What £17k Porsche - Boxster S, Cayman or 996 C4 Targa?
Discussion
Well, it's a nice dilemma but a dilemma nonetheless. I might be in the market for a new car, and whilst I'm not a died-in-the-wool Porsche fan, I do appreciate that they tend to be a good steer and a different driving experience to most other cars.
Anyway, once I've sold my Range Rover Sport I will theoretically have £15-£17k to splash on a new car, if I so desire. Looking at what's available, you can get a Boxster, Cayman or 911 for this money - so how do you choose?
I need some practicality, so whilst I do like having the roof down (I miss my S2000!) in the UK there's not really enough sunshine to warrant one - and I have a motorbike for when the weather is nice, anyway. So I guess that kind of rules out the Boxster, plus (dare I say it) they are a bit "poor man's Porsche" - so why would you buy one over a 911 (genuine question)?
The Cayman has the advantage of being newer than the similarly priced 911. This means a nicer interior (IMO), potentially better chassis dynamics and possibly cheaper to run too. I believe it also has a reasonable boot, which I do need from time to time. Are they much slower, on the road, than a 911??
Which brings me on to the 996 Targa. Why the Targa? Well, it gives you some of the wind-in-the-hair motoring of the Boxster, with the hatchback practicality of the Cayman (being a Targa). If I get a C4 version then I might also be able to get around in winter too, which is a bonus.
So, Porsche fans, is my summary above pretty accurate? Anything else I should be considering?
Cheers
Anyway, once I've sold my Range Rover Sport I will theoretically have £15-£17k to splash on a new car, if I so desire. Looking at what's available, you can get a Boxster, Cayman or 911 for this money - so how do you choose?
I need some practicality, so whilst I do like having the roof down (I miss my S2000!) in the UK there's not really enough sunshine to warrant one - and I have a motorbike for when the weather is nice, anyway. So I guess that kind of rules out the Boxster, plus (dare I say it) they are a bit "poor man's Porsche" - so why would you buy one over a 911 (genuine question)?
The Cayman has the advantage of being newer than the similarly priced 911. This means a nicer interior (IMO), potentially better chassis dynamics and possibly cheaper to run too. I believe it also has a reasonable boot, which I do need from time to time. Are they much slower, on the road, than a 911??
Which brings me on to the 996 Targa. Why the Targa? Well, it gives you some of the wind-in-the-hair motoring of the Boxster, with the hatchback practicality of the Cayman (being a Targa). If I get a C4 version then I might also be able to get around in winter too, which is a bonus.
So, Porsche fans, is my summary above pretty accurate? Anything else I should be considering?
Cheers
mrdemon said:
quote
"plus (dare I say it) they are a bit "poor man's Porsche"
I stopped reading the thread after that point.
Why? It's true that, right or wrongly, many view the Boxster as just that - I'm not saying they are right..."plus (dare I say it) they are a bit "poor man's Porsche"
I stopped reading the thread after that point.
Paddy_N_Murphy said:
All I can say is a Targa at 17k is a 996, not 997. Therefore 2wd not 4wd.
is cabin space a priority for you ? If so - 911.
If not, go look / see / try.
I thought the 996 Targa was available with 4wd? Admittedly that was only based on my neighbours Targa, which I thought was a 4wd (but I could well be wrong).is cabin space a priority for you ? If so - 911.
If not, go look / see / try.
I'm 6ft tall and quite broad - the S2000 cabin was cramped for me, my current BMW 330Ci cabin is a better fit if that helps? Is a Cayman more cramped than a 996?
Go into a 911 Targa with your eyes open: if the roof fails, it can be expensive to repair. By expensive, we seem to be talking about many thousands. Fixing them has been described as an art, rather than a science...
I needed 4 seats, so it had to be a 911.
Pick what suits your needs best. If I didn't want 4 seats, I'd have a caymen S like a shot.
I needed 4 seats, so it had to be a 911.
Pick what suits your needs best. If I didn't want 4 seats, I'd have a caymen S like a shot.
Serious question, you are not the chap coming to see mine on the weekend are you- selling a Range Rover Sport S/S on Sat?
(and a free plug for me
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
Had mine for three years, absolute cracking cars- and the 996 gets a lot of hard times from the beards.
Go out and test drive some, and see what you think. I almost bought a Boxster S, but decided on the 996 for rear seats.
Good luck (and see you Sunday if you are the chap I have chatting to!).
Kam
(and a free plug for me
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
Had mine for three years, absolute cracking cars- and the 996 gets a lot of hard times from the beards.
Go out and test drive some, and see what you think. I almost bought a Boxster S, but decided on the 996 for rear seats.
Good luck (and see you Sunday if you are the chap I have chatting to!).
Kam
Not sure you'd be died in the wool, maybe dyed!
For that money I'd get the Cayman if I drove it and liked it. Unless you feel it really has to be a 911, of course.
