Boxster 550 or 987?

[Fordey]

Since selling my 986 2.7 (silly boy) to a enjoy a 996 C2 facelift for 6 months and then parting (very silly boy) for my current drive of a BMW 330ci (oh dear), I've had enough and now want back in to a Porsche. I've looked about and, with a budget of c.£40k I'm torn between the anniversary 550 and a highly speced Boxster 987. Anyone have a view on this, inparticular the residuals (i'd look to keep the car for about 2 years).



>> Edited by Fordey on Tuesday 31st May 19:53

[The Undertaker]

Personally, I would buy a second hand ie very low miles 987 S... I think the residuals will be better on the newer model. It seems the 550 986 model is now starting to drop in value after the silly 40k prices of late....I have seen them at 35k and less now.
Go look see, drive them both and then decide there are enough around to try out to give you a good idea of the differences. The 987 S is in a different league.
Happy hunting, Mark

[johnp68]

I'd be interested to know why you regret selling the Boxster for a 996, since I'm considering such a move!

[Don]

Buy the newer car. The depreciation will be terrible for either of them...but the 987 is technologically superior, more powerful and will be worth more come time to change I guarantee.

Whilst the anniversary edition has a little cachet all its own - I don't think buyers will consider it *enough* to pay much of a premium for over a well specced 986S of similar vintage.

[Fordey]

Thanks for replies. The 550 is a great but when I come to sell in 2 years I agree, it will be simply an 'old shape' and not attractive enough to command the type of money I'd like to see come back my way.

Humm, thinking about it, maybe a 3.6 996 would offer better residuals than the Boxster 986? Which, John, is certainly not inferior to the Boxster. I sold my C2 for a more practical car (BMW). The main change I found between my Boxster (2.7) and the Carrera 2 coupe 3.6 (facelift) was the sheer power available and an improved cabin. Obviously a different driving experience beyond those two points and certainly a great buy. And to be honest, whilst not in any way bowing to the school of 'it's a proper' Porsche (the Boxster is sport car enough for most normal humans), it certainly felt like the natural progression from the 2.7. If you are thinking about a change to a 996, I’d advise the facelift model if your budget stretches. I looked at lots of 996s and went for the facelift as it felt a vast improvement over the 96-01 models I saw.

[mightydquinn]

987

[AndyWoodall]

What are your thoughts of the 550 edition Fordey, have you driven one, had a look at one in the flesh?

My old mans torn at the moment with the same decision as you, either a used 550 with very little miles or a brand new Boxster. So far, the Boxster is winning. The 550 has great spec, and a lovely exterior/interior/wheels combination, but the newer car is winning because of the new refreshing shape and the much better interior design (imho).


>> Edited by AndyWoodall on Monday 13th June 14:44

[Adam B]

Now really don't see any benefit of the 550 over a similar spec non-550 car and would pay zero premium, its just that when it was launched it had all the right options and represented a discount provided you liked the GT silver. if you have £40k to buy new get poverty spec 987S over kitted 2.7

[AndyWoodall]

Adam B said:

Now really don't see any benefit of the 550 over a similar spec non-550 car and would pay zero premium, its just that when it was launched it had all the right options and represented a discount provided you liked the GT silver. if you have £40k to buy new get poverty spec 987S over kitted 2.7

Very true, and I must agree with you, thanks for the thoughts.