Dilemma - advice appreciated
Discussion
Having owned a couple of 986 Boxsters (2.7 and S) I am now looking at a new Porsche and am facing a slight dilemma. My budget is between £32k and £40k for the right car. My three choices are either a year old Cayman S, a year old Boxster S (987) or and 03 plate 911 C4S.
My dilemma is based around :
1. Would be nice to have newer interiors/more modern technology/engineering in the Cayman S or Boxster S
2. Servicing every 18k in the above two rather than 12k in the C4S.
3. Is the Cayman S worth the best part of ten grand more than the Boxster S?
4. I've always really wanted a 911 (unfortunately funds dont stretch to over 50k for a used 997)
I appreciate that this is a bit long winded - I'm a newbie on this site so please go easy on me!
Would just appreciate some opinions from more clued up people on this Porsche forum who will have no doubt owned at least one of the above three choices.
Thanks in advance for any guidance
My dilemma is based around :
1. Would be nice to have newer interiors/more modern technology/engineering in the Cayman S or Boxster S
2. Servicing every 18k in the above two rather than 12k in the C4S.
3. Is the Cayman S worth the best part of ten grand more than the Boxster S?
4. I've always really wanted a 911 (unfortunately funds dont stretch to over 50k for a used 997)
I appreciate that this is a bit long winded - I'm a newbie on this site so please go easy on me!
Would just appreciate some opinions from more clued up people on this Porsche forum who will have no doubt owned at least one of the above three choices.
Thanks in advance for any guidance
I can't offer too much in the way of insightful "clued up" information, but IMO there's 2 distinct issues:
New vs. Old and Convertible vs. Coupe.
If you want a convertible then surely it's the 987 Boxster or Boxster S.
If you want a coupe the Cayman seems to be quite a bit more for what seems to be a Boxster with a roof when almost every other marque/model you can think of charge less for the coupe.
I do think the interior's in the 9x7 series are a leap ahead of those in the 9x6 models. Some will have a different opinion but if you're buying it as a daily car and not as a weekend toy you'll be spending a lot of time in the thing so IMO the interior matters one hell of a lot.
Service intervals are 20k/2 years over 12k/Annually as I understand it.
I have a 987 2.7L which I've owned for about six months and I love it. I'm saying this never having driven the S or a 911 but it seems quick enough as a daily driver, and when you do get out in the twisty bits I suspect I become the limiting factor a long time before the car does.
Personally I'd decide on new vs. old first as if you decide you want new that just leaves the Cayman vs. Boxster issue.
New vs. Old and Convertible vs. Coupe.
If you want a convertible then surely it's the 987 Boxster or Boxster S.
If you want a coupe the Cayman seems to be quite a bit more for what seems to be a Boxster with a roof when almost every other marque/model you can think of charge less for the coupe.
I do think the interior's in the 9x7 series are a leap ahead of those in the 9x6 models. Some will have a different opinion but if you're buying it as a daily car and not as a weekend toy you'll be spending a lot of time in the thing so IMO the interior matters one hell of a lot.
Service intervals are 20k/2 years over 12k/Annually as I understand it.
I have a 987 2.7L which I've owned for about six months and I love it. I'm saying this never having driven the S or a 911 but it seems quick enough as a daily driver, and when you do get out in the twisty bits I suspect I become the limiting factor a long time before the car does.
Personally I'd decide on new vs. old first as if you decide you want new that just leaves the Cayman vs. Boxster issue.
edinandrew said:
4. I've always really wanted a 911
Hi Andrew. I think you probably already know the answer! As you've had a couple of Boxters I guess you fancy a change. I think the Cayman is a great car and I am one of those that like it's looks but, if it's the 911 that you really want, will it be right for you?
I agree that the new interiors are an improvement on the older cars but the 996 interior is not an unpleasant place to be by any means. It's much more modern to look at than any of the earlier 911 interiors. I've heard that it's not the hardest wearing but there are plenty of well cared for cars about that look spotless inside. I use mine as a daily driver and love every minute of it.
Go on, you've had a Boxter, yes the Cayman is nice, but you've always wanted the 911!
