New to Porsche (and indeed PH)
Discussion
Hello
Newbie in need of a little guidance. Was driving around today and went passed a Porsche dealer (as you do). Thought I'd pop in to test drive a Boxster S, more out of curiosity than anything else. Long story short...I really liked the car (a 295 06). Nice weather + an even nicer coffee-serving receptionist + some Jedi mind tricks from the friendly salesman nearly = here's my deposit but not quite. There are a couple of questions I have for the Porsche experts here first:
1. Is it better to buy from a Porsche dealer or an independent, or does it matter?
2. Is there really a noticeable between the 280 bhp and 295 versions?
3. Is Porsche finance worth it? I was offered a 50/50 balloon with a very low monthly.
4. What are the must have options/colours? Noticed a lot of silver/greys around.
5. Anything in particular I should look out for on a s/h purchase?
The car will be used for everyday driving. No track days.
Any tips/help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Kirk
Newbie in need of a little guidance. Was driving around today and went passed a Porsche dealer (as you do). Thought I'd pop in to test drive a Boxster S, more out of curiosity than anything else. Long story short...I really liked the car (a 295 06). Nice weather + an even nicer coffee-serving receptionist + some Jedi mind tricks from the friendly salesman nearly = here's my deposit but not quite. There are a couple of questions I have for the Porsche experts here first:
1. Is it better to buy from a Porsche dealer or an independent, or does it matter?
2. Is there really a noticeable between the 280 bhp and 295 versions?
3. Is Porsche finance worth it? I was offered a 50/50 balloon with a very low monthly.
4. What are the must have options/colours? Noticed a lot of silver/greys around.
5. Anything in particular I should look out for on a s/h purchase?
The car will be used for everyday driving. No track days.
Any tips/help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Kirk
You will pay quite a lot more at an OPC than in a private sale, and with an 06 car it will still be under warranty, though you can have Porsche do a 111 point inspection for around £200.
In theory on a car that new you don't gain much from buying from an OPC unless you want dealer facilities such as finance, IMO anyway, and as I said that's in theory - I know I'd feel wary handing over £30k in a private sale.
Options, I have a 987 2.7L and all I felt I needed was metallic paint, sports seats, climate control and not much else - IMO once you're driving it you soon forget about a lot of the options.
Colours, all I can say is get what you want. I have Meteor Gray with a gray roof because I like metallic gray cars, I wasn't thinking resale which I think many people do.
In theory on a car that new you don't gain much from buying from an OPC unless you want dealer facilities such as finance, IMO anyway, and as I said that's in theory - I know I'd feel wary handing over £30k in a private sale.
Options, I have a 987 2.7L and all I felt I needed was metallic paint, sports seats, climate control and not much else - IMO once you're driving it you soon forget about a lot of the options.
Colours, all I can say is get what you want. I have Meteor Gray with a gray roof because I like metallic gray cars, I wasn't thinking resale which I think many people do.
Thanks for welcome PT.
I might look at a good independent to save some cash. The reason I asked about options was the dealer was adamant that certain options (19s, PCM, all leather, PASM, climate for example) really are important. Strangely, the car he was trying to sell had all the most important options
I might look at a good independent to save some cash. The reason I asked about options was the dealer was adamant that certain options (19s, PCM, all leather, PASM, climate for example) really are important. Strangely, the car he was trying to sell had all the most important options
PASM and PCM are not "must haves" in a Boxster. However, if it has 19s, you might seriously want PASM if this is going to be a daily drive.
Look around before you make a snap decision. There are plenty of cars out there of a variaty of specs. Just pick what suits you and your budget.
Jack
Look around before you make a snap decision. There are plenty of cars out there of a variaty of specs. Just pick what suits you and your budget.
Jack
Welcome Kirk, I recently bought a 295bhp Box S from OPC and have bought all my Porsches from OPCs, they have the best choice and I like the peace of mind that that extra £ buys...
Options are pretty much up to you, I would have 19s, Bose, Heated seats as a minimum and all leather, nav, phone, sports exhaust etc is nice to have... Silver/greys are the safest Porsche colours are they are always popular.
295 vs 280 - not much difference in terms of performance but the 295 unit (from the cayman) sounds better and has more low down torque. Also it is a newer car and will be easier to sell on if it has the latest engine.
