Considering buying a boggo 981, anything I'd miss?
Discussion
Hey guys,
I saw a 981 2.7 Cayman manual for sale which is within my budget, from what I can tell, it has no extras, so no: PSE, PASM, Bose, Extended Leather, Xenons etc etc.
It has upgraded 20" wheels, heated seats and sports steering wheel.
I'd absolutely love a fully specced one, but it would be stretching myself a bit financially which may not be the best idea given current times.
I like listening to podcasts and music so would likely upgrade the speakers anyway.
Let me know if you think there are any 'musts'.
I saw a 981 2.7 Cayman manual for sale which is within my budget, from what I can tell, it has no extras, so no: PSE, PASM, Bose, Extended Leather, Xenons etc etc.
It has upgraded 20" wheels, heated seats and sports steering wheel.
I'd absolutely love a fully specced one, but it would be stretching myself a bit financially which may not be the best idea given current times.
I like listening to podcasts and music so would likely upgrade the speakers anyway.
Let me know if you think there are any 'musts'.
A 981 base spec really came with absolutely nothing, I think you even had to add Bluetooth to connect your phone as an option it was that basic. They bundled a few more options as standard with the 718s including the SPP (sound package plus), PCM, nav and a digital radio etc. but the unupgraded stereo on the 981 will definitely need upgrading. Parking sensors too are handy and the 20” ride without PASM will be firm. I also found the base 2.7 a bit underpowered and needing to be revved out to actually get anywhere.
What’s your budget? If you can up it into the 718s you’ll get vastly more options included as standard, a much more up to date car along with more power, or at the other end the 987s may also be worth considering as more value for £.
What’s your budget? If you can up it into the 718s you’ll get vastly more options included as standard, a much more up to date car along with more power, or at the other end the 987s may also be worth considering as more value for £.
Schmed said:
A 981 base spec really came with absolutely nothing, I think you even had to add Bluetooth to connect your phone as an option it was that basic. They bundled a few more options as standard with the 718s including the SPP (sound package plus), PCM, nav and a digital radio etc. but the unupgraded stereo on the 981 will definitely need upgrading. Parking sensors too are handy and the 20” ride without PASM will be firm. I also found the base 2.7 a bit underpowered and needing to be revved out to actually get anywhere.
What’s your budget? If you can up it into the 718s you’ll get vastly more options included as standard, a much more up to date car along with more power, or at the other end the 987s may also be worth considering as more value for £.
Budget is comfortable at £28k. I'd be stretching at £35k.What’s your budget? If you can up it into the 718s you’ll get vastly more options included as standard, a much more up to date car along with more power, or at the other end the 987s may also be worth considering as more value for £.
I'd love a 718 and as a daily it sounds like the better option. Unlike most, I don't mind the sound of the 718 and the fact it's a 4cyl.
There just isn't many 718s around at the moment, especially under £35k. They all seem to be missing the sports exhaust at that price which I admit on the 718 will probably be essential, especially for resale.
The spec/options can make a big difference to the everyday use and enjoyment of the car, so it’s important to consider what you might be missing out on.
And, at your budget level - close to £30k - you should be able to find a very nice, lowish mls, quite high spec 981.
The basic things most people would expect are:
- nice colour combo
- lowish average miles
- Full OPC history (and extended warranty is a bonus)
- Heated seats
- Cruise
- PDC (F&R)
- PCM
- Climate
- PDK/Man is personal but PDK should have paddles
- Bose
- Decent seats and headlamps always popular
- 19 or 20 wheels
- Leather, PSE, PASM, SC all nice, but not essential imo
Of course, it’s what you want that matters, but a poverty spec has to be reflected in a low and attractive price
And, at your budget level - close to £30k - you should be able to find a very nice, lowish mls, quite high spec 981.
