981 Market Advice - Page 5 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

Hi, looking for some thoughts and advice on where everyone things the 981 Boxter/Cayman market is going. Having cancelled an order for a MB350 Coupe last year, because of the pandemic, I am now looking to get back in to Porsche ownership. My worry is that now is possibly not a great time to buy, with prices definitely inflated from where they were, even from mid last year. I remember Ashgood’s had a nice Cayman S for sale last year at £30k, but prices seem plus 10-15% minimum currently from this level. If I buy now am I in risk of the market re-aligning at some point in the next 12 months, and over paying currently?

I think it will go down as prices for all used cars seem to be high in recent months. Plus more 718 will filter into the market and irrespective of where you sit regarding the sound versus performance arguements, the fact is for most buyer age (or rather lack of age and miles) is a key factor. How much you will lose? I've no idea. But I wouldn't over think these things, just buy the car you want (if you can afford it) and drive it. More smiles per miles (unless you get your kicks cleaning and looking at it).

As per above. Spec-sensitive. I know I paid £1-2k more as the interior/exterior colour combo was very nice, plus it has Sports Chrono. But won’t that always be the case and remain relative? I also doubt if the 981 will take a big hit now. We’ve clearly passed the 3 year min age zone where PCP cars are still coming to market. And Boxster prices may firm up with spring heading our way. I gave up fretting and bought mine in December thinking it was relatively well priced for how it made me and SWMBO feel. I still check on AT to see if I’d been done, but that’s me...

Best advice I can give. Well it is what I did. If you find a car you are happy with and happy to pay that price. Buy it. Never look at them for sale to see what they are fetching again. Ignorance is bliss! Haha. Also as been said it’s smiles per mile and can you put a price on that?

consider also that prices for Caysters usually increase around spring time and go down through autumn and winter, so prices will likely firm up now as the weather warms and these cars are used more.

Thanks all. As I am sure you agree once you start the search it’s hard to stop yourself! I am going to take my time and wait for the right one. I got burnt by a 997 CS with scored bores a number of years ago, so I want to find the right one, which will be a keeper.

Topbalcblue said: Thanks all. As I am sure you agree once you start the search it’s hard to stop yourself! I am going to take my time and wait for the right one. I got burnt by a 997 CS with scored bores a number of years ago, so I want to find the right one, which will be a keeper. I had my car inspected prior to purchase. They checked the engine for over revs and i received a very in depth report on the car. It put my mind at rest. It was about £500. If it’s of interest to you I can look in my paperwork to se who did it?

keo said: I had my car inspected prior to purchase. They checked the engine for over revs and i received a very in depth report on the car. It put my mind at rest. It was about £500. If it’s of interest to you I can look in my paperwork to se who did it? I don't want to be unkind, but £500 to inspect this kind of car is pretty outrageous. And checking the over revs, for the record, can be done in about 30 seconds. Suspect most of the time and effort went into knocking up a document that seemed superficially impressive enough to justify the huge fee as opposed to inspecting the car. £200 is ample to inspect something like a 981 as thoroughly as can be done via the usual visual inspection / without pulling the thing apart. £300 at the absolute most. There's only so much you can check without it becoming invasive or very labour intensive. In other words, it's hard to imagine what you got in your £500 report that someone charging £200 and doing a proper job of it at a sensible labour rate couldn't cover off. I bet your inspection didn't include anything like borescoping, leakdown tests, testing the coolant for carbon, analysing transmission or engine oil etc. Would have just been an external visual inspection, up on a ramp to look underneath, a wiggle of the wheels to look for worn suspension parts and similar, plug it in to pull the codes and check the revs, and maybe a test drive. Which is fine. Unless you charge £500 pounds, at which point it's a bit ridiculous. £500 is so much, it's getting close to the point where it invites doubts over the ethics and competence of the people doing it. That said, agree that getting an inspection is well worth while. Just find a competent workshop that charges a fair price.

I’ve been looking for quite a while now. To be fair it started by just browsing, but or a long while now I’d like to purchase as soon as I can find the right car. It does feel like the market is way up on where it was 12 months ago across the board, especially on certain models. I'm not an expert, but for me it feels like there are a number of factors at play. It may just down to supply and demand. There are a lot less cars on the market than there were 18 months ago. Maybe that will correct itself in a few months. There also feels like a huge decrease in the number of private sales, and this is playing into the dealers hands. Less people are potentially purchasing because they can’t go and see/test drive the cars. So there is less stock circulating as people trade in and trade up. Some dealers are playing sensibly with a slight increase in price, but some dealers (especially the OPCs) are putting a huge margin on some of their used stock. This is turn could make others feel that they can also further hike the price of their cars as relatively they don’t look so silly. But I guess the dealers are in the business of making profit on cars so if they have the opportunity then it’s no surprise they are taking it. I'm sure there are lots of other factors at play in the market which I am unaware of that are also influencing this. I’m just hoping that we see some normalisation soon. Like some of the others have stated I’d rather not pay a premium that may evaporate (to some degree) over the next few months. One thing is sure, and that is this is very hard to predict. After the last lockdowns lifted the prices went up even more, so could happen again. But in saying that, if the right thing came along I would be tempted just to get the car and enjoy it regardless.Life is too short. Edited by AAAndy on Tuesday 9th March 19:09

F6C said: Lots of stuff Well that is a fair old response... £500 is not a lot of money in the grand scheme of things when compared to the purchase price of the car I bought (981 gt4) I have never spent this amount of money on a car before and it took the stress out of the purchase. Yes I could of gone opc but I still saved quite a substantial amount having my “expensive” report done and buying from a non Porsche garage. For the cost and my peace of mind I feel it was well worth it. Different people have different opinions though.

£500 isn't a lot of money in that context, no. That doesn't prevent it from being a rip off. It's possible it was a reasonable fee. Perhaps the work involved justified it, but it's pretty hard to imagine how / what went into the inspection that warrants that kind of fee. Strikes me as a significant overcharge. And if they're willing to do that, would undermine my confidence in the job they'd done. Anyway, I'd argue that an inspection is worthwhile, but one should seek to pay far less than £500.

New car prices are rocketing. Used car prices will rocket when lockdown comes to an end and demand picks up - just like last time. Buy now to avoid disappointment.

F6C said: £500 isn't a lot of money in that context, no. That doesn't prevent it from being a rip off. It's possible it was a reasonable fee. Perhaps the work involved justified it, but it's pretty hard to imagine how / what went into the inspection that warrants that kind of fee. Strikes me as a significant overcharge. And if they're willing to do that, would undermine my confidence in the job they'd done. Anyway, I'd argue that an inspection is worthwhile, but one should seek to pay far less than £500. I just checked I paid £410. Maybe I was ripped off, I don’t know but I was happy with it. I am not a font of knowledge all things Porsche. I have friends who are into them. They say this inspection is very good. Who knows? I will leave it at that. Sorry op I was just trying to help!