If you go 996 just make sure all the usual bits have been replaced lately or you could spend a few grand in the first year (I did on a C4S).
For that money I'd get the Cayman if I drove it and liked it. Unless you feel it really has to be a 911, of course.
If you go 996 just make sure all the usual bits have been replaced lately or you could spend a few grand in the first year (I did on a C4S).
chiark said:
Go into a 911 Targa with your eyes open: if the roof fails, it can be expensive to repair. By expensive, we seem to be talking about many thousands. Fixing them has been described as an art, rather than a science...
What fails on the Targa roofs?Paddy_N_Murphy said:
Nope.
996 is definitely 2wd.
the later 997 is 4wd / Wide body.
As for Targa's, I've just bought one - 997 - and have had a lengthy thread on about them if interested in them
Cheers, learn something every day! His was definitely a 996, I don't think I could justify the extra for a 997 even if it does mean 4wd.996 is definitely 2wd.
the later 997 is 4wd / Wide body.
As for Targa's, I've just bought one - 997 - and have had a lengthy thread on about them if interested in them
Henry Fiddleton said:
Serious question, you are not the chap coming to see mine on the weekend are you- selling a Range Rover Sport S/S on Sat?
Not me I'm afraid, hope the viewing went well!Cheers for the advice guys
Is a 911 a completely different animal to a Cayman, then?What fails? It seems to be a combination of the cabling stretching, failing or generally being gummed up by the wrong lubricant in my very, very limited experience. I was told the roof has its own ECU which can throw a wobbler. The motors can fail due to the gumming up of the cabling, etc.
What put me off was the roof failing to close during a test drive - this was on a 2002 996 targa... Pretty much a guaranteed way to get me to say "hang on a moment...", followed by concerted Binging which persuaded me I really didn't want a targa that much at all.
What put me off was the roof failing to close during a test drive - this was on a 2002 996 targa... Pretty much a guaranteed way to get me to say "hang on a moment...", followed by concerted Binging which persuaded me I really didn't want a targa that much at all.
Boxsters/Caymans drive differently to 911's. You need to drive both for a decent amount of time. The mid engine variants tend to feel more agile. Im over 6 foot and both have adequate space in although the 911 definitely has more. You do really need to drive them to appreciate the differences, I expect you will find a Cayman/ Boxster S will feel quicker than the targa as they inspire confidence and feel lighter.
Go and try and make your own mind up.
Go and try and make your own mind up.
I would suggest the Cayman to be the best steer, the Boxster to represent value for money (cheaper than the Cayman and better looking IMO, plus the wind in your hair option). Both (being 987s) have considerably better interiors than the 996. The 996 if well maintained will still be quicker in a straight line but overall not noticeably faster, as has been said the handling characteristics of the mid-engine variations will likely inspire more confidence. The newer cars should be cheaper to maintain.
However, and I may get flamed for this
, there are several cars in the same sort of price range I would take (some of which I have done) over all three: Z4M, SLK55, M6, SL55 and RS4.
Admittedly some of these may not meet your criteria (and the SL55 and M6 will be more expensive to run), but one of them should suit you as all aspects are covered in some way (and better so IMO) than the three you’re considering, other than having a Porsche badge of course.
Just my thoughts, and for those who wish to flame me
, for what it’s worth I have owned a 996 C4, driven 996 Turbos both manual and tip and have spent time in a Boxster, admittedly no first hand experience of the Cayman.
Anyway, happy hunting OP!
However, and I may get flamed for this
, there are several cars in the same sort of price range I would take (some of which I have done) over all three: Z4M, SLK55, M6, SL55 and RS4.Admittedly some of these may not meet your criteria (and the SL55 and M6 will be more expensive to run), but one of them should suit you as all aspects are covered in some way (and better so IMO) than the three you’re considering, other than having a Porsche badge of course.
Just my thoughts, and for those who wish to flame me
, for what it’s worth I have owned a 996 C4, driven 996 Turbos both manual and tip and have spent time in a Boxster, admittedly no first hand experience of the Cayman.Anyway, happy hunting OP!
jakesmith said:
Isn't a £17k 996 a poor man's porsche too?
If you care about these sorts of comments then don't buy the Boxster / Cayman but you'll be missing out on a corking car. If you want the best looking & driving car for £17k then I would put a 3.4 Boxster 987 ahead of a 996 C2 Targa
Yep, a £17k 911 is definitely as much a poor man's Porsche as a Boxster/Cayman for the same amount and possibly more so. Some Top Gear watchers may disagree, but I would have thought that will be the general opinion out there.If you care about these sorts of comments then don't buy the Boxster / Cayman but you'll be missing out on a corking car. If you want the best looking & driving car for £17k then I would put a 3.4 Boxster 987 ahead of a 996 C2 Targa
The thing is that they still represent probably the best cars of their type that you can buy for that amount of money, so if you are buying for the car itself rather than image you should go for one.
