GR86 to 987 Boxster or Mk3 MR2 - anyone done similar?
Discussion
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The MR2 is a toy car. I nearly bought one recently; it had a 2zz conversion, taking power to 190bhp and VTEC.
I went to look at the car but I couldn t see myself, at my age, driving around in one of them. They re basic, lots of hard plastics, near zero luggage space. Nah!
I owned a 986 Boxster S. They re boring cars to drive - too capable, clinical and lack involvement. The 987 is an evolution if the 986 only better. But the Porsche experience is more than just the drive - it s aspirational, yada yada.
Of the choices, I d go Porsche for sure.
If you re looking for a car that is similar to the GT86, try an NC MX5. The chassis is just as stiff, it just needs more power.
Others to consider: S2000, SLK 55, BMW Z4M, TTS/RS. I’ve tried slk if them - SLK 55 (R171) was the best.
Good luck.
I went to look at the car but I couldn t see myself, at my age, driving around in one of them. They re basic, lots of hard plastics, near zero luggage space. Nah!
I owned a 986 Boxster S. They re boring cars to drive - too capable, clinical and lack involvement. The 987 is an evolution if the 986 only better. But the Porsche experience is more than just the drive - it s aspirational, yada yada.
Of the choices, I d go Porsche for sure.
If you re looking for a car that is similar to the GT86, try an NC MX5. The chassis is just as stiff, it just needs more power.
Others to consider: S2000, SLK 55, BMW Z4M, TTS/RS. I’ve tried slk if them - SLK 55 (R171) was the best.
Good luck.
Edited by maz8062 on Thursday 19th March 07:39
Depends if you want cheap fun or a more expensive and more serious car.
I ran an mr2 in 2013-2015 and enjoyed it a lot. Mine was a 2005 model and even back then it felt quite old, but not in a bad way. Power is okay for what it is but I also had a celica t sport vvtli and often though that engine in the mr2 would be ideal. There were some people who did that swap.
The mr2 is getting rare with some mint low milers up to £10k. I'd say £5k would be top money for a nice one really. Now the 987.2 is probably going to be £15-20k so it's not a fair comparison.
I know you're after mid engined but a newish mx5 would be similar money to the Porsche and worth a look. I have a 2020 mx5 rf 2.0 now and it's a much better car than the mr2 was.
I ran an mr2 in 2013-2015 and enjoyed it a lot. Mine was a 2005 model and even back then it felt quite old, but not in a bad way. Power is okay for what it is but I also had a celica t sport vvtli and often though that engine in the mr2 would be ideal. There were some people who did that swap.
The mr2 is getting rare with some mint low milers up to £10k. I'd say £5k would be top money for a nice one really. Now the 987.2 is probably going to be £15-20k so it's not a fair comparison.
I know you're after mid engined but a newish mx5 would be similar money to the Porsche and worth a look. I have a 2020 mx5 rf 2.0 now and it's a much better car than the mr2 was.
I've owned the Boxster, an MX-5 and driven the Mk3 MR2.
As others have said the cost factor is a big one in these cars, The boxster will cost significantly more to run and maintain over the MR-2.
The Boxster is faster and more capable no doubt but the MR-2 is still a lot of fun to drive so shouldn't be discounted.
As others have said the cost factor is a big one in these cars, The boxster will cost significantly more to run and maintain over the MR-2.
The Boxster is faster and more capable no doubt but the MR-2 is still a lot of fun to drive so shouldn't be discounted.
Some great comments so far.
I ran a well-sorted WiM MX-5 NC as a daily for 25k hugely enjoyable miles and whilst tempting, I'm not sure I want to revisit as it has some very special memories attached to it.
For those who say the Boxster is too boring and clinical:
Is it boring in the Vauxhall Astra sense or boring in sense it's seen as a 'safe choice' in comparison to more exotic brands?
I ran a well-sorted WiM MX-5 NC as a daily for 25k hugely enjoyable miles and whilst tempting, I'm not sure I want to revisit as it has some very special memories attached to it.
For those who say the Boxster is too boring and clinical:
Is it boring in the Vauxhall Astra sense or boring in sense it's seen as a 'safe choice' in comparison to more exotic brands?
TheFungle said:
For those who say the Boxster is too boring and clinical:
Is it boring in the Vauxhall Astra sense or boring in sense it's seen as a 'safe choice' in comparison to more exotic brands?
I'm bewildered anyone could consider a Boxster 'boring'. The two years I had with my 987 were mostly spent with a wide smile on my face. The sound, in particular, is epic.Is it boring in the Vauxhall Astra sense or boring in sense it's seen as a 'safe choice' in comparison to more exotic brands?
