Never selling my 981 - Page 5 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

Never say never obviously, but after six years of ownership, I still can’t see imagine a scenario where I decide to move on to something else. Sure I wish it was a convertible and I wish it had a manual gearbox, but not enough to go through the hassle of changing. This car has taken me on some great journeys with great friends, so there’s probably a bit of sentimentalism going on, but I still look forward to every single drive. I always said when I could afford it I’d buy a 991.2 cabriolet with a manual box, but now that I can I just don’t fancy it. Instead, I’ve spent £4k fitting the X73 kit as well as some other new suspension components. The car feels more aggressive now, definitely turned it up a notch! So here’s to another six years of motoring.

Fair dues. Undoubtedly running a great car you like, for years and years, is a far cheaper form of motoring…

Everyone says that, you’ll end up selling it and moving on. I said that years ago about my 911 Carrera 3.0. I ended up with a messy divorce in 2001 and it had to go.

Gunk said: Everyone says that, you’ll end up selling it and moving on. I said that years ago about my 911 Carrera 3.0. I ended up with a messy divorce in 2001 and it had to go. Sorry to hear, but hopefully that’s not relevant to the OPs circumstances!

Gunk said: Everyone says that, you’ll end up selling it and moving on. I said that years ago about my 911 Carrera 3.0. I ended up with a messy divorce in 2001 and it had to go. Ha, well of course I’ll have to move on at some point. I could wrap the car around a lamp post tomorrow for all I know, but my point is I’m not bored of it at all. The X73 kit has given it a new lease of life too, and a new character to enjoy.

SkinnyPete said: Never say never obviously, but after six years of ownership, I still can’t see imagine a scenario where I decide to move on to something else. Sure I wish it was a convertible and I wish it had a manual gearbox, but not enough to go through the hassle of changing. This car has taken me on some great journeys with great friends, so there’s probably a bit of sentimentalism going on, but I still look forward to every single drive. I always said when I could afford it I’d buy a 991.2 cabriolet with a manual box, but now that I can I just don’t fancy it. Instead, I’ve spent £4k fitting the X73 kit as well as some other new suspension components. The car feels more aggressive now, definitely turned it up a notch! So here’s to another six years of motoring. I suspect the auto was built the same as the manual so wouldn’t be all that hard to convert. "They’ say never to build a car you can buy but you can’t buy that sentimental attachment so if you ever have reason to do something with it you could consider a swap to manual. I did a 944 and Mr Porsche had handily left all the bolt holes in the shell for the manual so it was easy to do.

john41901 said: Gunk said: Everyone says that, you’ll end up selling it and moving on. I said that years ago about my 911 Carrera 3.0. I ended up with a messy divorce in 2001 and it had to go. Sorry to hear, but hopefully that’s not relevant to the OPs circumstances! Yes, but life changes

I'm with you OP. Sometimes you just find a car that fits you perfectly and my 981 Boxster GTS just does that for me. Had it 2.5 years and I just don't see anything worthy to replace it. Many happy miles of motoring ahead for us both, I.hooe.

My wife has had her 2.7 981 Cayman for nearly 7 years from new and is adamant that she's never selling it. As far as she's concerned there's nothing else out there that gets close to it. She's not bothered its not the fastest or the best equipped or has the latest ICE. Her view is that it looks better, sounds better and drives better than anything else and that's just the way she likes it. I'm certainly not going to argue with that.

Gunk said: john41901 said: Gunk said: Everyone says that, you’ll end up selling it and moving on. I said that years ago about my 911 Carrera 3.0. I ended up with a messy divorce in 2001 and it had to go. Sorry to hear, but hopefully that’s not relevant to the OPs circumstances! Yes, but life changes Christ. Are you always like this? Fair call, OP. I’m the same with mine. Sounds incredible, anything quicker is frankly pointless to me, handles great, practical, comfy… can’t think of a better sports car for my needs.

Royal Jelly said: Gunk said: john41901 said: Gunk said: Everyone says that, you’ll end up selling it and moving on. I said that years ago about my 911 Carrera 3.0. I ended up with a messy divorce in 2001 and it had to go. Sorry to hear, but hopefully that’s not relevant to the OPs circumstances! Yes, but life changes Christ. Are you always like this? Fair call, OP. I’m the same with mine. Sounds incredible, anything quicker is frankly pointless to me, handles great, practical, comfy… can’t think of a better sports car for my needs. "Everyone" doesn’t say it either, some people say it and then sell and some people say it and never sell but on the whole ‘everyone’ being the majority change their cars and don’t expect to keep them.

I’m getting to the keeper stage of my Car life. Got a Boxster GTS coming soon (I ordered it last July FFS) and I’ve recently had my 997.1 restored to future proof it for the next 100k miles. Probably get a Macan EV in a few years for pootling around town, but the 911 and GTS will be keepers until we can’t get in and out of them.