The basic things most people would expect are:
- nice colour combo
- lowish average miles
- Full OPC history (and extended warranty is a bonus)
- Heated seats
- Cruise
- PDC (F&R)
- PCM
- Climate
- PDK/Man is personal but PDK should have paddles
- Bose
- Decent seats and headlamps always popular
- 19 or 20 wheels
- Leather, PSE, PASM, SC all nice, but not essential imo
Of course, it’s what you want that matters, but a poverty spec has to be reflected in a low and attractive price
I feel I am perfectly placed to answer this. I bought a base 2.7 981 Boxster four years ago with the 20” wheels, heated seats, dimming mirrors and very little else. My thoughts.
Engine is a peach, I set out to buy an S, however preferred the 2.7, it’s sweeter sounding and a better power level for the road.
After a couple of months I paid Porsche Tonbridge to install PSE, cost £1800 and was the best thing I did to the car. Overall it’s perfect, and the problem I have now is I have the budget to spend up to £80k on a new car, but each Porsche I look at just doesn’t offer the value proposition of the base 981, it’s been ruthlessly reliable.
The bad points:
- standard headlights are absolutely rubbish, upgraded the bulbs and much better but compared to our Lexus RX they’re a joke but better than my old Elise S3
- standard stereo is really poor, but doesn’t cause much bother as the engine with PSE balances that out. (You can easily retrofit Bluetooth music streaming with a Bluetooth to 3.5mm adapter for about £15 all in.
- lack of extended leather makes some parts the interior feel a little bit poor.
If you want Apple Car Play then there are a number of companies that will solder in the updated PCM into the existing head unit for about £800/900.
Overall, it’s a car that I can’t see myself getting rid of. It’s a so honest and brings a smile to me all the time. From Sunday blasts hearing the engine sing to long trips across the continent.
Engine is a peach, I set out to buy an S, however preferred the 2.7, it’s sweeter sounding and a better power level for the road.
After a couple of months I paid Porsche Tonbridge to install PSE, cost £1800 and was the best thing I did to the car. Overall it’s perfect, and the problem I have now is I have the budget to spend up to £80k on a new car, but each Porsche I look at just doesn’t offer the value proposition of the base 981, it’s been ruthlessly reliable.
The bad points:
- standard headlights are absolutely rubbish, upgraded the bulbs and much better but compared to our Lexus RX they’re a joke but better than my old Elise S3
- standard stereo is really poor, but doesn’t cause much bother as the engine with PSE balances that out. (You can easily retrofit Bluetooth music streaming with a Bluetooth to 3.5mm adapter for about £15 all in.
- lack of extended leather makes some parts the interior feel a little bit poor.
If you want Apple Car Play then there are a number of companies that will solder in the updated PCM into the existing head unit for about £800/900.
Overall, it’s a car that I can’t see myself getting rid of. It’s a so honest and brings a smile to me all the time. From Sunday blasts hearing the engine sing to long trips across the continent.
Edited by Over over under steer on Sunday 7th February 09:58
Koln-RS said:
The spec/options can make a big difference to the everyday use and enjoyment of the car, so it’s important to consider what you might be missing out on.
And, at your budget level - close to £30k - you should be able to find a very nice, lowish mls, quite high spec 981.
Thanks, this car has heated seats, parking sensors, bluetooth and sports steering wheel.And, at your budget level - close to £30k - you should be able to find a very nice, lowish mls, quite high spec 981.
This is the car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102038...
The pics are pretty damn lazy.
But considering the current market, I thought it could potentially be a comfortable way in to my first Porsche if the price was right, then get a 718 once the used market has cooled off.
718 would make a good daily but none about for your budget as you say.
981 is in a funny pricing zone ATM.
For your budget you'd, literally have your pick of the best 987 2 S but maybe not as good a daily driver (depends what you want out of a daily). It would be near the bottom of the depreciation curve though.
Are you after PDK as it improved with every generation
Market could change this year of course as government life support is pulled.
981 is in a funny pricing zone ATM.
For your budget you'd, literally have your pick of the best 987 2 S but maybe not as good a daily driver (depends what you want out of a daily). It would be near the bottom of the depreciation curve though.
Are you after PDK as it improved with every generation
Market could change this year of course as government life support is pulled.