My feeling is that 981 prices will harden or even go up a little further. SWMBO picked up a 2.7 981 first lockdown at a crazy price - sub 20k. It's a really impressive car in many areas, with niggles being mainly around Porsche's standard equipment/options list miserliness. The NA flat six is creamily smooth to 7.5k and sounds epic, despite not being overly rapid in Pork terms, and the long gearing of the manual means lazy driving when not 'on it' as 3rd pretty much does 15-85mph almost like an auto mode. You have to drive it tidily to get the best from it, so it's a challenge and fun to drive. Personally, I prefer the interior and exterior to the 781 but would prefer the improved spec and tech of later cars for sure. The problem now is I want her to trade up to an S or GTS in another year or so, and those are moving up at the same rate. IMO the 981s are loitering in a sub-classic zone of NA engines, manual gearboxes and still have enough old school charm, character and challenge to entertain when things go full Tesla - I drove a Dual Motor Tesla 3 and it's a great car and very rapid, but not as much fun as a 981 in driver's terms I think. Just as 997 gen 2s are in a sweet spot, I think the 981 will do well residual-wise and the bargains will be in the 781 range. Indeed, from memory of the classifieds a month ago, you could possibly even get into a 781 for less than an equivalent mileage 981 even with a year or two difference and spec/tech gap?

rockin said: New car prices are rocketing. Used car prices will rocket when lockdown comes to an end and demand picks up - just like last time. Buy now to avoid disappointment. Interesting report from Gap up to March 8th . Used prices dropped overall 3% last year , sports cars up 7% . Trade prices have dropped but used staying stable .Used car sales have dropped 40% since Christmas,but Dealers keeping stock on forecourt not discounting. Moving forward they hope April will be the new March. Also noted influx of used coming into the market ,pcp return repos etc. Dont believe them when they say that used stock is in short supply Edited by tedblog on Wednesday 10th March 10:41

tedblog said: Interesting report from Gap up to March 8th . Used prices dropped overall 3% last year , sports cars up 7% . Trade prices have dropped but used staying stable .Used car sales have dropped 40% since Christmas,but Dealers keeping stock on forecourt not discounting. Moving forward they hope April will be the new March. Also noted influx of used coming into the market ,pcp return repos etc. Dont believe them when they say that used stock is in short supply Edited by tedblog on Wednesday 10th March 10:41 There are lots of factors at play here, but regarding your last point about supply; many folks have realised (due WFH) that they don’t need the daily practicalities that their current car offers. Some don’t even need a car at all. All of this increases their propensity to have something fun on the driveway. So yeh, this has caused a glut of cars in one category and a relative shortage in another.

tedblog said: Dont believe them when they say that used stock is in short supply That's a photo of Rockingham speedway. Last time I was there Indycars (CART) were going round it at over 200 mph. " Today, it is being used as a storage facility for former hire and ex-lease vehicles before they are sent to auctions or second-hand dealers' forecourts. Rockingham Motor Speedway opened in 2001 but went into administration in 2016 and was closed as a circuit location in 2019.19 Feb 2021" You'd need some very powerful binoculars to find any "interesting" cars among all that humdrum, ex-rental tat.

anonymous said: [redacted] I would say late summer early autumn? Obviously still ongoing judging by the report? https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-9... Thats alot of cars?

WBAC values do seem very high at the moment. I presume is a reflection of the general market demand as we move into spring. The valuation I got yesterday on mine was the highest it's been since Feb-19. Good time to cash out if you're moving it on I guess, the problem for me is I really like the car so will prob hang onto it. Tempting to sell for these valuations though!

jimbo761 said: WBAC values do seem very high at the moment. I presume is a reflection of the general market demand as we move into spring. The valuation I got yesterday on mine was the highest it's been since Feb-19. Good time to cash out if you're moving it on I guess, the problem for me is I really like the car so will prob hang onto it. Tempting to sell for these valuations though! Still the cost to change is the figure to look at . Sold 2 work vans last year and got top price for them, downside we will be paying top price for the ones to replace them. Year old with 10k miles 2 k cheaper than a brand new one

Looks like the pandemic might have done me a favour regarding values. I was going to sell my 981PDK, well specced 2015 car, as I wasn’t doing the long euro and UK trips I bought it for. Hopefully the roadmap dates will happen as forecast.

Also a point to add regarding the report. Used values for EV and hybrids dropped more than overall values.

Nyloc20 said: Looks like the pandemic might have done me a favour regarding values. I was going to sell my 981PDK, well specced 2015 car, as I wasn’t doing the long euro and UK trips I bought it for. Hopefully the roadmap dates will happen as forecast. Hi Nyloc20 - Just reading your post about, if you do decide to sell please feel free to send me a direct message as I am currently looking. I did try to message you directly but your account settings doesn't allow that at the moment. Thanks.

I have owned my 2014 CGTS from new. 16500k FSH with lots of goodies inc new tyres. I’ve been offered £43k trade in against my incoming GT4. I’ve seen lots of OPC and independent dealer cars with far more owners and mileage for around £50/53k mark. I’ll be advertising mine for late £40s Crazy and unpredictable market at the moment.

AAAndy said: Nyloc20 said: Looks like the pandemic might have done me a favour regarding values. I was going to sell my 981PDK, well specced 2015 car, as I wasn’t doing the long euro and UK trips I bought it for. Hopefully the roadmap dates will happen as forecast. Hi Nyloc20 - Just reading your post about, if you do decide to sell please feel free to send me a direct message as I am currently looking. I did try to message you directly but your account settings doesn't allow that at the moment. Thanks. Thanks Andy, I’ll update you if any changes. I’m not the best with technology so I’ll get my son to do the private message settings.

interesting thread, my 981 S i created a WBAC and they message me every few weeks to say its increased, now my work situation has changed im seriously tempted to sell as its not getting driven, and it feels a bit of a waste just sitting in the garage. I do think in the next month or two it will increase again and well spec cars always seem to sell well. Will hold out a little longer as Im currently using the wifes car for the two days in the office.

There have always been fields and other places full of used run of the mill cars waiting to be moved on, even new cars sometimes but that does not apply to cars which are no longer made and people actually want. IMO the 981 will hold its money at minimum and will possibly increase even more, the S versions are in even shorter supply bumping their prices up further. We have already reached the point you can buy a newer 718 for less money in an OPC than an equivalent older 981 that must be the first clue. I would say buy now, the 981 you could eventually end up with will only get older with more miles on the clock for possibly the same or even more money later on, do it now and enjoy it while you still can, soon enough we will all be forced into driving around in milk floats.

All used prices have increased, a very unusual situation indeed: https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/publish/exclusive-... How long this lasts is anyone’s guess. The 981 is not “last of the line”, either so don’t fall into the trap of thinking it’s anything special.

Lexington59 said: The 981 is not “last of the line”, either so don’t fall into the trap of thinking it’s anything special. I wonder why are people paying more for a 981 than a newer 718 then, they must have something going for them other than old age?

Lexington59 said: How long this lasts is anyone’s guess. The 981 is not “last of the line”, either so don’t fall into the trap of thinking it’s anything special. While not specifically, it's at the sweet spot of a great looker / no OPFs / naturally aspitated / manual gearbox / sounds fabulous with PSE. Demand will be there for such cars for a while I think.

Daz1855 said: Lexington59 said: The 981 is not “last of the line”, either so don’t fall into the trap of thinking it’s anything special. I wonder why are people paying more for a 981 than a newer 718 then, they must have something going for them other than old age? It’s quite hard to get a true comparison. You’d have to compare 2016s as I think that’s when they changed the model line. But then the low volumes mean there arent many similar cars of either stripe. And for sure people / dealers will advertise at whatever price they think is appropriate. Best comparison I did was wbac’s of a same year and mileage 2.7 vs the 2.0 which was identical. Auto trader, all mainly start around 40 with the exception of some category S’s perhaps. That said I’m sure you could find an outlier example but I don’t think the difference is quite what people on these forums think.

Twinfan said: Lexington59 said: How long this lasts is anyone’s guess. The 981 is not “last of the line”, either so don’t fall into the trap of thinking it’s anything special. While not specifically, it's at the sweet spot of a great looker / no OPFs / naturally aspitated / manual gearbox / sounds fabulous with PSE. Demand will be there for such cars for a while I think. Out of interest, why did you sell your GTS? 718 GT4 is a superb investment imo. You certainly won’t have lost much money on that.

