Considering buying a boggo 981, anything I'd miss?

[AlexNJ89]

Hey guys,

I saw a 981 2.7 Cayman manual for sale which is within my budget, from what I can tell, it has no extras, so no: PSE, PASM, Bose, Extended Leather, Xenons etc etc.

It has upgraded 20" wheels, heated seats and sports steering wheel.

I'd absolutely love a fully specced one, but it would be stretching myself a bit financially which may not be the best idea given current times.

I like listening to podcasts and music so would likely upgrade the speakers anyway.

Let me know if you think there are any 'musts'.

[AlexNJ89]

Schmed said:

A 981 base spec really came with absolutely nothing, I think you even had to add Bluetooth to connect your phone as an option it was that basic. They bundled a few more options as standard with the 718s including the SPP (sound package plus), PCM, nav and a digital radio etc. but the unupgraded stereo on the 981 will definitely need upgrading. Parking sensors too are handy and the 20” ride without PASM will be firm. I also found the base 2.7 a bit underpowered and needing to be revved out to actually get anywhere.

What’s your budget? If you can up it into the 718s you’ll get vastly more options included as standard, a much more up to date car along with more power, or at the other end the 987s may also be worth considering as more value for £.

Budget is comfortable at £28k. I'd be stretching at £35k.

I'd love a 718 and as a daily it sounds like the better option. Unlike most, I don't mind the sound of the 718 and the fact it's a 4cyl.

There just isn't many 718s around at the moment, especially under £35k. They all seem to be missing the sports exhaust at that price which I admit on the 718 will probably be essential, especially for resale.

[AlexNJ89]

Koln-RS said:

The spec/options can make a big difference to the everyday use and enjoyment of the car, so it’s important to consider what you might be missing out on.
And, at your budget level - close to £30k - you should be able to find a very nice, lowish mls, quite high spec 981.

Thanks, this car has heated seats, parking sensors, bluetooth and sports steering wheel.

This is the car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102038...

The pics are pretty damn lazy.

But considering the current market, I thought it could potentially be a comfortable way in to my first Porsche if the price was right, then get a 718 once the used market has cooled off.

[AlexNJ89]

bcr5784 said:

PDK will definitely command a premium, but brings more sensible gearing - the 2.7 in particular struggles with the manual gearing
Bose is crap (but popular) - but SPP is said to be even worse. If you are happy to do aftermarket I'd think about doing it.

It's interesting you said that about PDK, everyone else says it's too underpowered for PDK and you'll get sick of it dropped down a gear every time you even slightly squeeze the throttle. Also with the manual you get more driver engagement.

Obviously due to covid I can't find out for myself by driving one.

As soon as I found out the Bose was a bit crap I'm happy to miss it off and go aftermarket.

[AlexNJ89]

bcr5784 said:

The driver engagement issue is a decision for you. However I'd turn the underpowered argument on it's head and say the 2.7 hasn't enough torque to pull an 80+ mph second gear or an 113mph third. (70 and 100 for PDK) Even with a manual you will be changing down on the motorway to overtake. Not sure the frequent downchanges should irritate with PDK - in Normal mode it's super smooth and all you'll notice is a change in revs and engine note. However if the changes irritate just drive it in manual - it won't change down then unless the engine labours.

I'd certainly try PDK if you get the chance - I thought I wanted a manual before I tried PDK (never owned an auto before my Cayman). As has been said do get make sure you get paddles (Sports steering wheel) - just another thing that was an option rather than standard.

Edited by bcr5784 on Sunday 7th February 11:46

Thanks for the insight, I'll certainly try drive a PDK

[AlexNJ89]

Holgate86 said:

The 2.7 is a sweet engine and I'm a NASP fan, but I'd agree with most of the above the long gearing makes the manual feel very flat and I also found the clutch pedal to be set too high. I ended up buying a very high spec PDK 2.7 Boxster which was much better at keeping the engine on the boil on a country road in "manual" with Sports Design steering wheel and paddles a must.

However I found the car/gearbox pretty terrible on the motorway in 7th at 70-75mph there was absolutely no acceleration, and the PDK seemed to hunt between 6th and 7th, so much so that I used to put the car in "manual" and leave it in 6th. This was pretty alien to me coming from AMG products (NASP and turbo) with bags of torque and well sorted slush boxes. The car was also mega noisy on the motorway with tyre roar from the 20" tyres, and the drone from the PSE (on or off) especially in 7th (another reason to use 6th). I wouldn't bother with BOSE you can't hear it!

