GR86 to 987 Boxster or Mk3 MR2 - anyone done similar?

[TheFungle]

Having picked up a Peugeot Partner that has rapidly become a family favourite in the Fungle household, I feel the GR86 no longer works for me either as a do-it-all car or as a special occasion car.

It's talents are well documented and I've had some fantastic drives but ultimately it's lacking the emotional pull for me.

Which leads to my next car:

A nicely specced 987.2 or Mk3 MR2.

Are they comparable? Probably not but they both appeal for similar but differing reasons, chiefly the mid-engined, driver focussed roof-down experience.

I guess what I'm looking for is those who have made the move from a GT/GR86 to a mid-engined sportscar and how you found the driving experience in comparison.

[CG2020UK]

Drove a 987.1 Cayman recently with full intent to buy so similar to the Boxster. Did nothing for me.

Honestly preferred MR2 MK3 I test drove on Sunday. Put an offer in but someone beat me with a deposit and I lost out. Roof down is a massive difference it’s just fun. Charm of the MR2 is they are so cheap at the moment and they offer a very pure form of driving. Imagine if you get a good one and can keep it a year you’ll probably make a few quid as I imagine they will appreciate.

Depends how good a Porsche badge will make you feel.

[Pickle_Rick]

Not a porsche man myself so have never driven or sat in the boxster, but wife and I do have a mk3 mr2, owned for 20 years, 2000 plate. I doubt many people keep a boxster for 20 years.

It's superb fun, we'll never sell it. Only issues it's had were an oxygen sensor throwing an EML about 8-10 years ago, so replaced all. And then last year it needed a new MAF sensor as cleaning it didn't clear work this time (threw an eml about 5 years ago, carb cleaner sorted it)

If its on original roof, it will almost certainly need to be replaced unless garaged (about £1200, but a good excuse for a day out to get it fitted), headlights develop cataracts, and the alloys on early cars can rot. You'll see scare stories about oil consumption and engines consuming the cat, but mine doesn't drink any oil between services (granted only 2-3k a year).

The porsche is more practical and faster, but if you want a car to drive fast, there's far better options than a boxster.

Imo the only 'better' driving option is an elise, but the roof is fiddly and leaky.

[TheFungle]

Thanks both.

I've been hanging around the MR2 forum for the last year so fairly read in on things to look out for.

Descriptions for the MR2 as a driving proposition seem fairly universal but the Boxster veers wildly between 'too capable, boring' to 'unmatched and sublime'.

I suspect some of that is simply down to the fact it's a Porsche.

[andrewpandrew]

A group test just for you -

https://www.evo.co.uk/sports-cars/206868/lotus-eli...

I’m biased, but I think the 987 is peak Boxster. More refined than the 986, but with a rawness and mechanical feedback that is slightly missing from the 981/718 gen cars. I just love the F6, it’s an absolute peach of an engine.

[edc]

If it's a weekend or occasion car then a 987.2 might feel too polished and competent. Very useable as a daily.
If you don't need the modernity and want the contrast then a 986 might suit. I've had one for nearly 15 years.

[paulguitar]

I went from a Mark 3 MR2 to a 987 Boxster 2.7 a few years ago.


The MR2 is great value and fun to drive, but they are rather slow. The 987 is a big step up. A lot quicker, a lot more 'special' feeling, and they sound superb. The downside is that they are much more expensive to run and can result in some big bills. Some jobs have to be done, such as replacing the coolant crossover pipes that are expensive.

[Billy_Whizzzz]

Drive both and I’d wager you’ll get the 987.2. Almost no comparison with an MR2 in engine, handling, feel.