30k budget? 987 cayman s, 981 boxster or A45 amg?

[j8bbk]

Need some advice.. Currently drive an Audi S1 as a second car (Toyota IQ for the daily commute) but need a change after 10mnths.

Budget is around 30-35k, annual mileage less than 10k. practicality not a worry, good residuals value is important to me. Want something that feels special.

Currently looking at a 987 2 cayman S (981 'S' out of budget), early 981 boxster 2.7 or fully loaded A45 amg.

Never driven a Porsche but been promised I won't look back and like the idea of the ownership experience as a 23yo. Although worried a 981 2.7 or 987 'S' will feel slow after a 320bhp hot hatch, hence why I'm tempted by the pure speed and that obnoxious exhaust note of the A45 amg.

Anyone been in the same boat?

[j8bbk]

DJMC said:

Go drive some, then decide.

Prefer not to take test drives until I'm ready to buy. S1 is currently for sale. When it's gone I'll be driving all the above

[j8bbk]

blueg33 said:

Also look Lotus Evora.

Been a passenger in one... nice noise, went well although build quality on the early cars would be a worry for me. I also couldn't live with that head-unit.

[j8bbk]

left4dead5 said:

Spyder for £36k:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...

Wrong seats & wheels but it's a manual.

Couldn't spend this kind of money on anything with north of 20k on the clock.. As silly as that sounds.

[j8bbk]

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.

Agreed. That's my only issue with the 987, to me it looks its age. But it also seems the most sensible option for my budget. Need to have a spin in a 981 and 987 to decide!

[j8bbk]

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.

[j8bbk]

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.

[j8bbk]

Porsche911R said:

they are and they got the R extra larger manifolds and the 330BHP so a nice find if you CAN find one.

will have a look out for one of these! sounds like a cheaper R alternative!

[j8bbk]

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.

[j8bbk]

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!

[j8bbk]

starshots said:

It's about 10k more than a few sold for privately in the last 2 months. Porsche are buying lots of private sale cars to keep the market prices high. Silly people pay silly money.

For 37k I would want a 981 Boxster/cayman S! strangely the Boxster's seem cheaper than Cayman's.

[j8bbk]

gadgit said:

Hi j8bbk,
I have spent the last few months tralling through which model to get and its a bit of a nightmare in many ways. You are in the same place as me concerning price, and naturally owners who love their cars will recommended what they like and some will think that newer is not always the best model, understandable.
Having driven all the Boxters and Caymans possible, I can offer you some comfort.
Firstly, all the cars are brilliant, but I found some are of course are better than others.
So, firstly don't buy anything unless its a gen 2.
If you buy a pre gen2 there is a risk which for me was to great. If you are happy to risk around 10k for another engine thats fine, you could be lucky? It just might never happen.
Models you should consider should only be the one you thought gave you that special feeling that you should get when you buy your first porsche.

After driving some early models I was a bit dissapointed and the other day I drove an 981 Cayman, nothing special model wise. Manual.
This car enchanted me beyound belief. If you go drive a 981 I challenge you to get in the previous model and think its better. The 981 Cayman is a massive leap forward for Porsche and worth every penny you can muster to get one.
To date, I can't find any problems with the engines, gearbox, nothing that I can find anywhere, unbelievable!!!
Just to finish, I hope you find the car of your dreams by driving them.
There are plenty of nice people on here to help you with technical matters.
Good luck

Gadgit

Edited by gadgit on Saturday 27th August 20:15

Thanks Gadgit. Totally agree regarding gen 1 - wouldn't touch it with a barge pole to be honest for that very reason. Having not driven a 981 yet I can only judge it on looks, interior quality (having sat in one) and specs - which as you say is a massive leap forward. Hope the test drive confirms these things for me, as a 981 2.7 is a strong favourite at the moment.

[j8bbk]

Thanks Onedes, Interesting point about the manual transmission. Planning to use the car daily as I plan to move closer to work in the imminent future - I think PDK would be a big advantage in stop/start traffic. Bearing this in mind I would be interested to know how much of a gap there is between the 987-2 and 981 transmission.

For me the big draw to the 981 is the interior, which I feel would be a lot closer in tech and quality to my Audi - 987 was a bit lacking in bling for me. Hopefully a drive in 987 S may change my mind and save me a few quid!

Onedesi said:

Hi, I faced the exact dilemma you're having and it concluded in me buying a 987.2 at the weekend.

