Aston traitor and now Porsche clan member
Discussion
Thanks all, again, for all the help in https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... Purchase was made and collected it on a glorious sunny winter's day yesterday 
As the weather really became biblical today, I haven't managed to take any more photos, so these photos from the seller will have to do.
Coming from a 2016 V8S Vantage, I have to admit that I just love the 2015 Boxster S! The steering (main concern before ever test driving one) is very nicely weighted and has good feedback. On the longer drive yesterday, a few flowing B-road S-bends made me realise the miracle of this chassis. It simply rotates about its centre point with such joy! Even with 20" alloys and no PASM, it soaks up all bumps perfectly, feels so solid, no squeaks or rattles, etc. This car has only got 22k miles on the clock and has been very well cared with full OPC history. It's so close to brand new condition.
I think it was a Porsche management car in Reading first and then a relatively local owner who spent all the necessary $$$ at the OPC. Its origin may help explain its nice and ever-so-slightly unusual spec. Several things sold it for me, but the main things were the sports chrono, sand/black full leather and red hood. I was actually originally looking for a manual on 18" alloys, but got swayed.
It's had its minor service at OPC before collection (6 month ahead of schedule), so will only need the 6 year brake fluid/belt work next year. I have decided against maintaining the Porsche warranty and may use independents from here. I'll take the risk living outside the warranty and perhaps take advantage of then being able to upgrade PCM to have Apple CarPlay using the retrofit kit from www.nmautomotive.co.uk
You'll all shoot me, but I still think every flat six Porsche sounds like a bag of spanners when it starts up. They always seem to rattle. My young son loves it, so it's just me. But compared to the Vantage start-up, it's not even close. HOWEVER, when you are on the move it's a completely different story. This engine is wonderfully sweet, revving so nicely to its red line. It's more like a well oiled sewing machine compared to the intoxicating but brutish Aston. Both have masses of appeal and I can now advocate both.
The effortless nature of this car in "auto" is quite startling; its composed (roof up and down), quiet (when cruising), never tramlines, changes smartly, creeps in traffic (the SS gearbox on the Aston was brilliant, IMHO, but didn't creep and reverse gearing was waaay too high), etc. But you probably all know that PDKs aren't basket cases.
My only slight detractor is that the (nicely alloy) paddles move with the wheel - I would prefer stationary - and are too small and far away from the rim to be ideal. First world problems, etc. But I did find myself leaving it in auto much more than I would have thought.
Slight surprise is how unintuitive the PCM is initially. Without an instruction manual, try and set the clock to GMT (not summer time). To show how maddening it is, I actually read the car's manual!
But I really like the small digital display on the right. Not keen on the idea of an all-digital display, but this is good compromise.
Bose sound system is good.
There was significant judder from the front tyres when steering at standstill. The Aston had similar but much less (it was a hydraulic setup). Not a problem, just noticeable. It's only nearly-new P-Zero's, but I doubt a future change to Michelins would change that.
Yet to fully explore the Boxster, but I think that all the research paid off and I have an amazing car to really enjoy. Glad I opted for this spec and not swayed by a GT4 (which was my first thought beyond another Vantage). I like it's level of performance and that I can spend a little more on using the thing properly with track days and trips! That's the plan, anyway...
As the weather really became biblical today, I haven't managed to take any more photos, so these photos from the seller will have to do.
Coming from a 2016 V8S Vantage, I have to admit that I just love the 2015 Boxster S! The steering (main concern before ever test driving one) is very nicely weighted and has good feedback. On the longer drive yesterday, a few flowing B-road S-bends made me realise the miracle of this chassis. It simply rotates about its centre point with such joy! Even with 20" alloys and no PASM, it soaks up all bumps perfectly, feels so solid, no squeaks or rattles, etc. This car has only got 22k miles on the clock and has been very well cared with full OPC history. It's so close to brand new condition.
I think it was a Porsche management car in Reading first and then a relatively local owner who spent all the necessary $$$ at the OPC. Its origin may help explain its nice and ever-so-slightly unusual spec. Several things sold it for me, but the main things were the sports chrono, sand/black full leather and red hood. I was actually originally looking for a manual on 18" alloys, but got swayed.
It's had its minor service at OPC before collection (6 month ahead of schedule), so will only need the 6 year brake fluid/belt work next year. I have decided against maintaining the Porsche warranty and may use independents from here. I'll take the risk living outside the warranty and perhaps take advantage of then being able to upgrade PCM to have Apple CarPlay using the retrofit kit from www.nmautomotive.co.uk
You'll all shoot me, but I still think every flat six Porsche sounds like a bag of spanners when it starts up. They always seem to rattle. My young son loves it, so it's just me. But compared to the Vantage start-up, it's not even close. HOWEVER, when you are on the move it's a completely different story. This engine is wonderfully sweet, revving so nicely to its red line. It's more like a well oiled sewing machine compared to the intoxicating but brutish Aston. Both have masses of appeal and I can now advocate both.
The effortless nature of this car in "auto" is quite startling; its composed (roof up and down), quiet (when cruising), never tramlines, changes smartly, creeps in traffic (the SS gearbox on the Aston was brilliant, IMHO, but didn't creep and reverse gearing was waaay too high), etc. But you probably all know that PDKs aren't basket cases.
My only slight detractor is that the (nicely alloy) paddles move with the wheel - I would prefer stationary - and are too small and far away from the rim to be ideal. First world problems, etc. But I did find myself leaving it in auto much more than I would have thought.
Slight surprise is how unintuitive the PCM is initially. Without an instruction manual, try and set the clock to GMT (not summer time). To show how maddening it is, I actually read the car's manual!
But I really like the small digital display on the right. Not keen on the idea of an all-digital display, but this is good compromise.
Bose sound system is good.
There was significant judder from the front tyres when steering at standstill. The Aston had similar but much less (it was a hydraulic setup). Not a problem, just noticeable. It's only nearly-new P-Zero's, but I doubt a future change to Michelins would change that.
Yet to fully explore the Boxster, but I think that all the research paid off and I have an amazing car to really enjoy. Glad I opted for this spec and not swayed by a GT4 (which was my first thought beyond another Vantage). I like it's level of performance and that I can spend a little more on using the thing properly with track days and trips! That's the plan, anyway...
I keep my 911 when I bought a Vantage. Truth be told I only really drove the Aston because I thought I should but it was always more compromised and if going any distance we went in the Porsche because it was a better car.
You comment about soaking up the bumps says it all.
Love the colour combo.
You comment about soaking up the bumps says it all.
Love the colour combo.
Edited by David W. on Sunday 13th December 18:51
David W. said:
I keep my 911 when I bought a Vantage. Truth be told I only really drove the Aston because I thought I should but it was always more compromised and if going any distance we went in the Porsche because it was a better car.
You comment about soaking up the bumps says it all.
Love the colour combo.
I found that the Sport passive suspension on the V8 Aston’s was a mistake for me. My first had Comfort which was perfectly judged for country lanes and distance. But that’s for another area of PH You comment about soaking up the bumps says it all.
Love the colour combo.
I gave up finding another Vantage in a nice colour combo, which is partly why this car won me over. I love the feel of driving a sorted machine, but you also have to look at it...
Seems we have a growing Aston defectors club on here.
Well done on the purchase Nick, it looks fabulous. For what it’s worth, I’d echo a lot of your comments despite me being seduced by the GT4. The build quality is staggering when compared to my Astons, and the chassis is something else. Ride and handling are, for me, what these cars are all about as they cannot match the AM for theatre. Agree completely that the flat six is a complete bag of spanners aurally, until it’s singing.
The judder at low speed from the (cold) front tyres was present with mine last week. Also experienced in my DBS in the cold.
I’ve still not managed to find the clock change button within the PCM yet, so you’re not alone in finding it unintuitive. I do like knowing what my oil and water temp are though, gives you the mental green light to enjoy fully when warmed up and I then switch to tyre pressures for hooning. I have a couple of years warranty so won’t go down the CarPlay route yet, but it’s certainly something I’d investigate.
Overall though, I’m massively impressed and the more time I spend in it the more I enjoy it. I did a run with several Astons a few months back and it was faultless, never ever feeling outclassed.
Have a great time getting to know it and enjoy Xmas and NY (as much as you can!)
Well done on the purchase Nick, it looks fabulous. For what it’s worth, I’d echo a lot of your comments despite me being seduced by the GT4. The build quality is staggering when compared to my Astons, and the chassis is something else. Ride and handling are, for me, what these cars are all about as they cannot match the AM for theatre. Agree completely that the flat six is a complete bag of spanners aurally, until it’s singing.
