Opinions... to buy Spyder RS… or not? - Page 3 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

I am fortunate indeed to own a 981 Spyder and a 991.2 GT3. The Spyder I had new in 2016 - with all desirable options. A compliant ride, not too fast that it runs away with me, a touch-long geared, but a fabulous soundtrack. A joy to own. I've owned my GT3 4-years, from 900 miles. A preferred comfort spec, manual, with big reds. Beyond that the spec is comprehensive. I rarely track cars, but I do enjoy the odd trip to Wales and a decent B road if it's safe to play. I like its looks, the way it steers, and that epic engine. It also rides pretty well for a GT product. First World Dilemma: Nothing's turned my head to make me consider changing cars ...until the Spyder RS arrived. Discussed it with my OPC - and told (politely) I had NO chance. Dilemma solved! THEN out the blue last week, I get a call to say: "If you want a SRS - give us your spec." So... I'd have to sell my GT3 and borrow at least 40K. (I could just stretch to it.) But... Although not drawn to the GT4RS (too firm for me) I now see values plummeting towards list... Could it be? I've been offered a SRS because demand is falling - perhaps they are now making more cars than implied? I don't look to make money on cars, but low depreciation is critical at this price point. Something has to give - and I'm not sure if to go for it or forget it... Would you - stick or twist ?

Id take the opportunity and buy the Spyder. Next gen Boxster / Cayman going EV I doubt Porsche will ever build one quite like the current iteration ever again. I know I'd always kick myself if I didn't take the opportunity when it arose.

Tricky one. Presumably the 981 Spyder would go too? Does the value of both GT3 and Spyder not cover the cost of the SRS? My guess is that a sensible spec SRS will be a very low depreciating car going forward. I turned down my SRS chance after a few months in a GT4RS. I loved the performance but hated the noise, the ride and the on the limit handling. After 2 * 718 Spyders the deal breaker for me for the SRS was the relative lack of useability of the hood arrangement. What do you value most? The SRS will be a much more highly strung beast than the 981 Spyder, is that what you want? However the excitement levels will be off the chart especially when driven at full chat. Very tricky one.

Errr… sorry if i missed it… but why not consolidate both the 981 Spyder and GT3 into the SRS? You probably wouldn't need to borrow much at all then provided you don’t go crazy on the options… or you have more scope to go crazy, and then you’ve got a lovely road car with the ballistic engine. Early reports are that SRS is not nearly as uncompromising on both the noise and ride fronts and much more liveable as a road car.

TDT said: Errr… sorry if i missed it… but why not consolidate both the 981 Spyder and GT3 into the SRS? You probably wouldn't need to borrow much at all then provided you don’t go crazy on the options… or you have more scope to go crazy, and then you’ve got a lovely road car with the ballistic engine. Early reports are that SRS is not nearly as uncompromising on both the noise and ride fronts and is much more liveable as a road car. Good suggestion and it was in my thinking to do that. One car could be a result here - but feel I should keep one car before I make that final committing move. (The tricky bit is that the specs of both are fairly rare.)

Only thing you’ll be losing is manual gear-change and clutch, But the updated PDK in the RS should engage nicely, and you interact with the shift lever.

Personally think you have a lovely duo as it is, which are also great cars in their own right. Fun open top option and a GT3. I think that is a great choice to have. As great as a SRS would be, all your eggs are in an extreme open top package. Is there a ‘normal’ day to day car in the fleet?

I have a 2005 - 225 Megane as my run around, it does the family stuff too. Another non/low depreciator - and quite a lot of fun actually with stage one conversion.

I am a firm believer in keeping the outgoing car while you get to know the new car, if money allows so, if I were you, I'd get the SRS, finance the £40k and after a few months if you love it, sell the 918 Spyder and pay off the finance. If you don't love it, sell the SRS and find something else to try or pocket the cash. You might find yourself wanting to keep the SRS and the 918, and if you can afford it, why not!

Buy it and run it up to Romans , that should put enough miles on it

Just kidding

hunter 66 said: Buy it and run it up to Romans , that should put enough miles on it Haha!

