Girlfriend thinking about getting a Boxster...

[zygalski]

15-18k to spend. Would a 987 fit the bill?
She does 15k miles per year & wants something reliable & not too thirsty but still fun.
She will need a hard top for the car & luggage space for a small suitcase.
She is concerned about driving a RWD in the rain or snow.
What should she know about in advance? Any advice welcome.

[tr7v8]

Yup that budget will get you a good 987. I'd probably go for the smaller engine rather than an S if MPG is of a concern. Plenty of hardtops around as a lot of people haven't got room to store them, so sell them. If it'll live with a hardtop on then maybe a Cayman is a better choice?
Plenty of cars about so look around to get an idea of what spec/colour/options you want.
If you're an AA member then get Breakdown Repair Cover to cover the inevitable niggling faults. Mine covered a new Water pump last year & over the past 2 years I've come out ahead.

[zygalski]

Is the Cayman as highly regarded over all as the Boxster?

[NicD]

My previous lady didn't enjoy driving my 986. She was petite and preferred her Lotus SE, then MGF.

My lady now loves driving the 987.2 with PDK. She is a little taller, maybe makes a difference or just different strokes.

You need a good test drive.

You generally don't need a hard top as the soft is excellent and allows you the nirvana of top down motoring.

[Trev450]

zygalski said:

Is the Cayman as highly regarded over all as the Boxster?

It tends to be a little more 'Marmite' but every bit as good imo.

A decent set of winter tyres is the way to go to inspire confidence during the bad weather.

[Paul O]

zygalski said:

Is the Cayman as highly regarded over all as the Boxster?

Yep, very very similar cars. I had a Cayman for 3 years and it was absolutely fab!

2006 onwards gets you the revised engine design. 2.7's are less prone to failures. 2009+ models (2.9 not 2.7) have the revised engines which are supposed to be much better mechanically.

6 speed gearbox (a rare optional extra) will cost you more in road tax, so avoid that if you are going for the 2.7 model and are looking for ongoing cost value.

If not buying from a main Porsche dealer, always always get a PPI done.

Hard Tops - quite rare for the 987 model. The 986 hard top WONT fit the 987 Boxster. Hard tops are great though, warmer and quiter - a great option for winter.

Boxster or Cayman - Fabulous cars, my missus loved ours.

These cars are CRAP in snow though. Rain is fine, just don't go nuts in the wet and keep your tyres in good condition. Would recommend visiting the Porsche Experience centre at Silverstone for a day. She will learn all about handling on the limit and the kick plates & Ice Hill give a major wakeup call on how a car really handles in wet conditions.

Edited by Paul O on Sunday 27th April 10:06

[Bumble SV]

Paul O said:

These cars are CRAP in snow though...

Edited by Paul O on Sunday 27th April 10:06

That should read "These car are an absolute delight in the snow when shod with the correct winter tyres."

Search and have a look at the various threads on this.

[TO02 SLO]

The 987 Boxster is a great car. The 2.7 isn't too thirsty but is still fast enough to have some real fun. The car has two boots, so plenty space for luggage. As has been said already, your budget will get you a nice 987 -

Scott

ETA

Edited by Big Al. on Sunday 27th April 15:51

[markSTI]

You should get a top 987 for that budget. I paid 17k for a 3.2 S with only 11k miles on the clock last September, it was basically a new car; still think it was bargain of the century . Drive it every day and it always makes me smile as the same day I picked it up. Fast and practical what more could you want.

[zygalski]

The thought of this daily driver being used for her commute to work very occasionally in the snow & ice has knocked the idea on its head unfortunately.
Thanks all anyhow.
Nearly new Mazda 3 diesel it is then

[Carl_Docklands]

zygalski said:

15-18k to spend. Would a 987 fit the bill?
She does 15k miles per year & wants something reliable & not too thirsty but still fun.
She will need a hard top for the car & luggage space for a small suitcase.
She is concerned about driving a RWD in the rain or snow.
What should she know about in advance? Any advice welcome.

Its ok mate, don't worry, we know the car is really for you.

We get plenty of men on here asking about a 'boxster for the wife'.

[BIRMA]

Carl_Docklands said:

zygalski said:

15-18k to spend. Would a 987 fit the bill?
She does 15k miles per year & wants something reliable & not too thirsty but still fun.
She will need a hard top for the car & luggage space for a small suitcase.
She is concerned about driving a RWD in the rain or snow.
What should she know about in advance? Any advice welcome.

Its ok mate, don't worry, we know the car is really for you.

We get plenty of men on here asking about a 'boxster for the wife'.

Very perceptive

[thegoose]

zygalski said:

The thought of this daily driver being used for her commute to work very occasionally in the snow & ice has knocked the idea on its head unfortunately.
Thanks all anyhow.
Nearly new Mazda 3 diesel it is then

What nonsense - proper winter tyres and they're fine. A friend has an Alpina Z4 and with proper winter tyres on it was head and shoulders above FWD cars without them throughout the winter. We just changed back to his summers on Monday. That's an only car very much in daily use too, rather than your "very occasional" use.

[Bumble SV]

thegoose said:

zygalski said:

The thought of this daily driver being used for her commute to work very occasionally in the snow & ice has knocked the idea on its head unfortunately.
Thanks all anyhow.
Nearly new Mazda 3 diesel it is then

What nonsense - proper winter tyres and they're fine. A friend has an Alpina Z4 and with proper winter tyres on it was head and shoulders above FWD cars without them throughout the winter. We just changed back to his summers on Monday. That's an only car very much in daily use too, rather than your "very occasional" use.

+1 Absolutely.

Remember winter tyres are a relatively no cost option - when you are driving on them, you are not wearing out your summer tyres. Do it and save much more than the much higher depreciation costs of a Mazda 3!