5 years in with my Boxster 981S...
Discussion
_Leg_ said:
Yes. The PPF is full coverage by Paintshield and went on the car from new. The stripe, wing mirrors and headlamp area is vinyl done by Vinyl Image in Yorkshire over the top of it.
I've never had any vinyl done before but had my new Exige 350 Sport track car done as below (yellow is vinyl, everything green has PPF, some black is vinyl, some factory plastic) there as I thought as it's a track car I could have a bit of fun with the aesthetics (it's got various mechanical mods) and thought as the Boxster was 5 last month I would just do something subtle to give it a slightly new look.
Many thanks. I have PPF on key panels including the front lid and I'm thinking of a silver centre front-to-back stripe over the Jet Black metallic.I've never had any vinyl done before but had my new Exige 350 Sport track car done as below (yellow is vinyl, everything green has PPF, some black is vinyl, some factory plastic) there as I thought as it's a track car I could have a bit of fun with the aesthetics (it's got various mechanical mods) and thought as the Boxster was 5 last month I would just do something subtle to give it a slightly new look.
Edited by _Leg_ on Sunday 26th November 18:08
The Lotus looks dead cool.
_Leg_ said:
...and I still love the thing.
Anyone else still loving a long term Porsche?
Hi,Anyone else still loving a long term Porsche?
Yes, I have an utterly fantastic Porsche Boxster S (981). It's absolutely incredible and I love it.
It's just perfect, and you've summed it up, well perfectly.
I had a TVR Griffith with an LS3 running 530hp which I sold to buy this. I don't miss the TVR at all. It was quick alright, but I couldn't extract the most from the car at all. On smooth roads it was great, but on bumpy English pothole ridden roads it was uncomfortable and skittish.
The Porsche soaks up the bumps in the road and allows you to push on, even on the most unsettling roads. I have the PASM and it seems to work really well.
Get it on a long run, or when I'm tired late at night and put the suspension in normal mode and the exhaust into quiet mode, turn up the radio and it's a delightful place to sit. But get it on an open road and push Sport Plus, open up the exhaust valves and put the suspension into Sport mode and it's just unbelievably good.
And I can really open it up. There's little point in having a 500hp car if you can't open it up and take it to the redline. The Porsche allows you to rev it to the redline and really enjoy the engine. It has just the right amount of power for our roads in my opinion.
The electric roof is quick and effortless, the stereo is great, the heated seats are lovely, the driving position is perfect and the engine and exhaust sounds so good with the valves open!
It's the most fun car I've driven, on the basis that I can get everything out of it, it feels safe and controllable, sounds great, looks fantastic, is reliable and everything works, and it's so easy to drive fast. As you say, it's a great all rounder, do everything car. Sure, there are cars that are better on track, louder, more character, have more seats, are more comfortable etc. But I didn't want an all out track car (I'm not out to set lap records, just have fun!), I don't need four seats, I don't need S-Class luxury, the Porsche 981 just combines so many aspects of different cars into one, so well.
I love it. We've got a tour of Spain booked for next year, can't wait to drive across the country in the Porsche.
Mine is a Boxster S PDK, with Sport Chrono, PASM, PSE, PTV diff and lots of other nice options.
Edited by zed4 on Thursday 30th November 11:13
zed4 said:
_Leg_ said:
...and I still love the thing.
Anyone else still loving a long term Porsche?
Hi,Anyone else still loving a long term Porsche?
Yes, I have an utterly fantastic Porsche Boxster S (981). It's absolutely incredible and I love it.
It's just perfect, and you've summed it up, well perfectly.
I had a TVR Griffith with an LS3 running 530hp which I sold to buy this. I don't miss the TVR at all. It was quick alright, but I couldn't extract the most from the car at all. On smooth roads it was great, but on bumpy English pothole ridden roads it was uncomfortable and skittish.
The Porsche soaks up the bumps in the road and allows you to push on, even on the most unsettling roads. I have the PASM and it seems to work really well.
Get it on a long run, or when I'm tired late at night and put the suspension in normal mode and the exhaust into quiet mode, turn up the radio and it's a delightful place to sit. But get it on an open road and push Sport Plus, open up the exhaust valves and put the suspension into Sport mode and it's just unbelievably good.
And I can really open it up. There's little point in having a 500hp car if you can't open it up and take it to the redline. The Porsche allows you to rev it to the redline and really enjoy the engine. It has just the right amount of power for our roads in my opinion.
The electric roof is quick and effortless, the stereo is great, the heated seats are lovely, the driving position is perfect and the engine and exhaust sounds so good with the valves open!
It's the most fun car I've driven, on the basis that I can get everything out of it, it feels safe and controllable, sounds great, looks fantastic, is reliable and everything works, and it's so easy to drive fast. As you say, it's a great all rounder, do everything car. Sure, there are cars that are better on track, louder, more character, have more seats, are more comfortable etc. But I didn't want an all out track car (I'm not out to set lap records, just have fun!), I don't need four seats, I don't need S-Class luxury, the Porsche 981 just combines so many aspects of different cars into one, so well.
I love it. We've got a tour of Spain booked for next year, can't wait to drive across the country in the Porsche.
Mine is a Boxster S PDK, with Sport Chrono, PASM, PSE, PTV diff and lots of other nice options.
Edited by zed4 on Thursday 30th November 11:13
ginettajoe said:
We've had this conversation before, and likewise, having driven most interesting cars available currently, I have yet to find one that can compare!! What you forgot to mention is the luggage space available for month long holidays, and what you pay, by comparison to others, for the best all round car money can buy!!!
Yes definitely. Luggage space is so good. In fact, that was a big selling point over the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster and the Jaguar F-Type R Roadster which I was also considering. Jay500 said:
You make some really interesting points Zed4. I have a Chim 500 at the moment and now do hundreds of miles a year instead of thousands. The 981 is the first shape Boxster I like but am worried about losing that 'sense of occasion' every time it does come out of the garage.
There will be far more of a sense of occasion with a 981, rather than a Chimera, you will be able to drive it, not push it!! 
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Never had a problem with it. Never noticed any of that. Ok, 3rd gear is long but on the B roads, that works a treat. Just adapt.I'm moving from car to car and across such a wide range of cars that I don't even notice any details. That's just "that car" so I adapt and get on with it. In fact that's half the fun, learning each car's little idiosyncrasies and getting the best from it because or despite of them.
It all pales into comparison once you've owned and driven a 1930 Ford Model A. Everything is wrong, nothing is where it should be, nothing works like a modern car. Scares the s
t out of me at 40mph but it's good fun trying to hustle the thing down the back lanes without dying in a slow but spectacularly fiery crash.Brake on the right, throttle in the middle, no synchro, 1 inch or more of play in the steering (factory standard), rod operated drum brakes, no indicators, 6v electrics, fuel tank right in front of the windscreen, gravity fed fuel, 3.3 litre 4 cylinder, 27 bhp but a ton of torque, 100mm 19 inch tyres. Terrifying.
_Leg_ said:
I'm moving from car to car and across such a wide range of cars that I don't even notice any details. That's just "that car" so I adapt and get on with it. In fact that's half the fun, learning each car's little idiosyncrasies and getting the best from it because or despite of them.
Like you, I drive a number of cars and am delighted they are all different. It seems some folk jump into a 981, and declare "it's not the same as my car so it must be bad".The stuff about gear ratios is IMO mistaken. We have 6 gears to choose from and there ought to be something suitable in there somewhere!
Many drivers go up and down the box two gears at a time so the last thing I would want is shorter gearing.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
I've never driven a 2.7 so can't comment on it. But you're right, if doing something that a car doesn't do is what you enjoy, you're buggered.What I meant with regards to 3rd, which is a little long, is that on the twisty B roads where I live in North Yorkshire the 3rd gear works quite well on the 3.4. In the 2.7 maybe it doesn't work as well? Maybe Porsche should have changed the gearing between the two models. Dunno.
