981 Boxster GTS…am I going mad?
Discussion
TTmonkey said:
Spevs said:
Further evidence of the over pricing is beginning to reverse
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208068...
Another £5K off and I might take a trip to Byfleet.................
I went to see it when it was 61,995. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208068...
Another £5K off and I might take a trip to Byfleet.................
It’s a beautiful car with all the spec.
But that price is still too high. The one I bought was near identical, a few spec items missing, no warranty though, for 15k less.
The trade bid on my 981 BGTS this week was as derisory as expected, although at the top of the range I'd set in my head. Nonetheless, I'll stick it in the garage over winter and reassess in the spring.
I'm unsure where the market for used pork is going to go, usually it is resilient to market forces but this feels like challenging times coming up.
I'm unsure where the market for used pork is going to go, usually it is resilient to market forces but this feels like challenging times coming up.
Jefferson Steelflex said:
The trade bid on my 981 BGTS this week was as derisory as expected, although at the top of the range I'd set in my head. Nonetheless, I'll stick it in the garage over winter and reassess in the spring.
I'm unsure where the market for used pork is going to go, usually it is resilient to market forces but this feels like challenging times coming up.
Unless the unemployment rate suddenly sky rockets,I think the market will remain ok, just some softening of prices rather than a plunge. I'm unsure where the market for used pork is going to go, usually it is resilient to market forces but this feels like challenging times coming up.
If companies really start shedding jobs, that’s when it’s time to reconsider your long term plans.
No one is talking about unemployment rates yet. Our company had Loads of vacancies (big IT).
I did here that first time buyers have evaporated in the housing market though.
TTmonkey said:
I did here that first time buyers have evaporated in the housing market though.
Not surprised. House prices are still ATH, but now coupled with very expensive debt. The economic divide between the boomer generation and first time buyers is immense. As a young(ish) professional, the UK is really not a desirable place to live any longer. bomster said:
TTmonkey said:
I did here that first time buyers have evaporated in the housing market though.
Not surprised. House prices are still ATH, but now coupled with very expensive debt. The economic divide between the boomer generation and first time buyers is immense. As a young(ish) professional, the UK is really not a desirable place to live any longer. Don’t ask me how I know/why I didn’t buy a GT4 instead.
LamedonM said:
Are people actually paying 10.7% APR for used cars, currently charged by Porsche? Or is it just an opening gambit?
they don't really have a lot of choice if going with car finance, there has just been a 2% increase and another increase reported to be on the way, these rate hikes will drive people away from showrooms and to the banks to borrow. squirdan said:
Also plenty of people who would enjoy a £50-70k 981 GTS or Spyder just as much as >£100k 911, possibly more so on U.K. roads. So plenty of trade down potential imho
and they may be surprised and as you say maybe enjoy it even more, I've previously owned a 991 turbo and a 991 GTS and the 981 GTS is a much better car for what I need it to do, I've said this before at circa £50k which seems to be the average, I think in today's market they take a bit of beating. JeffC said:
and they may be surprised and as you say maybe enjoy it even more, I've previously owned a 991 turbo and a 991 GTS and the 981 GTS is a much better car for what I need it to do, I've said this before at circa £50k which seems to be the average, I think in today's market they take a bit of beating.
Agreed. Although let’s be honest, as a value proposition, a 981S can be specced nigh-on identically to the GTS, save for some alcantara (if that’s your thing) - for high 30s-low 40s? Not suggesting it’s a better option - but pointing out the value in these cars.
I set out looking for an early 991S. Test driving a well-specced 981 cayman for a few minutes changed my mind. It suits it’s purpose for me better than just about anything.
I then looked at 981 GTS models, but ended up with a 13k S with every conceivable option bar PCCB - at the time (late-summer 2020) when the difference between an S and GTS was about 20k. It’s a magnificent value proposition.
I’m not convinced Porsche’s will be sheltered from a price fall, though. Yes, their owners aren’t typically paycheque to paycheque, but they took a dive in the 08 crisis, just like Ferrari, Lambo, etc.. there will be nuances and idiosyncrasies within the market for certain models, but ultimately, less people in the market will be able to afford them. We shall see.