Don't think you can go far wrong with any of those three. Personally I would (and just have) gone for 987 S. Cayman is great but nice to have a convertible with summer just around the corner. If you go for the 911 remember you are buying a 4 yr old car and the interior is a bit dated now as well as costing you more money than either the Cayman or Boxster...
Thanks very much to the last three for posting - sorry I don't know how to specifically reply to each comment.
Take on board all your comments - very helpful. I have always thought the Boxsters were very good value for money and offered a lot of car and options (roof up or down), for the money.
I'm no Tiff Needell so probably wouldn't realise or exploit the superior chassis on the Cayman - 987S looks favourite for flexibility and performance versus price.
Not sure I can quite stretch to the full 911 yet - am happy to admit I can't afford one - perhaps not sure I need to.
Thanks again guys - just nice to get someone else's thoughts. Happy Driving.
Take on board all your comments - very helpful. I have always thought the Boxsters were very good value for money and offered a lot of car and options (roof up or down), for the money.
I'm no Tiff Needell so probably wouldn't realise or exploit the superior chassis on the Cayman - 987S looks favourite for flexibility and performance versus price.
Not sure I can quite stretch to the full 911 yet - am happy to admit I can't afford one - perhaps not sure I need to.
Thanks again guys - just nice to get someone else's thoughts. Happy Driving.
Orangeboy said:
edinandrew said:
4. I've always really wanted a 911
Hi Andrew. I think you probably already know the answer! As you've had a couple of Boxters I guess you fancy a change. I think the Cayman is a great car and I am one of those that like it's looks but, if it's the 911 that you really want, will it be right for you?
I agree that the new interiors are an improvement on the older cars but the 996 interior is not an unpleasant place to be by any means. It's much more modern to look at than any of the earlier 911 interiors. I've heard that it's not the hardest wearing but there are plenty of well cared for cars about that look spotless inside. I use mine as a daily driver and love every minute of it.
Go on, you've had a Boxter, yes the Cayman is nice, but you've always wanted the 911!
Agree - why buy another Boxster. The Cayman is a great car but not worth the premium over the Boxster.
The 997 is an awesome car but don't worry too much about the mod cons. All 911s are special and £30-40k buys you a lot of car. I'd be looking for a really nice 993C2S (about the most beautiful 911 ever in my opinion). Built like a tank and you might even save some cash in the process.
Although sold, this should give you an idea:
www.pistonheads.com/sales/158530.htm
Stunning...
The Cayman is a great car but not worth the premium over the Boxster.
...[/quote]
I have always thought this - especially now they have put the 3.4 engine in the new Boxster S.
I have also noticed that there are seldom many posts on here about Caymans - do most owners on here have 911's and Boxsters?
...[/quote]
I have always thought this - especially now they have put the 3.4 engine in the new Boxster S.
I have also noticed that there are seldom many posts on here about Caymans - do most owners on here have 911's and Boxsters?
I think you're probably right that there will be few posts from Cayman owners. I guess they are still in smaller numbers and maybe not too many are in real enthusiasts hands yet? As for not affording a 911, your budget will get you a wonderful car. If it's servicing that worries you the OPC costs are here www.porsche.com/uk/accessoriesandservice/porscheservice/servicepricing/
And of course there are lots of specialists if you choose that route. Good luck and happy hunting.
And of course there are lots of specialists if you choose that route. Good luck and happy hunting.
rathur said:
ps, have experienced the feeling of driving a porsche thats not a 911, and you do always wish you were in one if one goes past....
See I can honestly say that I don't. I'll look and think "bloody nice car mate" but I honestly don't think I'm jealous and I don't think I'm deluding myself by saying that (I say that because like the OP I drive a 987 so financially would be looking at a several year old 996).
And even if that's the case, if you have the 911 you're surely going to be jealous of the chap with the GT3 and once you have that you're jealous of the chap with the RS and once you have that the chap with the Carrera GT.
edinandrew said:
The Cayman is a great car but not worth the premium over the Boxster.
...
...
I have always thought this - especially now they have put the 3.4 engine in the new Boxster S.