You doubt wrong and right at the same time regarding the diesel Boxster thing. I wouldn't want Porsche to build a diesel Boxster but I enjoy getting the best out of any car, sometimes the crapper they are the more entertaining it is. My youngest son just got a new Aygo Xpress and I've been out in it today. 68bhp, skinny tyres. Hilarious.
I wouldn't buy a diesel Boxster though. Leave that to the TT brigade eh.
Jay500 said:
You make some really interesting points Zed4. I have a Chim 500 at the moment and now do hundreds of miles a year instead of thousands. The 981 is the first shape Boxster I like but am worried about losing that 'sense of occasion' every time it does come out of the garage.
I had a chim 400HC which I kept for 3 and a half years. Obviously different to my 2.7 981 cayman, now had for 15 months.Never had a problem with the chim apart from the usual outriggers replaced.
I still miss the thing now really, but only for the TVR scene which was fantastic.
The chim had a similar clutch feel, and the gear ratios were such a good match with the 4 ltr engine, with obviously lots of torque and a great sound track.
So, if you think you are going to get a feeling of belonging with Porsche owners, forget it.
Passed a 911 the other day in identical yellow to may Cayman, put my hand up to the driver and he just drove on by.
The trouble for me is, I love my Porsche, have no intentions of selling it, its economical to run, cheap to insure, good storage area's, easy to drive fast........
Just don't expect it to be the same as the TVR scene and you will love a 981 what ever model you buy.
The only fun bit in this forum are the consistent arguments as to who has the better cars.
That never happened on the TVR forums........,., that I remember.
Good luck with your choice, you must be a nice bloke if you had a TVR ?
Gadgit.
gadgit said:
I had a chim 400HC which I kept for 3 and a half years. Obviously different to my 2.7 981 cayman, now had for 15 months.
Never had a problem with the chim apart from the usual outriggers replaced.
I still miss the thing now really, but only for the TVR scene which was fantastic.
The chim had a similar clutch feel, and the gear ratios were such a good match with the 4 ltr engine, with obviously lots of torque and a great sound track.
So, if you think you are going to get a feeling of belonging with Porsche owners, forget it.
Passed a 911 the other day in identical yellow to may Cayman, put my hand up to the driver and he just drove on by.
The trouble for me is, I love my Porsche, have no intentions of selling it, its economical to run, cheap to insure, good storage area's, easy to drive fast........
Just don't expect it to be the same as the TVR scene and you will love a 981 what ever model you buy.
The only fun bit in this forum are the consistent arguments as to who has the better cars.
That never happened on the TVR forums........,., that I remember.
Good luck with your choice, you must be a nice bloke if you had a TVR ?
Gadgit.
You could always come on over to the Cayman Owners Club?: http://www.caymanoc.comNever had a problem with the chim apart from the usual outriggers replaced.
I still miss the thing now really, but only for the TVR scene which was fantastic.
The chim had a similar clutch feel, and the gear ratios were such a good match with the 4 ltr engine, with obviously lots of torque and a great sound track.
So, if you think you are going to get a feeling of belonging with Porsche owners, forget it.
Passed a 911 the other day in identical yellow to may Cayman, put my hand up to the driver and he just drove on by.
The trouble for me is, I love my Porsche, have no intentions of selling it, its economical to run, cheap to insure, good storage area's, easy to drive fast........
Just don't expect it to be the same as the TVR scene and you will love a 981 what ever model you buy.
The only fun bit in this forum are the consistent arguments as to who has the better cars.
That never happened on the TVR forums........,., that I remember.
Good luck with your choice, you must be a nice bloke if you had a TVR ?
Gadgit.
I'm much friendlier over there than here, and we even meet up and speak to each other!