Edited by Andyoz on Sunday 7th February 10:06
Over over under steer said:
I feel I am perfectly placed to answer this. I bought a base 2.7 981 Boxster four years ago with the 20” wheels, heated seats, dimming mirrors and very little else. My thoughts.
Engine is a peach, I set out to buy an S, however preferred the 2.7, it’s sweeter sounding and a better power level for the road.
After a couple of months I paid Porsche Tonbridge to install PSE, cost £1800 and was the best thing I did to the car. Overall it’s perfect, and the problem I have now is I have the budget to spend up to £80k on a new car, but each Porsche I look at just doesn’t offer the value proposition of the base 981, it’s been ruthlessly reliable.
The bad points:
- standard headlights are absolutely rubbish, upgraded the bulbs and much better but compared to our Lexus RX they’re a joke but better than my old Elise S3
- standard stereo is really poor, but doesn’t cause much bother as the engine with PSE balances that out. (You can easily retrofit Bluetooth music streaming with a Bluetooth to 3.5mm adapter for about £15 all in.
- lack of extended leather makes some parts the interior feel a little bit poor.
If you want Apple Car Play then there are a number of companies that will solder in the updated PCM into the existing head unit for about £800/900.
Overall, it’s a car that I can’t see myself getting rid of. It’s a so honest and brings a smile to me all the time. From Sunday blasts hearing the engine sing to long trips across the continent.
Fully agree with the PSE comment.Engine is a peach, I set out to buy an S, however preferred the 2.7, it’s sweeter sounding and a better power level for the road.
After a couple of months I paid Porsche Tonbridge to install PSE, cost £1800 and was the best thing I did to the car. Overall it’s perfect, and the problem I have now is I have the budget to spend up to £80k on a new car, but each Porsche I look at just doesn’t offer the value proposition of the base 981, it’s been ruthlessly reliable.
The bad points:
- standard headlights are absolutely rubbish, upgraded the bulbs and much better but compared to our Lexus RX they’re a joke but better than my old Elise S3
- standard stereo is really poor, but doesn’t cause much bother as the engine with PSE balances that out. (You can easily retrofit Bluetooth music streaming with a Bluetooth to 3.5mm adapter for about £15 all in.
- lack of extended leather makes some parts the interior feel a little bit poor.
If you want Apple Car Play then there are a number of companies that will solder in the updated PCM into the existing head unit for about £800/900.
Overall, it’s a car that I can’t see myself getting rid of. It’s a so honest and brings a smile to me all the time. From Sunday blasts hearing the engine sing to long trips across the continent.
Edited by Over over under steer on Sunday 7th February 09:58
He great thing is they can be retrofitted by an OPC so if your chosen car doesn’t have it, budget to get it fitted. I did the same and it transformed my car
This one looks good, mileage is a bit high, but has all the best options.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012127...
Only people who like 4 cylinder turbo 718s are people trying to sell them and people who’ve watched too much fast and the furious. 6 cylinders and lots of revs it’s all you need.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012127...
Only people who like 4 cylinder turbo 718s are people trying to sell them and people who’ve watched too much fast and the furious. 6 cylinders and lots of revs it’s all you need.
Edited by Goldjono on Sunday 7th February 10:10
Koln-RS said:
The spec/options can make a big difference to the everyday use and enjoyment of the car, so it’s important to consider what you might be missing out on.
And, at your budget level - close to £30k - you should be able to find a very nice, lowish mls, quite high spec 981.
The basic things most people would expect are:
- nice colour combo
- lowish average miles
- Full OPC history (and extended warranty is a bonus)
- Heated seats
- Cruise
- PDC (F&R)
- PCM
- Climate
- PDK/Man is personal but PDK should have paddles
- Bose
- Decent seats and headlamps always popular
- 19 or 20 wheels
- Leather, PSE, PASM, SC all nice, but not essential imo
Of course, it’s what you want that matters, but a poverty spec has to be reflected in a low and attractive price
Those things, I agree are popular, so if you want to keep the price down don't get fussed about them unless they matter to you. In particular:And, at your budget level - close to £30k - you should be able to find a very nice, lowish mls, quite high spec 981.