Lexington59 said: All used prices have increased, a very unusual situation indeed: https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/publish/exclusive-... How long this lasts is anyone’s guess. The 981 is not “last of the line”, either so don’t fall into the trap of thinking it’s anything special. You don’t need to fall into any trap; the data is plain to see. For whatever reason, 981 Cayman S pricing has begun breaching 718S pricing. The same has not happened between 987 & 981 cars, and there is no trend to suggest it will. Thus, data has shown a particular desirability in the market for 981S cars. It doesn’t matter why. 981s and 718s are both brilliant things. Anyone (apart from you) would be thrilled with either, but numbers don’t lie. Where does this go? It’ll settle eventually, but not anytime soon, because there isn’t the supply side to match. I’ve little doubt that one could pick up a Cayman now, enjoy it for the summer and walk away from it without loss.

They have inflated since last summer, that’s for sure. Cridfords have cars in stock similar to those that were 35k last summer going for 40+. I was looking at that time and the entry point for a 981CS was 27.5 or so. That’s 2.7L territory today. I suspect they’ll go up and down with the rest of the market. All used cars are strong at the moment - but place your bets now for next year. What I would say, having learnt it last year is; these are spec sensitive cars for both the buyer and the market - it all emanates from Porsche being notoriously stingy when it comes to options. If you’re picky on spec (as many of us are) then you may wait a while for the right car which firms the price up. Unless a few grand loss is really unacceptable, I would just wait for the right spec car and pounce. They’re brilliant. Edited by Royal Jelly on Wednesday 26th May 09:24

Lexington59 said: Out of interest, why did you sell your GTS? 718 GT4 is a superb investment imo. You certainly won’t have lost much money on that. I'm a one car man, so the 981 GTS was traded in for my 718 GT4. I loved the GTS but ultimately it was a little soft for my tastes. I wanted something a little more hardcore, more special feeling etc. My car isn't a daily so I don't need to worry about car parks, traffic, fuel economy etc. I'm also starting to do track days this year so it was even more appropriate for me to make the switch. I didn't buy a 981 GT4 as I didn't think the engine was good enough for the chassis, and I still feel that way about it. It's much better suited and mapped in the Spyder, which I think is the pick of the 981 range if you like convertibles (which I don't!).

I think the temptation for current owners to sell is very high which will undoubtedly lead to a change in supply and demand. I can't see the prices staying at the elevated levels forever. I too would very much like a 981 but if the market is that ridiculous for one I will simply go for a 718, can't be dealing with that nonsense.

Royal Jelly said: Lexington59 said: All used prices have increased, a very unusual situation indeed: https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/publish/exclusive-... How long this lasts is anyone’s guess. The 981 is not “last of the line”, either so don’t fall into the trap of thinking it’s anything special. You don’t need to fall into any trap; the data is plain to see. For whatever reason, 981 Cayman S pricing has begun breaching 718S pricing. The same has not happened between 987 & 981 cars, and there is no trend to suggest it will. Thus, data has shown a particular desirability in the market for 981S cars. It doesn’t matter why. 981s and 718s are both brilliant things. Anyone (apart from you) would be thrilled with either, but numbers don’t lie. Where does this go? It’ll settle eventually, but not anytime soon, because there isn’t the supply side to match. I’ve little doubt that one could pick up a Cayman now, enjoy it for the summer and walk away from it without loss. I can find many 987 Gen 2’s that are more expensive than 981. At least a dozen. That shift will continue as the 981 prices soften and people want either the original or the latest, the middle model is, well, too middle of the road. Edited by julian987R on Wednesday 26th May 20:15

julian987R said: I can find many 987 Gen 2’s that are more expensive than 981. At least a dozen. That shift will continue as the 981 prices soften and people want either the original or the latest, the middle model is, well, too middle of the road. Really??? I would have thought some 981 prices, especially GTS models would be holding or if not increasing in value. You're definitely an advocate for 987.2s. Edited by Andy OH on Wednesday 26th May 20:23

The 981 was probably the most disappointing car Ive owned, so much promise, so little delivery. Don’t get me wrong. They’re not bad cars by any stretch. Problem is, the owners spout so much crap on forums it’s difficult to see the wood for the trees (if you spend too much time on forums at least.) Massively, massively overrated, flawed cars, the steering particularly is just horrible once you’ve tried something better. It’s hard to find a car with so much hype that underdelivers so badly, the expectations vs reality gap is just huge. But what do I know, if you buy one at current values I really hope you tried some alternatives first.

julian987R said: Royal Jelly said: Lexington59 said: All used prices have increased, a very unusual situation indeed: https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/publish/exclusive-... How long this lasts is anyone’s guess. The 981 is not “last of the line”, either so don’t fall into the trap of thinking it’s anything special. You don’t need to fall into any trap; the data is plain to see. For whatever reason, 981 Cayman S pricing has begun breaching 718S pricing. The same has not happened between 987 & 981 cars, and there is no trend to suggest it will. Thus, data has shown a particular desirability in the market for 981S cars. It doesn’t matter why. 981s and 718s are both brilliant things. Anyone (apart from you) would be thrilled with either, but numbers don’t lie. Where does this go? It’ll settle eventually, but not anytime soon, because there isn’t the supply side to match. I’ve little doubt that one could pick up a Cayman now, enjoy it for the summer and walk away from it without loss. I can find many 987 Gen 2’s that are more expensive than 981. At least a dozen. That shift will continue as the 981 prices soften and people want either the original or the latest, the middle model is, well, too middle of the road. Edited by julian987R on Wednesday 26th May 20:15 A cursory look on AT shows, with the exception of a techart thing and a special edition, the lions share of 987.2 CS’s are mid-low 20s. 981CS? Well, of the 31 on AT, 14 of them are between 35-40 and 12 are between 40 & 50. The most populous price range of the 981 2.7 Caymans are 30-35. Didn’t bother to look at base 987.2 cars, as they’re going to be less than the S. Would you like me to draw similar comparisons between 981 & 718, or do you think you can manage yourself? Sorry, all market data suggests that more people want the so-called ‘middle of the road’ rather than the ‘original’. I know that triggers you.

Schmed said: The 981 was probably the most disappointing car Ive owned, so much promise, so little delivery. Don’t get me wrong. They’re not bad cars by any stretch. Problem is, the owners spout so much crap on forums it’s difficult to see the wood for the trees (if you spend too much time on forums at least.) Massively, massively overrated, flawed cars, the steering particularly is just horrible once you’ve tried something better. It’s hard to find a car with so much hype that underdelivers so badly, the expectations vs reality gap is just huge. But what do I know, if you buy one at current values I really hope you tried some alternatives first. This thread is about the market, not your opinion. The data is there, and FWIW is contrary to your opinion. As is pretty much all credible journalistic & owner feedback. Give it a rest. Enjoy your base 4pot. Edited by Royal Jelly on Wednesday 26th May 20:56

Royal Jelly said: julian987R said: Royal Jelly said: Lexington59 said: All used prices have increased, a very unusual situation indeed: https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/publish/exclusive-... How long this lasts is anyone’s guess. The 981 is not “last of the line”, either so don’t fall into the trap of thinking it’s anything special. You don’t need to fall into any trap; the data is plain to see. For whatever reason, 981 Cayman S pricing has begun breaching 718S pricing. The same has not happened between 987 & 981 cars, and there is no trend to suggest it will. Thus, data has shown a particular desirability in the market for 981S cars. It doesn’t matter why. 981s and 718s are both brilliant things. Anyone (apart from you) would be thrilled with either, but numbers don’t lie. Where does this go? It’ll settle eventually, but not anytime soon, because there isn’t the supply side to match. I’ve little doubt that one could pick up a Cayman now, enjoy it for the summer and walk away from it without loss. I can find many 987 Gen 2’s that are more expensive than 981. At least a dozen. That shift will continue as the 981 prices soften and people want either the original or the latest, the middle model is, well, too middle of the road. Edited by julian987R on Wednesday 26th May 20:15 A cursory look on AT shows, with the exception of a techart thing and a special edition, the lions share of 987.2 CS’s are mid-low 20s. 981CS? Well, of the 31 on AT, 14 of them are between 35-40 and 12 are between 40 & 50. The most populous price range of the 981 2.7 Caymans are 30-35. Didn’t bother to look at base 987.2 cars, as they’re going to be less than the S. Would you like me to draw similar comparisons between 981 & 718, or do you think you can manage yourself? Sorry, all market data suggests that more people want the so-called ‘middle of the road’ rather than the ‘original’. I know that triggers you. 981CS on AT, lets do the sums upto say from the lowest price £29K to £40K. There are 19 981CS in that same price range across the 987 range there are 11. enough said. I said many, I didn't say all 987s are more expensive, but the gap is closing, 987s up, 981s down. Its not rocket science.