Anyway, who cares. Buy it, enjoy it, drive the daylights out of it. Resale value is a bonus.
Well I made the jump and bought a 718 spyder last week and have run it along side my 981 GTS this week just to make sure selling the GTS is the right thing, both cars PDK and are really good, we did 6,000 miles touring in the GTS last year and have thoroughly enjoyed the car , the Spyder gives a much more raw driving experience, I used it all weekend and it’s much more hard core drive , I did however jump back in the 981 yesterday and I did appreciate how good it actually is in comparison,.
My initial observations are the 3.4 exhaust note is much louder and I will miss the howl up in the revs , the ride is a lot more comfortable , the roof is a given as can be popped up and down without getting out , half price road tax and 14mpg extra with the 3.4 , saying this I will be keeping the Spyder and I plan to sell the GTS so it’s just a heads up really for anyone in the market for a nicely specced low mileage car keep an eye on the classifieds in the next week or so once it comes back from the detailers.
|https://thumbsnap.com/oAxt63aX[/url]
My initial observations are the 3.4 exhaust note is much louder and I will miss the howl up in the revs , the ride is a lot more comfortable , the roof is a given as can be popped up and down without getting out , half price road tax and 14mpg extra with the 3.4 , saying this I will be keeping the Spyder and I plan to sell the GTS so it’s just a heads up really for anyone in the market for a nicely specced low mileage car keep an eye on the classifieds in the next week or so once it comes back from the detailers.
|https://thumbsnap.com/oAxt63aX[/url]JeffC said:
hard to disagree about the looks, I had mine back in 2015 and at first when running the car in I really liked it,had a great feel, once I got to about 1500 miles and started using all the revs is when I found myself getting frustrated with the Spyder, the lack of zing at the top end of the revs combined with the crazy long gear ratios just took the spark out of it for me, from memory I sold the car before it reached 2,500 miles a year later. From memory I paid £68k and sold it to the trade for £78k they sold it within a day for £82k, not sure what it would be worth today but imagine would still be above new price.
It was that experience that lead me to a 981 GTS pdk and from the first drive straight away I found the characteristics of the 3.4 motor much more involving, not as quick as the 3.8 but certainly more eager to rev, combined with the pdk box I think it's a decent package certainly at the money they are in todays market. Mine doesn't get used a lot so I still get the sense of occasion feeling I did with the Spyder, I have quite a few other cars that I use but the Gts is the one that suits my needs for the longer weekend away drives, I have had it 8 months and must have covered 6,000 miles touring.
Both great cars and what suits one person won't suit another for sure. I still need to drive a 4.0 718,I had an order in for a new GTS which I cancelled but I must admit If i could get my hands on a yellow PDK Spyder I would be all over it.
It was that experience that lead me to a 981 GTS pdk and from the first drive straight away I found the characteristics of the 3.4 motor much more involving, not as quick as the 3.8 but certainly more eager to rev, combined with the pdk box I think it's a decent package certainly at the money they are in todays market. Mine doesn't get used a lot so I still get the sense of occasion feeling I did with the Spyder, I have quite a few other cars that I use but the Gts is the one that suits my needs for the longer weekend away drives, I have had it 8 months and must have covered 6,000 miles touring.
Both great cars and what suits one person won't suit another for sure. I still need to drive a 4.0 718,I had an order in for a new GTS which I cancelled but I must admit If i could get my hands on a yellow PDK Spyder I would be all over it.
squirdan said:
not really driven the Spyder in anger yet, however
no question that a PDK GTS is a better, easier day to day car...and also I would say far better value
I did 4k miles in mine in over the summer through Scotland, in UK and then to SW France and back, and I cant think of a scenario that it wasnt great in. Really good cars, and in my opinion ample performance on the road.
