987.2 - Leggy S or low miles base?
Discussion
I'm currently thinking about getting a Cayman, budget dependant the 987.2 is top of the list as I want to do 4-5 track days a year and I've been guided away from the 987.1 as it may need things like a deep sump and low temp thermostat etc in order to handle the track. If I end up getting a 987.1 due to the budget I'll look at getting those bits done.
However, I've seen a couple of 987.2's for ~£18k, one is an S with 89k miles and the other is a base model 2.9 with 37.6k miles.
The 2.9 has full main dealer history and a Porsche warranty for another year.
The S has "Porsche service history".
What would the knowledgeable PH Porsche guys think is the better option?
3.4S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
2.9
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
However, I've seen a couple of 987.2's for ~£18k, one is an S with 89k miles and the other is a base model 2.9 with 37.6k miles.
The 2.9 has full main dealer history and a Porsche warranty for another year.
The S has "Porsche service history".
What would the knowledgeable PH Porsche guys think is the better option?
3.4S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
2.9
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
The spec of the S is nicer - NAV, climate, sport chrono, PASM etc but it is at the mileage where maintenance costs are only going to be going one way. The 2.7 lacks some nice spec but obviously a fresher car. If you are saying that either are top end of budget then the lower car may make more sense as you will probably end up with more bills sooner with the S. That said, both are used cars and you get good and bad ones, but balance of probability says the S will be more to run.
Neither will be fast cars. Don't get me wrong, they are quick, but there is no fast (standard) 987. My R feels quick but not fast. However, what you get from these cars is a superb chasis and brilliant drive. If that's what you want and you aren't too bothered about your ability to perform rapid 3rd gear overtakes of the 50mph brigade then you'll enjoy either. Buy on condition and history.
Neither will be fast cars. Don't get me wrong, they are quick, but there is no fast (standard) 987. My R feels quick but not fast. However, what you get from these cars is a superb chasis and brilliant drive. If that's what you want and you aren't too bothered about your ability to perform rapid 3rd gear overtakes of the 50mph brigade then you'll enjoy either. Buy on condition and history.
turboman786 said:
Probably not the answer you're looking for but would a 981 base not be a much better buy for just a few k more.....?
Depends on what we mean by "better". Interior is subjectively nicer, but EPAS vs the excellent hydraulic system on the 987.2, a more visually fussy rear end (IMO), more electrickery (a number of my friends have had active engine mounts fail), and it 'feels' larger on narrow lanes.Coming back to the 987.2, neither is "fast" in a straight line, but that's not what these cars are about. IMO, engine size is almost irrelevant. More power's always appealing, but on a good B-road ~50hp doesn't really make a lot of difference. Certainly not as much as driver ability. Heck, have seen a 981 GTS unable to keep up with a leggy 2.7 986 on the road between Selkirk to Moffat.
Go with the "better" car - whether that's condition / history / miles, or any combination thereof. The 2.9 is a sweet motor - and a bit of an odd one - the reliable 9A1 bottom end, but still keeps indirect injection.
They're really good points, I came from a VX220 (which I sold when I moved abroad for a few years). So the handling and feel of the car are as important as the pace. The VX wasn't slow, but it didn't set the world alight either, on track days I was usually somewhere in the middle pace-wise, got over-taken as much as I was over-taking and it was fine. I wasn't chasing laptimes, had a strict set of rules for myself to protect the car and also ensure I didn't run out of what little talent I have and I was happy, just enjoying the track, the lines and having fun.
I think a Cayman of any description will give me a similar feel, though possibly not quite as raw. The Cayman will be my daily as well as track car, where as the VX was always a toy/track car, I probably couldn't live with on as a daily now, hence the Cayman being, what appears to be, a very good compromise.
I'll see what budget I have in a couple of weeks and go from there, but I'm leaning toward a 2.9 if I can get one, if not then a nice 2.7 will probably be just as adequate if funds can't stretch that bit further for a 987.2. I've heard rumours around the 987.1 S which makes me a little nervous with the track days (oil starvation in the bends, which needs a deep sump, AOS, low temp thermostat needed etc), but we'll see.
I also think a manual will be better, I definitely don't want tiptronic, however could be tempted by PDK, but in reality I still think a manual would be nicer to actually "drive" if that makes sense.