If you can live with that horrible engine note from the flat four, I would say a base 2.0 718 is probably a better all rounder for a daily (manual or PDK).....but you will miss that 6 cylinder wail on a quick run in the country. Still wouldn't spec BOSE though.

Thanks, appreciate the input. I think you've convinced me in one post.

I've just sold my car, cash is in the bank, but I'm in no rush and happy to buy a shed for 6 months while I save up for a 718.

[AlexNJ89]

Jeez, some love the manual some swear by PDK.

Some say options are necessary some say they aren't.

I'm also torn on whether the 981 is underpowered vs the 981S.

Some say PASM is a must, others think the standard ride is just fine.

Problem is I can't go out test driving at the moment.

As much as I appreciate everyone taking the time to respond, I'm not sure I'm any wiser

Edited by AlexNJ89 on Monday 8th February 23:19

[AlexNJ89]

Royal Jelly said:

I would’ve put a fiver on that being the case!

You’ll certainly be delighted either way. All I would say is that 28k+ puts you in the realm of a reasonably well-specced base 981..

Apologies if you’ve already mentioned it, but how are you planning on using it? If it’s a weekend toy, I’d wager the SC/PSE options are more worthwhile, as they do add a lot of theatre to the car, in a way you’d probably happily do without on a dayily driver.

It will be a daily driver. Due to covid and working from home, I just want a car where nipping to Sainsbury's (about 20mins away) it's a lot more fun. I had a Mazda RX8 231bhp when I was 23 (8 years ago) and I wanted an excuse to drive everywhere. I've just got out of an SLK55, and even though it was a great car and fast, I just didn't feel very connected to it.

So I have £20k cash, plan on doing a little finance to get me in to a Cayman. My job seems stable and has been throughout covid, I could finance £5k or £15k. Hence why the lower the better. I also believe that the further you stretch yourself the harder it is to upgrade your car as your personal wealth can't keep up with the depreciation, where as a £25k 981 base will financially be upgradable in 12 months and could go for a well specced 718S instead of having sort-of well specced 718 base now.

I hope this helps shed light on where I'm at.

[AlexNJ89]

Holgate86 said:

Interesting that you've come out of an SLK55, from experience I would say a 2.7 981 Cayman probably isn't for you.

I came out of an SLK55 and replaced it with an Elise S3, I then replaced the Elise with a 2016 981 PDK Boxster Black Edition which was a good car and great for 10% of the time when on it, but tbh I never got on particularly well with the whole Porsche thing. The final straw for me was an upcoming £3k+ bill for the 4 year service and warranty renewal....I also lost £13k on the car in just over 2 years.

To cut a long story short, I'm back in an SLK55 and love it, and have a GR Yaris coming for manual and B road thrills.

Hmm, I did think this was a great looking car at the same price as a 981:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101308...

But I've just come out of an r171, just feels like I'd be getting the same car with comfier seats.

I felt the SLK55 was more of a muscle car, I'm looking for a car where I can approach a roundabout and pretend I'm Michael Schumacher, the SLK55 wasn't as agile as it looked and the gearbox was so slow to drop down that the moment had gone by the time it had woken up.

[AlexNJ89]

martindg123 said:

Not sure if this is allowed but selling my 2017/67 718 base for £35k. Manual, PSE, PASM, Sports Chrono, 20’s etc. Porsche warranty till Nov this year. Drop me a message if interested

Hi Martin, do you have links to the car?

I can't send you a DM on PH it seems

I've opened my DMs

[AlexNJ89]

nickv8 said:

OP... now you mentioned the SLK55 and like to discover more spanners in the works...

What you need to go for is a Vantage. It’s mechanically very solid and well proven. Unfortunately you’re just skimming under a 2009MY+ 4.7 with it’s increased grunt, but they are simply a joy to own. Shapes like this are timeless.

Great handling, the 4.3 thrives in revs. And the sound... oh the sound! No Porker can approach it for sound, drama and feel-good. Plus you won’t wait as long at a junction!

I’m trying a Boxster 981 now. But every time I start it, my soul drops with the noise. Thankfully it’s beautiful too, drives real nice, has a well-oiled sewing machine quality, etc.