Finance wise you can get some very good deals through Porsche at the moment - I got mine on 2.7% apr.
Options are pretty much up to you, I would have 19s, Bose, Heated seats as a minimum and all leather, nav, phone, sports exhaust etc is nice to have... Silver/greys are the safest Porsche colours are they are always popular.
295 vs 280 - not much difference in terms of performance but the 295 unit (from the cayman) sounds better and has more low down torque. Also it is a newer car and will be easier to sell on if it has the latest engine.
Finance wise you can get some very good deals through Porsche at the moment - I got mine on 2.7% apr.
Edited by Thorny on Sunday 5th August 21:20
Thanks JackWood and Thorney.
Thorney, if I may ask...how large, as a percentage of the final payment, was your down payment to get an APR like that? I was offered around 9-10% (with 50% down) though we hadn't started to negotiate. My budget is around £35K so that keeps me out of the latest model unfortunately (and at those prices I might get tempted by a Cayman).
Thorney, if I may ask...how large, as a percentage of the final payment, was your down payment to get an APR like that? I was offered around 9-10% (with 50% down) though we hadn't started to negotiate. My budget is around £35K so that keeps me out of the latest model unfortunately (and at those prices I might get tempted by a Cayman).
Welcome to the Forum.
As was written by others, whith such a new car I would not bother buying from OPC but go private. Also I'd prefer the 295 to the 280 bhp. There is some performance difference - alhtough not massive - and the upgraded engine will help come resale time.
In terms of options I'd go defo for autoclimate, heated seats and sports seats and cruise. If you have extra money, consider full leather, 19" with PASM and PCM, BOSE, sports exhaust and spacers.
In terms of colours, I would not worry too much, as long as it's not some extravagant Porsche exclusive metallic pink...
Buy the colour you like best as you will be scr*wed come trade-in time in any case. Dark leather is easier to live with and also to sell.
and enjoy, it's a fabulous car
As was written by others, whith such a new car I would not bother buying from OPC but go private. Also I'd prefer the 295 to the 280 bhp. There is some performance difference - alhtough not massive - and the upgraded engine will help come resale time.
In terms of options I'd go defo for autoclimate, heated seats and sports seats and cruise. If you have extra money, consider full leather, 19" with PASM and PCM, BOSE, sports exhaust and spacers.
In terms of colours, I would not worry too much, as long as it's not some extravagant Porsche exclusive metallic pink...
Buy the colour you like best as you will be scr*wed come trade-in time in any case. Dark leather is easier to live with and also to sell.and enjoy, it's a fabulous car
Yes, 9-10% is a little generous 
I didn't want to get into negotiating there and then especially before I had some insight into what current owners think about the car and buying from Porsche in general. I've been driving, er, cough...BMWs for the last 7 years so my knowledge of all things Porsche is a little limited (but it's growing).
Dr S - thanks.
I didn't want to get into negotiating there and then especially before I had some insight into what current owners think about the car and buying from Porsche in general. I've been driving, er, cough...BMWs for the last 7 years so my knowledge of all things Porsche is a little limited (but it's growing).Dr S - thanks.
I wouldn't go for 19" wheels on a car driven daily, be too much of a boneshaker. 17" give the best ride/handling compromise, but it's hard to resist the bigger wheels for looks. As others have said, buy privately and save yourself a small fortune. With such a new car, it has to be strictly 1 owner. It should be fairly obvious if it's been looked after.
IMO the Boxster S is the best value Porker in the range.
Peace of mind buy OPc expect to pay around 5k premium, or buy private but ensure the safety net of an OPC check over regardless of warranty situation, expect to save around 3-4k for the extra hassle!
The newer 295bhp car is the better car, but it still fetching a premium, so the choice is fluid, bear in mind a facelift model isn't too far away so a slightly older car is better for residuals!
Spec well you would love a bog standard car, but the crucial's are upgraded stereo (standard is crap) preferably Bose, 19 inch wheels transform the cars looks (it is weasel like without...ie stubby of foot on big body) & Porsche designed it to handle/ride just fine on the larger wheels/tyres (unlike the 986 series which had a max of 18 inch wheels to work best on the twisty stuff!!) in addition full leather & a few cabin extras (alloy hand brake etc) really lift the interior. Cruise & heated seats were cheap new & are useful add ons & these days PCM nav IS quite important for re-sale on a 40k new car, as is a tracker unit of some kind!
