Question from a member regarding 718 purchase

[cymro]

I have received this from a region member who has sold his 997 and is already missing his Porsche.

I would be grateful for anything feed back you have regarding this so I can pass on to him. I don’t have any experience of this model. Huw


I am already missing having a sportscar and considering buying a new 718 2.0 Boxster. I’ve read/seen many conflicting reports over the car with most agreeing the chassis is great and plenty not liking the engine note. I wonder if you and the local members could give some further opinions, as I don’t want to "get it wrong” but really like the shape and spec that is now on offer?

 

[Chappelle]

I drove a 718 at a Porsche event and it was far better than I expected having read the reviews etc.

The buyer ought to be able to have an extended test drive from an OPC.

Two thoughts though. Why new? I'd be tempted with a 981 or if funds allow a 718 GTS with the 'proper' engine. My guess is the 4 cylinder Boxsters will depreciate far more than the 6 cylinder variants, plus the GTS models tend to hold their value better

 

[Motorhead]

Huw,

I’d agree with Richard that the first thing your contact should do is to arrange an extended test drive to see if the potential purchase fits the bill rather than rely upon second hand information.

The 2.0L turbo 718 is the basic Boxster, and although the GTS 4.0 is a fantastic car with its F-6 naturally aspirated engine it is very expensive and maybe outside the contact’s price range. The T-4 2.0L is no slouch and sound considerations aside, many like the punch of the turbo engine. Both the chassis and steering are universally regarded as best in class.

Jeff

 

[CaymanChr15]

Don't be put off by the sound issue of the 718 or 718s . The car is fantastic and so quick. I would go for the s if you are a petrol head otherwise you will love the car and then think whats the s like. Its more modern inside . Factor in if you plan to sell in a short period as the newer car will obviously depreciate faster. Enjoy the testing

 

[E_Parry]

I had a 987 for 11 years and enjoyed every minute but wanted to upgrade so bought an 11month old 718S - it's so much better in all respects !!!
The specification/options the "new" car came with have all added to enjoyment whether that is touring or on trackdays. I do surprise even more 911 pilots when a Boxster comes through. The handling & performance are a big step up so you should not be put off with what people say about a 4 cylinder power unit. Agreed it does sound different to the previous 6 pot but the 4 pot turbo has a fantastic sound of its own.
Go for it []

 

[Bigcol]

Regarding the engine note, I believe it is down to personal taste. I have heard both and think a little too much snobbery is placed around the six pot. To refer back to my biking days, it’s like the Honda SP1 against the Fireblade. Both fantastic bikes, one a two pot and one a four. I always thought that the two pot sounded best. I also think the four pot Porsche is a nice sound.

 

[Wollemi]

The only way to know is to get an extended (multi day) test drive. An OPC should be happy to arrange this as long as they think you are serious about buying from them.
The 718 chassis is indeed wonderful and a significant improvement over the 981 especially in the steering. The sports PASM and PTV with limited slip diff improve the chassis even further, which you get with the Boxster T package.
The engine is indeed controversial. It is undoubted effective, with plenty of power and more importantly torque so it is a genuinely rapid machine. for many this is more than enough.
Against that it is clearly a turbocharged unit, with a small but perceptible lag, which I understand is more noticeable in the 2.0 than the 2.5. The big low down torque and subsequent flatter power curve doesn’t feel as "sporty” as a power curve which climbs steeply with more revs. Bring a turb engine it also has the characteristiC of the power delivery being affected by how fast the turbo is spinning so that the power can increase without the driver increasing the throttle, which is less than ideal on low grip surfaces. How much these things matter to you depend a great deal on how you want to drive, how hard and fast you like to go.

The noise the engine makes is for you to judge yourself.


So have a long long and spirited drive and see if that engine is for you, and you will have to make your own decision but you would not be wrong whatever you decide.

 

[rowtietowers]

After a 2003 986S, a 2007 987S, a 2009 Gen2 987S my wife came up with the mad idea of trying to operate on one car. The decision was taken in 2017 to sell the Boxster, order a new Macan SD fully specced (to replace my wife’s XC60) - to cut a long story short, I just couldn’t get away with it (big, bulky, tight parking, tiny footwell among others) & I missed my Boxster so much.
A second car (Octavia VRS) quickly solved the second car issue so the hunt was on to get another Boxster- initially looked at a 981S but to be honest I don’t like the front headlight design or the rear lights/integrated spoiler. My wife also pointed out that I would more than likely be looking for another in 2 or 3 years time.
So a 718 non S with PDK as my budget at the time wouldn’t stretch to an S - an extended test drive is the only way you can judge whether it is for you but I love mine. I test drove a 718S with PDK before deciding & the non S isn’t noticeably slower. The chassis is great - the engine note is different but not as unpleasant as some would have (make sure it has the sports exhaust though). The styling is also superb, a much more cohesive design in my opinion.
Not what Porsche’s are bought for but our road trips to Europe regularly produce high 30’s/low 40’s mpg which is an added bonus and that’s not hanging about.
Hope this helps a bit but only you can decide

 

[6DW]

From experience, my suggestion would be, consider a 991 not a 718. After having 4 Boxster 3.2 / 3.4 ’s during the years 2005 to 2016, I then changed to a 991 Targa 4 in 2016 which was great, I loved the feel and drive of the car, but when it was time to change in 2018, I ordered a 2.0 718. Looking at the power, torque and performance of the 718, on paper it looked more powerful than my previous Boxsters so ordered one. However, after just a week of ownership, I was really disappointed, in addition to the flat 4 engine sound, I found it to be a poor performer if you just wanted to cruise around, there was very little low speed torque and performance, so ultimately to get any satisfaction, you needed to drive around at full throttle, at this speed, it was quite acceptable, but I’m afraid just not for me.

