Hi all, I'm in the dilemma whether to buy a 3.2
986
or 2.7 987 as the title says.
The
986
costs 10k with 70k miles and lots of work done to it, including
IMS
, RMS, clutch and flywheel AND it's being sold by a
Porsche
specialist.
The 987 costs 14k with 45k miles, in pristine condition, and no significant work done. Both with full service history.
I've test driven the 987 in question, but haven't driven any
986
ever. The 987 is lovely and it being my only model of
Porsche
I've driven, my gripe with it is the pedal positions being a bit too close and very offset to the left. I'm not sure I can fully adjust to that, but whatever, it's a compromise I can make for the sake of the rest of the driving experience.
Question is - given that both are more or less going to very reliable, which do you think is better value? I'm not too bothered about the power, more so about the fun factor, handling and build quality (I like a very stiff and solid feeling chassis and no creeks, squeaks or rattles). The price is a factor, I can afford the 987 but prefer to spend as little as possible given today's financial climate.
Cheers, Nik
Having owned an 03
986
Boxter S and now own a 08 987
Cayman S
My thoughts are that though they drive similarly my 987 is much more firm on the road and has a notable power increase. The pull from the
Cayman
at 4500 and up leaves the
986
in the weeds. However, the
Boxster
handled beautifully, smooth and refined. The
Cayman
feels more raw. Both cars IMO are point and shoot cars that rotate predictably and under control. The 3.2 will most likely feel similar in power as th 2.7. Rattles are going to find their way in to your life with the plastic parts in the cars. My cars have never creaked or squeeked. I prefer the front end asthetics of the 987 better than the
986
. It really is the
headlights
.(the
986
is by no means ugly, just think they did not think it through. I did have all clear no amber on my
986
lights that helped a lot.) I would focus on the maintenance records of both and how many miles you plan to drive. I use my 987 as a DD. I change the oil often and plan some maintenance each year as improvements( or longevity measures) 2023 will be coilpacks, water pump. 2024 will be clutch and oiling
IMS
mod. (Unless I feel the clutch need it sooner Presently coming up to 57k on the original clutch so I know it is soon.) PPI, test drive, and trust your gut.
Based on what I see on various sites, the 987 sounds WAY underpriced. The
986
sounds about right, maybe a bit under market as well. My rough guess is that the FMV for the 987 is $25-30K, the
986
maybe $15K. So, both appear to be great buys, but the 987 sounds like a steal. I just saw a
987.1
Cayman S
on B-a-T go for around $32K with around 35K miles (I think Boxsters go for a little less than
Caymans
). And, I see 986s go for $15-20K every day if they are in good shape and have had
IMS
done, though most are under the mileage of the one you are referencing. Good luck, and let us know what you decide. I have a 2008 2.7
Cayman
that I absolutely love, but something about those
986
Boxsters appeals to me as a replacement for my NA
Miata
...
Unless it has a salvage title or a bad engine - the 987 is a steal at that price. You could probably double your money on it easily. And the 987 is a much better put together car (IMHO) than the
986
. Less rattles, less cowl shake, nicer interior, it's just really a better car.
Having owned a '99' and a base '06' 987 I'd say go with the 987--better chassis, interior and materials.
As much as I liked our
986
, the 987 was a much better car.
Do you like fried eggs?
987 is the better car.
Sent from my SM-G991W using Tapatalk
Is the 987 a 6 speed model. The
Cayman
is a stronger/stiffer frame that you can use to change some components to make it even better. First get a good set of summer
tires
that really allow you to pull some g's in the corners. Then go from there.
Numeric
has a steel shifter cable and short shifter platform product that you may need down the road as well. The shifter and cables really upgrade the shifting system of the 6 speed transmission when engine braking.