julian987R said: 981CS on AT, lets do the sums upto say from the lowest price £29K to £40K. There are 19 981CS in that same price range across the 987 range there are 11. enough said. I said many, I didn't say all 987s are more expensive, but the gap is closing, 987s up, 981s down. Its not rocket science. Apparently it is rocket science to you. Compare base, S and GTS(r) machines. Not entire series against a specific model. Otherwise that’s as idiotic as saying there are 26 981 cars over 50k, and zero 987s, so that must mean 987s are worthless. Would you like me to help you? You’re not statistically-inclined, I appreciate, but the mean spread of (to use a like-for-like model) CS caymans between 981 & 987.2 is currently about 14.5k. I don’t recall that spread ever being higher in the last couple of years. Do you know what that means in terms of gaps closing? Don’t you feel slightly idiotic coming on a thread about rising values of 981 cars (with data points) and claim they’re going down? What were they in autumn last year? I can tell you if you’d like. Edited by Royal Jelly on Wednesday 26th May 21:17

In what way was it disappointing and compared to what other cars that you have owned? I bought my wife a 981s last year and when I drive it I really enjoy it. Granted there are faster cars out there but in my experience in the last year I find myself picking the keys to her car more often than my own!

Royal Jelly said: julian987R said: 981CS on AT, lets do the sums upto say from the lowest price £29K to £40K. There are 19 981CS in that same price range across the 987 range there are 11. enough said. I said many, I didn't say all 987s are more expensive, but the gap is closing, 987s up, 981s down. Its not rocket science. Apparently it is rocket science to you. Compare base, S and GTS(r) machines. Not entire series against a specific model. Otherwise that’s as idiotic as saying there are 26 981 cars over 50k, and zero 987s, so that must mean 987s are worthless. Would you like me to help you? You’re not statistically-inclined, I appreciate, but the mean spread of (to use a like-for-like model) CS caymans between 981 & 987.2 is currently about 14.5k. I don’t recall that spread ever being higher in the last couple of years. Do you know what that means in terms of gaps closing? Don’t you feel slightly idiotic coming on a thread about rising values of 981 cars (with data points) and claim they’re going down? What were they in autumn last year? I can tell you if you’d like. Edited by Royal Jelly on Wednesday 26th May 21:17 you are over-egging this. Revert back to my opening response that I can find many 987s more expensive than 981's. What is 'many' ? I agree it is nebulous... but it is more than two or three... at least half a dozen as/more expensive. This has obviously got you bent out of shape for some reason. You are re-engineering my comment to fit a point you are seemingly desperate to make. You've made it. Sleep well. Edited by julian987R on Wednesday 26th May 23:26

Schmed said: The 981 was probably the most disappointing car Ive owned, so much promise, so little delivery. Don’t get me wrong. They’re not bad cars by any stretch. Problem is, the owners spout so much crap on forums it’s difficult to see the wood for the trees (if you spend too much time on forums at least.) Massively, massively overrated, flawed cars, the steering particularly is just horrible once you’ve tried something better. It’s hard to find a car with so much hype that underdelivers so badly, the expectations vs reality gap is just huge. But what do I know, if you buy one at current values I really hope you tried some alternatives first. I've driven a mates 718S and not sure why you're bagging the 981 steering as the 718 is just a revised version. Cayman 987 platform still wipes the floor with both in terms of steering feel if that's so important. BTW, he's just sold his 718 as we'd do runs with a dozen other porkers and the F6 sound just got under his skin.

Royal Jelly said: julian987R said: 981CS on AT, lets do the sums upto say from the lowest price £29K to £40K. There are 19 981CS in that same price range across the 987 range there are 11. enough said. I said many, I didn't say all 987s are more expensive, but the gap is closing, 987s up, 981s down. Its not rocket science. Apparently it is rocket science to you. Compare base, S and GTS(r) machines. Not entire series against a specific model. Otherwise that’s as idiotic as saying there are 26 981 cars over 50k, and zero 987s, so that must mean 987s are worthless. Would you like me to help you? You’re not statistically-inclined, I appreciate, but the mean spread of (to use a like-for-like model) CS caymans between 981 & 987.2 is currently about 14.5k. I don’t recall that spread ever being higher in the last couple of years. Do you know what that means in terms of gaps closing? Don’t you feel slightly idiotic coming on a thread about rising values of 981 cars (with data points) and claim they’re going down? What were they in autumn last year? I can tell you if you’d like. Edited by Royal Jelly on Wednesday 26th May 21:17 This is the reality in a nutshell.. Pretty much all sports car values are up at the moment, but it has to be a bubble due to various reasons, including supply. My GTS is now £4.5k more on WBAC than I paid for it from a dealer last July, similar for other cars. Model for model, 981’s are more expensive than 987’s by a decent margin, the gap isn’t narrowing at all. 718’s are starting to dip below 981’s though for similar age/spec/mileage cars I’ve noticed. Having had both, 987(R) and 981(GTS), the only better component for me on the 987, is the steering feel. Having said that, my GTS has X73 lowered, non PASM suspension and whilst more remote in feel, it steers superbly. Everyone’s different, but for me and my use, I think the 981 is a superb Porsche....and I’ve had a few over the years... So to answer the original question, I think if you buy well now, you’ll suffer low depreciation, especially compared to many other cars.

Royal Jelly said: Give it a rest. Enjoy your base 4pot. Edited by Royal Jelly on Wednesday 26th May 20:56 981 ownership seems to affect some like a religion. They seem to forget all rationality except worshipping at the altar of the 981. The perfect car, except that, no, it really isn’t. To quote the words of RATM “Wake uppp!”

Thank goodness Schmed doesn't like them. Strange, isn't it, that Porsche reintroduced the 6-pot cars with a dinky 718 badge at almost 911 price. It's the high price of those cars that makes a used 981 look such excellent value today. But hey, why let reality stand in the way of a bit of keyboard ranting.

domster said: The NA flat six is creamily smooth to 7.5k and sounds epic, despite not being overly rapid in Pork terms, and the long gearing of the manual means lazy driving when not 'on it' as 3rd pretty much does 15-85mph almost like an auto mode. You have to drive it tidily to get the best from it, so it's a challenge and fun to drive. ? 3rd is good for 110 mph..

A timely thread, dad and I were just talking about his Cayman S last week during the F1 as he’s thinking of moving into something else as they just don’t use two cars any more. A late Cayman S, PDK, two tone interior (one of the few nice ones!), black 20” alloys with the silver rim. Unfortunately it’s done something like 5k miles, he just takes the Merc everywhere instead! How do you even value such low mileage oddities?

LaurasOtherHalf said: A timely thread, dad and I were just talking about his Cayman S last week during the F1 as he’s thinking of moving into something else as they just don’t use two cars any more. A late Cayman S, PDK, two tone interior (one of the few nice ones!), black 20” alloys with the silver rim. Unfortunately it’s done something like 5k miles, he just takes the Merc everywhere instead! How do you even value such low mileage oddities? Put it on Wizzle and find out!

