2005 987 - question before I buy - Page 1 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

After a 2005 987 3.2 for a second car. Budget is around 14-15k which gets me a well maintained 50-70k car. Just couple of questions....GF is fussy over spec so trying to find the EXACT car she's happy with is hard going! We could make things easier by opening the search up to auto's or even the 2.7. For her, the right colour/spec commbo comes way ahead of engine/transmission issues! But will I always regret not having 3.2 manual if we do that? Last car was a SLK 250AMG auto so I'm not 100% anti auto at all....just fancied a manual for something that will be an occasional car.

in my experience with these things, it's far more economical to change the girlfriend for one that likes your spec than the other way aorund

anonymous said: [redacted] This ^^^. Unless the car is to be mainly driven around London, no point in getting a tip. Manual is so enjoyable in the 987. When the cars were newer the price differential of the 2.7 may have been worth it to save money, but now buy a 3.2 manual once and buy it well.

If she is expect the EXACT colour/spec combo then this is the problem, not the engine or transmission. There are 2 engines and 2 transmissions leading to only 4 combos and loads of examples of each so I don't think you should have to compromise on those bits. Whereas there are an infinite number of colours and options so waiting for the exact combo your GF wants means you could (will) be waiting forever. You're really best off agreeing what colours can you not live with and what options are an absolute must and go from there. Or dump her.

Having driven the 3.2 for a week and owning a 2.7 (both manual) I would suggest that the 2.7 will not disappoint on the road at all and is pretty quick. If you had any ambitions to track it I would go 3.2 all the way (for that reason I regret not going 3.2 but then again I got a great price !). What others have said is totally right though, the 3.2 S always comes with more options like climate not just Air con, Heated seats, Bose, sat nav etc. So best you decide on colour/spec first then see what cars have it.

Both 2.7 and 3.2s are excellent engines and cars. I bought a 2005 3.2 from new and had it for 2y. Mate did the same over the same period with a 2.7. I spent a lot of seat time in his car so I think I have a good feel on the differences. Both were manuals and I personally would avoid the tip at all costs as it doesn't fit the character of these cars. So, in comparison, Standard 5 speed box on the 2.7 seemed more notchy than standard 6 speed on the 3.2 so I would try and find a 6 speed either way as it was an option on the 2.7. Standard exhaust noise on the 2.7 was nicer and more fruity than the 3.2 imho 2.7 felt more fun on an empty road as you get more chances to rev it without doing silly speeds, 3.2 gets to serious speeds very quickly so it depends on what you are looking for. 2.7 is still a quick car. However, not entirely sure I agree on previous overtaking comment as on the road the difference between 3.2 and 2.7 should not define whether an overtake is safe or not. 3.2 gets carrera brakes and you can notice the improvement over the 2.7 stoppers which can occasionally be marginal if you are trying hard or considering track work. Many 3.2s will be on 19 inch rims whereas most 2.7s will be on 18s. Either way the ride is great on both for such a sporty great handling car and the handle bumps very well on standard suspension. Earlier comment on spec is worth noting as 3.2 comes with standard half leather and silver dials both of which I like but 3.2 will generally be upgraded to full leather and other extras not normally found on 2.7. Recent reports suggest 3.2 more likely to suffer from engine troubles than 2.7 but failure rates not as high in my view as the Internet would have you thinking. Finally, I think you will have q great time in any 987 as they are one of the most fun cars out there and emensely practical, capable and thrilling in the right circumstances. Enjoy!

Not wishing to party poop but standard M97 engine caveats apply - so check paperwork/ask if it's had IMS uprated, and where feasible ask for a scope of the bores. Call it peace of mind, you don't want to be the one having to fund remedial work. Check if there is a warranty and whether it will cover these two key areas (probably won't hence the scoping before you buy). Change oil every 12 mths regardless of mileage and you should be ok! This may narrow your field somewhat further :-z

c4sman said: Standard exhaust noise on the 2.7 was nicer and more fruity than the 3.2 imho The 2.7 has slightly less restrictive manifolds I'm told, so this probably also effects the exhaust note (aside from engine size of course).

anonymous said: [redacted] Largely sirly and unnecessary, so thanks for that, just trying to help. Don't know my Caymans as well as the 911s...I stand corrected (if you are correct). I know its the larger sized engine size that's generally affected (likely due to cyllinder thickness). If it were my money i'd still be thoroughly checking an M96. Edited by Fl0pp3r on Monday 1st June 20:35

Isnt the M96 3.2 more likely to suffer Ims failure than the 2.7 ? I get that impression from forums but I really dont know.

dtriggs said: Isnt the M96 3.2 more likely to suffer Ims failure than the 2.7 ? I get that impression from forums but I really dont know. No reason why it should - this component is the same for both cars. Personally, I'd get the IMS checked at clutch change time, and if it has the single-row bearing, get it swapped out for the LN retrofit pro bearing. I might even get a clutch change done shortly after purchase, with the IMS upgrade, RMS replacement etc at the same time. Then you know you've got a sound engine, and can drive without worrying about IMS failures.