As a "serial car buyer" there's a few that I wish I'd kept but didn't*. However, built a Caterham in 1990/1 was my car through all sorts of life including a divorce but 12 year s on I sold it when a TVR came into my life. A few cars came and went but I ended up buying the Caterham back about 7 year ago. Spent a while tidying it up, used it very little and am now thinking it's time to sell again. (Boxster incoming). It's either the Caterham or the Lotus Excel (or both) have to go. BMW E30 M3 Cecotto

Had six years with a 718 base, it's an awesome car. Bought from new and almost zero depreciation motoring despite 50k miles in this market, incredible really. If have something you like and don't need to swap for a family barge say, they are definitely worth hanging onto.

anonymous said: [redacted] List was late 30s back in 2016... a good few price rises happened since those halcyon days. Have just looked up the current list price, is £48k! I didn't exactly go crazy with options. The only one I think I miss is a rear wiper for reversing out of parking spaces in the rain.

jimbo761 said: List was late 30s back in 2016... a good few price rises happened since those halcyon days. Have just looked up the current list price, is £48k! Base price for the Boxster version is now £49,700. Then again, a 986 2.5 back at launch in 1996 was about £35k new base price with plenty going well over £40k with options. I had a 1997 2.5 986 a while back that someone paid £42,000 for in 1997. Which is £67k in 2021 £s according the BoE calculator.

Fair enough mate. If you've got the car you love and nothing within reason will replace it then why not. Many happy miles of motoring I've got a 981 GTS too and I really like it. I've had it a year and no plans to swap just yet. There are about 5 or so sports cars floating around in my head that I'd quite fancy having, but none of them enough yet to make the move. Not going to rush it either - I'll know when the time is right.

I felt the same way aoout my 450 Chimaera. & years I had that car and loved it (lavishly!). New interior, full respray, new exhaust, many upgrades (it's something one does with a car that has been built out of a parts bin!). That was until I spent some time in the Picos mountains behind a 987.1 CS. It just looked so planted and curvy. I bought that very car three months after I got back from that particular Eurohoon and was smitten. So smitten that I then 'upgraded' to the 987.2 with every extra one could wish for. Covid hit my business so had to 'downgrade' to the 987.1 Boxster. It's all good. Drive what you love.

I'am 11 years with my 987.2 CS, I can't see me changing it now, although I was tempted by a Cayman 4.0 GTS I even went to see one, thankfully one look was enough to bin that idea. Truthfully there is nothing in the Porsche range to tempt me out of my old Cayman...911's are huge.

Klippie said: I'am 11 years with my 987.2 CS, I can't see me changing it now, although I was tempted by a Cayman 4.0 GTS I even went to see one, thankfully one look was enough to bin that idea. Truthfully there is nothing in the Porsche range to tempt me out of my old Cayman...911's are huge. This is what I love about my 996.1 C2, it feels so small !

Got a 981 CGTS and I love it although very tempting to look at the other cars in the range, namely the GT3’s….. ….maybe soon.

I’m with you… Cayman for just under four years. Thought a 911 must be a revelation as the 981 is close to perfect. Bought a 991.2 Carrera T. Sold it and within a few months bought the exact old cayman back and modified it.

Paulr1980 said: I’m with you… Cayman for just under four years. Thought a 911 must be a revelation as the 981 is close to perfect. Bought a 991.2 Carrera T. Sold it and within a few months bought the exact old cayman back and modified it. Agreed - I recently test drove an early 991.1 and frankly much preferred my Cayman. I’d only consider selling it for an air-cooled at a point when that would be a viable proposition on my driveway..

I couldn't live with the lifeless steering and ultimately found PDK dull vs 3 pedals. Was back in a 993 after 6 months (from x73 981 Cayman GTS)

Paulr1980 said: I’m with you… Cayman for just under four years. Thought a 911 must be a revelation as the 981 is close to perfect. Bought a 991.2 Carrera T. Sold it and within a few months bought the exact old cayman back and modified it. This is interesting. What didn't you like about the 911/miss about the Cayman? I've driven a couple of 911.2's, including on track, and I've always seen them as the only thing that could get me out of my 981, money aside.

I moved from 981 Cayman GTS with X73 to 991.1 GTS with PDCC the X51 powerkit engine is fabulous.

SkinnyPete said: This is interesting. What didn't you like about the 911/miss about the Cayman? I've driven a couple of 911.2's, including on track, and I've always seen them as the only thing that could get me out of my 981, money aside. Some of it was financial. 30k cayman vs 75k 911T. Well in to the realms of diminishing returns. I liked how special the T looked and felt to be inside but that was it. Moving it sounded synthetic, with artificial pops. I could ramble on about it but it boiled down to the Cayman just feeling like a glove fit for me. It just needed a little help to be more personalised to me. So Spyder wheels painted satin aurum, KW suspension, some interior bits... It's everything I wanted it to be and still half the price.