I really wanted a 911 but having driven a couple I realised the manual I wanted was going to be an awful daily driver for me as the clutch was so heavy and I couldn't stretch to a Gen 2 PDK (I didn't want the tiptronic).

Ever since the 981 came out I was smitten by the looks and a few weekends ago I went out in a 2.7 boxster and it looked the part had all the gadgets but I just found it underwhelming compared to my 2.0 TT.

Now let me caveat that by saying I don't drive on the edge so I can understand that on a B road with just me and the hills I bet the 2.7 is a peach but in MY real world I have a long commute and I might enjoy the odd blast now and again or on my way home and for that moment I didn't think the 2.7 sounded or felt special enough - no kick in the guts like I got with the 911.

The more I looked at it the more I realised PDK was what I needed if not what I wanted and the S was the only choice to make me feel special (and this is the critical factor, I wanted to feel good).

A recent holiday in Portugal and I saw a lot of 987's and I began to appreciate the more classic understated look of the shape so much so that my family actually said they preferred it to the 981!

The hunt was on and having test driven my 987.2S I knew straight away it was the one for me, it's well priced, makes me feel special and has that drama when I give it the beans - I can't recommend the 987.2 enough.

The key thing is to go drive all the variants and make an informed decision - I started out knowing exactly what I want and bought something completely different

I hope you have as much fun in the chase as I did and someone said to me the worst thing you can do is buy the wrong car - you lose money either way but it's not even making you smile - just by owning a Porsche and having said I've done it once is a great feeling so if you can get one just go for it, the Merc's will always be there

Edited by Onedesi on Tuesday 30th August 13:56

[j8bbk]

I think your being a little unfair on the 981. General consensus is it has some very minor shortfalls to make it an overall far superior car. Hope it's not just bling. driving one this weekend!

DavidJG said:

I think I'll just sum up the overall verdict so far:

If you want Bling, but a 981.

If you want driver involvement, buy a 987.

Guess it comes down to personal taste. I've driven a couple of 981s now, and I won't be getting rid of my 987. But then, Bling doesn't interest me.

[j8bbk]

I don't get the point that the 981 is just 'bling' though. I'm hoping its more than just cosmetic for the extra £10k outlay - hoping for some dynamic improvements. But at the same time interior finish is high on my list or I would be more keen on a Lotus. Yes, I'm aware what bling is.. but I wouldn't consider a hyper hatch with 4wd that looks like a cooking A1 just bling. If anything it doesn't look 30k worth - a TT is what I would consider 'bling'.

HighwayStar said:

Compared to what you're driving already, I had a TTS, you've got an A1... you already know what bling is my friend. Yes the 981 is a nice place to be, some nice touches inside etc., but when it comes to the driving experience, you will notice a serious upgrade to what you current steed can serve up. I look forward to your thoughts after the drive.

Edited by j8bbk on Friday 2nd September 12:37

[j8bbk]

Ahhh Gotcha... Thanks for explaining HighwayStar.

That 'specialness' is what I'm looking for. If the 981 provides the interior finish and the driving experience it has every box ticked for me. In which case its well worth the premium over a 987. Will report back after a drive!

HighwayStar said:

ok... What I was trying to say is this. Audi do nice interiors, nice place to sit etc.. The generally consensus round these parts are Audi's are bling, nicely present but disconnected from the drive when it comes to the business of drive. Fast yes, but no feedback or involvement. No soul.

The 981 IMO looks great inside, well presented and certainly doesn't look cheap. So, as you've mentioned nice touches inside, it's all good. The Porsche has got that covered.

When you drive it though, that's when it will makes sense to you, even sitting on traffic that flat six adds drama, has a presence that no turbo 4 hot hatch is going serve up. When you press on, the noise is wonderful and the car works with you. You can feel it. Get it on some decent B roads if you can and you'll find out for yourself.

The 981 delivers on interior finish and driving experience.

[j8bbk]

Drove a 981 Boxster 2.7 manual this weekend (not ideal spec, but closest to home). First thing I noticed was the fantastic driving position. Didn't get much chance to poke around the car, but exterior is beautifully proportioned while the interior was of a nice quality, but lacked any bling imo (car I viewed was very basic).. if anything I prefer the little Audi's interior (definitely need the Sport Design Wheel though).

Test drive included a mixture of traffic, roundabouts and a dual carriageway. Was sold within the first few minute's.. so smooth, so balanced, even the ride was surprisingly supple on the 18's (although lots of sidewall). As previously noted, to make swift progress you have to rev it, but all the more reason to rev the nuts off it!! don't think I would miss the torque that much. Howl of flat 6 was pretty stunning aswell.