The judder at low speed from the (cold) front tyres was present with mine last week. Also experienced in my DBS in the cold.
I’ve still not managed to find the clock change button within the PCM yet, so you’re not alone in finding it unintuitive. I do like knowing what my oil and water temp are though, gives you the mental green light to enjoy fully when warmed up and I then switch to tyre pressures for hooning. I have a couple of years warranty so won’t go down the CarPlay route yet, but it’s certainly something I’d investigate.
Overall though, I’m massively impressed and the more time I spend in it the more I enjoy it. I did a run with several Astons a few months back and it was faultless, never ever feeling outclassed.
Have a great time getting to know it and enjoy Xmas and NY (as much as you can!)
Bincenzo said:
Seems we have a growing Aston defectors club on here.
Well done on the purchase Nick, it looks fabulous. For what it’s worth, I’d echo a lot of your comments despite me being seduced by the GT4. The build quality is staggering when compared to my Astons, and the chassis is something else. Ride and handling are, for me, what these cars are all about as they cannot match the AM for theatre. Agree completely that the flat six is a complete bag of spanners aurally, until it’s singing.
The judder at low speed from the (cold) front tyres was present with mine last week. Also experienced in my DBS in the cold.
I’ve still not managed to find the clock change button within the PCM yet, so you’re not alone in finding it unintuitive. I do like knowing what my oil and water temp are though, gives you the mental green light to enjoy fully when warmed up and I then switch to tyre pressures for hooning. I have a couple of years warranty so won’t go down the CarPlay route yet, but it’s certainly something I’d investigate.
Overall though, I’m massively impressed and the more time I spend in it the more I enjoy it. I did a run with several Astons a few months back and it was faultless, never ever feeling outclassed.
Have a great time getting to know it and enjoy Xmas and NY (as much as you can!)
Thanks Bincenzo! You’re in a good position to still have the best of both worlds... if you still have the DBS?Well done on the purchase Nick, it looks fabulous. For what it’s worth, I’d echo a lot of your comments despite me being seduced by the GT4. The build quality is staggering when compared to my Astons, and the chassis is something else. Ride and handling are, for me, what these cars are all about as they cannot match the AM for theatre. Agree completely that the flat six is a complete bag of spanners aurally, until it’s singing.
The judder at low speed from the (cold) front tyres was present with mine last week. Also experienced in my DBS in the cold.
I’ve still not managed to find the clock change button within the PCM yet, so you’re not alone in finding it unintuitive. I do like knowing what my oil and water temp are though, gives you the mental green light to enjoy fully when warmed up and I then switch to tyre pressures for hooning. I have a couple of years warranty so won’t go down the CarPlay route yet, but it’s certainly something I’d investigate.
Overall though, I’m massively impressed and the more time I spend in it the more I enjoy it. I did a run with several Astons a few months back and it was faultless, never ever feeling outclassed.
Have a great time getting to know it and enjoy Xmas and NY (as much as you can!)
You can sure tell that Porsche’s budget massively eclipses Aston’s. However, I always found VH-era Astons bulletproof and surprisingly solid and well screwed-together. Just in a lower volume way.
One area of difference is the leather. I think it’s very smart in the Boxster, but it doesn’t have that wonderful smell or tactility. My son even thought the dash was plastic and not leather in the Boxster
(education clearly isn’t what it was...)But, to me, that’s largely a side-show. As you mention, I don’t think cars are dynamically lacking in any way. And with some skill behind the wheel of each, I’m sure that on a twisty B-road, even the Boxster S would leave a V8VS in the distance. A GT4 would leave a V12VS in its wake, I have little doubt.
On a practical level, the thing both cars have in common is how damn cavernous they are for luggage considering their size. I’ve seen naff pseudo-SUVs with less space! The frunk seems to be hugely deep and the bottom appears to be below the road surface
And I still like there’s a lot to explore. Quite glad I came to Porsche later in the day. Always good to have new stuff to learn!
Have a great Christmas and New Year yourself!
PS - I don’t have a multi-function wheel, so mine may be different. But the clock is not changed via the main screen or buttons, which is what flummoxed me so much at the start. It’s all controlled via the small screen on the right of the binnacle and the menu stalk on the right of the steering wheel.