Paulr1980 said: SkinnyPete said: This is interesting. What didn't you like about the 911/miss about the Cayman? I've driven a couple of 911.2's, including on track, and I've always seen them as the only thing that could get me out of my 981, money aside. Some of it was financial. 30k cayman vs 75k 911T. Well in to the realms of diminishing returns. I liked how special the T looked and felt to be inside but that was it. Moving it sounded synthetic, with artificial pops. I could ramble on about it but it boiled down to the Cayman just feeling like a glove fit for me. It just needed a little help to be more personalised to me. So Spyder wheels painted satin aurum, KW suspension, some interior bits... It's everything I wanted it to be and still half the price. I see your 911T was in the spotted article. Incredible looking car, but well into diminishing returns as you say. What are your thoughts on the KW suspension you fitted to your Cayman?

Beaver991GTS said: I moved from 981 Cayman GTS with X73 to 991.1 GTS with PDCC the X51 powerkit engine is fabulous. 991.1 GTS is definitely one of the peaches of modern 911s. Lost of work went into the NA GTS engine - including cams, to make it what it is, which in my opinion, is far more special than the 991.2 GTS which is largely a remap.

Beaver991GTS said: I moved from 981 Cayman GTS with X73 to 991.1 GTS with PDCC the X51 powerkit engine is fabulous. IMO, this is the only logical upgrade from a 981 CGTS. And once you're in a 991.1GTS where do you go? Other than a GT3, you're going to be looking at other brands.

rawenghey said: IMO, this is the only logical upgrade from a 981 CGTS. And once you're in a 991.1GTS where do you go? Other than a GT3, you're going to be looking at other brands. Agreed. A GTS would be a far better fit for me than a GT3, too. Id wager that’s true for most GT3 owners, too.

I’ve had loads of cars come and go- but my polar silver Carrera 2 manual 993 is a keeper ……. I’ve had it 9 yrs and I love it as much now as the week I bought it. It makes modern 911’s feel huge and I think it’s aged well- a modern classic

donutskidmark said: I’ve had loads of cars come and go- but my polar silver Carrera 2 manual 993 is a keeper ……. I’ve had it 9 yrs and I love it as much now as the week I bought it. It makes modern 911’s feel huge and I think it’s aged well- a modern classic That is a beautiful thing.

I actually say this about all my cars but usually get itchy feet after 3 years. But if you've had it 6 years and still enjoy it, then it probably is a keeper. I wish I'd kept my 1M. I was tempted out of it by a stunning 981 GT4 and a great trade in price, but the GT4 wasn't as useable or as entertaining on the road. I kept that for a while thinking it was a keeper, then I had a ride in a 997 Turbo and couldn't get the power our of my head. So I swapped the GT4 thinking I'd made the right decision, only for the new owner to send me pics of his first roadtrip over the St Bernard Pass...regrets, regrets! Anyway, I can't complain. The 997 Turbo is a lovely car and definitely a keeper ;-)

Oz83 said: I actually say this about all my cars but usually get itchy feet after 3 years. But if you've had it 6 years and still enjoy it, then it probably is a keeper. I wish I'd kept my 1M. I was tempted out of it by a stunning 981 GT4 and a great trade in price, but the GT4 wasn't as useable or as entertaining on the road. I kept that for a while thinking it was a keeper, then I had a ride in a 997 Turbo and couldn't get the power our of my head. So I swapped the GT4 thinking I'd made the right decision, only for the new owner to send me pics of his first roadtrip over the St Bernard Pass...regrets, regrets! Anyway, I can't complain. The 997 Turbo is a lovely car and definitely a keeper ;-) I had a valencia orange 1M - I loved the look of it but just didn’t bond with it at all…… the ride was not compliant enough for the crap local roads- but I’ve got a Z3M Coupe which I think is a fantastic car although I’ve had the suspension refreshed with Bilstein b6 etc

donutskidmark said: I had a valencia orange 1M - I loved the look of it but just didn’t bond with it at all…… the ride was not compliant enough for the crap local roads- but I’ve got a Z3M Coupe which I think is a fantastic car although I’ve had the suspension refreshed with Bilstein b6 etc Yeah maybe I’m looking back through rose tinted specs. I remember it being lively, torquey and it was obviously more practical than the gt4 that came after. The ride was miles better after I swapped the original Pilot Sports. I remember thinking how artificial the steering in the gt4 felt when I test drove it, but I was ultimately persuaded by the whole experience. After a while though, I felt the gt4 was too capable but not fast enough, if that makes sense. You could pretty much go around any corner at any speed, but be out dragged by a warm hatch. That doesn’t happen in the 997 Turbo :-) although it’s more a lesson in self restraint than anything else.