Overall I'm very much sold on a 981. Don't think I could live with the exterior and dated interior of a 987 to be honest, bit too much of a compromise for me. Planning on driving a 981S and Cayman variants (as well as a PDK) as I am prepared to stretch my budget if one is worth the extra outlay.. just a case of waiting for the right car to come along now!!

gadgit said:

For gods sake j8bbk when are we going to hear wether or not you are going to stay in the dark ages or move forwards, the suspence is killing me???
So, with all this talk of which one is better and which one is more involving and bling?? Bling On a 981, what the hell are you 987 owners on!
So just in case I missed something, I saw a nice 981 at Stamford car show.
It sat in the far right hand corner from the entrance next to a DB9 and some other very nice cars. It was a very dark blue, almost black.
I didn't even notice it sitting there for a start, no chrome, no so called bling what so ever. Lovely plain black or blue interia, difficult to tell through the windows with the sun on it, as it was a bit dirty to be honest.
Not for one second would I consider the car had any bling on it what so ever.

After trying most of the 987 caymans, and being dissapointed with the suspension with 19 inch wheels attempting to dislodge my teeth on coutry roads, I moved on to the 911. 996, overrated car with the smaller engines and to much risk with engines.
997 was a massive improvement over the 996 as an overall car to drive, its suspension and sharpe steering with far brighter feel to the throttle is street's apart from the 996.
But if you have a 996 turbo, its a different machine completely as the power gives the car far more focus when you drive it. That does not mean in any way that it is a better car that the 997 in basic terms, its just what you get from it that matters.

When I drove a 981 the other week I was shocked as it drove better than all the other cars that I had driven for which I was considering.
Do you really think now that all the new range being similar in many aesthetic ways are inferior to the prevoius cars. I don't, the 981 has lifted the bar much higher, and the GT4 is a heralded better car to drive than a 911.

But, its each to there own of course, but will never convince me to buy a same model 987 over a 981 thinking the 987 was the better car because it clearly is not.
And can someone tell me where the bling is on a 981??????

Gadgit

[j8bbk]

Funnily enough took my dad along (who has owned a 996 turbo S and 3 pre 90's 911's) who noted the fundamental similarities to his previous motors. Agreed that the 981 represents a more modern take on Porsche interior technology since the panamera/991. Makes the 987 seem a more traditional/analogue proposition which I'm sure some people may prefer. But as a car I would like to use everyday things like a good nav, sensible dash layout are quite important to me.

boxsey said:

I'm not in the least surprised in this. I would pretty much guarantee that anyone new to Porsche would prefer the interior of the newer car and regard the previous generation as dated. Whereas those that have already owned Porsches will place less emphasis on the interior. Having owned a 986 and now a 987 and having experienced a 981(GT4), I only see similarities in the cabin and evolution over time. The instrument layout, position of the controls and the driving position are pretty much the same for all of those generations.

[j8bbk]

Thanks HighwayStar,

Current must haves are; PDK, 19" or 20" alloys, Nav, Bluetooth, Bose, electric seats, cruise control, climate control, Sport design wheel.

would also like but not vital; PSE, Sport chrono, PASM, Extended leather

Can't handle upkeep on another black car unfortunately - looks like sapphire blue, grey or white.

HighwayStar said:

No surprise at all to your experience of the 981, the driving position felt right the moment my butt was in the seat. Like it was made for me... A great initial feeling, a buzz, I was grinning before I'd even pulled away. That howl, the very core of the car.
Mine is PDK, Basalt black, PSE, PASM, 20" wheerls, Sport Crono plus a load of other stuff. I love the Sport Design wheel but miss the volume controls etc for music... No real hardship though. Once you've test driven the variants of the 981 CS. You decide what's best for you and what options you want/must have and those you can take or leave. Happy hunting.

[j8bbk]

gadgit said:

J8bbk....... Good man.
Nice report and just how I felt when I drove a 981 for the first time a week or so ago.
Its a car that is so welcoming and special to get into, and that growl from the rear is just right. Its not in your face like an F type.
The cabin is a much nicer place to be in than most other sports cars. You just feel at home straight away when you drive off.

Good luck with your car..... And enyoy it when ever you can.

Gadgit

Thanks Gadgit - couldn't agree more! Will update as the search continues.