Andyoz said: Schmed said: The 981 was probably the most disappointing car Ive owned, so much promise, so little delivery. Don’t get me wrong. They’re not bad cars by any stretch. Problem is, the owners spout so much crap on forums it’s difficult to see the wood for the trees (if you spend too much time on forums at least.) Massively, massively overrated, flawed cars, the steering particularly is just horrible once you’ve tried something better. It’s hard to find a car with so much hype that underdelivers so badly, the expectations vs reality gap is just huge. But what do I know, if you buy one at current values I really hope you tried some alternatives first. I've driven a mates 718S and not sure why you're bagging the 981 steering as the 718 is just a revised version. Cayman 987 platform still wipes the floor with both in terms of steering feel if that's so important. BTW, he's just sold his 718 as we'd do runs with a dozen other porkers and the F6 sound just got under his skin. That’s Schmed all over. He just can’t understand/accept that some people prefer the 981 S over the F4 718. Very strange. I’ve had 4 718 loaners when my 981 CS has been in for service, 111 check etc.. they are good cars but just don’t ignite the urge to want one in me. For me they lack the immersive drama of the F6 cars. Schmed prefers the way the F4 car does things and that’s great. It’s all good. My local OPC let me have an hour in their 718 4.0 CGTS demo a few weeks ago. Now that is how it should be done IMO. I’m considering a 981 GT4 though.

pete.g said: Put it on Wizzle and find out! I never knew such a site existed, thanks for the link.

Just put mine into Wizzle, £2k offer above WBAC and more than £6k it cost last July.....madness....can’t last surely?

HighwayStar said: My local OPC let me have an hour in their 718 4.0 CGTS demo a few weeks ago. Now that is how it should be done IMO. I’m considering a 981 GT4 though. Try before you buy - the 3.8 in standard form isn't a patch on the 4.0 in my experience. IMHO, YMMV etc etc.

Twinfan said: HighwayStar said: My local OPC let me have an hour in their 718 4.0 CGTS demo a few weeks ago. Now that is how it should be done IMO. I’m considering a 981 GT4 though. Try before you buy - the 3.8 in standard form isn't a patch on the 4.0 in my experience. IMHO, YMMV etc etc. Like online clothes shopping, I would never buy without trying first. The improvements in the 4.0 over my 981 S was obvious in the first 200yrs away from Colchester OPC. If I go for it it’ll be a retirement present to myself... the 718 GT4 would be a bit more than I want to spend.

HighwayStar said: Like online clothes shopping, I would never buy without trying first. The improvements in the 4.0 over my 981 S was obvious in the first 200yrs away from Colchester OPC. If I go for it it’ll be a retirement present to myself... the 718 GT4 would be a bit more than I want to spend. In which case 981 GT4 vs 718 GTS will be an interesting comparison for sure. In my opinion the chassis on the GT4 wins but the engine on GTS 4.0 wins....

HighwayStar said: The improvements in the 4.0 over my 981 S was obvious in the first 200yrs away from Colchester OPC. If I go for it it’ll be a retirement present to myself... That's quite a retirement you're planning there!

rockin said: HighwayStar said: The improvements in the 4.0 over my 981 S was obvious in the first 200yrs away from Colchester OPC. If I go for it it’ll be a retirement present to myself... That's quite a retirement you're planning there! Lol... I’m immortal .

Schmed said: The 981 was probably the most disappointing car Ive owned, so much promise, so little delivery. Don’t get me wrong. They’re not bad cars by any stretch. Problem is, the owners spout so much crap on forums it’s difficult to see the wood for the trees (if you spend too much time on forums at least.) Massively, massively overrated, flawed cars, the steering particularly is just horrible once you’ve tried something better. It’s hard to find a car with so much hype that underdelivers so badly, the expectations vs reality gap is just huge. But what do I know, if you buy one at current values I really hope you tried some alternatives first. So to sum up, according to you "they're not bad cars by any stretch" whilst also being "massively massively overrated flawed cars", got it. In answer to your question of what do you know, I would say very little, you are at best confused or just clueless, but what do I know

Each version has flaws really. Coming from hydraulic I couldn’t stand the first gen EPS for example. The new 718 4.0 is said to have overly high gearing but I haven’t driven that yet so can’t comment. If people have experienced the cars it can be useful feedback, other than the usual journalist spiel which is very often lazy, jumping on a few standard bandwagons, having only had a short drive in order to hit a deadline.

Lexington59 said: Each version has flaws really. Every car has flaws, no car is perfect. That said as someone who has lost count of how many cars I have driven (ex motor trade) I have yet to drive a car that didn't have something going for it. Drive a car, if you like it buy it, if you don't don't buy it, the bottom line is if you are happy with what you have bought who cares what anyone else says or thinks. I cannot for the life of me understand why people go on the net to slag off a car that someone likely to be the reading the garbage they have written has paid good money for.

Daz1855 said: very car has flaws, no car is perfect. I cannot for the life of me understand why people go on the net to slag off a car that someone likely to be the reading the garbage they have written has paid good money for. Nice thought, but the reality is with anonymous posting there is a tremendous amount of slagging off. I remember when the F4 turbo engine first came out, some posters were really putting the knife into the people who'd joined the forum to talk about their new car. Absolutely disgraceful in my view, and there are certainly some rather unsavory characters here. There are also some very helpful ones with a good spread of knowledge so you have to take the rough with the smooth.

Lexington59 said: Absolutely disgraceful in my view, and there are certainly some rather unsavory characters here. You are right and that will never change, the keyboard warrior is unlikely to ever end up getting a smack in the mouth, which is no doubt why they are always so outspoken. That said the likes of Schm ed/ock will always set themselves up for a virtual one and will invariably end up getting it. The unfortunate part is all they achieve is getting a reputation for not being overly bright and any contributions (?) end up being largely ignored.

Certain comments always appear to trigger some of the more intellectually challenged... Always a few characters on here, I wonder what happened to cmoose and 911R..

Not a lot to add. Out of curiosity I did a we buy any car valuation and it has risen £2k in a month. However it is still a bit short of what I paid for it. Not that it really matters as I am going to keep it for a bit. In regards to the epas I think it is ok on my GT4 no doubt I would prefer the hydraulic system on a 987. It is the main point why I am thinking of trying a V6 Exige next. No doubt the Cayman is the better car but I’d imagine ultimately an Exige is more fun. Sorry for going off topic!

keo said: Not a lot to add. Out of curiosity I did a we buy any car valuation and it has risen £2k in a month. However it is still a bit short of what I paid for it. Not that it really matters as I am going to keep it for a bit. In regards to the epas I think it is ok on my GT4 no doubt I would prefer the hydraulic system on a 987. It is the main point why I am thinking of trying a V6 Exige next. No doubt the Cayman is the better car but I’d imagine ultimately an Exige is more fun. Sorry for going off topic! I've only driven a 4 cyl Exige. They are a very focussed car. Would love to have one alongside a Cayman but there alot of drives I just wouldn't even think of taking a Lotus ...

Andyoz said: I've only driven a 4 cyl Exige. They are a very focussed car. Would love to have one alongside a Cayman but there alot of drives I just wouldn't even think of taking a Lotus ... I used an Elise 111R daily for 2 years. But at the time I didn’t do a lot of miles and worked away most of the time. It wasn’t that bad... winter wasn’t nice. But i will always have two cars now as I need a boring diesel for work so I don’t mind the toy being a bit more focused.

Lexington59 said: Certain comments always appear to trigger some of the more intellectually challenged... Always a few characters on here, I wonder what happened to cmoose and 911R.. They both got banned IIRC.

Twinfan said: Lexington59 said: Certain comments always appear to trigger some of the more intellectually challenged... Always a few characters on here, I wonder what happened to cmoose and 911R.. They both got banned IIRC. I think cmoose flounced.

