Menu toggle

What's the best buy?

964rsdatabase

964rsdatabase

New member
Totally out of the blue the other day my girlfriend happened to mention that she was thinking of buying her first Porsche - a Boxster. So, I have a couple of questions for you guys. As she's a law-abiding citizen and never breaks the speed limit (honestly!), does she need an 'S' or will a 2.7 meet her needs? If anyone has the time, it would be great to know things like mpg comparisons, servicing costs, reliability issues with both models please. [8|]

Many thanks
Martin
 
Are you talking new or an older model?

Most of your questions will have different responses dependant on age.
(The most usual guideline however is get the latest one you can get in your price-range)











 
From what I can gather, she's looking at spending about £8k. Reliabilty is the most important thing and not performance.
 
I would think that reliability would be the same - the key is to buy a well looked after car. I've owned my 2003 2.7 facelift tip since 2006 and on paper it is probably not the model I should have gone for. My other cars are all manual and a bit more poke would be nice. However, I bought on condition and couldn't be more happy. Other than a faulty tip microswitch, I've had zero problems in more than five years. These cars are about fine handling ability rather than straight line speed. In the real world there is a difference between S and non S, and tip and manual. But the difference is very small.
 

ORIGINAL: 964rsdatabase

Totally out of the blue the other day my girlfriend happened to mention that she was thinking of buying her first Porsche - a Boxster. So, I have a couple of questions for you guys. As she's a law-abiding citizen and never breaks the speed limit (honestly!), does she need an 'S' or will a 2.7 meet her needs? If anyone has the time, it would be great to know things like mpg comparisons, servicing costs, reliability issues with both models please. [8|]

Many thanks
Martin
Click to expand...

Well being a girlie she has no need for a 3.2 as she wont suffer from #@nis envy, gotta be a good start[:D]

Seeing as she never breaks the speed limit surely a Nissan Micra would suit a treat.[;)]

MPG claims vary enormously, mine does about 30 (36 on a Scottish run) MY04 2.7 986.

Servicing costs should be largely similar bar brake replacement.

I have read the 3.2 suffers more instances of IMS failure than the 2.7, but this can happen to any Boxster prior to a Gen II.

Other reliability failures are suspension, brakes, radiators, water leaks,,,,,,,,,,etc. Stick to the Micra[:)]

 
I've never driven a 2.7 but did find a 2.9 Cayman a bit flat although handling was nice and the braking was sharp. I've had friends not so into having the power of an S who absolutely loved the 2.7

Sort out what spec she wants and see what you can find the options and driving pleasure are more important for her than the performance. Something you won't find in a Micra![:'(]
 


I would think yo will get more car for your money with a 2.7 and unless you missus is a Pat Moss she wont need the Power.

Optional extras - Bose (nice for commute)
- Hardtop - save your hood (and her hair)
- Heated seats (should keep you warm in bed when she arrives home late at night)[;)]
 
I've had my 2.7 since new in 2003 and have been more than happy with its performance. Compared to the 3.2 you have to rev it more as it has less torque but that is no great disadvantage as you get that wonderful flat six howl when you open it up. 0-60 is still pretty quick and 160mph ish max has been more than enough for me. If your girlfriend never breaks the speed limit [;)] she won't notice any difference at all. Handling is a dream in either version so she can actually drive AT the speed limit around all sorts of bends she wouldn't have believed possible.

To answer your practical questions, I have averaged 26/27mpg since new but that includes some track days and I usually drive in a "spirited" way [:D]. As she will be buying an older model, the known issues with a small percentage of engines should not be an issue as they usually show themselves at lower mileages. Servicing is not as expensive as you might think and main dealerships charge less for cars over 5 years old. There is also the option of some good independents in and around Hertfordshire - see Porsche Post ads. Tyres don't come cheap though but, if you're like me, you don't compromise on them as that is part of owning a Porsche.

I think the choice will come down to personal choice about colour, spec, mileage etc but do make sure it has a full service history.

Good luck to her and enjoy it!
 
Hi Martin
If you want more info on the Boxsters please give us a call or drop us an email and hopefully we can answer a few of your questions.

Regards
Tracy
Boxster Register Sec
 
Hi guys

Thanks for all the feedback. It's greatly appreciated.

Currently she's driving a 1.9tdi Skoda which will be kept as her daily driver so unfortunately there'll be no room for a Micra as well! [:'(]

I'll keep you posted.
 
i bought my first porsche about 5 years ago a 2001 986s about 3 years ago i bought a 2006 987 2.7 , you have to rev the 2.7 more to get the performance out of it and it has a five speed box instead of a six , other than that the top speed and o-60 are very close to each other , the 2.7 is a lot better on fuel than the 3.2 (2.7 aprox 29mpg and 3.2aprox 23mpg) i would say go for the newest 2.7 986 you could find i think you will not find a 987 for about 8k . hope this helps
 

ORIGINAL: rich mich

i bought my first porsche about 5 years ago a 2001 986s about 3 years ago i bought a 2006 987 2.7 , you have to rev the 2.7 more to get the performance out of it and it has a five speed box instead of a six , other than that the top speed and o-60 are very close to each other , the 2.7 is a lot better on fuel than the 3.2 (2.7 aprox 29mpg and 3.2aprox 23mpg) i would say go for the newest 2.7 986 you could find i think you will not find a 987 for about 8k . hope this helps
Click to expand...



I was out in my S yesterday (few more horses than normal 986 - spyder model) Drove from Cambridge to Stowmarket and return mainly motorway (Total miles 120)with the hood down and was getting reading of 29.4 mpg[:)]
 
[:)]Hi Martin,

I think it would be wise to go for the 3.2,it is a higher spec car,I looked around for about five years.
The Porsche engineers modelled the 1970;'s exhaust sound on the S model only.
Maybe I'm a bit biased but u can't beat cubes,the 2.7,2.5 are fine cars,but u will always be wondering.
A word of caution avoid the tiptronic,have heard some scary stories with the repair bills,and when u change the transmission oil u also have to change the Atf <(Auto transmission fluid)to be warmed to the correct temperature!
Best of luck,David.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members

Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Club, who shall have no liability in respect of them or the accuracy of the content. The Club assumes no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions.

Porsche Club Great Britain gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representations or recommendations regarding any goods or services advertised on this site. It is the responsibility of visitors to satisfy themselves that goods and/or services supplied by any advertiser are bona fide and in no instance can the Porsche Club Great Britain be held responsible.

When responding to advertisements please ensure that you satisfy yourself of any applicable call charges on numbers not prefixed by usual "landline" STD Codes. Information can be obtained from the operator or the white pages. Before giving out ANY information regarding cars, or any other items for sale, please satisfy yourself that any potential purchaser is bona fide.

Directors of the Board of Porsche Club GB, Club Office Staff, Register Secretaries and Regional Organisers are often requested by Club members to provide information on matters connected with their cars and other matters referred to in the Club Rules. Such information, advice and assistance provided by such persons is given in good faith and is based on the personal experience and knowledge of the individual concerned.

Neither Porsche Club GB, nor any of the aforementioned, shall be under any liability in respect of any such information, advice or assistance given to members. Members are advised to consult qualified specialists for information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars at all times.

Porsche
Lockton
Pirelli
Officially approved
Oracle Finance
WEX Esso
Collecting Cars
Archant Dialogue
Back
Top