Have a look yourself,you won't find the perfect spec, but if you avoid a boggo standard car or silly colour combinations (e.g...green with Savanna leather) (greys, silver, blues & black are most popular)you won't go far wrong as long as you have a few toys for best re-sale! I'd take 19's & Bose as the minimum, but desire the leather, cruise, PCM etc as my ideal!
Peace of mind buy OPc expect to pay around 5k premium, or buy private but ensure the safety net of an OPC check over regardless of warranty situation, expect to save around 3-4k for the extra hassle!
The newer 295bhp car is the better car, but it still fetching a premium, so the choice is fluid, bear in mind a facelift model isn't too far away so a slightly older car is better for residuals!
Spec well you would love a bog standard car, but the crucial's are upgraded stereo (standard is crap) preferably Bose, 19 inch wheels transform the cars looks (it is weasel like without...ie stubby of foot on big body) & Porsche designed it to handle/ride just fine on the larger wheels/tyres (unlike the 986 series which had a max of 18 inch wheels to work best on the twisty stuff!!) in addition full leather & a few cabin extras (alloy hand brake etc) really lift the interior. Cruise & heated seats were cheap new & are useful add ons & these days PCM nav IS quite important for re-sale on a 40k new car, as is a tracker unit of some kind!
Have a look yourself,you won't find the perfect spec, but if you avoid a boggo standard car or silly colour combinations (e.g...green with Savanna leather) (greys, silver, blues & black are most popular)you won't go far wrong as long as you have a few toys for best re-sale! I'd take 19's & Bose as the minimum, but desire the leather, cruise, PCM etc as my ideal!
Edited by Grant3 on Monday 6th August 23:27
Kirk said:
Thanks JackWood and Thorney.
Thorney, if I may ask...how large, as a percentage of the final payment, was your down payment to get an APR like that? I was offered around 9-10% (with 50% down) though we hadn't started to negotiate. My budget is around £35K so that keeps me out of the latest model unfortunately (and at those prices I might get tempted by a Cayman).
It is around 40-45% deposit that i put down, it was a good deal as it was near the end of the month and they hadn't hit their finance targets...Thorney, if I may ask...how large, as a percentage of the final payment, was your down payment to get an APR like that? I was offered around 9-10% (with 50% down) though we hadn't started to negotiate. My budget is around £35K so that keeps me out of the latest model unfortunately (and at those prices I might get tempted by a Cayman).
The whole cayman vs Boxster argument is a different matter! I would, personally, not get a cayman until the prices drop significantly - The equiv boxster is 5k cheaper and is just as quick plus the roof comes off! (I know it's not as pure, blah blah... just IMO)
For a good well priced independant with recent stock try Joel at RSJ. He's got a couple of 2006 cars at the moment both look pretty intertesting. (no relation honestly, just have dealt with him a couple of times and know what sort of cars he keeps)
http://www.rsjsportscars.co.uk/opt/rsj_opt.htm
http://www.rsjsportscars.co.uk/opt/rsj_opt.htm
Thorny said:
The whole cayman vs Boxster argument is a different matter! I would, personally, not get a cayman until the prices drop significantly - The equiv boxster is 5k cheaper and is just as quick plus the roof comes off! (I know it's not as pure, blah blah... just IMO)
I thought all that. Then I passengered in Yex's car around Bedford. The Cayman is its own thing. The in-cabin engine note is absolutely intoxicating. Having said that I would always get the Box as I like convertible driving on Sunny Sundays but, hey, its worth a test drive to see what you prefer!Edited to say: Kirk! Welcome! Great car choice. If you are buying within the manufacturer's warranty period there is no reason not to buy privately or from a good independent like RSJ or 911Virgin (both chaps post on here, have their heads above the parapet, and I admire them for that.) Northway Porsche would also be worth checking.
A key point is that when buying that young you will be able to *renew* the warranty *without* the £200 111 point check for around £900 at an OPC. This means should you keep the car a few years (my current strategy) you can insure against the worst. Engine/gearbox failures are rare but unless you can fork out happily for a new one I would run a warranty.