Could you keep the GT3 and sell the 981 Spyder? I appreciate you may have to finance more using this option but would you really want two Spyders? If you feel you don't get on with the Spyder RS you could always sell it (and presumably gain a small profit??) and get back into a 981 Spyder. Between the 981 Spyder and GT3 what do you prefer driving? Edited by Andy OH on Tuesday 9th January 16:14

Both different & both put an equal grin on face! Guess it comes down to which would be easier to replace. Both are great specs to let go too... Uh. (Ridiculous problem to talk about whilst people are dying in wars...)

For me this depends on two things: Do you feel like a change / new car - seems yes Do you like PDK? Your current steeds suggest you’re more of a manual guy? Shame you can’t keep the GT3 and get the SRS LOL

Mine arrived yesterday. Mega.

Do it.

2010spy said: Mine arrived yesterday. Mega. That is beautiful. Congrats.

aren't these going for £50-100k above list? if so then just buy it then sell it imo

Another discerning allocation by Porsche GB.

TDT said: That is beautiful. Congrats. Well done you - looks utterly gorgeous - enjoy !

LM240 said: Personally think you have a lovely duo as it is, which are also great cars in their own right. Fun open top option and a GT3. I think that is a great choice to have. Indeed; sounds like the perfect two sports car combo to have. Would keep those two and skip the RS Spyd

TDT said: Another discerning allocation by Porsche GB. probably a fake add. they often advertise cars they dont have

2010spy said: Mine arrived yesterday. Mega. looks great.

Thanks guys for the positive feedback. I got the original 987 Spyder in 2010 so at least I am familiar with the roof. Thinks have moved on a bit since then through. PS That advert makes no sense. The details don’t match the car. Edited by 2010spy on Wednesday 10th January 17:27

2010spy said: Thanks guys for the positive feedback. I got the original 987 Spyder in 2010 so at least I am familiar with the roof. Thinks have moved on a bit since then through. PS That advert makes no sense. The details don’t match the car. Edited by 2010spy on Wednesday 10th January 17:27 Can't wait to hear what you think to the car - do post some feedback - particularly about ride quality on our lousy roads...!

Congratulations on your allocation. I’ve been pushing my OPC for an allocation and getting no where (bought 3 new cars in last 3 years from them, so have a decent “relationship”, although clearly not decent enough!). I’d be tempted to take the slot, try the car, if you don’t like it, flip it. Be astounded if you didn’t at least get your money back! Interested if there are other allocations trickling through elsewhere?

notsomadmick said: Can't wait to hear what you think to the car - do post some feedback - particularly about ride quality on our lousy roads...! It’s gone for PPF so won’t be driving it for a week or so. I did drive one at the Porsche Experience Centre on the road for about 45 minutes and I can confirm it rides very well. More road complaint than the 4RS or GT3 (992). They have definitely focused on this. I can confirm that it sounds fantastic too. About 5/6k it sounds crazy, in a good way.

Spring/damper rates are basically back down to ‘regular’ 718 Spyder levels, along with a slight software calibration, so not a surprise, and definitely makes sense.

2010spy said: notsomadmick said: Can't wait to hear what you think to the car - do post some feedback - particularly about ride quality on our lousy roads...! It’s gone for PPF so won’t be driving it for a week or so. I did drive one at the Porsche Experience Centre on the road for about 45 minutes and I can confirm it rides very well. More road complaint than the 4RS or GT3 (992). They have definitely focused on this. I can confirm that it sounds fantastic too. About 5/6k it sounds crazy, in a good way. Thank you for these comments everyone, they are all helpful. It has focussed me about what matters to me most and which way to think. I decided letting my manual GT3 go is probably a move I will regret. Whilst on bigs reds, in every other way the car is my perfect spec - and it's mint. Replacing it would prove tricky and I note values of similar spec GT3s are 'advertised' above list and there are few of them. So, I will either stick with my 981 or (maybe?) borrow even more money, and take the SRS offered and keep it long term. Worst case scenario - I could always sell and spend a year finding another 981... Oh first world problems...

2010spy said: Thanks guys for the positive feedback. I got the original 987 Spyder in 2010 so at least I am familiar with the roof. Thinks have moved on a bit since then through. PS That advert makes no sense. The details don’t match the car. Edited by 2010spy on Wednesday 10th January 17:27 I thought the roof on the 987 Spyder was fabulous. A beautiful carbon fibre top frame for the windscreen and the bare minimum of fixings on the rear clamshell suited nearly all risky rainy days ... with the inner rear window to fit if the weather was bad. The rear boot operation was unimpeded by this system and in practice, the quickly fitted outer hood (60s with practice?) was very rarely needed.