Oz83 said: donutskidmark said: I had a valencia orange 1M - I loved the look of it but just didn’t bond with it at all…… the ride was not compliant enough for the crap local roads- but I’ve got a Z3M Coupe which I think is a fantastic car although I’ve had the suspension refreshed with Bilstein b6 etc Yeah maybe I’m looking back through rose tinted specs. I remember it being lively, torquey and it was obviously more practical than the gt4 that came after. The ride was miles better after I swapped the original Pilot Sports. I remember thinking how artificial the steering in the gt4 felt when I test drove it, but I was ultimately persuaded by the whole experience. After a while though, I felt the gt4 was too capable but not fast enough, if that makes sense. You could pretty much go around any corner at any speed, but be out dragged by a warm hatch. That doesn’t happen in the 997 Turbo :-) although it’s more a lesson in self restraint than anything else. I get what you are saying regarding the GT4 not being fast enough……. I suppose that’s where the GT4RS comes in- if you are fortunate enough to get offered a build slot- statistically unlikely. It’s the law of infinite wants and depends on what you are used to- I did nearly 20,000 miles in my 991.1 GT3RS and although it always felt great on the twisties it felt generally slow compared to some turbo engined alternatives.

I think the 981 is the sweet spot, bought my GT4 nearly 4 years ago and looking at the market now I see little to tempt me away from it both emotionally and financially. It feels special and every drive is an event, it looks fabulous and gets lots of positive comments and never had an issue in 4 years of ownership. Ok it feels a bit slow on a long straight but why would I want it to go any quicker it’s just a bigger fine or even jail! Servicing every 2 years at about £500 per year and £600 per year for a Porsche warranty, it really is an unbeatable package like all Porsches in that regard. Most importantly the noise, tickle the throttle and it barks, pops and crackles on demand, no soft limiter or PPF to spoil the drama and ring out that flat six on a b-road and it is truly spine tingling!!!! I think a geo setup in the new year, some new tyres and brakes and repaint the alloys in silver and she’ll be keeping me interested for another year or two.

AndyBrew said: I think the 981 is the sweet spot, bought my GT4 nearly 4 years ago and looking at the market now I see little to tempt me away from it both emotionally and financially. It feels special and every drive is an event, it looks fabulous and gets lots of positive comments and never had an issue in 4 years of ownership. Ok it feels a bit slow on a long straight but why would I want it to go any quicker it’s just a bigger fine or even jail! Servicing every 2 years at about £500 per year and £600 per year for a Porsche warranty, it really is an unbeatable package like all Porsches in that regard. Most importantly the noise, tickle the throttle and it barks, pops and crackles on demand, no soft limiter or PPF to spoil the drama and ring out that flat six on a b-road and it is truly spine tingling!!!! I think a geo setup in the new year, some new tyres and brakes and repaint the alloys in silver and she’ll be keeping me interested for another year or two. £500 every 2 years sounds cheap. Despite low mileage I drove it hard so serviced mine every year and the bill was never less than £1k at my OPC. The big bills on these are brakes and tyres so you have those to come :-) After a couple of scary moments on worn Cup 2s I fitted a set of PS4S and it just wasn’t the same. Turn in was vague and the car felt so much softer and less sharp. Like fitting winters on a normal car. If you are considering other tyres I would recommend sticking with Cup 2s.

Oz83 said: £500 every 2 years sounds cheap. Sorry I meant they have a 2 year services interval and the cost is usually around £1k so split between 2 years is £500. Consumables aren’t cheap I agree but if you’re going to use em you got to pay out for them

On the talk of running costs, I had a bit of spare time recently (and I'm very sad) so I added up every invoice from the day I got the car. Tax, insurance, MOT, tyres, servicing, repairs, etc., everything except petrol, over six years and about 61,000 miles....£23,857.11. That figure would have been astronomically higher if I didn't have the extended warranty. On the flip side, it would have also been a lot cheaper if I didn't fit expensive upgrades like the X73 kit, or if the brakes and tyres didn't suffer exaggerated wear from track days. Money well spent and no regrets, but I'm not entirely convinced I'd spend the same on another car in the future. Cars keep you poor, and I'd quite like to retire at 52! Maybe I just need to work smarter

One of the cars I regret selling is my 981 Boxster GTS Manual. Had it nearly 3 years from nearly new. But then I went back into a 981 Cayman GTS Manual, same spec as my Boxster was, X73, PTV etc, but I just didn't jell with the GTS as much, gearing felt long, steering felt vague, X73 felt too stiff for the roads around where I live now. There still great value and fun and I always do look at them with fond memories, especially the BGTS with all the trips we did in it. Would be great to try a 718 GTS 4.0 PDK, and a 991.1 GTS.

