Finally getting a Boxster!

[BoxBoxBoxster]

I’m just after any advice for guidance - decided on a Gen 2 987 Boxster. After much research and browsing I’m going for a PDK, ideally with a decent spec (ideally sports chrono+ as well as heated seats and the sports steering wheel) and sub 50k mileage. There are options around 20-25K. The odd S comes up, which is super tempting, but would be happy with a high-spec base model I think.

So, any gotchas or things to look for?

I’ve driven a Gen2 base model, hired in Scotland for a few days and loved it, so now I know it’s what I want. I won’t ask if I should go for an S because I know there are lots of posts about that - just after any real stories or things to look for. i.e. is it worth trying to get PCM3? Is X or Y option a real game changer? I’m thinking I’ll be happy enough with older PCM and just use my iPhone with a decent mount.

 

[Robin M]

Everyone has a different set of must have spec. mine is heated steering wheel and seats. Sport Chrono inc Launch

PCM which you can add Car Play to if it’s not included

PDK

Leather trim with accents in Alcantara

and carbon fibre. Climate Control Air Conditioning

Now I have them LED headlights. Cost a fortune but fabulous lights.

Whatever you get get what you want and don’t compromise You will always regret the compromises if you make them. I know I did on my Cayman S

 

[BoxBoxBoxster]

Sounds and looks like you have a 981! Can Carplay be added to older PCM? Or is that purely a PCM3 option?

Heating steering wheels FTW - don’t think it’s an option on 987 though. I love it on my family car (Stelvio) - thought it was a gimmick until the winter arrived and oh my it’s ace.

For the boxster, I’ll keep some gloves!

 

[Motorhead]

Hi Adam,

I’ve now had my 987.2 Cayman S for more than 13-years. It’s a full sport-spec car with manual transmission, LSD, PASM, SC, 19” wheels, sport steering wheel, sport seats, full leather plus a few other bits and pieces. No PCM, but I’ve never missed it, although mine isn’t a daily drive. I’d stick with Google Maps, Waze, etc. for a Satnav, but aftermarket options are available for a full upgrade.

One advantage of the 987.2 S is that it has the DFI engine whereas the base car has indirect injection. The larger capacity engine is much torquier … the 2.9L requires more “stick stirring” to keep it on the boil. Also, you may find that generally the S cars have more options fitted than the base cars … maybe S buyers had more cash to spend?

Options like the Sports Exhaust, Sport Chrono and (essential?) Cruise Control are available as retrofits. Although I don’t have rear parking sensors on the Cayman they could be very useful on the Boxster owing to the very limited rear visibility with the hood up. Although heated seats were an option on the 987.2 I don’t recall that a heated steering wheel was offered.

The PDK transmission was offered on the 987.2 series for the first time, so you’re looking at the first generation. It’s proved to be a robust and - in general - reliable transmission, but just be aware that if an internal component fails, electrical or mechanical, it can’t be repaired, and a full replacement transmission is required … at significant cost! (£12k??). Nothing to be be overly concerned about, but keep it in mind. Of course a full transmission check should be part of a routine PPI of your chosen car, which I’d definitely recommend.

Good luck with your search. As always, condition and a full and reliable service history - as well as your desired options - should be your guide.

Jeff

 

[BoxBoxBoxster]

Thanks for the reply Jeff. Yep, getting an S would be ace if my budget allows. Good to know about the PDK.

thank you, I’ll let you know how I get on. No mad rush so I have time to continue “browsing with intent”. Have a lunchtime visit to a local place this week, proper way to spend a lunch break and brake the mundanity of hom remote working!

 

[987Phil]

If your car has PCM3 then there are CarPlay options (eg this from Design 911 https://www.design911.co.uk/fu/prod152027/WIFI-Wireless-Apple-CarPlay--AirPlay--Android-Solution-for-Porsche-PCM30-Cayenne---Panamera---Macan---Boxster---Cayman---911/ )

If your car is PCM2 then CarPlay is not an option without replacing the unit, of which there is a decent discussion in this thread….. but in short it’s either after market unit (circa £500 plus fitting) or the new Porsche Classic unit (about £2,000 inc fitting !!!)

https://www.porscheclubgb.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=1115053

Good luck with the search !

 

[BoxBoxBoxster]

I went to see this one today. Good to see in the flesh. Good reputable dealership.

interested in other peoples thoughts bearing in mind the price. https://www.motorhousecars.com/vehicle/porsche-boxster-29-987-pdk-2dr-in-shipley-yorkshire-bb4810d3-7efd-4d15-ba18-af5101146128

 

[ScottishSpyder]

I have a manual 2010 2.9 and as Motorhead said you do have to work them a bit harder but it is worth it and all at mostly legal speeds. My car has a very high spec for a 2.9 and this does seem rare but they are out there . Try to find one with a Design Pack which gives a few extras. Whilst it won't give you CarPlay a cheap bluetooth receiver lets you play you phone audio through the PCM.

 

[g944s2]

I went to see this one today. Good to see in the flesh. Good reputable dealership.

interested in other peoples thoughts bearing in mind the price. https://www.motorhousecars.com/vehicle/porsche-boxster-29-987-pdk-2dr-in-shipley-yorkshire-bb4810d3-7efd-4d15-ba18-af5101146128

Nice looking car but a year ago that would have been £15-17k so I’d personally go for a 981 instead and I own a 987!