LaurasOtherHalf said: Twinfan said: Lexington59 said: Certain comments always appear to trigger some of the more intellectually challenged... Always a few characters on here, I wonder what happened to cmoose and 911R.. They both got banned IIRC. I think cmoose flounced. Cmoose's last words to me were his last words

Schmed said: The 981 was probably the most disappointing car Ive owned, so much promise, so little delivery. Don’t get me wrong. They’re not bad cars by any stretch. Problem is, the owners spout so much crap on forums it’s difficult to see the wood for the trees (if you spend too much time on forums at least.) Massively, massively overrated, flawed cars, the steering particularly is just horrible once you’ve tried something better. It’s hard to find a car with so much hype that underdelivers so badly, the expectations vs reality gap is just huge. But what do I know, if you buy one at current values I really hope you tried some alternatives first. Ive had quite a few 'nice' cars over the years and would say the 981 is certainly up in the top 3. Appreciate that everyone rates things differently but what do you rate well above the 981?

Four Litre said: Ive had quite a few 'nice' cars over the years and would say the 981 is certainly up in the top 3. Of more interest would be what cars take your top two slots

Daz1855 said: o to sum up, according to you "they're not bad cars by any stretch" whilst also being "massively massively overrated flawed cars", got it. In answer to your question of what do you know, I would say very little, you are at best confused or just clueless, but what do I know Bloody brilliant response

gordon1955 said: Bloody brilliant response Another 981 owner...? I think a few managed to get themselves banned from the thread...

Daz1855 said: Schmed said: The 981 was probably the most disappointing car Ive owned, so much promise, so little delivery. Don’t get me wrong. They’re not bad cars by any stretch. Problem is, the owners spout so much crap on forums it’s difficult to see the wood for the trees (if you spend too much time on forums at least.) Massively, massively overrated, flawed cars, the steering particularly is just horrible once you’ve tried something better. It’s hard to find a car with so much hype that underdelivers so badly, the expectations vs reality gap is just huge. But what do I know, if you buy one at current values I really hope you tried some alternatives first. So to sum up, according to you "they're not bad cars by any stretch" whilst also being "massively massively overrated flawed cars", got it. In answer to your question of what do you know, I would say very little, you are at best confused or just clueless, but what do I know Thing is I agree with him after 2 years in a 981 and after driving most of the F4 718s they're only average too, I'm afraid I don't get this Boxster/Cayman love in at all. I've owned vastly better engineered cars, cars that drive much better and are better ownership propositions too. But perhaps I'm just weird or just don't get the Porsche hype? Edited by Holgate86 on Wednesday 2nd June 19:56

Holgate86 said: Thing is I agree with him after 2 years in a 981 and after driving most of the F4 718s they're only average too, I'm afraid I don't get this Boxster/Cayman love in at all. I've owned vastly better engineered cars, cars that drive much better and are better ownership propositions too. But perhaps I'm just weird or just don't get the Porsche hype? Edited by Holgate86 on Wednesday 2nd June 19:56 Go on then... What have you owned...

Holgate86 said: I've owned vastly better engineered cars, cars that drive much better and are better ownership propositions too.... None of which are mentioned on his PH profile....

Holgate86 said: I've owned vastly better engineered cars Which cars?

F6C said: Holgate86 said: I've owned vastly better engineered cars Which cars? A Toyota Yaris by the looks of it https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Holgate86 said: Thing is I agree with him after 2 years in a 981 and after driving most of the F4 718s they're only average too, I'm afraid I don't get this Boxster/Cayman love in at all. I've owned vastly better engineered cars, cars that drive much better and are better ownership propositions too. But perhaps I'm just weird or just don't get the Porsche hype? Who cares if you agree with him or not? You are missing the point here, you don't have to get the Boxster/Cayman love in, the only people that need to get it are the people who are thinking of putting their hands in their pockets to own one. If you owned one in the past that doesn't matter to anyone either, this thread is entitled "981 Market Advice" not "what do people think of Boxster/Caymans". I have owned lots of cars that are worth (?) silly prices today but back in the day were worth very little and were average cars at best. If people choose to buy them today because they want to, good luck to them, if they get something out of the ownership that I don't or didn't get, who cares, I am not paying for it why should I put myself out to piff on their parade?

Daz1855 said: Four Litre said: Ive had quite a few 'nice' cars over the years and would say the 981 is certainly up in the top 3. Of more interest would be what cars take your top two slots For entertainment value, no 1 has to be my C63 PPP coupe as for 98% of the time I'm not driving across a mountain pass, the engine alone makes the car. The 981 is my No2, heads above the M4 and RS4.

Crikey! I p/x my 2016 981 Boxster last month. I was happy with the figure they allowed, though a little surprised to see it for sale at considerably more than I paid for it three years ago! Perhaps I should've held out for more. Advert

LordGrover said: Crikey! I p/x my 2016 981 Boxster last month. I was happy with the figure they allowed, though a little surprised to see it for sale at considerably more than I paid for it three years ago! Perhaps I should've held out for more. Advert It's all gone a bit mad, my 981 GTS is now valued by WBAC and a few others at £5k more than I paid for it from a dealer last July....I am a little tempted, however can't see anything that interests me more than the GTS... Gratuitous photo

MrVert said: LordGrover said: Crikey! I p/x my 2016 981 Boxster last month. I was happy with the figure they allowed, though a little surprised to see it for sale at considerably more than I paid for it three years ago! Perhaps I should've held out for more. Advert It's all gone a bit mad, my 981 GTS is now valued by WBAC and a few others at £5k more than I paid for it from a dealer last July....I am a little tempted, however can't see anything that interests me more than the GTS... Gratuitous photo All used cars are a lot higher, mainly supply of new cars is still slow, dealers need cars to sell, supply / demand etc. I brought a TTRS in a few months ago from Audi as a daily hack, WBAC have offered £2000 more after two months. Only reason I checked is that the TTRS damping / suspension on anything but a flat road is absolutely shocking, the rest of the car is pretty good with a great engine but I preferred my 981 GTS which I foolishly sold 2 years ago. I noticed they are the same price if not more than 2 years ago! Maybe I'll return to a Cayman 981 GTS for a daily driver, I'm certainly keeping an eye out for one.

JayK12 said: MrVert said: LordGrover said: Crikey! I p/x my 2016 981 Boxster last month. I was happy with the figure they allowed, though a little surprised to see it for sale at considerably more than I paid for it three years ago! Perhaps I should've held out for more. Advert It's all gone a bit mad, my 981 GTS is now valued by WBAC and a few others at £5k more than I paid for it from a dealer last July....I am a little tempted, however can't see anything that interests me more than the GTS... Gratuitous photo All used cars are a lot higher, mainly supply of new cars is still slow, dealers need cars to sell, supply / demand etc. I brought a TTRS in a few months ago from Audi as a daily hack, WBAC have offered £2000 more after two months. Only reason I checked is that the TTRS damping / suspension on anything but a flat road is absolutely shocking, the rest of the car is pretty good with a great engine but I preferred my 981 GTS which I foolishly sold 2 years ago . I noticed they are the same price if not more than 2 years ago! Maybe I'll return to a Cayman 981 GTS for a daily driver, I'm certainly keeping an eye out for one. I did tell you didn't i.....