But if both cars are maintained at independents, I’d wager their running cost is scarily close. Plus, which do you think will depreciate more?

Ok - back under the rock for me. Good luck!

You know what, I actually scanned these on autotrader, I'd go for a manual from around 2010 onwards.

So are the running costs a myth?

I heard they are about £4k for a new clutch?

I'm also considering a Jag F-type

[AlexNJ89]

nickv8 said:

A myth on the internet???

Depends what clutch you want to fit and by who. There’s the V12VS double plate clutch which apparently improves speed. But never bothered me.

I think it’s around £2k at independents. But usual story of some lasting 60k miles and others 20k miles. Something to do with the object between seat and pedals.

Not sure how much a Boxster clutch is? We already see multiples of the Vantage prices if the PDK goes wrong. Apples and pears, but the point is nether can be run on a true shoestring budget unless you’re extremely handy with spanners.

Insurance for the Vantage isn’t bad either.

Just making your decision tougher. No, thank you!

This Vantage is nice:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101268...

Surely I'm going to end up getting 19mpg and astronomical maintenance costs?

[AlexNJ89]

Couple of nice Cayman S's went up today.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102098...

I would only want a manual if it had auto rev matching.


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102098...

I feel £36.5k for a Cayman with 55,000 miles is way too expensive, may as well get a 718

[AlexNJ89]

Lexington59 said:

Damn that's overpriced, especially as Porsches can be very mileage sensitive.

No doubt some [deluded] current owners will be along soon to tell you it is good value however...

The entire market is starved of supply and it's pushing up the prices I feel.

[AlexNJ89]

nickv8 said:

Who's counting MPG? I once saw 50+ mpg in my 4.7. Mind, I was going down a steep hill. (It was about 9mpg going up the other side, but I never let SWMBO know that bit ). Otherwise, 23mpg is realistic on most journeys.

Maintenance costs are reasonable (seriously). They are mechanically simple cars, relatively. As with Porsche, some excellent independents out there. But I also found the Bristol main dealer very good. £600 for a full service. Older 4.3 examples at indies would be a fair bit. Many AM MD's allow users to supply their own engine oil (dry-sumped, and a fair amount needed) which helps costs. I wonder if OPC's would do the same?

What makes me wonder is how the old image of reliability seems to be the opposite with me. Not much hassle with 2 Vantages over 3+ years (broken bonnet latch being the worst). But I've already had to manually spin the cabin air fan in the Boxster twice to get it started. I know, I know... not exactly onerous, but tickles me, somehow

OK. I'll shut up. Wrong forum and I'm not helping myself detox from AM...

Did some research on the V8V. I noticed a lot of owners saying it's cheaper to run than a 911 etc and it's more reliable than people think.

I wouldn't spend over £28k on one and get the 4.3L. Interior isn't as nice but probably better value for money.

[AlexNJ89]

Something to note is that all cars have held or increased in value over the last 12 months.

I still have the details of a Jag F-Type I looked at for £33k 12 months ago, that same spec and mileage is £36k now.

[AlexNJ89]

Voodoo Blue said:

I agree, the current market seems a bit more flexible than in the past when things were normal. Last April our 718 was worth £12K less than now from WBAC almost certainly based on the effects of the first lockdown. When we start emerging from the current lockdown who knows what the effect on prices/values will be especially when you take into account the potential shortage of new cars because of chip shortages etc. It's certainly possible that prices will increase if there is a shortage of particular models or drop like a stone if the general economy slumps.

My conclusion to that would be that if you've got the money to buy what you want and you're reasonably safe from an income perspective then buy what you want based on what you want and ignore any opinions on prices/values between model generations simply because no one really knows what the future holds so you might as well enjoy yourself while you can.

Yep, that's why I'm thinking about going boggo spec and keeping it safe for now until things are more stable then stretch my budget.

My prediction is that when we come out of this stricter lockdown there will be a surge in people buying cars, prices will increase slightly again due to this, but the extra supply of trade ins will stop if from sky rocketing.

Then, either Rishi Sunak will axe the furlough schemes or people return to work, more people will have lost their jobs than they think. Companies can't just continue on and say to their clients "cool so err... continue where we left off yeah?".

So those who have lost their jobs will need to sell their cars which will flood the market and we'll see a bit of an economic correction overall.