I have also noticed that there are seldom many posts on here about Caymans - do most owners on here have 911's and Boxsters?[/quote]
I have to say, with a Cayman S on order (so I'm going to defend my decision
), that it is a stunning car. I'd been humming and harring for a while and it was only until I did a Porsche World Roadshow day that I pulled the trigger. I was torn between a 997CS (used) and the Cayman S - at the roadshow day I got to drive the whole range from Boxter to Cayenne on track and road and the Cayman S was the pick of the bunch. The way it handles is sublime - the C2S was a touch faster on the straights but the CS was more fluid and was ultimately faster all things considered. I've heard the whole arguement about the 911 being the more challenging to drive etc... but when you drive the Cayman it all really clicks - I did a pretty god job of caning the nuts off it and was rewarded by winning the AutoX section of the day - not just for the times of the day but the whole 10 day roadshow - the Cayman is very good - ignore at your peril. It's still good fun (and not a push over) when driving hard.
Thanks again everyone. I do know what you mean about the 911 thing (flagship model etc) but I am happy to admit I can't really afford a really nice example with mileage that I am comfortable with (I know I am going to get replies about servicing etc but just from experience and talking to dealers that book price for a Porsche is based on half the annual average mileage i.e. 24k for a 4 year old car. Call me a wimp buti just thing a more modern, current model may be safer in th elong run with "potentially" less surprises.
Thank you for all your comments - my gut feel is I will go for a nice 987 Boxster S with lots of options - at least I can easily afford a well specced car in my price range rather than a less loaded Cayman S or 911.
Thanks again - I will keep you posted and definitely keep using the site (have been a spectator for a while) and hopefully may be able to help others out in the future.
P.S. What are people's opinions on Guards Red ...... re-sale etc. Never faniced it much on my previous Boxsters but it seems to sit nicely on the new models.
Thank you for all your comments - my gut feel is I will go for a nice 987 Boxster S with lots of options - at least I can easily afford a well specced car in my price range rather than a less loaded Cayman S or 911.
Thanks again - I will keep you posted and definitely keep using the site (have been a spectator for a while) and hopefully may be able to help others out in the future.
P.S. What are people's opinions on Guards Red ...... re-sale etc. Never faniced it much on my previous Boxsters but it seems to sit nicely on the new models.
Hi there, I have been reading your posting with interest, I have driven all the cars that you mentioned, from what you are saying I would suggest that if you wish to spend your lower budget figure, that I would buy a 996 convertable approx 2002 / 2003 low mileage 3.6 litre that automaticly has a hard top included, In fact I just sold a 2003 Cab tiptronic 24,000 miles lhd for 30,000.
If you are looking to spend more cash and wish for more performance then as a previous reply states I would go for a GT3.
Good Luck, Chris
If you are looking to spend more cash and wish for more performance then as a previous reply states I would go for a GT3.
Good Luck, Chris
edinandrew said:
Having owned a couple of 986 Boxsters (2.7 and S) I am now looking at a new Porsche and am facing a slight dilemma. My budget is between £32k and £40k for the right car. My three choices are either a year old Cayman S, a year old Boxster S (987) or and 03 plate 911 C4S.
It it were me, I'd go for the 987 Boxster, test drive a regular and an S for ideally 24 hours, and get either type of Boxster. The Cayman looks a lovely car but given the Boxster is both cheaper and convertible (normally something that costs more!), I can't see any difficulty in the choice. If I lived in Germany I'd consider the C4S, but not here - the UK hates GTs now.
Quick sensibility check?
When you were little, which one was on your wall?
When you were a little bit bigger, which one was the shape of your book ends?
When you were studying, which one did you read about in car mags and drool?
When you were in Uni, which one did you dream about when at work?
When you were working, which one did you aspire to?
When you manage to get one, it will take a nuclear blast to wipe the grin off your face!
Now which one in the range am I talking about? Only you (or each reader) will know the answer????
Enjoy!
When you were little, which one was on your wall?
When you were a little bit bigger, which one was the shape of your book ends?
When you were studying, which one did you read about in car mags and drool?
When you were in Uni, which one did you dream about when at work?
When you were working, which one did you aspire to?
When you manage to get one, it will take a nuclear blast to wipe the grin off your face!
Now which one in the range am I talking about? Only you (or each reader) will know the answer????
Enjoy!
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff