . Short shift .Silver Spyder wheels .Buckets Alcantara .Sport switchable exhaust .Red Hoops and Dials it is one of only 2 in Scotland in Red.
I actually prefer the PDK box but suppose manual is the preferred option by most .As to the roof it is totally waterproof been out in monsoon weather up here and not a drop inside ,the noise in your right ear can get a bit tiresome especially at 70+ and the seats can be a bit hard on a long journey again depends on your build .
I am fortunate in having a 981 Red Spyder since April 1300 miles and can tell you the 987 is a far more planted car and just drives different in a good way not the same power and sound as the 981
Back to the roof the 987 is far superior to the 981 in that you can still use the rear boot without undoing the fins ,It is though a nicer cabin and quieter inside than the 987 .If I had to choice it would be the 987 old skool feel about it .Good luck in your search good low miles ones and good service history are £45K imo
Lovely having the pair... Like the 987 Spyder in guards, don't think I've actually seen one in the metal.I actually prefer the PDK box but suppose manual is the preferred option by most .As to the roof it is totally waterproof been out in monsoon weather up here and not a drop inside ,the noise in your right ear can get a bit tiresome especially at 70+ and the seats can be a bit hard on a long journey again depends on your build .
I am fortunate in having a 981 Red Spyder since April 1300 miles and can tell you the 987 is a far more planted car and just drives different in a good way not the same power and sound as the 981
Back to the roof the 987 is far superior to the 981 in that you can still use the rear boot without undoing the fins ,It is though a nicer cabin and quieter inside than the 987 .If I had to choice it would be the 987 old skool feel about it .Good luck in your search good low miles ones and good service history are £45K imo
Have you taken many pics of them side by side? (If you're happy to, would you post some)
I think the 987 Spyder still looks just right and delicate compared with the bulkier 981.
Interesting reading your views having compared both through ownership.
I bought mine in the summer. White, silver Spyder alloys, buckets, PSE, alcantara wheel/gearstick/handbrake, radio (would have liked something with Bluetooth or USB input but hey ho) and air con. It's my daily driver for the time being and a fabulous car.
Mine came with Xenons/PDLS and I can't tell you how good they are! So much nicer to drive in the dark than my previous 987.1 Cayman S.
Buckets are pretty comfortable and kind of make the car for me, though I miss my heated seats at this time of year.
Good luck finding the right car!
Mine came with Xenons/PDLS and I can't tell you how good they are! So much nicer to drive in the dark than my previous 987.1 Cayman S.
Buckets are pretty comfortable and kind of make the car for me, though I miss my heated seats at this time of year.
Good luck finding the right car!
Hi
I bought one between Christmas and New Year last year, it wasn't really a spur of the moment as I had been watching some YouTube clips and thought it looked a great little car to share garage space with my 360. Since buying the Spyder I really didn't use the Ferrari much at all as the little porker is so much fun to drive so the Ferrari went late summer.
Mine is my ideal spec, white, silver spyder alloys, buckets, manual gbox, sports exhaust, extended alcantera and it's got a retro fit Pioneer radio/cd/blue tooth thing as it didn't have a radio from new.
The handling is great, I honestly can't fault the balance of the thing is just brill, it's got nice strong brakes and plenty of revvy performance and lovely meaty steering.
I have had a few fun cars over the years and this is the best one I have had its got some lovely details all over it and it just fizzes with fun. I would love to do the 13 mile drive in it, but had to just imagine that when I was in my Dodge Journey this August instead (if you've seen the YouTube video you will know what this means).
In summary.... I rather like mine..... and would recommend one over air cooled 964 C4 911 & Ferrari 360Modena.
If you chose to good hunting.
Ed
I bought one between Christmas and New Year last year, it wasn't really a spur of the moment as I had been watching some YouTube clips and thought it looked a great little car to share garage space with my 360. Since buying the Spyder I really didn't use the Ferrari much at all as the little porker is so much fun to drive so the Ferrari went late summer.
Mine is my ideal spec, white, silver spyder alloys, buckets, manual gbox, sports exhaust, extended alcantera and it's got a retro fit Pioneer radio/cd/blue tooth thing as it didn't have a radio from new.
The handling is great, I honestly can't fault the balance of the thing is just brill, it's got nice strong brakes and plenty of revvy performance and lovely meaty steering.
I have had a few fun cars over the years and this is the best one I have had its got some lovely details all over it and it just fizzes with fun. I would love to do the 13 mile drive in it, but had to just imagine that when I was in my Dodge Journey this August instead (if you've seen the YouTube video you will know what this means).
In summary.... I rather like mine..... and would recommend one over air cooled 964 C4 911 & Ferrari 360Modena.
If you chose to good hunting.
Ed
Whats the engine like? Is it rewarding to rev it out? Many of Porsches modern road car engines just seem to run out of puff early on in the rev range with horrible flat spots and its pointless taking them to the red line.
Have to say I love the idea of owning both a Spyder and a Cayman R.
Have to say I love the idea of owning both a Spyder and a Cayman R.
Hi IMA.
In my opinion it's a lovely motor, it's quite torquey if you just want to briskly get somewhere but it just zings round the rev counter if your in that mood too, the gear spacing seems just about right so there is lots of opportunity to shift round the box and use all the revs at sociable speeds on national speed limit roads.
This is my first soft top and I love the roof off feeling but reckon a Cayman R would be a great drive as well.
Cheers
In my opinion it's a lovely motor, it's quite torquey if you just want to briskly get somewhere but it just zings round the rev counter if your in that mood too, the gear spacing seems just about right so there is lots of opportunity to shift round the box and use all the revs at sociable speeds on national speed limit roads.
This is my first soft top and I love the roof off feeling but reckon a Cayman R would be a great drive as well.
Cheers
IMI A said:
Whats the engine like? Is it rewarding to rev it out? Many of Porsches modern road car engines just seem to run out of puff early on in the rev range with horrible flat spots and its pointless taking them to the red line.
Have to say I love the idea of owning both a Spyder and a Cayman R.
owning both is great fun, I would take a R over a 964, a GT4 over a GT3 and a Spyder over any other topless weekend car.Have to say I love the idea of owning both a Spyder and a Cayman R.
And hence that's what I brought/own.
Engines rev to red line no issue, it's a sweet thing the 3.4 dfi lump esp with a freer flowing manifold on it.
Only issue is you can only drive one at a time.
on track to red line ;-)
https://youtu.be/iFtTtY_WFsQ
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7284/9337502432_1050... mine taken at a show years ago Mine has won several prizes at some of the shows I attend over the years .
http://i868.photobucket.com/albums/ab241/jdpef356/...
One belonging to another person but shows the red of better .
It has the comfort seats. This actual car was on the PCGB stand at this years NECC show ..Bias but Red does show off the lines and more Red cars win concours events that any other car
Mine was pride of place last year on the PCGB stand at Silverstone classic on the anniversary of 20 years of Boxster .I think there are only around 12 red ones in the country so was a rare site when we had 3 at the Classic show
http://i868.photobucket.com/albums/ab241/jdpef356/...
One belonging to another person but shows the red of better .
It has the comfort seats. This actual car was on the PCGB stand at this years NECC show ..Bias but Red does show off the lines and more Red cars win concours events that any other car
Mine was pride of place last year on the PCGB stand at Silverstone classic on the anniversary of 20 years of Boxster .I think there are only around 12 red ones in the country so was a rare site when we had 3 at the Classic show
Edited by woodysnr on Sunday 4th December 16:56
Edited by woodysnr on Sunday 4th December 17:10
W1TAK said:
Hi fellow PH'ers, after having a few Porsches mostly 911's i have now got my eye on a 987 Spyder and not knowing too much about them wanted to ask for advice when buying one. I am looking for one with decent spec and low miles and have budget for the right car, i also prefer White with silver wheels but would look at other colours except black. I know that the buckets are a must, and PSE is nice but can be retrofitted for £2k
Is there any way to tell if a car was one of the PEC cars that got thrashed around Silverstone as i would prefer to avoid one of those.
What else should i be looking out for?
I kept looking at the 911Virgin car but it was sold berfore id made my mind up. If anyone sees a good one for sale please let me know.
Cheers
W1TAK
Generally the ones without AC and stereo are the ones thrashed around PEC.........Is there any way to tell if a car was one of the PEC cars that got thrashed around Silverstone as i would prefer to avoid one of those.
What else should i be looking out for?
I kept looking at the 911Virgin car but it was sold berfore id made my mind up. If anyone sees a good one for sale please let me know.
Cheers
W1TAK
it's a noisy car as the bikini top is simply a piece of thin cloth. as long as you don't get frustrated with doing up the roof and can put up with road noise, it is a lovely car.