I think a Cayman of any description will give me a similar feel, though possibly not quite as raw. The Cayman will be my daily as well as track car, where as the VX was always a toy/track car, I probably couldn't live with on as a daily now, hence the Cayman being, what appears to be, a very good compromise.
I'll see what budget I have in a couple of weeks and go from there, but I'm leaning toward a 2.9 if I can get one, if not then a nice 2.7 will probably be just as adequate if funds can't stretch that bit further for a 987.2. I've heard rumours around the 987.1 S which makes me a little nervous with the track days (oil starvation in the bends, which needs a deep sump, AOS, low temp thermostat needed etc), but we'll see.
I also think a manual will be better, I definitely don't want tiptronic, however could be tempted by PDK, but in reality I still think a manual would be nicer to actually "drive" if that makes sense.
Adding another 11k to that S (maybe a year or two of driving?) takes it over 100k - might be difficult sell on (rightly or wrongly), whereas the 2.9 will still be low mileage.
I had a 2.7 987.1 before my current 3.4 987.2 and to be honest although I prefer the more muscular 3.4 over the 2.7, the base car was great fun and wouln't say the overall experience is massively that different. Just a bit faster and use the mid-range torque more in the bigger engine, whereas used to rev the nuts off the 2.7!
I had a 2.7 987.1 before my current 3.4 987.2 and to be honest although I prefer the more muscular 3.4 over the 2.7, the base car was great fun and wouln't say the overall experience is massively that different. Just a bit faster and use the mid-range torque more in the bigger engine, whereas used to rev the nuts off the 2.7!
T1547 said:
Adding another 11k to that S (maybe a year or two of driving?) takes it over 100k - might be difficult sell on (rightly or wrongly), whereas the 2.9 will still be low mileage.
I had a 2.7 987.1 before my current 3.4 987.2 and to be honest although I prefer the more muscular 3.4 over the 2.7, the base car was great fun and wouln't say the overall experience is massively that different. Just a bit faster and use the mid-range torque more in the bigger engine, whereas used to rev the nuts off the 2.7!
yeah, I think I'm angling toward 2.7 or 2.9 dependant on budget, thanks for the info.I had a 2.7 987.1 before my current 3.4 987.2 and to be honest although I prefer the more muscular 3.4 over the 2.7, the base car was great fun and wouln't say the overall experience is massively that different. Just a bit faster and use the mid-range torque more in the bigger engine, whereas used to rev the nuts off the 2.7!
the 90k 3.4S wouldn't bother me if the suspension and overall condition of the car was good. If the car was maintained well 90k isn't much at all.
My Cayma S is on 99k 987.1 and its as strong as ever hardly burns any oil and still got enough to put a smile on your face. Personally don't think the 2.7 or 2.9 will have enough in it to feel quick on track.
The base will however be cheaper to maintain and less likely to go wrong however.
My Cayma S is on 99k 987.1 and its as strong as ever hardly burns any oil and still got enough to put a smile on your face. Personally don't think the 2.7 or 2.9 will have enough in it to feel quick on track.
The base will however be cheaper to maintain and less likely to go wrong however.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
The one he originally posted is a much nicer car for an extra £1500.One owner , caymanS alloys etc , warranty.
OP if can push yourself go for a Gen2 and buy the best 2.9 you can find for your cash. If I was looking to buy a Porsche for less than £20k a 987.2 2.9 manual Cayman/boxster is what I would buy!
Later on if wanted I am sure it's not to difficult to tune to circa 290hp.
Also I am sure the gearing is shorter than the 3.4?
Edited by GT4P on Thursday 11th June 18:00
All, thanks very much for all your replies and thoughts, it's very much appeciated.
I do like the silver one posted, but I won't buy private again, every time I've bought private I've been burned, so I'd rather pay the bit extra to go trade and have some protection. I was burnt massively recently when I bought a car to sort as a weekend/track toy, it went legal and caused all sorts of grief, also it meant as I couldn't enjoy it while the legal crap was on-going. So a trade sale is a must, for the added security for me.
I do like the silver one posted, but I won't buy private again, every time I've bought private I've been burned, so I'd rather pay the bit extra to go trade and have some protection. I was burnt massively recently when I bought a car to sort as a weekend/track toy, it went legal and caused all sorts of grief, also it meant as I couldn't enjoy it while the legal crap was on-going. So a trade sale is a must, for the added security for me.
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