Stick, don’t twist.

ChrisW. said: I thought the roof on the 987 Spyder was fabulous. A beautiful carbon fibre top frame for the windscreen and the bare minimum of fixings on the rear clamshell suited nearly all risky rainy days ... with the inner rear window to fit if the weather was bad. The rear boot operation was unimpeded by this system and in practice, the quickly fitted outer hood (60s with practice?) was very rarely needed. Gratifying to read this as I'm thinking about a 987 Spyder to replace my Cayman R... but also tempted by going a bit mad and buying a 981 or 718. ETA: to the OP - I think it's fairly clear these cars aren't selling in this climate and so the flippers are backing out en masse. Personally I'd be very very tempted to buy the SRS, but my head says no. But if you did sell the 981...let me know! Edited by Actus Reus on Thursday 11th January 10:28

Actus Reus said: Gratifying to read this as I'm thinking about a 987 Spyder to replace my Cayman R... but also tempted by going a bit mad and buying a 981 or 718. ETA: to the OP - I think it's fairly clear these cars aren't selling in this climate and so the flippers are backing out en masse. Personally I'd be very very tempted to buy the SRS, but my head says no. But if you did sell the 981...let me know! Edited by Actus Reus on Thursday 11th January 10:28 A big 'IF' I sell - my 981

[quote=notsomadmick] And enjoyed...

Stick. I think the 991.2 GT3 the sweetspot.

Would you be buying the SRS for an ego trip, it's looks (in the garage), or for a possible profit on resale? Oh... or for performance, not that you need it. I don't really understand why so many want unusable power, it makes driving quite uncomfortable when a touch of gas sends you shooting forward. And I guess the suspension is uncompromising on the softest setting? I do understand wanting 'the best" of any product, in this case the best Boxster type model. But even with your current stable you're way ahead of the pack but must already be missing out on the fun of stretching an engine to its limits? I recall trying a TT 1.8 once and then buying a TTS. The former was more 'fun'. Back then I had an A1 1.0 courtesy car during a service and it was crazy revving it to get some speed up. Far better than the overpowered SQ5 they lent me another time. But you're already past the 'fun' drive stage. Touch either throttle and you're off in an instant into license losing territory. Stick. Or twist to a 2.7 Boxster and C2 911. Have some outrageously good holidays. My alternative slant.

Would you be buying the SRS for an ego trip, it's looks (in the garage), or for a possible profit on resale? Oh... or for performance, not that you need it. I don't really understand why so many want unusable power, it makes driving quite uncomfortable when a touch of gas sends you shooting forward. And I guess the suspension is uncompromising on the softest setting? I do understand wanting 'the best" of any product, in this case the best Boxster type model. But even with your current stable you're way ahead of the pack but must already be missing out on the fun of stretching an engine to its limits? I recall trying a TT 1.8 once and then buying a TTS. The former was more 'fun'. Back then I had an A1 1.0 courtesy car during a service and it was crazy revving it to get some speed up. Far better than the overpowered SQ5 they lent me another time. But you're already past the 'fun' drive stage. Touch either throttle and you're off in an instant into license losing territory. Stick. Or twist to a 2.7 Boxster and C2 911. Have some outrageously good holidays. My alternative slant.

DJMC said: Would you be buying the SRS for an ego trip, it's looks (in the garage), or for a possible profit on resale? Oh... or for performance, not that you need it. I don't really understand why so many want unusable power, it makes driving quite uncomfortable when a touch of gas sends you shooting forward. And I guess the suspension is uncompromising on the softest setting? I do understand wanting 'the best" of any product, in this case the best Boxster type model. But even with your current stable you're way ahead of the pack but must already be missing out on the fun of stretching an engine to its limits? I recall trying a TT 1.8 once and then buying a TTS. The former was more 'fun'. Back then I had an A1 1.0 courtesy car during a service and it was crazy revving it to get some speed up. Far better than the overpowered SQ5 they lent me another time. But you're already past the 'fun' drive stage. Touch either throttle and you're off in an instant into license losing territory. Stick. Or twist to a 2.7 Boxster and C2 911. Have some outrageously good holidays. My alternative slant. You make an excellent observation. I do need to process this. Am not looking for a profit - I like to drive - and avoid depreciation. Had my 981 8+ years, so (in part) it's about a change. I certainly like the look of the SRS, and PDK would make it different. Another appeal is it being new, and the final incarnation of the petrol Boxster. And because we are getting older, we may in the future go down to one sports car, and this car could be the best compromise. ...But your point about performance is spot on. Thank you.