SkinnyPete said: This is interesting. What didn't you like about the 911/miss about the Cayman? I've driven a couple of 911.2's, including on track, and I've always seen them as the only thing that could get me out of my 981, money aside. So to come back to this, by chance I had the opportunity to drive a 991.2 recently, it was a lovely example and well specced. I enjoyed sitting in it stationary to start, just soaking in its aura. I drove it fairly sensibly on a mixture of roads, and if I'm honest, unless you were concentrating it would be difficult to tell the difference. No matter which way you look at it, you are still sitting in the same seat as a Cayman, holding onto a very similar steering wheel, operating an identical pedal box, looking at an almost identical gauge cluster, and interacting with identical switchgear and ergonomics. I liked it, but feel the wow factor was lost having been spoilt by driving a nearly identical Cayman for a number of years. Would I have one if money was no option? It's a very unconvincing maybe. To complicate matters, I also recently drove a 992S on track. That was sufficiently different and ahead of the game compared to my 981 that I could see myself seriously considering one in the future. It felt bonkers fast and the interior was pretty nice. The only nagging thought in the back of my mind is I'm pretty sure my 981 feels better balanced and turns in with a little more purpose, but I could just be making that up!

Royal Jelly said: 991.1 GTS is definitely one of the peaches of modern 911s. Lost of work went into the NA GTS engine - including cams, to make it what it is Seen these engines come up for sale on ebay and wandering about getting one fitted to my 981.

I’ve been lucky enough to have had a few nice cars over the years, my 981 is definitely a keeper and it’s what I bench the others against…including the 911… a few of which have come and gone.

Gunk said: Everyone says that, you’ll end up selling it and moving on. I said that years ago about my 911 Carrera 3.0. I ended up with a messy divorce in 2001 and it had to go. I hope you got to at least have the tyres every other weekend.

You know when you put on a piece of clothing and it feels just right? You feel like yourself. You don’t feel awkward or stilted or uncomfortable. You just feel like you when you’re moving around, or when you see yourself in the mirror. That exists for cars too, I think. It would be much cheaper for us if the motoring equivalent of £10 jeans from Asda generated that feeling, but they just don’t…

Some cars are keepers. As I’m getting older I’m keeping my dailies longer than I used to. Not one to have the latest sat on my drive costing me a monthly figure, I simply don’t use it enough to warrant it. I bought my Evo 5 six years ago now and doubt I’d ever sell it, simply no need too. I keep getting offers made when I attend shows etc, but I know if I sold it, I’d never find another to replace. Some cars you just gel with. Edit to add. I’m posting here as I’m looking for a GT4 to join the Evo. Likely be a long term car too. Compliment the turbo nature of the rally nutter. Edited by Evolved on Monday 5th December 10:21

I have a 981 and I think its a good car. I dont necessarily think its great but it is good. My reasoning for it maybe being a keeper is specific to my situation in that I destroyed it and then repaired it. I am almost stuck with it now because of our history. So new cars dont necessarily excite me but there are plenty of cars which are not brand new which do excite me. I think the land scape for cars has definitely changed in the last 1/2/3 years. Most are going electric so petrol really does start to feel like its old. All petrol are turbo now so if you want none turbo / NA you have to really go back a few years unless you buy the GT products from Porsche. People have been talking about combustion engines becoming relics soon but I am seeing it now. I also have a 986 and I can appreciate the old school-ness of this compared to the 981. Does this make it better - no. The 2 are different. Gun to my head and forced to choose 1 I would probably choose the 981 as its just an easier car to live with. Right now I still have ideas about cars I want to ty but I dont necessarily want to sell the cars I have to do that. So I am stuck between a rock and a hard place.

did you crash it into a soup factory?

GiantCardboardPlato said: did you crash it into a soup factory? No - it was a boutique specialising in unique style with good taste.

A great colour

ChrisW. said: A great colour I assume not original?

P. ONeill said: I assume not original? Correct It is a Porsche Colour https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=17...

I bought a 981 Spyder two months ago. Its not unknown for me to have buyers remorse by now. That happened a few years ago with a Maserati Spyder within about 3 weeks (dreadful). With the Spyder I am minded to think I'll be like the OP and keep it for years. I just dont see how I would enjoy a faster Porsche more and I like the specialness of it. For context a few cars of recent years: 981 GTS, Cayman R, M3 F80, 996 GT3, 911 T, 968 CS, 72 911 hotrod, Vantage N430 The 981 is just brilliantly engineered and does most things v v well, and the Spyder enhances the fun (at the expense of useability)... genuinely cant think what I could replace it with without spending £100k, and then, not convinced they would be better / more enjoyable on UK roads.