PPS - finding the locking nut key was another game of hide-and-seek, followed by resorting to the manual! Very neatly done, in the end.
nickv8 said:
Thanks Bincenzo! You’re in a good position to still have the best of both worlds... if you still have the DBS?
You can sure tell that Porsche’s budget massively eclipses Aston’s. However, I always found VH-era Astons bulletproof and surprisingly solid and well screwed-together. Just in a lower volume way.
One area of difference is the leather. I think it’s very smart in the Boxster, but it doesn’t have that wonderful smell or tactility. My son even thought the dash was plastic and not leather in the Boxster (education clearly isn’t what it was...)
But, to me, that’s largely a side-show. As you mention, I don’t think cars are dynamically lacking in any way. And with some skill behind the wheel of each, I’m sure that on a twisty B-road, even the Boxster S would leave a V8VS in the distance. A GT4 would leave a V12VS in its wake, I have little doubt.
On a practical level, the thing both cars have in common is how damn cavernous they are for luggage considering their size. I’ve seen naff pseudo-SUVs with less space! The frunk seems to be hugely deep and the bottom appears to be below the road surface
And I still like there’s a lot to explore. Quite glad I came to Porsche later in the day. Always good to have new stuff to learn!
Have a great Christmas and New Year yourself!
PS - I don’t have a multi-function wheel, so mine may be different. But the clock is not changed via the main screen or buttons, which is what flummoxed me so much at the start. It’s all controlled via the small screen on the right of the binnacle and the menu stalk on the right of the steering wheel.
PPS - finding the locking nut key was another game of hide-and-seek, followed by resorting to the manual! Very neatly done, in the end.
Great stuff Nick. No, I’m Astonless at the moment, and will wait and see what’s next on the sports car front once I’ve had a good time in the GT4. Great tip on the clock adjustment, I’ll have a look. GT4 doesn’t have a multi function steering wheel either, so the stalk may well be the solution. I was digging into the PCM for hours trying to find it. ......like a muppet I didn’t bother to read the manual. Space for luggage is exceptional when you consider it’s a true 2 seat sports car. You can sure tell that Porsche’s budget massively eclipses Aston’s. However, I always found VH-era Astons bulletproof and surprisingly solid and well screwed-together. Just in a lower volume way.
One area of difference is the leather. I think it’s very smart in the Boxster, but it doesn’t have that wonderful smell or tactility. My son even thought the dash was plastic and not leather in the Boxster
(education clearly isn’t what it was...)But, to me, that’s largely a side-show. As you mention, I don’t think cars are dynamically lacking in any way. And with some skill behind the wheel of each, I’m sure that on a twisty B-road, even the Boxster S would leave a V8VS in the distance. A GT4 would leave a V12VS in its wake, I have little doubt.
On a practical level, the thing both cars have in common is how damn cavernous they are for luggage considering their size. I’ve seen naff pseudo-SUVs with less space! The frunk seems to be hugely deep and the bottom appears to be below the road surface
And I still like there’s a lot to explore. Quite glad I came to Porsche later in the day. Always good to have new stuff to learn!
Have a great Christmas and New Year yourself!
PS - I don’t have a multi-function wheel, so mine may be different. But the clock is not changed via the main screen or buttons, which is what flummoxed me so much at the start. It’s all controlled via the small screen on the right of the binnacle and the menu stalk on the right of the steering wheel.
PPS - finding the locking nut key was another game of hide-and-seek, followed by resorting to the manual! Very neatly done, in the end.
Great looking car, lovely combination.
I've not driven a car with stationary paddles, but don't have an issue with the distance of them from the wheel, although I do with 718's which differ from my 981's, and I have to stretch my fingers to reach them.
The Michelins don't eradicate the low speed wheel judder, but it is improved. They are however a better tyre all round.
You'll find the car very pratical if you do long trips. We regularly (pre-covid) do two week trips across europe.
I've not driven a car with stationary paddles, but don't have an issue with the distance of them from the wheel, although I do with 718's which differ from my 981's, and I have to stretch my fingers to reach them.
The Michelins don't eradicate the low speed wheel judder, but it is improved. They are however a better tyre all round.
You'll find the car very pratical if you do long trips. We regularly (pre-covid) do two week trips across europe.