TDT said: JayK12 said: MrVert said: LordGrover said: Crikey! I p/x my 2016 981 Boxster last month. I was happy with the figure they allowed, though a little surprised to see it for sale at considerably more than I paid for it three years ago! Perhaps I should've held out for more. Advert It's all gone a bit mad, my 981 GTS is now valued by WBAC and a few others at £5k more than I paid for it from a dealer last July....I am a little tempted, however can't see anything that interests me more than the GTS... Gratuitous photo All used cars are a lot higher, mainly supply of new cars is still slow, dealers need cars to sell, supply / demand etc. I brought a TTRS in a few months ago from Audi as a daily hack, WBAC have offered £2000 more after two months. Only reason I checked is that the TTRS damping / suspension on anything but a flat road is absolutely shocking, the rest of the car is pretty good with a great engine but I preferred my 981 GTS which I foolishly sold 2 years ago . I noticed they are the same price if not more than 2 years ago! Maybe I'll return to a Cayman 981 GTS for a daily driver, I'm certainly keeping an eye out for one. I did tell you didn't i..... Lol - Yeah but its not all bad, trying different cars is fun. I want to try and stick the RS out for the winter as I think it will be great then. But I think if I find the right 981 GTS, deal will be done.................then I'll realise I need back seats for the kid and go 911 GTS haha.

JayK12 said: TDT said: JayK12 said: MrVert said: LordGrover said: Crikey! I p/x my 2016 981 Boxster last month. I was happy with the figure they allowed, though a little surprised to see it for sale at considerably more than I paid for it three years ago! Perhaps I should've held out for more. Advert It's all gone a bit mad, my 981 GTS is now valued by WBAC and a few others at £5k more than I paid for it from a dealer last July....I am a little tempted, however can't see anything that interests me more than the GTS... Gratuitous photo All used cars are a lot higher, mainly supply of new cars is still slow, dealers need cars to sell, supply / demand etc. I brought a TTRS in a few months ago from Audi as a daily hack, WBAC have offered £2000 more after two months. Only reason I checked is that the TTRS damping / suspension on anything but a flat road is absolutely shocking, the rest of the car is pretty good with a great engine but I preferred my 981 GTS which I foolishly sold 2 years ago . I noticed they are the same price if not more than 2 years ago! Maybe I'll return to a Cayman 981 GTS for a daily driver, I'm certainly keeping an eye out for one. I did tell you didn't i..... Lol - Yeah but its not all bad, trying different cars is fun. I want to try and stick the RS out for the winter as I think it will be great then. But I think if I find the right 981 GTS, deal will be done.................then I'll realise I need back seats for the kid and go 911 GTS haha. I had an TTRS as a daily for a year, I liked it a lot. Not as polished dynamically as any Porsche for sure, but still hugely capable and pretty damn quick! Nice finish inside, a really quality bit of kit. Keep thinking about getting another, prefer it way more to the Mk 3 TTRS.

MrVert said: JayK12 said: TDT said: JayK12 said: MrVert said: LordGrover said: Crikey! I p/x my 2016 981 Boxster last month. I was happy with the figure they allowed, though a little surprised to see it for sale at considerably more than I paid for it three years ago! Perhaps I should've held out for more. Advert It's all gone a bit mad, my 981 GTS is now valued by WBAC and a few others at £5k more than I paid for it from a dealer last July....I am a little tempted, however can't see anything that interests me more than the GTS... Gratuitous photo All used cars are a lot higher, mainly supply of new cars is still slow, dealers need cars to sell, supply / demand etc. I brought a TTRS in a few months ago from Audi as a daily hack, WBAC have offered £2000 more after two months. Only reason I checked is that the TTRS damping / suspension on anything but a flat road is absolutely shocking, the rest of the car is pretty good with a great engine but I preferred my 981 GTS which I foolishly sold 2 years ago . I noticed they are the same price if not more than 2 years ago! Maybe I'll return to a Cayman 981 GTS for a daily driver, I'm certainly keeping an eye out for one. I did tell you didn't i..... Lol - Yeah but its not all bad, trying different cars is fun. I want to try and stick the RS out for the winter as I think it will be great then. But I think if I find the right 981 GTS, deal will be done.................then I'll realise I need back seats for the kid and go 911 GTS haha. I had an TTRS as a daily for a year, I liked it a lot. Not as polished dynamically as any Porsche for sure, but still hugely capable and pretty damn quick! Nice finish inside, a really quality bit of kit. Keep thinking about getting another, prefer it way more to the Mk 3 TTRS. I brought a MK3 2018 and I wasn't sure about the 981 GTS as a daily, especially where I live, tractors cover the road in s te all year round. As you say the interior is really nice as was the GTS but i think the TT just takes the lead in interior, the R8 wheel is a nice touch too, and perfect size, that's one thing I changed in my GTS, I fitted a GT4 Steering wheel. I can even fold the seats down and fit my mountain bike in, without the wheel on of course. I'm debating spending a couple of grand on the suspension, 19" wheels with a bigger tyre profile, but then the driving position isn't great, i found the 981 to be spot on for me. Stunningly fast and so grippy in the wet and the later engine is really a master piece, but its still no Porsche dynamically. Tough call especially as its a daily, although I might drive it a couple of times a week.

JayK12 said: Only reason I checked is that the TTRS damping / suspension on anything but a flat road is absolutely shocking, ........................... I think the current obsession with 20"+ wheels on lots of cars today and the inevitable silly low profile tyres that come with them have a lot to do with it. Where I live we have pot holes with their own post codes and they don't help matters either. I took the 20" wheels off my Boxster S and replaced them with 18" wheels as an experiment, much better ride and I dare say I stand a better chance of surviving a pothole too.

MrVert said: I had an TTRS as a daily for a year, I liked it a lot. Not as polished dynamically as any Porsche for sure, but still hugely capable and pretty damn quick! Nice finish inside, a really quality bit of kit. Keep thinking about getting another, prefer it way more to the Mk 3 TTRS. Great in so many ways, but hopeless in so many others. The engine was incredible (mine was the Plus version with 355hp and the Sports exhaust came as standard) with its DSG ‘box, it’s point to point speed across give and take UK A & B roads was pretty eye opening ... But the standard seats were atrocious (and had no place in car capable of producing such lateral G) but they just downright uncomfortable too. I replaced them with a pair of Sparco buckets which were a game changer. The steering was questionable, I felt it was too slow, and too inert, though with hindsight the appalling tyres Audi fitted as standard may have been the issue ... The brakes looked impressive, but rapidly wilted under duress. A change of front discs and pads courtesy of VAG Bremtechnik would have sorted that though. The suspension worked superbly, but only at high speed, at low speeds it was to stiff and unyielding. Interior was beautifully built and screwed together, and the car generally felt bullet-proof. Audi’s infotainment system was hopeless (it was a 2013 car) hopeless nav, it didn’t have full postcode capability (I had to buy a black market disc for £25 to obtain it) The phone integration/interface was hopeless too. Yet on the right road, many of the flaws disappeared and you were left to enjoy the stunning engine and the noise it produced. Ultimately though, it was pretty one dimensional when it came to its chassis dynamics. Which was a shame, because it had all the ingredients to make a modern day Integrale/UR Quattro.