Mick Dastardly said: I’m getting to the keeper stage of my Car life. Got a Boxster GTS coming soon (I ordered it last July FFS) and I’ve recently had my 997.1 restored to future proof it for the next 100k miles. Probably get a Macan EV in a few years for pootling around town, but the 911 and GTS will be keepers until we can’t get in and out of them. As I’ve mentioned on the 718 GTS thread, I’ve given up waiting for my car and picked up an absolutely mint, low miles sapphire blue 981 GTS fairly local to me. As it’s so flawless I took it to a local place to discuss PPF and it turns out he’s looked after the car since it was new and actually owned the car until this summer, when he chipped it in for a 992. Having had it for a week I’m absolutely delighted with it, and plan to keep it until I can’t get in and out of it. Forgive the tatty plates of our old Boxster, new ones went on today.

CallThatMusic said: I’ve been lucky enough to have had a few nice cars over the years, my 981 is definitely a keeper and it’s what I bench the others against…including the 911… a few of which have come and gone. I dont think you can ever say that, the world changes fast and i think the future in 10 to 15 years will be a very boring place driving wise. The way technology to catch you out if you do anything wrong if advancing, noise cameras, seat belt, phone etc , a sunday blast just wont cut it?

tedblog said: CallThatMusic said: I’ve been lucky enough to have had a few nice cars over the years, my 981 is definitely a keeper and it’s what I bench the others against…including the 911… a few of which have come and gone. I dont think you can ever say that, the world changes fast and i think the future in 10 to 15 years will be a very boring place driving wise. The way technology to catch you out if you do anything wrong if advancing, noise cameras, seat belt, phone etc , a sunday blast just wont cut it? You say that but this one’s been in the garage for 40 years so I think I can quite confidently say the 981 is a keeper….

ATM said: I have a 981 and I think its a good car. I dont necessarily think its great but it is good. My reasoning for it maybe being a keeper is specific to my situation in that I destroyed it and then repaired it. I am almost stuck with it now because of our history. So new cars dont necessarily excite me but there are plenty of cars which are not brand new which do excite me. I think the land scape for cars has definitely changed in the last 1/2/3 years. Most are going electric so petrol really does start to feel like its old. All petrol are turbo now so if you want none turbo / NA you have to really go back a few years unless you buy the GT products from Porsche. People have been talking about combustion engines becoming relics soon but I am seeing it now. I also have a 986 and I can appreciate the old school-ness of this compared to the 981. Does this make it better - no. The 2 are different. Gun to my head and forced to choose 1 I would probably choose the 981 as its just an easier car to live with. Right now I still have ideas about cars I want to ty but I dont necessarily want to sell the cars I have to do that. So I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. Hi ATM, I have followed your other thread with interest, and it's great to see your car is now back where it should be. I understand where you are coming from about your history with the car, and I think a lot of people can feel that way especially when they have invested in expensive repairs or upgrades. I'm the same, although part of me is conscious that I could be falling victim to the sunk cost fallacy. I did actually want to sell my car shortly after buying it, as I realised PDK was the wrong type of gearbox for me. I couldn't suffer the instant depreciation/loss so I'm where I'm at now. I still get frustrated with it as it indecisively shunts through the gears, back and forth, but as in my original post I can't bear the hassle of selling privately and the monumental cost to change into something else.

SkinnyPete said: I did actually want to sell my car shortly after buying it, as I realised PDK was the wrong type of gearbox for me. I couldn't suffer the instant depreciation/loss so I'm where I'm at now. I still get frustrated with it as it indecisively shunts through the gears, back and forth, but as in my original post I can't bear the hassle of selling privately and the monumental cost to change into something else. You have found the sport button yes? Make sure that it is on all the time. Also the stop start button? Make sure that is on or disengaged - depending on which way you understand me.

Well, after almost ten years, I think this might finally be the year I sell. The car’s fine, nothing wrong with it mechanically, but maybe it’s just run its course. I’ve got a ridiculously cheap EV lease coming up (net zero cost - see the Ford thread), so I want to see how I get on with that before making any decisions. In the meantime, a few track days are booked as a proper “final hurrah” if it does go. And, at the risk of sounding contradictory to an earlier post, I often find myself seriously thinking about a nearly new 992.2 T. While I could afford the car, it would undoubtedly push back my retirement by 5-7 years and ultimately that's whats putting me off. Maybe waiting until my EV lease is up in a couple of years would be the smarter move.