Rather than I bought a Panamera 4S (gen 1, V6) as a daily to go with my V12VS. Much of what you say resonates: Porsche's leather smells of nothing; PCM is terrible (I lasted a week before putting CarPlay in); the build quality is outstanding, as is the ride quality. The V6 is so smooth that when driving on the buttons (the absence of paddles on the MFSW is unforgivable) that I have overlooked the need to change up a few times, leading to uncomfortable and belated realisations that I am pushing 5k revs in 1 or 2. Very unlike an Aston.
Personally I find the PDK implementation in the Panamera 98% similar to a torque converter auto but with paddles (save perhaps for the oddly short first gear). But that isn't an issue as I drive the Porsche for A to B in quick comfort mostly off the buttons and the Aston for A to B via Q for fun mostly on them. For me they are very different cars for very different purposes. And for the time being I'm content that they each tick their respective boxes.
A word of warning: Porsche OPC is eye watering (at least IME) with grandiose pricing for mundane matters and a huge upselling push from "vehicle health checks". It makes AM servicing seem positively reasonable.
Personally I find the PDK implementation in the Panamera 98% similar to a torque converter auto but with paddles (save perhaps for the oddly short first gear). But that isn't an issue as I drive the Porsche for A to B in quick comfort mostly off the buttons and the Aston for A to B via Q for fun mostly on them. For me they are very different cars for very different purposes. And for the time being I'm content that they each tick their respective boxes.
A word of warning: Porsche OPC is eye watering (at least IME) with grandiose pricing for mundane matters and a huge upselling push from "vehicle health checks". It makes AM servicing seem positively reasonable.
mr pg said:
Great looking car, lovely combination.
I've not driven a car with stationary paddles, but don't have an issue with the distance of them from the wheel, although I do with 718's which differ from my 981's, and I have to stretch my fingers to reach them.
The Michelins don't eradicate the low speed wheel judder, but it is improved. They are however a better tyre all round.
You'll find the car very pratical if you do long trips. We regularly (pre-covid) do two week trips across europe.
Thanks - and to Boxsterjon - May be some hope with Michelin’s, then. Not a big issue at all.I've not driven a car with stationary paddles, but don't have an issue with the distance of them from the wheel, although I do with 718's which differ from my 981's, and I have to stretch my fingers to reach them.
The Michelins don't eradicate the low speed wheel judder, but it is improved. They are however a better tyre all round.
You'll find the car very pratical if you do long trips. We regularly (pre-covid) do two week trips across europe.
Sorry, I meant the stretch to the paddles. All relative.
I can easily see long journeys being a joy in it
BlackTails said:
A word of warning: Porsche OPC is eye watering (at least IME) with grandiose pricing for mundane matters and a huge upselling push from "vehicle health checks". It makes AM servicing seem positively reasonable.
Cheers for you comparison thoughts. Interesting.I can imagine OPC costs are “healthy” (for the OPC!). There is the advantage of being a two-year interval rather than annual. But I would think that an oil/filter change every 18 months would help longevity. And if done at an independent, the total cost likely the same as every 2 years at an OPC.
(I always thought the Aston servicing costs were OK, all considered. But I was more inclined to be certain with an official warranty with Aston’s.)
In all honesty, it’s the cold feeling I always got when visiting an OPC that put me off Porkers in the past. When you visit any AM main dealer, even with young offspring in tow, I’ve always received a very warm and genuine welcome. Even with the family Skip parked up (leggy Mariva), kids are encouraged to sit in cars, etc. It’s an attitude that led to two sales for them.
Every Porsche dealer, on the other hand, has been stand-off-ish at best. Ignored, cold and not welcoming. That’s genuinely why I never looked at a Porsche earlier and why I’m very likely to use independents for this car.
I would expect the attitudes a little different if you park up with a Stuttgart car...
nickv8 said:
I have to admit that I just love the 2015 Boxster S! The steering (main concern before ever test driving one) is very nicely weighted and has good feedback. On the longer drive yesterday, a few flowing B-road S-bends made me realise the miracle of this chassis. It simply rotates about its centre point with such joy!
There, in a few words, you have summarised what's so great about these cars........although, according to PH standard wisdom, we buy them for the badge and for the cupholders because we can't afford a 911!
for that one.
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