Slippydiff said: MrVert said: I had an TTRS as a daily for a year, I liked it a lot. Not as polished dynamically as any Porsche for sure, but still hugely capable and pretty damn quick! Nice finish inside, a really quality bit of kit. Keep thinking about getting another, prefer it way more to the Mk 3 TTRS. Great in so many ways, but hopeless in so many others. The engine was incredible (mine was the Plus version with 355hp and the Sports exhaust came as standard) with its DSG ‘box, it’s point to point speed across give and take UK A & B roads was pretty eye opening ... But the standard seats were atrocious (and had no place in car capable of producing such lateral G) but they just downright uncomfortable too. I replaced them with a pair of Sparco buckets which were a game changer. The steering was questionable, I felt it was too slow, and too inert, though with hindsight the appalling tyres Audi fitted as standard may have been the issue ... The brakes looked impressive, but rapidly wilted under duress. A change of front discs and pads courtesy of VAG Bremtechnik would have sorted that though. The suspension worked superbly, but only at high speed, at low speeds it was to stiff and unyielding. Interior was beautifully built and screwed together, and the car generally felt bullet-proof. Audi’s infotainment system was hopeless (it was a 2013 car) hopeless nav, it didn’t have full postcode capability (I had to buy a black market disc for £25 to obtain it) The phone integration/interface was hopeless too. Yet on the right road, many of the flaws disappeared and you were left to enjoy the stunning engine and the noise it produced. Ultimately though, it was pretty one dimensional when it came to its chassis dynamics. Which was a shame, because it had all the ingredients to make a modern day Integrale/UR Quattro. Never drove the MK2 but from what I read there were substantial improvements in the MK3 including a lighter engine. I agree in the engine and Quattro although Haldex it is a very point and squirt type of car, but covers ground very quickly. MK3 Seats are really comfortable, although do not hold me in as much as the Sports Plus seats in the 981, mainly around the legs. I also heard issues with front discs warping under heavy use on the MK3 but it was resolved in the 2018 cars so I was told I drove a MK2 TDI SLine Quattro for a year 10 years ago and I found its suspension was a lot better over bumps and undulations than my current RS, for some reason Audi really messed up the suspension in the MK3 RS for anything but a perfect flat surface. The MK3 interior is really nice compared to a MK2, I originally started looking at a MK2 TTRS as I think preferred the smoother shape, but the MK3 interior is worlds apart, the R8 steering wheel, Virtual cock pit dash, its really nice sleek place to be much nicer than and clinical than 981/718 in my opinion. Nice to hear others sharing my opinion, it has the protentional to be a great daily for but it just has too many flaws for me, which the 981 didn't have. Hence I think I'll be back in a 981 as modifying the TTRS might be fighting a loosing battle. I'll be keeping an eye out on the Cayman GTS market to see if something pops up.

Loads of 981 Boxsters listed on Ashgoods that appear to be 'sticking'. Prices Melt Up has well and truly stalled....you know what comes next...it's just sellers don't want to admit it.

I keep looking too, the nicer specced cars which aren't astronomically priced still go quick but it seems to have stagnated, It will probably dip a bit with it being the end of summer which is pretty normal but I can't imagine they will go down for a while yet.

You in the market then AndyOz? Seems a mixed bag, I'm tracking Cayman GTS for sale just out of interest as have one. Bunch have stuck around for ages, others are selling - real mixed bag. Good one with 22,000 miles just sold, was listed at £55k.

Funkydunc said: Odly the car I want to PX has gone up more in value than the Boxter during COVID, but I cant bring myself to part with £40k for a car that would have been £10k less 1 yr ago So you have no problem with your car going up in value but you do with a Boxster going up less in the same period of time?

Dad found the offer from Porsche too tempting and away it went, seems to have had a couple hundred miles added-more than since it’s last MOT I think https://finder.porsche.com/gb/en_GB/Cayman-S-38182...

981 market weirdly compressed at the moment. There are 2.7 Caymans priced above £40k at the same time as Cayman GTS for mid to high £40ks - and not even with huge mileage gaps - say 30k miles for the 2.7 and 50k miles for the GTS. There have been quite a few 2.7s listed above £40 in recent months. Who, exactly, is paying over £40,000 for a 2.7 981 Cayman?

LaurasOtherHalf said: Dad found the offer from Porsche too tempting and away it went, seems to have had a couple hundred miles added-more than since it’s last MOT I think https://finder.porsche.com/gb/en_GB/Cayman-S-38182... Well, from the mileage seems it wasn't being driven - less than 1,000 miles a year in six years even with the added mileage. So, perhaps not great loss. But it's a case in point re the compression. That's a 3.4 on 5k miles for just over £50k. Here's a 2.7 on 35k miles for £46k: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108256... If you assume that the dealer would want quite a bit more if it was also on 5k miles... There's even a private seller having a go with a povo-specced 2.7 at £42k. I mean, it's a nice little lump, the 2.7. But still. Bonkers.

The price of the 2.7l cayman at Cardiff does seem pie-in-the-sky!

There are another two £46k 2.7s at OPCs currently. So, it's not a complete outlier.

Still some silly 2.7s about... https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107195... This one was originally up for £46k, still hasn't dropped massively https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107155... This one is up for £46k Pretty much GTS money.

The market still appears to be inflated.... or is this the new norm for the cars? I started looking just over a year ago, and a nice Boxter S with <50k miles would be in the region of £28-35k. Currently they are £38 to £45k + (definitely a few chancers at the top end) I've started to see a few cars creep back in at the cheaper end, but still way above what they were. 1 year ago my autotrader search brought back less than 10 cars, and the nice ones sold in less than a week. Now there are over 60 cars in the same search and some have been there month's, which hints to me the market thinks the cars are over priced. Odly the car I want to PX has gone up more in value than the Boxter during COVID, but I cant bring myself to part with £40k for a car that would have been £10k less 1 yr ago Edited by Funkydunc on Thursday 16th September 15:30

Volare said: Still some silly 2.7s about... https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107195... This one was originally up for £46k, still hasn't dropped massively https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107155... This one is up for £46k Pretty much GTS money. At least they turned the lights on for the second cars photo shoot...I mean lazy or what.

981Boxess said: o you have no problem with your car going up in value but you do with a Boxster going up less in the same period of time? Nope not at all. I think its equally daft that my car has gone up nearly 50% in value in the same period. I was just wondering if my reading of the 981 market is similar to other peoples which it appears to be. The price gap between a 981, S, GTS has definitely closed. Prices cant be far off the original prices these cars were bought for in some cases. Is this the start of them becoming a 'classic', or just continued COVID/New Car Supply issues? Or just simply people seeing that COVID has caused their car to be worth more, and now the market is flooded with over priced cars Ps If anyone wants to sell me a Boxter 981s, manual, sports exhaust, less than 50k miles for approx £32k :-)

Funkydunc said: Nope not at all. I think its equally daft that my car has gone up nearly 50% in value in the same period. I was just wondering if my reading of the 981 market is similar to other peoples which it appears to be. The price gap between a 981, S, GTS has definitely closed. Prices cant be far off the original prices these cars were bought for in some cases. Is this the start of them becoming a 'classic', or just continued COVID/New Car Supply issues? Or just simply people seeing that COVID has caused their car to be worth more, and now the market is flooded with over priced cars I think the only problem with buying one is finding the spec you want, the price is almost secondary, as daft as that may sound. When I was looking there were a few must haves/not haves that were not negotiable, anything that could be retro fitted properly (as in can't tell the difference) I would factor in price wise, anything else I could live with and be happy. That philosophy very quickly reduces what there is out there for you to buy, if you are lucky enough to find it you either pay what it costs or don't have one. Supply and demand will dictate what the car you want is worth, not what you are happy to pay for it, you are not the only person looking and that is what is keeping the prices up.

Interesting times. I’ve been offered £46k for my 2016 B981GTS (full leather, Bose, 29k miles) by both my OPC and WBAC - am I being unrealistic in hoping for £50k for a private sale? The problem is what to replace it with? I’m tempted by a new base 992 with a very few extras, which would scrape in at just under £90k - but with a realistic wait of about a year. Weirdly I’ve seen low specc’d 992 with 10k on the for around £110k at OPC’s, presumably because you can actually get them rather than have to wait.

Nick981 said: I’ve been offered £46k for my 2016 B981GTS (full leather, Bose, 29k miles) by both my OPC and WBAC - am I being unrealistic in hoping for £50k for a private sale? No reflection on you or your car but I wonder how many people would be happy to spend around £50k on a private purchase. I personally wouldn't, but that might just be me?

981Boxess said: No reflection on you or your car but I wonder how many people would be happy to spend around £50k on a private purchase. I personally wouldn't, but that might just be me? That is indeed the problem. Small market for private cars at that level. Most want the perceived security of a dealer sale.