987 Boxster 2.7 vs rivals (Z4, 350Z, MX-5, SLK)

[Ecosseven]

Morning all,

I am looking to change my car in the next 3 months and top of the list is a MX-5 sport tech. I have looked at other cars including Z4’s, SLK’s and 350Z’s. Key criteria includes reliability and sensible running costs as well as the usual fun and handling.

I’ve always been hesitant about buying a 987 model boxster because of the known engine issues but perhaps I’m being overly paranoid. I have seen a few low mileage 2007 boxster 2.7’s for sale at around £15k that are in excellent condition. I understand these engines have the upgraded IMS when compared with the earlier cars.

I have also heard that the 2.7 does not generally suffer from D chunk failure of scored bores but not sure if this is correct?

Is there any way to replace the IMS bearing at a reasonable cost to ensure that the engine won't fail?

The RMS issues are well know but not a show stopper for me.

I know that I can buy a Porsche warranty or third party warranty to protect against such failures but the cost of these, when added to the cost of insurance, servicing, fuel, and VED, makes running a boxster well over twice as expensive as a MX-5 to run and still a significant chunk more expensive than running a Z4 or 350z.

Any advice or comments appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[rigster2]

Hi, I too considered a sport tech, until I drove a Porsche.

You can either choose to ignore the forum noise around reliability issues and take the plunge or take the safer option and go for the Mazda. It's hard for anyone else to be able to make up your own mind.

If you look for a well maintained Boxster it will probably be fine, but at worst case could cost you thousands. The Mazda will almost certainly be reliable but will offer much less of an experience.

One thing is certain though, if you do buy a Mazda, you'll still want the Boxster.....

[Actus Reus]

Hartech do an upgraded IMS bearing - have a search of their site. Alternatively, the Gen.2 cars don't suffer from IMS problems, do they?

[mr pg]

If you want something fun with good handling, the SLK (even in 320 guise) doesn't do either. Can't help with the others.

[nickfrog]

A 2007 will have the large single row IMS bearing. Only Gen2 does away with it alltogether.

Engine reliability would concern me less than the following weak and relatively pricey bits :

- water pump
- condensers
- inside face of disc badly corroded
- various suspension work needed at relatively low mileage

Having said that, they are so great to drive...well worth the expense and hassle. Well up to a point anyway...

[franki68]

I looked hard at the various options for the wife,I ended up with a 07 boxster 2.7 ,it had had one service but just felt right when I drove it,I bought it and we've had it 3 years and its not missed a beat,it went into hartech for a service and I asked for a thorough check and it came back with a glowing report.I wish the other porsches I had were as reliable.
IN terms of driving it has no competition ..it is way ahead of slk's z4s etc.

[CTrickle]

Urr, I think your comparring two very different cars!

MX-5 is a few leagues below a boxster. Here are some video's to help...!

About old MX-5's but he does mention the newer ones.

http://youtu.be/36whvegFIqg

These are the cars in the league of a Boxster.

http://youtu.be/JUhLXvxlQR4

I don't think a real driver would ever say an MX-5 is the right way to go.

Just my opinion!

[JW911]

2006 MY was when the IMS bearing design changed, which is why we just bought a 2006 2.7.

[steady eddie]

Just gone from a 993 to a 2001 1.6 mx5 import.

While the 993 was superb, the running costs were high, £2000 for an oil leak, discs pads service etc.

This little mx5 is just good fun and can be run for a fraction of what it takes to run a 993.

Also I am no longer trying to find a deserted spot in the supermarket car park to avoid trolley dings, and all for £1400 .

No it's not a Boxter and I've had on of those as well, but fun for your buck it just cannot be beaten.

Steady

[steady eddie]

Sorry the mx5 is a 1991 not 2001

Steady

[Solarized]

I'd agree. The MX5 is a fun, cheap and reliable sportscar. Fantastic value. The Boxster is a bit like an MX5 on steroids.

[nickfrog]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

No none of that would bother me but the OP is comparing to the running costs on a MX5, so I am trying to answer his question, if that's OK with you. Or do you reckon that the MX5 would be similar to fix or less reliable whether DIY or not ?

[nickfrog]

Fair enough.

[PawnSacrifice]

From the Z4 standpoint, you could potentially spend as much as the Boxster. Issues there are rear springs which can be around £200 a set, fitted. Tyres are expensive if you stick with run flats - standard ones are awful but Michelins are excellent. People are seeing problems with roof motors on some facelift models now - £600 - £1,000. Window regulator problems are not uncommon. There have also been some problems with the N52 engines as well. Having said all that, for your budget, I would be looking at the M and, everything else aside, the servicing gets more expensive and on par with the Boxster, I would imagine.

As much as anything else it comes down to what you enjoy driving, the Boxster and Z4 are very different and testing would, I am sure, give you a favourite... if that's the Boxster then get shopping! Only been in one a few times, but the 2.7 is a lovely car.

Good luck!

[Ecosseven]

Thanks for all the replies. The 2.7 appears to be the robust of the M97 engines and would be the one I go for if I decide the Boxster is the car for me. I need to do some more investigation into servicing and insurance costs.

A 2.9 generation 2 would be fantastic but these are £22-23k for a low mileage example and that is a stretch too far at the moment.

I'll also speak to Hartech before making a decision.

Thanks again.