DJMC said:
You could always come on over to the Cayman Owners Club?: http://www.caymanoc.com
I'm much friendlier over there than here, and we even meet up and speak to each other!
I wouldn't disagree - but in truth the problem is that Porsche owners are a disparate bunch, some (many) into bling, image or history, and a minority (I suspect) into driving. I personally feel much more kinship with Caterham or Lotus owners who, for the most part, do wave or flash when they meet. While it certainly isn't a material consideration in my possible purchase of an Alpine, it might be a fringe benefit.I'm much friendlier over there than here, and we even meet up and speak to each other!
Hehe - we have similar tastes at least in part - although sadly I don't have similar means!
Loving the M3 as well (saloon, Le Mans Blue, manual, EDC), it will be 9 in April and I've had it from new. It's really grown on me over the years and it's an excellent contrast to the Caymans.
Loving the M3 as well (saloon, Le Mans Blue, manual, EDC), it will be 9 in April and I've had it from new. It's really grown on me over the years and it's an excellent contrast to the Caymans.
Stunters said:
Hehe - we have similar tastes at least in part - although sadly I don't have similar means!
Loving the M3 as well (saloon, Le Mans Blue, manual, EDC), it will be 9 in April and I've had it from new. It's really grown on me over the years and it's an excellent contrast to the Caymans.
Tip top combo there. Nice.Loving the M3 as well (saloon, Le Mans Blue, manual, EDC), it will be 9 in April and I've had it from new. It's really grown on me over the years and it's an excellent contrast to the Caymans.
Stunters said:
Hehe - we have similar tastes at least in part - although sadly I don't have similar means!
Loving the M3 as well (saloon, Le Mans Blue, manual, EDC), it will be 9 in April and I've had it from new. It's really grown on me over the years and it's an excellent contrast to the Caymans.
Very nice!Loving the M3 as well (saloon, Le Mans Blue, manual, EDC), it will be 9 in April and I've had it from new. It's really grown on me over the years and it's an excellent contrast to the Caymans.
Jay500 said:
You make some really interesting points Zed4. I have a Chim 500 at the moment and now do hundreds of miles a year instead of thousands. The 981 is the first shape Boxster I like but am worried about losing that 'sense of occasion' every time it does come out of the garage.
I still take the Boxster along to the TVR meets. They're a great bunch of people. In fact I'll keep my TVR Club membership running, doubt I'll join the Porsche Club. I liked the club, the social side etc and really enjoyed my Chimaera. I usually sell my cars after 6 months to a year, but I kept my Chimaera for over 4 years. It was a fantastic car and I'd love to buy it back one day.
Bu the reality is, I hardly ever drove my TVRs, just on nice weekends. But I use the Porsche a lot. I look forward to getting it out, any excuse to take it anywhere and I do. I enjoy driving it in the winter because I can actually see where I'm going, the headlights work properly, the seats are heated, it's got a proper heater, it feels safer and more controllable, and in the height of summer I'm sure I'll enjoy the electric roof and air conditioning.
It's more usable, so I'm getting better value for money. I enjoy driving it more, as I know everything works properly and it's just so good. Each time I drove the TVR it bugged me that something wasn't right, something wasn't working, the carpet was hanging off or something. I never completely enjoyed it 100%, whereas I do the Porsche. There really isn't anything I don't like about it. If I was being picky I would say the throttle pedal angle is a little odd and sometimes give me slight cramp on long journeys, but I've probably just not managed to find the ideal position for the seat yet! Too may adjustments!!
I do think spec makes a difference. I don't quite think it would feel the same if I bought a base model S. Mine has Sport Chrono, PTV limited slip diff, PASM suspension, PSE exhaust etc. and it has a real sense of occasion. It sounds so good! But turn off Sport or Sport Plus and it does all calm down a lot. Nice on a long drive to be able to put it into regular mode, but I'm pleased it has a mad mode I can switch it into!
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