You don't want the gr as it doesn't feel special enough. Brilliant as the mr2 is, it won't fit the brief of being 'special', it's purely a twisty b road car where you can get the rear out and don't care about lack of sound proofing, the worst stereo system in a car, or that it has more hard plastic inside than a B&M store.
The porsche has the badge and will feel nicer to sit in, but it isn't a go kart, which the mr2 is.
Do you want a go kart or something comfy?
The porsche has the badge and will feel nicer to sit in, but it isn't a go kart, which the mr2 is.
Do you want a go kart or something comfy?
Edited by Pickle_Rick on Thursday 19th March 09:08
Adding to my earlier comments I always found that the Boxster would draw a selection of strange reactions from other people, some people who I'd guess weren't particularly in the know about cars would say I was trying to show off because Porsche. Would also get the comments about "poor mans Porsche" a fair bit.
I found it weird because at the time I also had a BMW which cost me twice what the Porsche was worth but no one cared.
The comments were never said directly to me but always to someone else but said in such a way as I was clearly meant to hear them. People are strange but it was annoying.
I found it weird because at the time I also had a BMW which cost me twice what the Porsche was worth but no one cared.
The comments were never said directly to me but always to someone else but said in such a way as I was clearly meant to hear them. People are strange but it was annoying.
It's a car that will exist solely for the pleasure of going for a drive whether that's a 20 mile loop round my local B-road circuit, the 100 mile long way home on a Friday or longer trips to Scotland from Yorkshire.
The MR2 (from reviews and comments) would seem to fit the bill and for sure is substantially more affordable to buy (and likely) run but the Boxster appeals hugely as an ownership proposition and has a fantastic sounding engine which the MR2 lacks.
The MR2 (from reviews and comments) would seem to fit the bill and for sure is substantially more affordable to buy (and likely) run but the Boxster appeals hugely as an ownership proposition and has a fantastic sounding engine which the MR2 lacks.
I will admit that the image of the Boxster puts me off owning one, silly I know but a lot feel that way.
Shame as its probably one of the best drivers cars ever made.
They can be a money pit so its worth bearing that in mind, very few are well cared for really so unless the main jobs have been done you can be sure it will be you that`s doing them.
You could consider a Cayman but the same rules apply really.
Shame as its probably one of the best drivers cars ever made.
They can be a money pit so its worth bearing that in mind, very few are well cared for really so unless the main jobs have been done you can be sure it will be you that`s doing them.
You could consider a Cayman but the same rules apply really.
Belle427 said:
I will admit that the image of the Boxster puts me off owning one, silly I know but a lot feel that way.
Shame as its probably one of the best drivers cars ever made.
They can be a money pit so its worth bearing that in mind, very few are well cared for really so unless the main jobs have been done you can be sure it will be you that`s doing them.
You could consider a Cayman but the same rules apply really.
What is the image, out of interest? Shame as its probably one of the best drivers cars ever made.
They can be a money pit so its worth bearing that in mind, very few are well cared for really so unless the main jobs have been done you can be sure it will be you that`s doing them.
You could consider a Cayman but the same rules apply really.
andrewpandrew said:
Belle427 said:
I will admit that the image of the Boxster puts me off owning one, silly I know but a lot feel that way.
Shame as its probably one of the best drivers cars ever made.
They can be a money pit so its worth bearing that in mind, very few are well cared for really so unless the main jobs have been done you can be sure it will be you that`s doing them.
You could consider a Cayman but the same rules apply really.
What is the image, out of interest? Shame as its probably one of the best drivers cars ever made.
They can be a money pit so its worth bearing that in mind, very few are well cared for really so unless the main jobs have been done you can be sure it will be you that`s doing them.
You could consider a Cayman but the same rules apply really.
Belle427 said:
andrewpandrew said:
Belle427 said:
I will admit that the image of the Boxster puts me off owning one, silly I know but a lot feel that way.
Shame as its probably one of the best drivers cars ever made.
They can be a money pit so its worth bearing that in mind, very few are well cared for really so unless the main jobs have been done you can be sure it will be you that`s doing them.
You could consider a Cayman but the same rules apply really.
What is the image, out of interest? Shame as its probably one of the best drivers cars ever made.
They can be a money pit so its worth bearing that in mind, very few are well cared for really so unless the main jobs have been done you can be sure it will be you that`s doing them.
You could consider a Cayman but the same rules apply really.
At least we're not back to the hairdresser/poor man's 911 stereotyping.
Forums | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff