Boxster buying - decisions decisions...

[Maxf]

I've got agreement from the Mrs to buy a new car, and after looking at 997.1s and being frightened off by the bore scoring issues (as well as buying at the bottom of the heap) we've settled on a Boxster.

I'm a bit stuck though now - the car will be in London and won't be used daily. It will probably do 2 trackdays a year (although if consumables end up being silly, I'll end up hiring a Caterham for the few days we do).

I'd like an S, as I think I'd always be wondering otherwise. The budget is about £20k (this is the ideal figure, although it could be pushed a little).

As I see it, I have 3 choices (plus 1 off the wall choice):

987.1 3.2s (manual), ideally with PASM and a few toys if I can find one. This would be well below budget (I wouldn't go up to my budget for one), but maybe getting on a bit. A bit of cash in the bank is always nice. I understand these engines don't have the risk of bore scoring (but have IMS issues, albeit fixable).

987.1 3.4s (manual), PASM would be nice, a bit more grunt but easily available in budget. Bore scoring issues a possibility (although perhaps blown out of proportion online - however, if I'm worrying the person I sell too might be too).

987.2 3.4s (manual or pdk) - probably lower spec and I would be really pushing the budget into the next level. They look like great value though at £25k or so and engine seems to be thought of as much more reliable.

The off the wall choice follows on from the 987.2... don't get anything, save my money and add to the pot and try to get a 981 3.4s or GTS in a year's time. I find the 981 much better looking, but I'd be missing a lot of driving time while I save up. Is the improved package worth the sacrifice (I'd also probably be looking at financing part to get the right car).

I'm sure loads of you will have had similar thoughts... any ideas?

[VladD]

The 981 has electric steering compared to the hydraulic on the 987. Would that make a difference for you on your track days? I guess you'd have to drive them back to back to see if the difference is a factor for you, but probably worth doing.

If I were you I'd go for the 3.2 987.1 and whack a TPC racing turbo on it. GT3 performance for a fraction of the cost.

[Maxf]

I hadn't considered the steering rack changes, so would have to try one - although tracking it is very much secondary to normal road use.

The turbo sounds bonkers, but not for me this time!

[Trev450]

Apart from the e-steering already mentioned, the 981 is considered by many to be too tall geared, the brakes to be over-servoed and generally more comfort based than the 987's.

Your best option is the 987.2, but they are becoming more sought after and consequently more scarce.

[Ozzie Osmond]

981 is a truly enormous leap forward. Has to be driven to be believed.

[Maxf]

Thanks for all of the thoughts/advice.

I'm steering clear of the 987.1 3.4S - its just not worth the risk. Given the £10k difference (at least) between the 987.1 3.2S and 987.2 3.4S I'm minded to go for the earlier/cheaper model and keep a bit of money in the bank to sort any niggles (and the bilstein damptronic shocks look amazing too).

Hopefully with the 3.2S being cheaper I'd 'only' lost a few grand if I decide to sell and get a 981 in a year or so.