However, I dont drive it daily and I dont need it as "transport" so I wanted something a bit more special (with a nod to residuals and rare Porsches are usually a good starting point). Whether its an actual thing or just in my head, the Spyder just feels a bit special, and the manual shift is one of the best I've had (over 40 cars). So snickety and precise. I really like the smaller wheel and faster rack as well
Every journey is a mini event and the PITA bits (roof, carbon buckets, fewer gadgets) kind of add to that... but I would def think different if I drove it every day. GTS with heated buckets, radar cruise, Bose etc really was a do everything car.
So... Spyder is a GTS plus maybe 15% , and probably 15% less useful as a vehicle. But I've paid plus 50% for the privilege. Not rational really but that said I dont see it going down much / ever? as an NA analogue 3.8 flat six manual that they made c. 250 of RHD. Love the shape and in grey its not shouty at all yet the shape is still special. Residuals are v strong so you can do PCP alike low monthlies
where does that leave me...if I'm honest I suspect a 4.0 BGTS is the sweetspot for me... so I dont rule out that being next, but there were too few about (and none in colours / spec I wanted), also £10-15k more wonga
no question that a PDK GTS is a better, easier day to day car...and also I would say far better value
I did 4k miles in mine in over the summer through Scotland, in UK and then to SW France and back, and I cant think of a scenario that it wasnt great in. Really good cars, and in my opinion ample performance on the road.
However, I dont drive it daily and I dont need it as "transport" so I wanted something a bit more special (with a nod to residuals and rare Porsches are usually a good starting point). Whether its an actual thing or just in my head, the Spyder just feels a bit special, and the manual shift is one of the best I've had (over 40 cars). So snickety and precise. I really like the smaller wheel and faster rack as well
Every journey is a mini event and the PITA bits (roof, carbon buckets, fewer gadgets) kind of add to that... but I would def think different if I drove it every day. GTS with heated buckets, radar cruise, Bose etc really was a do everything car.
So... Spyder is a GTS plus maybe 15% , and probably 15% less useful as a vehicle. But I've paid plus 50% for the privilege. Not rational really but that said I dont see it going down much / ever? as an NA analogue 3.8 flat six manual that they made c. 250 of RHD. Love the shape and in grey its not shouty at all yet the shape is still special. Residuals are v strong so you can do PCP alike low monthlies
where does that leave me...if I'm honest I suspect a 4.0 BGTS is the sweetspot for me... so I dont rule out that being next, but there were too few about (and none in colours / spec I wanted), also £10-15k more wonga
Edited by JeffC on Wednesday 29th March 07:27
Interesting observations and as expected but nice to hear it from someone with first hand experience. I would love to add a GTS or Spyder for the garage and often debate which would be better suited to touring.
Hope you are making the right choice, look forward to hearing more once you’ve got some more miles on the Spyder.
Hope you are making the right choice, look forward to hearing more once you’ve got some more miles on the Spyder.
As someone who has been lucky enough to have a 718 Spyder and run alongside it a Boxster 25 and now a Cayman 4.0 GTS I can honestly say the Spyder is the keeper in the garage.
The others were/are passing through and the Cayman is a really great cruising car when out with my better half but not the keys I would grab when going for a Sunday morning blast.
I realise I’m in the minority and don’t mind a quite hard core car so for me, the perfect partner for the Spyder (outside 911’s) is a GT4 PDK.
I’m certainly not trying to provoke or derail this thread and the GTS is superb and so pleased that Porsche are making it but the Spyder is to me a good 20% ahead of the standard car and makes me grin on every journey.
The others were/are passing through and the Cayman is a really great cruising car when out with my better half but not the keys I would grab when going for a Sunday morning blast.
I realise I’m in the minority and don’t mind a quite hard core car so for me, the perfect partner for the Spyder (outside 911’s) is a GT4 PDK.
I’m certainly not trying to provoke or derail this thread and the GTS is superb and so pleased that Porsche are making it but the Spyder is to me a good 20% ahead of the standard car and makes me grin on every journey.
Bit of an update after 6 months ownership.
Car hasn’t missed a beat. It lives outside because I don’t have a garage but I do use a canvas hood cover during most weather.
