987 Boxster S vs 997.1 Carrera S Targa?

[Bordtea]

Evening all,

Currently looking at a garage change around and have a budget of max £22K for a 'fun' car ie. no cares about practicality or, within reason, fuel consumption. Must be convertible hence the targa!

I've been looking at 987 Boxster S and then ventured into 911s and noticed that at the bottom end of the price market there are a few C2S Targas with 50-70k on that look decently specced and in good condition. One can be picked up for just about under £22k.

I've ruled out Gen 1 Boxsters with the 3.4 engine due to bore scoring issues and so am considering either 3.2s with the larger IMS bearing, or a Gen 2. 3.2s seem to be around £12-13k, and Gen 2s around 19-22k.

Given the potential 10k saving by going for a 3.2 - how does one compare to the 911 Targa in terms of driving dynamics, fun factor, reliability etc? I imagine the general consensus is that the 911 is the better choice, but is it worth the extra cash?

Only looking at S models

Thoughts appreciated!

[Porsche911R]

I like mid engine cars, so the Boxster wins for me out of those 2.

[jimmy p]

Why would you rule out a 3.4 gen 1 boxster due to slight chance of bore score and then consider a 997.1 which suffer more for bore scoring??

Get a gen2 3.4 Boxster S. Safest option and will be more fun than a heavy targa

[Bordtea]

jimmy p said:

Why would you rule out a 3.4 gen 1 boxster due to slight chance of bore score and then consider a 997.1 which suffer more for bore scoring??

Get a gen2 3.4 Boxster S. Safest option and will be more fun than a heavy targa

That's a fair point. I think it's mainly because there's a safer Boxster alternative within my budget, whereas there isn't for the 997 (and I'm a big 911 fan) so could potentially bear the risk.

[supersport]

We have a gen 1 3.4s Boxster although a tip it’s bloody quick and a hoot at 300hp. Pick up a god one for £15k and laughing.

[David W.]

Whatever you buy you may not spend much time with the roof down in the UK but when you do my experience with the roof down marks 911 as best for calmness and lack of buffeting, Boxster 2nd and Targa most uncomfortable.
If you dont need the cabin space Boxsters are fab cars.

[Bordtea]

Must say I expected the consensus to be to go for the 911! It will purely be the fun car with zero need for practicality other than perhaps enough boot space for a weekend away. Boxster ticks that box I think.

So... Gen 1 3.2 or Gen 2 3.4? Are the extra 20 or so horsepower and a minor cosmetic facelift the only differences?

[jimmy p]

Main differences are as you say cosmetic, and the more powerful 3.4 dfi engine.
And obviously the extra purchase cost. You will have to decide, I think you will get a good 3.2 for around 10-13k depending on miles whereas the gen2 will be 18+k mileage dependent

[stevemcs]

If your spending 22k your very close to the bottom of the 981’s i’d certainly have a look at one of those before deciding on the 987.

[cnavarro]

Bordtea said:

Must say I expected the consensus to be to go for the 911! It will purely be the fun car with zero need for practicality other than perhaps enough boot space for a weekend away. Boxster ticks that box I think.

So... Gen 1 3.2 or Gen 2 3.4? Are the extra 20 or so horsepower and a minor cosmetic facelift the only differences?

Gen 1 Boxster 2.7 and 3.2 engines don't score. Earlier 3.2 Boxster S engines would crack, but I don't think I've ever seen a 2003 or later 3.2 S crack or score. 2.7s are the most reliable of all the M96 engines, other than a few that had soft cam lobes in the 03-04 years.

For many a 2005 Boxster S is the best candidate, especially if it has the earlier serviceable IMS bearing (once its had the ims bearing changed). You'll need to set aside money for the usual items like RMS, dual mass flywheel, clutch, AOS, AOS vent and oil fill tubes, and water pump. Every car we see for service needs these items and many times, it also needs an expansion tank. Once all this is done, you have a damn near bulletproof street car.

if you plan on tracking the car, then a Gen 2 may be a better choice as those engines are more robust. Regardless, both models are likely over 10 years old and as the cars age, there are lots of ancillary items on the engine that will need replacing, so don't assume that buying the Gen 2 car will save you from having to do preventative maintenance.