notsomadmick said: DJMC said: Would you be buying the SRS for an ego trip, it's looks (in the garage), or for a possible profit on resale? Oh... or for performance, not that you need it. I don't really understand why so many want unusable power, it makes driving quite uncomfortable when a touch of gas sends you shooting forward. And I guess the suspension is uncompromising on the softest setting? I do understand wanting 'the best" of any product, in this case the best Boxster type model. But even with your current stable you're way ahead of the pack but must already be missing out on the fun of stretching an engine to its limits? I recall trying a TT 1.8 once and then buying a TTS. The former was more 'fun'. Back then I had an A1 1.0 courtesy car during a service and it was crazy revving it to get some speed up. Far better than the overpowered SQ5 they lent me another time. But you're already past the 'fun' drive stage. Touch either throttle and you're off in an instant into license losing territory. Stick. Or twist to a 2.7 Boxster and C2 911. Have some outrageously good holidays. My alternative slant. You make an excellent observation. I do need to process this. Am not looking for a profit - I like to drive - and avoid depreciation. Had my 981 8+ years, so (in part) it's about a change. I certainly like the look of the SRS, and PDK would make it different. Another appeal is it being new, and the final incarnation of the petrol Boxster. And because we are getting older, we may in the future go down to one sports car, and this car could be the best compromise. ...But your point about performance is spot on. Thank you. I've had my 981 for 8yrs too. It's a 2.7 PDK. I did try a few S models at the time but even these made me think they were too powerful for fun driving. I too think about "a change" from time to time but there's really nothing to rival it. The 4.0 GTS would be "better" but would it? More frustrating to have that extra power for sure. We just bought a Macan S which has similar performance to the 981 2.7 and drives similarly, like a Cayman on stilts, and I had a brief thought about it being the last petrol Macan, but it won't be, and neither will any current ICE Porsche in my opinion. With the Germans vetoing the 2035 deadline, EV sales stalling, manufacturers extending ICE production, and just today Hertz dumping EVs ( https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportat... ) I see a vast decline in EV production as alternative ICE carbon zero and net zero fuels come to the fore. The EV infrastructure will never work out either. EVs will be obsolete (again) by the end of the decade, or sooner. As for the one sports car, I'll get to an age soon where I have to heave myself out of the Cayman. It'll be some years yet, and I may keep it to stick on the mantelpiece, but the Macan is an awesome SportsSUV despite it being 10 years old. That's the old age compromise. Shame they wasted their R&D on an electric version. 700+ Taycans in UK dealerships about to be joined by 700+ EV Macan's no doubt.

DJMC said: I've had my 981 for 8yrs too. It's a 2.7 PDK. I did try a few S models at the time but even these made me think they were too powerful for fun driving. I too think about "a change" from time to time but there's really nothing to rival it. The 4.0 GTS would be "better" but would it? More frustrating to have that extra power for sure. We just bought a Macan S which has similar performance to the 981 2.7 and drives similarly, like a Cayman on stilts, and I had a brief thought about it being the last petrol Macan, but it won't be, and neither will any current ICE Porsche in my opinion. With the Germans vetoing the 2035 deadline, EV sales stalling, manufacturers extending ICE production, and just today Hertz dumping EVs ( https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportat... ) I see a vast decline in EV production as alternative ICE carbon zero and net zero fuels come to the fore. The EV infrastructure will never work out either. EVs will be obsolete (again) by the end of the decade, or sooner. As for the one sports car, I'll get to an age soon where I have to heave myself out of the Cayman. It'll be some years yet, and I may keep it to stick on the mantelpiece, but the Macan is an awesome SportsSUV despite it being 10 years old. That's the old age compromise. Shame they wasted their R&D on an electric version. 700+ Taycans in UK dealerships about to be joined by 700+ EV Macan's no doubt. Did I miss this? Great news if so - at last the ICE worm is turning. Now get the Fake Tories under control....