For this amount of money, I'd rule out the 911 as the 987 that you will buy will be a much nicer, more modern car. I also prefer the mid-engined handling to the rear-engined, but then I have spent a lot more time in a 987 than a 911!
jakesmith said:
Isn't a £17k 996 a poor man's porsche too?
If you care about these sorts of comments then don't buy the Boxster / Cayman but you'll be missing out on a corking car. If you want the best looking & driving car for £17k then I would put a 3.4 Boxster 987 ahead of a 996 C2 Targa
That's what I mean - the perception is "poor man's Porsche" but I was questionning whether that was justified or not.If you care about these sorts of comments then don't buy the Boxster / Cayman but you'll be missing out on a corking car. If you want the best looking & driving car for £17k then I would put a 3.4 Boxster 987 ahead of a 996 C2 Targa
Don't get me wrong, I could comfortably spend a lot more on a car, but I've never felt the need to and don't like tying so much cash up in a vehicle. I also despise finance.
The Milfman said:
However, and I may get flamed for this , there are several cars in the same sort of price range I would take (some of which I have done) over all three: Z4M, SLK55, M6, SL55 and RS4.
Admittedly some of these may not meet your criteria (and the SL55 and M6 will be more expensive to run), but one of them should suit you as all aspects are covered in some way (and better so IMO) than the three you’re considering, other than having a Porsche badge of course.
This is very true. I have a BMW 330Ci M-Sport now and the Z4M doesn't offer enough 'extra' anything to justify a change. The M6 is not my cup of tea - I would have the M5 first, but both have major problems from what I hear - hence why V10 M5's are so cheap! I'm not a Merc fan as my Dad had an AMG CLK which was utter rubbish - although the CLK AMG Black would be nice, but too expensive. Which brings me to the RS4, which I have also considered but then I compare it to a BMW 335D estate and the performance differential isn't as great as you think, the BMW would be a lot more economical and, from my experience, a much better steer., there are several cars in the same sort of price range I would take (some of which I have done) over all three: Z4M, SLK55, M6, SL55 and RS4.Admittedly some of these may not meet your criteria (and the SL55 and M6 will be more expensive to run), but one of them should suit you as all aspects are covered in some way (and better so IMO) than the three you’re considering, other than having a Porsche badge of course.
Thanks for all the comments guys - I think if I were to go Porsche I would probably get a Cayman, so I think a test drive is in order.
Cheers!
Mike_C said:
That's what I mean - the perception is "poor man's Porsche" but I was questionning whether that was justified or not.
Who cares! I personally think too many car snobs massively underrate the Boxster. For what is Ford Focus money you can get a superb roadster, that will be low mileage, few years old, high spec, great fun, great handling. OK not rocket ship performance. But they really are a great drive & fabulous value. I have spent less than £15k on a 2002 C2. Entry level Pork, if you will.
No-one, but no-one, has said "oh, that looks like a cheap Porsche". Almost everyone has commented on how I must be loaded to be able to afford one. Unfortunately, I am not, but that perception is very real.
Don't worry about the image, get out there and take a test drive!
No-one, but no-one, has said "oh, that looks like a cheap Porsche". Almost everyone has commented on how I must be loaded to be able to afford one. Unfortunately, I am not, but that perception is very real.
Don't worry about the image, get out there and take a test drive!
Test drive them all and see what fits & what you actually like, the "poor mans" Porsche thing is rubbish & to my mind is the same sort of snobbery carried out by those who do the "oh your child goes to THAT school does it" and walks away from the conversation. I've got no time for it.
Buy what YOU want and ignore the rest, if you can afford to buy a Porsche and keep it on the road with proper maintentance then your are unlikely to be that poor anyway, Porsches are not cheap to run or maintain.
Buy what YOU want and ignore the rest, if you can afford to buy a Porsche and keep it on the road with proper maintentance then your are unlikely to be that poor anyway, Porsches are not cheap to run or maintain.
Mike_C said:
Not me I'm afraid, hope the viewing went well!
Cheers for the advice guys Is a 911 a completely different animal to a Cayman, then?
Echo'ing the above- go test some. Cheers for the advice guys
Is a 911 a completely different animal to a Cayman, then?I love my 996 C2, and I am only selling it due to a little one due in July.
What swung it for me 3 years back was the rear seats in the 996 Vs no rear seats.
Next up for me...Cayenne Turbo time...once mine sells.
Good luck.
If you are local, welcome to have a gander at mine before someone buys it.
Kam
What I would suggest trying to do is arrange to drive all cars in your price range in as close a time as possible. That's what I did and came away with a car I really liked at half of my proposed budget. In fact the RS60 I bought in the end is so good I've actually sold my V8 Esprit and thats coming from someone who has had a Lotus in one form or another for a very, very, very long time. I would also try to ignore all of the rubbish spoken by people who don't know any better and base it on the buzz you get from driving whichever car is your personal preferred choice.
Edited by BIRMA on Friday 1st March 15:15
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