Costs so far:
New centre caps: £160
New tyres: £780 (4 x Goodyear Eagle F1)
Porsche inspection: £315 (fully passed no issues)
Warranty £1320 (2 years via Porsche)
8 year service £1425
Car now at 21500 miles. Sounds brilliant at full throttle. Surprisingly good fuel economy when on non sport mode. Brilliant stereo (Bose). Interior is so plush, and like brand new.
Absolutely no regrets with this particular car. I think it was the best one I could buy for the money at the times, and had everything I thought I wanted at the time.
But I would make a few changes.
The seats are not as adjustable as they could be, so 18 way would perhaps have been better. (Only has 2 way electric) However, the seats themselves are not the best I’ve ever sat in, I’d prefer better seats. The wife’s Audi TTS is much nicer seating. No extending thigh support. And you sit maybe an inch or two too high.
The steering wheel. I don’t like alcantera much. It’s only the finger tips that bugs me. But it feels a bit weird. Also, I’d like multi function, but retaining the paddles. Is it possible to switch the wheel out to a more modern design?
Wind buffeting. With the roof down, despite the defusers, there’s too much buffeting, my left ear in particular freezes if I’m not wearing a cap. Maybe using it abroad in summer will feel better,
I’ll need to fit cruise control.
Car hasn’t missed a beat. It lives outside because I don’t have a garage but I do use a canvas hood cover during most weather.
Costs so far:
New centre caps: £160
New tyres: £780 (4 x Goodyear Eagle F1)
Porsche inspection: £315 (fully passed no issues)
Warranty £1320 (2 years via Porsche)
8 year service £1425
Car now at 21500 miles. Sounds brilliant at full throttle. Surprisingly good fuel economy when on non sport mode. Brilliant stereo (Bose). Interior is so plush, and like brand new.
Absolutely no regrets with this particular car. I think it was the best one I could buy for the money at the times, and had everything I thought I wanted at the time.
But I would make a few changes.
The seats are not as adjustable as they could be, so 18 way would perhaps have been better. (Only has 2 way electric) However, the seats themselves are not the best I’ve ever sat in, I’d prefer better seats. The wife’s Audi TTS is much nicer seating. No extending thigh support. And you sit maybe an inch or two too high.
The steering wheel. I don’t like alcantera much. It’s only the finger tips that bugs me. But it feels a bit weird. Also, I’d like multi function, but retaining the paddles. Is it possible to switch the wheel out to a more modern design?
Wind buffeting. With the roof down, despite the defusers, there’s too much buffeting, my left ear in particular freezes if I’m not wearing a cap. Maybe using it abroad in summer will feel better,
I’ll need to fit cruise control.
Edited by TTmonkey on Wednesday 29th March 13:33
Edited by TTmonkey on Wednesday 29th March 13:49
Edited by TTmonkey on Wednesday 29th March 13:50
I’ve had my 2015 GTS just over a year now, again no dramas to report and absolutely loving it still.
Made a few of the changes to it I wanted to personalise to my tastes -
718 GTS alcantara/crayon stitch/carbon interior upgrade - everything aside from top part of dash.
718 GT multifunction wheel upgrade
Aftermarket bespoke gear knob & shifter boot in the correct Porsche alcantara
H&R lowering springs & 12mm spacers- PASM shocks adapted for shorter springs
OEM Spyder ducktail
GT4 style side pods.
Still need to do something with PCM to get Apple CarPlay and may do a wheel colour change too. Also will add X73 ARB’s and 718 additional rear suspension bracing at some point too.
Made a few of the changes to it I wanted to personalise to my tastes -
718 GTS alcantara/crayon stitch/carbon interior upgrade - everything aside from top part of dash.
718 GT multifunction wheel upgrade
Aftermarket bespoke gear knob & shifter boot in the correct Porsche alcantara
H&R lowering springs & 12mm spacers- PASM shocks adapted for shorter springs
OEM Spyder ducktail
GT4 style side pods.
Still need to do something with PCM to get Apple CarPlay and may do a wheel colour change too. Also will add X73 ARB’s and 718 additional rear suspension bracing at some point too.
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