There’s plenty about at a similar price like this one:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212182608638

 

[BoxBoxBoxster]

I went to see this one today. Good to see in the flesh. Good reputable dealership.

interested in other peoples thoughts bearing in mind the price. https://www.motorhousecars.com/vehicle/porsche-boxster-29-987-pdk-2dr-in-shipley-yorkshire-bb4810d3-7efd-4d15-ba18-af5101146128

Nice looking car but a year ago that would have been £15-17k so I’d personally go for a 981 instead and I own a 987!

There’s plenty about at a similar price like this one:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212182608638

Thanks for the reply! Yeah - I was thinking that too re the price, but what can you do!?! The 981 does look better value at that price, I've not driven a 981, but purely looks wise I prefer the 987 - although I admit, some more modern tech would be nice.

Out of interest, why would *you* go for the 981? I know everyone has different opinions, just interested!

 

[g944s2]

I went to see this one today. Good to see in the flesh. Good reputable dealership.

interested in other peoples thoughts bearing in mind the price. https://www.motorhousecars.com/vehicle/porsche-boxster-29-987-pdk-2dr-in-shipley-yorkshire-bb4810d3-7efd-4d15-ba18-af5101146128

Nice looking car but a year ago that would have been £15-17k so I’d personally go for a 981 instead and I own a 987!

There’s plenty about at a similar price like this one:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212182608638

Thanks for the reply! Yeah - I was thinking that too re the price, but what can you do!?! The 981 does look better value at that price, I've not driven a 981, but purely looks wise I prefer the 987 - although I admit, some more modern tech would be nice.

Out of interest, why would *you* go for the 981? I know everyone has different opinions, just interested!

I‘ve not driven a 981 either so purely making the decision on the fact that it’s newer and looks a bit more modern inside, there’s also no IMS bearing to worry about!

 

[ScottishSpyder]

Just a small point. The 987.2 engine is virtually the same as the 981 plus 200cc in the case of the Boxster and doesn’t have an IMS.

 

[kitchens]

Just my 2p worth ..have had 5 Boxsters 986 550 Spyder Tip .986 3.2 Tip .987 2.9? Tip ... 987 Manual Spyder currently along with a 981 2.7 PDK . and a few others 911 356 Rep 944 928 924 over many years ..the Boxster is the most practical car 2 boots etc and fast enough for uk roads ,at the price of that car you looked at you will be able to slot into a nice 981 and I would go PDK great box .I am possibly thinking of selling my Red 981 at present so if any interest email me will be close to the 987 .Looking is part of the fun ..

 

[BoxBoxBoxster]

So a few months later and I am much closer! Found a 987S that I really like the look of, ticks all the boxes, so to speak.

Question - the dealer looks reputable, only sell high end cars, but it's a 4hr drive away - should I be getting a Porsche specialist to check it over? I've tried calling 2 nearby ones to the dealer and not got anywhere yet, awaiting callbacks. The dealer says it's a fantastic service history and car is excellent, I've asked to see the Service History so waiting on that.

It's not every day someone buys their first Porsche, so just wondered what else I should be doing / looking out for?

 

[skoosh1970]

Hi, i bought my 2010 manual 2.9 " base " a few years ago, at the time it was a 1 owner car and had 142k on the odemeter and travelled up to very north Yorkshire on 6 trains from Stoke during Covid... with one intention... to purchase her and i'm glad i did.

I'd spoken to the one and only company that had ever serviced the car, perused all of the extensive service history, checked out the mot history and did the deal.

She's now on 156000 miles and purrs like a kitten and drives spot on. She had the ORIGINAL clutch changed at just over 150k and apart from changing the gear linkage cables, again at 143k it's just been general maintenance, servicing and tyres.

Made a few cosmetic changes and added a few " performance " toys and really enjoy the car as i'm sure you will too.

Don't let distance deter the transaction, do your due diligence and get her bought.

Feel free to message me or call to discuss further...always happy to talk Boxsters.

Si.

 

[BoxBoxBoxster]

Thanks Si. Sounds like you’ve had a great experience, which is comforting. The Boxster I’m looking at is off to a specialist for an inspection tomorrow. All being well it will be mine…

I‘m looking forward to getting some time back - no more scrolling through AutoTrader daily!

 

[911hillclimber]

I hope the inspection turns out well, a wise move.

I've had mine for 6 years, a 987.2 2.9/ 2009 manual, now at 75K miles.

Have had problems which the inspector will be very aware of, but nothing is perfect!

When all working the car is just great, and designed for long tours, preferably in Europe where most of the miles have piled on.

Lots of space, good power to be safe, very sure footed and even 34 mpg cruising.

Remember, the best Boxster is a dirty one, use it!

 

[Wollemi]

Remember, the best Boxster is a dirty one, use it!

Couldn't agree more! But Would love to know where the photo was taken; it looks rather like a chateau / hotel that we stayed in back in 1991.

 

[911hillclimber]

In France last year, early autumn.

Chateau de Savigny-Les-Veaunes.

A place of many surprises to say the least....

 

[CLIFFWILKINS]

Good luck with the inspection.[]