The basic things most people would expect are:
- nice colour combo
- lowish average miles
- Full OPC history (and extended warranty is a bonus)
- Heated seats
- Cruise
- PDC (F&R)
- PCM
- Climate
- PDK/Man is personal but PDK should have paddles
- Bose
- Decent seats and headlamps always popular
- 19 or 20 wheels
- Leather, PSE, PASM, SC all nice, but not essential imo
Of course, it’s what you want that matters, but a poverty spec has to be reflected in a low and attractive price
Nothing wrong with Indy servicing - but it does affect resale and extended warranty
Heater seats are nice with leather seats (but leather seats were an option) - but hardly essential with a Cayman as opposed to a Boxster
Cruise is popular - but it is not adaptive and there is no limit option. I never used it
PDC definitely good to have on the rear at least
PCM personally I would want it and it has a big effect on resale. But if you are happy with google maps or waze... Don't forget that bluetooth integration with your phone was an option (unbelievable but true!)
Climate - I'd say yes, the controls for the heating system are difficult to access behind the gearlever so better not to need them so very often
PDK will definitely command a premium, but brings more sensible gearing - the 2.7 in particular struggles with the manual gearing
Bose is crap (but popular) - but SPP is said to be even worse. If you are happy to do aftermarket I'd think about doing it.
Standard headlights are very poor, so if you do much driving at night better headlights would be high on my list
As has been said 20" wheels spoil the ride - but nevertheless are still popular. You'll lose nothing dynamically by sticking to 18 or 19.
PASM is great and would be high on my list - essential with 20" wheels for me.
Many like PSE but it does drone at speed (even off). Again it's popular so the lack of it will depress the price.
bcr5784 said:
PDK will definitely command a premium, but brings more sensible gearing - the 2.7 in particular struggles with the manual gearing
Bose is crap (but popular) - but SPP is said to be even worse. If you are happy to do aftermarket I'd think about doing it.
It's interesting you said that about PDK, everyone else says it's too underpowered for PDK and you'll get sick of it dropped down a gear every time you even slightly squeeze the throttle. Also with the manual you get more driver engagement.Bose is crap (but popular) - but SPP is said to be even worse. If you are happy to do aftermarket I'd think about doing it.
Obviously due to covid I can't find out for myself by driving one.
As soon as I found out the Bose was a bit crap I'm happy to miss it off and go aftermarket.
AlexNJ89 said:
It's interesting you said that about PDK, everyone else says it's too underpowered for PDK and you'll get sick of it dropped down a gear every time you even slightly squeeze the throttle. Also with the manual you get more driver engagement.
The driver engagement issue is a decision for you. However I'd turn the underpowered argument on it's head and say the 2.7 hasn't enough torque to pull an 80+ mph second gear or an 113mph third. (70 and 100 for PDK) Even with a manual you will be changing down on the motorway to overtake. Not sure the frequent downchanges should irritate with PDK - in Normal mode it's super smooth and all you'll notice is a change in revs and engine note. However if the changes irritate just drive it in manual - it won't change down then unless the engine labours. I'd certainly try PDK if you get the chance - I thought I wanted a manual before I tried PDK (never owned an auto before my Cayman). As has been said do get make sure you get paddles (Sports steering wheel) - just another thing that was an option rather than standard.
Edited by bcr5784 on Sunday 7th February 11:46
bcr5784 said:
The driver engagement issue is a decision for you. However I'd turn the underpowered argument on it's head and say the 2.7 hasn't enough torque to pull an 80+ mph second gear or an 113mph third. (70 and 100 for PDK) Even with a manual you will be changing down on the motorway to overtake. Not sure the frequent downchanges should irritate with PDK - in Normal mode it's super smooth and all you'll notice is a change in revs and engine note. However if the changes irritate just drive it in manual - it won't change down then unless the engine labours.