Consideration was given to a 4.0 GTS Boxster, but in the end I purchased an ex-demo 992 Carrera S Cabrio, which I absolutely love. That was one of my better decisions.

Maybe the 718 would be ok for you, but carefully consider it and ensure you try a demo for a full day.

Good luck.
David

 

[Dylan1]

Defo need a weekend test drive as I did a few years ago
718 felt too slow for me but the S was good ,although the noise wasn’t great so I went for a 981GTS which was fabulous
now on a 991S which is the best
nice long test drive and you decide

 

[AndrewCS]

For the region member ...

https://www.porscheclubgb.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=948145&high=MY+CAYMAN+S+

https://www.porscheclubgb.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=1015965

I share sentiment with 6DW ... in that unless you`re pushing on it`s a far less satisfactory experience than the six cylinder models

 

[Motorhead]

From experience, my suggestion would be, consider a 991 not a 718. After having 4 Boxster 3.2 / 3.4 ’s during the years 2005 to 2016, I then changed to a 991 Targa 4 in 2016 which was great, I loved the feel and drive of the car, but when it was time to change in 2018, I ordered a 2.0 718. Looking at the power, torque and performance of the 718, on paper it looked more powerful than my previous Boxsters so ordered one. However, after just a week of ownership, I was really disappointed, in addition to the flat 4 engine sound, I found it to be a poor performer if you just wanted to cruise around, there was very little low speed torque and performance, so ultimately to get any satisfaction, you needed to drive around at full throttle, at this speed, it was quite acceptable, but I’m afraid just not for me.

Consideration was given to a 4.0 GTS Boxster, but in the end I purchased an ex-demo 992 Carrera S Cabrio, which I absolutely love. That was one of my better decisions.

Maybe the 718 would be ok for you, but carefully consider it and ensure you try a demo for a full day.

Good luck.

David,

It sounds as though you didn’t follow your own advice re the 718! []


Jeff

 

[6DW]

From experience, my suggestion would be, consider a 991 not a 718. After having 4 Boxster 3.2 / 3.4 ’s during the years 2005 to 2016, I then changed to a 991 Targa 4 in 2016 which was great, I loved the feel and drive of the car, but when it was time to change in 2018, I ordered a 2.0 718. Looking at the power, torque and performance of the 718, on paper it looked more powerful than my previous Boxsters so ordered one. However, after just a week of ownership, I was really disappointed, in addition to the flat 4 engine sound, I found it to be a poor performer if you just wanted to cruise around, there was very little low speed torque and performance, so ultimately to get any satisfaction, you needed to drive around at full throttle, at this speed, it was quite acceptable, but I’m afraid just not for me.

Consideration was given to a 4.0 GTS Boxster, but in the end I purchased an ex-demo 992 Carrera S Cabrio, which I absolutely love. That was one of my better decisions.

Maybe the 718 would be ok for you, but carefully consider it and ensure you try a demo for a full day.

Good luck.

David,

It sounds as though you didn’t follow your own advice re the 718! []


Jeff

No Jeff, it was a quick short blast, often regretted......

 

[jrg]

I used to own a 718 Boxster S, I found the standard Boxster a little underpowered for a sports car but not everyone will agree with that. The 718 is a sensational car, the S has plenty of power, a tiny amount of turbo lag but you can adapt to that. Handling is incredible with sharp direct steering and put a smile on my face everytime. Yes, it doesn't sound quite as good as the 6 cylinder, but I didn't dislike how it sounded. I sold it last year (nothing to do with the car) and missed it ever since.
This year I was looking around for something else, wanted to broaden my car ownership experience, but couldn't find anything else that came close, so have just bought a 981 Boxster GTS. Yes, it sounds better and if that's important to you then the 981 may be the way to go, the steering is a touch less sharp but nothing wrong with it. Performance wise I can't feel any difference between this and the 718S although the power delivery is a little more linear.
They are both amazing sports cars, and I've loved both.

 

[waxman]

Hi all
I’ve had my 718 Boxster T for one year now - not a daily drive but managed to clock up 10,00 miles and track days at Brands , Goodwood x2 and Silverstone GP . Possibly the best Porsche fun Porsche I’ve owned for UK roads .
test drove the new 4L GTS 6 cylinder the other week at anOPC - great car but with the particulate filter not enough change in sound to make me change car
bottom line they are all great cars IMO

 

[bobar]

Hello All
I bought a 2016 model manual 718. Only one issue since buying, a faulty coolant pump, that was replaced under warranty.
This is the first Porsche I've owned and so far the best sports car ownership that I have experienced. The handling is superb and the car fast enough for me.
The car is mainly used for extended trips. The last was around the Baltic regions.
I read various posts before buying about the sound of the exhaust note. The car I have has a sports exhaust. It is not an issue for me.