986 conundrum; 2.5 v 3.2
Discussion
julian987R said:
or this even.
https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/2004-porsche-9...
986... but seems about as good as it gets for that model rannge from what I can tell.
I have a modified 550 and before that a modified S having both over a period of 9 years now. Some say the 550 is a tarted up run out special but others will say it has all the good bits, some factory engine and chassis mods. If they gave it some lighter doors and some humps and buckets which they already provided as factory options it would be akin to an 987 R/Spyder. https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/2004-porsche-9...
986... but seems about as good as it gets for that model rannge from what I can tell.
Agree it wasn't the cheapest I could have got, but prices are on the up, saw a base 2.5 original go for £9100 at an auction a few days ago, and most stuff in the cheaper ranges looked ropey for one reason or another. Also there's a peace of mind for a pork novice like me that this place appear to be reputable and do their own inspections before sale.
Though tbh nearly everything is ridiculously expensive compared with 6-12 months ago. I've been looking at all sorts, and it's all comparatively expensive now
Though tbh nearly everything is ridiculously expensive compared with 6-12 months ago. I've been looking at all sorts, and it's all comparatively expensive now

congrats looks great always better to buy condition over spec
986 v 987 I'd say the 987 a more capable car due to wider track. Vario rack steering in 987 not as sweet and precise as 986. Whilst the chassis more capable in 987 it has side effect of 987 feel more inert. 986 the sweet spot IMO for sure. Same with 996 v 997 IMO.
The interesting test is 987 Boxster S v 997 Carrera. Boxster quicker around 9 out of 10 tracks. True
986 v 987 I'd say the 987 a more capable car due to wider track. Vario rack steering in 987 not as sweet and precise as 986. Whilst the chassis more capable in 987 it has side effect of 987 feel more inert. 986 the sweet spot IMO for sure. Same with 996 v 997 IMO.
The interesting test is 987 Boxster S v 997 Carrera. Boxster quicker around 9 out of 10 tracks. True

TameRacingDriver said:
So, I just decided to buy one on condition and gut feeling and ignore the engine / spec, and I've put a deposit down on this little beast:

https://www.flatsixclassics.co.uk/listings/porsche...
Nice one. I was at Flat Six Classics this morning picking up my 987 Boxster. Sean has a great set up with a fantastic selection of cars.
https://www.flatsixclassics.co.uk/listings/porsche...
CardiffTam said:
ice one. I was at Flat Six Classics this morning picking up my 987 Boxster. Sean has a great set up with a fantastic selection of cars.
Nice one mate enjoy! 
Sean seems like a great bloke, he's even delivering it all the way up to the North East for a reasonable cost, which is a great gesture considering how far away it is!
3.2 probably the right choice.
You lose very little with the 3.2. It's a little less raw and transparent than, say, an early 2.5. But only a little. And you get a load more torque. Cable throttle benefit also probably overstated. 3.2 also sounds fantastic. And with prices as there are (even with a bit of an uptick of late) you may as well get the 3.2 (which won't be any more expensive to run, they all cost pretty much the same to run), the difference in price is a rounding error for most Porsches.
You lose very little with the 3.2. It's a little less raw and transparent than, say, an early 2.5. But only a little. And you get a load more torque. Cable throttle benefit also probably overstated. 3.2 also sounds fantastic. And with prices as there are (even with a bit of an uptick of late) you may as well get the 3.2 (which won't be any more expensive to run, they all cost pretty much the same to run), the difference in price is a rounding error for most Porsches.
Sounds good. I'm looking forward to finally trying one. I'm sure the 2.5 would have been a blast but it will still be nice to have a bit of torque for normal driving or when the speed limiter... Sorry Mrs is in the car 
I really can't wait to get it, so excited! More than I've been over a car for a long while!

I really can't wait to get it, so excited! More than I've been over a car for a long while!
TameRacingDriver said:
Sounds good. I'm looking forward to finally trying one. I'm sure the 2.5 would have been a blast but it will still be nice to have a bit of torque for normal driving or when the speed limiter... Sorry Mrs is in the car 
I really can't wait to get it, so excited! More than I've been over a car for a long while!
That's brilliant
I really can't wait to get it, so excited! More than I've been over a car for a long while!
So you bought it totally unseen / undriven?
ATM said:
That's brilliant
So you bought it totally unseen / undriven?
Yes I took the risk but based on the fact it's come from a well respected specialist who has sold 160 of the things so he tells me then I trust that it will all be good (fingers crossed). To be fair the chap is more likely than I am to know what constitutes a good Boxster. I'll admit my judgement when buying cars hasn't always been my strong point! So you bought it totally unseen / undriven?

TameRacingDriver said:
ATM said:
That's brilliant
So you bought it totally unseen / undriven?
Yes I took the risk but based on the fact it's come from a well respected specialist who has sold 160 of the things so he tells me then I trust that it will all be good (fingers crossed). To be fair the chap is more likely than I am to know what constitutes a good Boxster. I'll admit my judgement when buying cars hasn't always been my strong point! So you bought it totally unseen / undriven?

Calm down
Breath
You don't need to justify anything to me
I know a few people who have bought cars like this recently unseen. It seems crazy to me but I guess in the new normal this is how it works. It's just like ordering food off Deliveroo where you don't even see the place cooking it for you.
Anyway I can imagine this is adding to the excitement. It's a total unknown at this point. How long do you have to wait?

Yeah I think it is adding to the excitement tbh. I should get it around this time next week (no date confirmed just yet).
One thing that will be nice is the fact that it's being delivered and so my first drive out in it will be for pleasure on known good roads, unlike when I bought my z4c and I had to drive 300 miles on boring motorways straight home so it wasn't exactly a fun first drive.
TameRacingDriver said:

Yeah I think it is adding to the excitement tbh. I should get it around this time next week (no date confirmed just yet).
One thing that will be nice is the fact that it's being delivered and so my first drive out in it will be for pleasure on known good roads, unlike when I bought my z4c and I had to drive 300 miles on boring motorways straight home so it wasn't exactly a fun first drive.
ATM said:
TameRacingDriver said:

Yeah I think it is adding to the excitement tbh. I should get it around this time next week (no date confirmed just yet).
One thing that will be nice is the fact that it's being delivered and so my first drive out in it will be for pleasure on known good roads, unlike when I bought my z4c and I had to drive 300 miles on boring motorways straight home so it wasn't exactly a fun first drive.
TomTom maps has a 'winding road' option on their website and app but you need to pay for the app which is a non-starter.
So back when I got the Z4 it was winter and I had to drive from Cardiff to Newcastle when I picked it up. I also managed to take a wrong turn and went over that big suspension bridge near Bristol
but at the time I felt a bit poorly and it was getting dark early on and I just wanted to be home. It took the shine off the first day...
Otherwise though I couldn't agree more
even just driving locally I tend to allow more time just so I can stay away from boring dual carriageways.

Otherwise though I couldn't agree more

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