I'd certainly try PDK if you get the chance - I thought I wanted a manual before I tried PDK (never owned an auto before my Cayman). As has been said do get make sure you get paddles (Sports steering wheel) - just another thing that was an option rather than standard.
Thanks for the insight, I'll certainly try drive a PDKI'd certainly try PDK if you get the chance - I thought I wanted a manual before I tried PDK (never owned an auto before my Cayman). As has been said do get make sure you get paddles (Sports steering wheel) - just another thing that was an option rather than standard.
Edited by bcr5784 on Sunday 7th February 11:46
I have 981C, man, 18s, 2nd owner from 12k miles.
The only options I wanted were F/R parking sensors (takes the stress out of manoeuvring) and cruise-control (helps with motorway roadworks limits).
It's immense fun to drive, and very capable.
I don't miss any of the must-have options in lists above. Its all about driving for me.
Other car is S2 Elise... another driver's machine.
Porsche do a great job extracting another 20 or 30% from their customers for things you don't really need 😀
The only options I wanted were F/R parking sensors (takes the stress out of manoeuvring) and cruise-control (helps with motorway roadworks limits).
It's immense fun to drive, and very capable.
I don't miss any of the must-have options in lists above. Its all about driving for me.
Other car is S2 Elise... another driver's machine.
Porsche do a great job extracting another 20 or 30% from their customers for things you don't really need 😀
bcr5784 said:
The driver engagement issue is a decision for you. However I'd turn the underpowered argument on it's head and say the 2.7 hasn't enough torque to pull an 80+ mph second gear or an 113mph third. (70 and 100 for PDK) Even with a manual you will be changing down on the motorway to overtake. Not sure the frequent downchanges should irritate with PDK - in Normal mode it's super smooth and all you'll notice is a change in revs and engine note. However if the changes irritate just drive it in manual - it won't change down then unless the engine labours.
I'd certainly try PDK if you get the chance - I thought I wanted a manual before I tried PDK (never owned an auto before my Cayman). As has been said do get make sure you get paddles (Sports steering wheel) - just another thing that was an option rather than standard.
The 2.7 is a sweet engine and I'm a NASP fan, but I'd agree with most of the above the long gearing makes the manual feel very flat and I also found the clutch pedal to be set too high. I ended up buying a very high spec PDK 2.7 Boxster which was much better at keeping the engine on the boil on a country road in "manual" with Sports Design steering wheel and paddles a must.I'd certainly try PDK if you get the chance - I thought I wanted a manual before I tried PDK (never owned an auto before my Cayman). As has been said do get make sure you get paddles (Sports steering wheel) - just another thing that was an option rather than standard.
Edited by bcr5784 on Sunday 7th February 11:46
However I found the car/gearbox pretty terrible on the motorway in 7th at 70-75mph there was absolutely no acceleration, and the PDK seemed to hunt between 6th and 7th, so much so that I used to put the car in "manual" and leave it in 6th. This was pretty alien to me coming from AMG products (NASP and turbo) with bags of torque and well sorted slush boxes. The car was also mega noisy on the motorway with tyre roar from the 20" tyres, and the drone from the PSE (on or off) especially in 7th (another reason to use 6th). I wouldn't bother with BOSE you can't hear it!
If you can live with that horrible engine note from the flat four, I would say a base 2.0 718 is probably a better all rounder for a daily (manual or PDK).....but you will miss that 6 cylinder wail on a quick run in the country. Still wouldn't spec BOSE though.
Holgate86 said:
The 2.7 is a sweet engine and I'm a NASP fan, but I'd agree with most of the above the long gearing makes the manual feel very flat and I also found the clutch pedal to be set too high. I ended up buying a very high spec PDK 2.7 Boxster which was much better at keeping the engine on the boil on a country road in "manual" with Sports Design steering wheel and paddles a must.
However I found the car/gearbox pretty terrible on the motorway in 7th at 70-75mph there was absolutely no acceleration, and the PDK seemed to hunt between 6th and 7th, so much so that I used to put the car in "manual" and leave it in 6th. This was pretty alien to me coming from AMG products (NASP and turbo) with bags of torque and well sorted slush boxes. The car was also mega noisy on the motorway with tyre roar from the 20" tyres, and the drone from the PSE (on or off) especially in 7th (another reason to use 6th). I wouldn't bother with BOSE you can't hear it!