Edited by Don on Tuesday 7th August 09:26
9-10%!!! WTF? Don't pay more than 6.1% (source: moneysupermarket.com). Don't let the convenience fool you. OPC = expensive cars and pleasant loan shark facilities. (But peace of mind and convenience, of course: just check how much you want to pay for both, £5k extra for the car and c.£3.5k on the financing (£35k 5 years, no deposit).)
Also, 2.7%??? WTF? On an unsecured fast-depreciating asset?? Did you secure this in 2004, in the US?? Nice work!
Bose and heated seats, everything else is the dealer trying to off-load high spec inventory.
Also, 2.7%??? WTF? On an unsecured fast-depreciating asset?? Did you secure this in 2004, in the US?? Nice work!
Bose and heated seats, everything else is the dealer trying to off-load high spec inventory.
1. Is it better to buy from a Porsche dealer or an independent, or does it matter? Independants price there cars similar to OPC's in my opinion so the choice should be OPC or Private - I find Boxsters are selling at OK rates from OPC's. Years warranty and the car going through a 111point inspcetion as well as RAC independant inspection is also a bonus.
OPC Boxster prices - http://ucl.porsche.de/ucl/plsql/uk/clients.browse_...
2. Is there really a noticeable between the 280 bhp and 295 versions?
Magazines quote .2 seconds 0-60 of a difference with an extra 2mph top speed.
3. Is Porsche finance worth it? I was offered a 50/50 balloon with a very low monthly. Try Oracle Finance - http://www.oraclefinance.co.uk/automotive.html or Mannisland - http://www.mannisland.co.uk/ then compare to OPC.
4. What are the must have options/colours? Noticed a lot of silver/greys around. Head will always go for Silver come re-sale - Heart says Speed Yellow or Gaurds Red as it is a sportscar afterall. Options - Leather,PCM,PSE,18's,Bose
5. Anything in particular I should look out for on a s/h purchase? - I doubt you would know what to look for apart from what the naked eye can see with the body panels,tyre wear,brake wear,exhaust note,condition of Alloys so i would advise to either get an OPC 111 point check or an RAC/AA inspection. Priced from £200-£350. A years OPC warranty costs £895.
OPC Boxster prices - http://ucl.porsche.de/ucl/plsql/uk/clients.browse_...
2. Is there really a noticeable between the 280 bhp and 295 versions?
Magazines quote .2 seconds 0-60 of a difference with an extra 2mph top speed.
3. Is Porsche finance worth it? I was offered a 50/50 balloon with a very low monthly. Try Oracle Finance - http://www.oraclefinance.co.uk/automotive.html or Mannisland - http://www.mannisland.co.uk/ then compare to OPC.
4. What are the must have options/colours? Noticed a lot of silver/greys around. Head will always go for Silver come re-sale - Heart says Speed Yellow or Gaurds Red as it is a sportscar afterall. Options - Leather,PCM,PSE,18's,Bose
5. Anything in particular I should look out for on a s/h purchase? - I doubt you would know what to look for apart from what the naked eye can see with the body panels,tyre wear,brake wear,exhaust note,condition of Alloys so i would advise to either get an OPC 111 point check or an RAC/AA inspection. Priced from £200-£350. A years OPC warranty costs £895.
Edited by Wanta996(Gotta) on Tuesday 7th August 09:36
To be honest, if I was buying over again (and I will be soon) I would still purchase from OPC (probably Cambridge as they are superb on the technical side) and pay a premium for the privilege, but I would source the finance from some outside of the dealers, probably Classic and Sportscar Finance.
The thing that people forget is that when you buy from an OPC, you get several things. Up to you whether it's worth it.
1. The car is prepped to perfection.
2. You get the warranty thrown in
3. If something goes wrong which isn't covered by the warranty then you have a very good chance of getting some goodwill payment
4. (and most importantly) the receptionists look like they could make a living in p0rn and make excellent coffee
Your choice. I am not an expert and the extra few thousand I spend buying from OPC is worth it to me. Some specialists are good, and some are VERY dodgy. There have been a number of threads on here where people have had just this conversation. They've bought outside OPC network and ended up with a busted engine or gearbox, and a warranty worth less than a turkey on boxing day.
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