Puma EV after a 981 vastly different but great value & interested to see how you get on with it. No need to sell the 981 surely, they don’t make them any more, & unless you’re short of parking, would’ve thought a better investment to hang into it? As for 911 vs early retirement, I’d say unless you really hate your job all the studies say working is better for longevity?

jimbo761 said: As for 911 vs early retirement, I d say unless you really hate your job all the studies say working is better for longevity? I hope not, I retired at 53 and I'm only 8 years in

SkinnyPete said: I often find myself seriously thinking about a nearly new 992.2 T. While I could afford the car, it would undoubtedly push back my retirement by 5-7 years and ultimately that's whats putting me off. Maybe waiting until my EV lease is up in a couple of years would be the smarter move. I have a couple of friends who have retired or thinking about it. It's a big decision and it's obviously all about money. Going from a regular income to effectively zero means you really have to adjust your spending. I don't see how an expensive Porsche is worth working another 5 to 7 years myself. Surely you could scratch that 911 itch a little bit more economically.

I love my cars and have far too many of them but none of them are worth having to delay retirement by half a decade!

Steve H said: I love my cars and have far too many of them but none of them are worth having to delay retirement by half a decade! I fear you’re right. I’m hoping to be economically inactive around 50, or worst case drop to part-time and bow out a couple of years later. As much as I love cars, the idea of pushing that back just for something shiny does take the edge off the appeal, no matter how much I enjoy it.

I retired 6 years ago (late 50s) and bought a new 4.0 Boxster about a year after that. It wasn't a retirement present as such and after owning it for a year or so concluded it was a keeper since I've not found anything else that really touches its all round capabilities for the price. But while I still have no interest in selling it, a couple of years ago I decided I also wanted something a bit nostalgic and last year ended up buying a 1980 928s which I think is quite brilliant for a 45 year car. Having done that I've also realised I've created another problem, which one to drive for days out to events and shows. This summer is going to be interesting but I'm keeping both because I'm sure I'd miss them both if they weren't sat outside waiting to be driven. I suppose that's a round about way of saying if you can, keep the GTS for nice days out and special occaisions as the chances of getting another one at the same price as you sold for is unlikely and after 10 years you'll likely miss it unless you've got something else sat outside either the same or better. Edited by Voodoo Blue on Sunday 8th February 12:03

jimbo761 said: Puma EV after a 981 vastly different but great value & interested to see how you get on with it. No need to sell the 981 surely, they don t make them any more, & unless you re short of parking, would ve thought a better investment to hang into it? As for 911 vs early retirement, I d say unless you really hate your job all the studies say working is better for longevity? It is vastly different, and definitely not a replacement. Just a brand-new car for two years that happens to be very cheap, courtesy of incentives and manufacturer support ATM said: I have a couple of friends who have retired or thinking about it. It's a big decision and it's obviously all about money. Going from a regular income to effectively zero means you really have to adjust your spending. I don't see how an expensive Porsche is worth working another 5 to 7 years myself. Surely you could scratch that 911 itch a little bit more economically. It doesn t seem that way to me - the 911 market looks pretty compressed. A 992.2 is only slightly more than a 992.1, and a 992.1 isn t much more than a clean, low-mile 991.2. Given that, I d rather skip the older cars and go straight to the latest. Edited by SkinnyPete on Sunday 8th February 12:06

I would say keep the 981 and finish earlier for sure. If you are done at that age it would make sense to fill some time like Voodoo has with an older hobby car but that can be done on a more sensible budget. amongst my collection is a 1958 MG that I have a hankering to convert to full electric once I have the time. Mostly for fun and to make it more practical for summer use but also just to piss the purists off .

I've had my 981 Cayman over 10yrs and although I too may add a 50s/60s classic I can't see it going anywhere. My 2nd longest ownership was 9yrs - 2003 330ci MSport cabriolet. Great car but not emotional when it went. I've had some disappointing cars though... 2012 Mk2 TTS - 4WD system vague. 1997 DB7 - leaked rainwater. 2012 E Class 350 cab - multiple, last straw leaked rainwater 2019 Macan S - unweildy and multiple faults. 1988 Ford Orion 1.3L - can't remember what I didn't like. Edited by DJMC on Sunday 8th February 17:51

Steve H said: it would make sense to fill some time like Voodoo has with an older hobby car but that can be done on a more sensible budget. I tried to suggest a different cheaper 911 but OP seems to think the most economical choice is a nearly new 911. Which feels like he is blinkered if you ask me. I was thinking a 20 to 30k 911 but not sure I can be bothered flogging that horse if it's dead. SkinnyPete said: It doesn t seem that way to me - the 911 market looks pretty compressed. A 992.2 is only slightly more than a 992.1, and a 992.1 isn t much more than a clean, low-mile 991.2. Given that, I d rather skip the older cars and go straight to the latest.

Had my 981 GTS coming up two years now. Have owned a good number of P cars & as much as I like the look of the 992 cars I prefer the dimensions of the smaller cars. Intend to renew the warranty for a couple of years and hang onto my GTS. It really is that good

I’m coming up to two years with my 981 S Boxster. Occasionally I consider alternatives, but, really there aren’t any. Amazing car.