DJMC said: Would you be buying the SRS for an ego trip, it's looks (in the garage), or for a possible profit on resale? Oh... or for performance, not that you need it. I don't really understand why so many want unusable power, it makes driving quite uncomfortable when a touch of gas sends you shooting forward. And I guess the suspension is uncompromising on the softest setting? I do understand wanting 'the best" of any product, in this case the best Boxster type model. But even with your current stable you're way ahead of the pack but must already be missing out on the fun of stretching an engine to its limits? I recall trying a TT 1.8 once and then buying a TTS. The former was more 'fun'. Back then I had an A1 1.0 courtesy car during a service and it was crazy revving it to get some speed up. Far better than the overpowered SQ5 they lent me another time. But you're already past the 'fun' drive stage. Touch either throttle and you're off in an instant into license losing territory. Stick. Or twist to a 2.7 Boxster and C2 911. Have some outrageously good holidays. My alternative slant. We certainly have a few thoughts in alignment... Interestingly, I've had a few Macans; a DS and a couple of GTSs. (I put PTV+ on the last one - transformed it - amazing considering its size.) Some may decry the Macan, but a petrol S or GTS - makes one hell of versatile & entertaining package. Even with a GT3 and 981, I look back and reflect on its ability. Sure you have a great car combo too. Herewith pic of my G reading Macan (with PTV+) on a local island... EVs - not gonna work anytime soon.

notsomadmick said: DJMC said: Would you be buying the SRS for an ego trip, it's looks (in the garage), or for a possible profit on resale? Oh... or for performance, not that you need it. I don't really understand why so many want unusable power, it makes driving quite uncomfortable when a touch of gas sends you shooting forward. And I guess the suspension is uncompromising on the softest setting? I do understand wanting 'the best" of any product, in this case the best Boxster type model. But even with your current stable you're way ahead of the pack but must already be missing out on the fun of stretching an engine to its limits? I recall trying a TT 1.8 once and then buying a TTS. The former was more 'fun'. Back then I had an A1 1.0 courtesy car during a service and it was crazy revving it to get some speed up. Far better than the overpowered SQ5 they lent me another time. But you're already past the 'fun' drive stage. Touch either throttle and you're off in an instant into license losing territory. Stick. Or twist to a 2.7 Boxster and C2 911. Have some outrageously good holidays. My alternative slant. We certainly have a few thoughts in alignment... Interestingly, I've had a few Macans; a DS and a couple of GTSs. (I put PTV+ on the last one - transformed it - amazing considering its size.) Some may decry the Macan, but a petrol S or GTS - makes one hell of versatile & entertaining package. Even with a GT3 and 981, I look back and reflect on its ability. Sure you have a great car combo too. Herewith pic of my G reading Macan (with PTV+) on a local island... EVs - not gonna work anytime soon. Firm believer that faster is not always better. Newer also usually means bigger and heavier also. In my circumstances 987 Boxster Spyder is as fast as I need. I can barely stretch it where I live and get over to France infrequently, where even there the performance is more than enough. I’ve had no interest in chasing the next thing because I’m not sure in ultimate terms the result will be that much better for my needs. Too be honest, going back to an Elise would probably be more fun on local roads and enough on the odd trip. The 981 and GT3 in this case nicely covers two different areas. In anyone’s book that is a nice combo. I’d be more inclined to go plush nice everyday car and when you step back into the sports cars, they feel special. So then it is sporty open top covered, gt3 speaks for itself and can do a euro trip no problem and comfort cruiser for the contrast.

Plush... and sporty...

Only carbon neutral synthetic fuels for new ICE vehicles after 2035. Tech will be build into the engine to prevent running off fossil fuels. Niche at best. Next Macan electric Next Boxster electric 911 starting down the path with the 992.2 Elsewhere, Chinese will dominate EVs - they've taken the long view and covered all the bases. All new investment in vehicles is around electrification and battery technology. This is what I see with my auto customers. ICE is dead long term. Will also be a pariah in cities. I intend buying a GT4 or Spyder as a retirement toy - but will have an EV for daily duties.