If you can live with that horrible engine note from the flat four, I would say a base 2.0 718 is probably a better all rounder for a daily (manual or PDK).....but you will miss that 6 cylinder wail on a quick run in the country. Still wouldn't spec BOSE though.
Thanks, appreciate the input. I think you've convinced me in one post.However I found the car/gearbox pretty terrible on the motorway in 7th at 70-75mph there was absolutely no acceleration, and the PDK seemed to hunt between 6th and 7th, so much so that I used to put the car in "manual" and leave it in 6th. This was pretty alien to me coming from AMG products (NASP and turbo) with bags of torque and well sorted slush boxes. The car was also mega noisy on the motorway with tyre roar from the 20" tyres, and the drone from the PSE (on or off) especially in 7th (another reason to use 6th). I wouldn't bother with BOSE you can't hear it!
If you can live with that horrible engine note from the flat four, I would say a base 2.0 718 is probably a better all rounder for a daily (manual or PDK).....but you will miss that 6 cylinder wail on a quick run in the country. Still wouldn't spec BOSE though.
I've just sold my car, cash is in the bank, but I'm in no rush and happy to buy a shed for 6 months while I save up for a 718.
Over over under steer said:
I feel I am perfectly placed to answer this. I bought a base 2.7 981 Boxster four years ago with the 20” wheels, heated seats, dimming mirrors and very little else. My thoughts.
Engine is a peach, I set out to buy an S, however preferred the 2.7, it’s sweeter sounding and a better power level for the road.
After a couple of months I paid Porsche Tonbridge to install PSE, cost £1800 and was the best thing I did to the car. Overall it’s perfect, and the problem I have now is I have the budget to spend up to £80k on a new car, but each Porsche I look at just doesn’t offer the value proposition of the base 981, it’s been ruthlessly reliable.
The bad points:
- standard headlights are absolutely rubbish, upgraded the bulbs and much better but compared to our Lexus RX they’re a joke but better than my old Elise S3
- standard stereo is really poor, but doesn’t cause much bother as the engine with PSE balances that out. (You can easily retrofit Bluetooth music streaming with a Bluetooth to 3.5mm adapter for about £15 all in.
- lack of extended leather makes some parts the interior feel a little bit poor.
If you want Apple Car Play then there are a number of companies that will solder in the updated PCM into the existing head unit for about £800/900.
Overall, it’s a car that I can’t see myself getting rid of. It’s a so honest and brings a smile to me all the time. From Sunday blasts hearing the engine sing to long trips across the continent.
Now you’ve put the PSE on the 2.7 does it pop and burble like the 3.4S does? Engine is a peach, I set out to buy an S, however preferred the 2.7, it’s sweeter sounding and a better power level for the road.
After a couple of months I paid Porsche Tonbridge to install PSE, cost £1800 and was the best thing I did to the car. Overall it’s perfect, and the problem I have now is I have the budget to spend up to £80k on a new car, but each Porsche I look at just doesn’t offer the value proposition of the base 981, it’s been ruthlessly reliable.
The bad points:
- standard headlights are absolutely rubbish, upgraded the bulbs and much better but compared to our Lexus RX they’re a joke but better than my old Elise S3
- standard stereo is really poor, but doesn’t cause much bother as the engine with PSE balances that out. (You can easily retrofit Bluetooth music streaming with a Bluetooth to 3.5mm adapter for about £15 all in.
- lack of extended leather makes some parts the interior feel a little bit poor.
If you want Apple Car Play then there are a number of companies that will solder in the updated PCM into the existing head unit for about £800/900.
Overall, it’s a car that I can’t see myself getting rid of. It’s a so honest and brings a smile to me all the time. From Sunday blasts hearing the engine sing to long trips across the continent.
Edited by Over over under steer on Sunday 7th February 09:58
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