Yes, bixenons are a world of difference compared to the halogens.
it isn't really meant to be the only car, in the same way an elise isn't meant to be an only car. Otherwise lovely thing.
Many thanks to all for the comments, i will give Junction 17 a call in the morning, i discovered they dropped the price of this a couple of grand recently and have had it since August. Not sure why other than the market for these is relatively small and fickle and maybe spec is a bit light. Will let you know how i get on.
Sales were very good till the new one came out, but the old ones better IMO and 1/2 the price.
They are like a big well built Elise :-) so not for every one.
The new ones a bit softer so a tad more usable as long as you never want to open the boot in the rain !
What a stupid design and a ugly roof inside.
I would love one to complete my 4 though.
They are like a big well built Elise :-) so not for every one.
The new ones a bit softer so a tad more usable as long as you never want to open the boot in the rain !
What a stupid design and a ugly roof inside.
I would love one to complete my 4 though.
Edited by Porsche911R on Sunday 4th December 20:25
Had mine for 2 years now, purchased with 11,500 miles. Haven't had much time to drive it this year but went to the ring last year and can honestly say the car is amazing. It's my first sports car.
Everything about the car was fantastic, balance, wind in hair, throttle response, braking (which never faded). The car feels like it always wants more, the turn in is superb.
I have done some long journeys and would say the wind noise is no different to listening to the tyre noise in a 911. The roof as others have said takes around a minute and having the back window out but the hood on in the summer gives the car such a beautiful and unique look. Again it doesn't leak although I rarely take it out when it rains.
I can't ever see myself selling it. Also went for lightweight spec. Only weight adding option was radio, otherwise manual, spyder wheels, buckets, sport chrono (makes a big difference imo), PSE. AC definitely not necessary, don't even use it on my dailies. Drove a PDK one before I picked up the manual and its far more engaging.
The passive suspension is nothing short of excellent. Some may find it a touch firm on the road but its far better than pasm for hard driving. I find pasm has a mismatch damping feel when switched to hard. pasm is brilliant for daily driving though.
I think next year I'm going to try some Pilot S 4S when they come out as the original PS2 on the car will be 6 years old.
PDK makes more sense if you are opting for a way more powerful car / a daily driver.
Quick pic from the summer
Everything about the car was fantastic, balance, wind in hair, throttle response, braking (which never faded). The car feels like it always wants more, the turn in is superb.
I have done some long journeys and would say the wind noise is no different to listening to the tyre noise in a 911. The roof as others have said takes around a minute and having the back window out but the hood on in the summer gives the car such a beautiful and unique look. Again it doesn't leak although I rarely take it out when it rains.
I can't ever see myself selling it. Also went for lightweight spec. Only weight adding option was radio, otherwise manual, spyder wheels, buckets, sport chrono (makes a big difference imo), PSE. AC definitely not necessary, don't even use it on my dailies. Drove a PDK one before I picked up the manual and its far more engaging.
The passive suspension is nothing short of excellent. Some may find it a touch firm on the road but its far better than pasm for hard driving. I find pasm has a mismatch damping feel when switched to hard. pasm is brilliant for daily driving though.
I think next year I'm going to try some Pilot S 4S when they come out as the original PS2 on the car will be 6 years old.
PDK makes more sense if you are opting for a way more powerful car / a daily driver.
Quick pic from the summer
Porsche911R said:
Looks mint on the pics, has that black mark on the lower sill and also get an over rev report done.
I might be able to meet you there if you give me notice, I am not far and can check over revs etc if the garage cannot.
That's a very kind offer, I did mention over-revs and they didn't seem to be too clued up, said they had a local garage that could do it - I guess I can push them to get Porsche Nottingham to do it unless you think you can meet me there, I will be there on Friday morning, will be setting off very early as its a real trek for me and I hope the car is as good as they say it is. I've done the MOT checker the mileage all checks out and apparently the original owner was a woman.I might be able to meet you there if you give me notice, I am not far and can check over revs etc if the garage cannot.
Posted over a reply in PCGB forum . I did notice the drivers headrest has some marks on it seen it on a few ,mine has them due to wearing a baseball hat the buckle on the back seems to rub against the headrest . Not sure how one checks the over revs not technical( so would love to know )suppose if you have a hammer devise it can read this info .
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