I'm @ nearly 4 years for my 2016 GTS. I'd like a 4.0 GTS, but cannot justify the £20k difference for a car that costs 50% more than mine with nowhere near 50% improvement in reality. I even considered a Macan GTS, but tried one and as my wife correctly said as we drove it, why do you want a posh van?

Ten years in with my 2016 718 2.0 bought from new, and I can't justify a change either. Have test driven most stuff, the extra cost of the 4.0 just not worth it for me, I did like the Emira steering but a shame about all the other issues. Looked at an F type V8 but the JLR reliability issues would be of concern. Well I guess I'll just continue the warranty for a few more years!

andygo said: I'm @ nearly 4 years for my 2016 GTS. I'd like a 4.0 GTS, but cannot justify the £20k difference for a car that costs 50% more than mine with nowhere near 50% improvement in reality. I even considered a Macan GTS, but tried one and as my wife correctly said as we drove it, why do you want a posh van? I've also considered the 718 which clearly is an utterly brilliant car but I know I'd miss the noise of the 981. Plus as you say it'll be north of 20k to change and I don't want to look back with regrets of letting a lovely 981 example go.

Esquire said: I've also considered the 718 which clearly is an utterly brilliant car but I know I'd miss the noise of the 981. Plus as you say it'll be north of 20k to change and I don't want to look back with regrets of letting a lovely 981 example go. I had a decent loaner from Silverstone OPC for a weekend. Ironically took it to Oulton Park as one of my sons was racing in BGT. Anyway, apart from the fact I had to turn round and waste 30 mins going back to the OPC to get them to put some damn oil in (it was on the bottom green segment, it was lovely. My 981 is a pdk whilst the 4.0 was a manual. Its 6th gear on the motorway was noticeably shorter than the 7th of my PDK, making the engine just that bit busier. Fantastic car though, just didn't seem like an extra 50% of the cost of mine though. I still think I'll end up with one though, just got to be a bit more creative with my man maths when I present my reasoning to my wife. As she has commented in the past (she often does, bless her, she's on the ball), "What's not to like?" closely followed by, "There's nothing the matter with the one we have already."

andygo said: I had a decent loaner from Silverstone OPC for a weekend. Ironically took it to Oulton Park as one of my sons was racing in BGT. Anyway, apart from the fact I had to turn round and waste 30 mins going back to the OPC to get them to put some damn oil in (it was on the bottom green segment, it was lovely. My 981 is a pdk whilst the 4.0 was a manual. Its 6th gear on the motorway was noticeably shorter than the 7th of my PDK, making the engine just that bit busier. Fantastic car though, just didn't seem like an extra 50% of the cost of mine though. I still think I'll end up with one though, just got to be a bit more creative with my man maths when I present my reasoning to my wife. As she has commented in the past (she often does, bless her, she's on the ball), "What's not to like?" closely followed by, "There's nothing the matter with the one we have already." I suspect my move into a 718 will be when I can no longer renew my P warranty. Tend not to look at 911's anymore although JZM so have a rather nice 991.2 Guards red Cab for sale.

I had a 2.0 718 Boxster for about 18 months before I got my 4.0. I still reckon the 2.0 is the best sports car Porsche have made for the money. I know some people hate the F4 and others will miss the noise an F6 makes especially a 981 with PSE but if you can get past that and just drive the car, explore it's in built talents and compare that to much more expensive alternatives I don't think there is much that can touch it especially on today's busy roads. Having bought the 4.0, while I love that as well, it doesn't sound as good as my wife's 2.7 981 Cayman and while it's incredible to drive on twisty B roads when they're not too busy it's far too easy to get into licence loosing territory. As usual sometimes less is more. I suspect the 981 GTS is now the sweet spot which is why they're starting to creep up in value and good ones are getting harder to come by.

If I were still working, I'd probably have the latest 911, but I can totally understand owners of older models not seeing any massive benefit in upgrading. I have low mileage a 991.1C4S for summer driving. Not the fastest car I've owned and, when I read the specs of the latest (non mad) 911's, it's vaguely in touch with their performance figures. Given I rarely drive at over 100mph, I'm content that I don't need the extra power. I also happen to like the analogue 3.8 non turbo engine with no electronic 'aids' that nobody ever asked for.

Esquire said: I suspect my move into a 718 will be when I can no longer renew my P warranty. Tend not to look at 911's anymore although JZM so have a rather nice 991.2 Guards red Cab for sale. That's a good point. I have 2 years left on mine and then it runs out, for good. I really wouldn't want to run it without the warranty, it's paid for itself every year.

SkinnyPete said: That's a good point. I have 2 years left on mine and then it runs out, for good. I really wouldn't want to run it without the warranty, it's paid for itself every year. My cars on 28k miles and had no need to use the warranty so far but, I just know the time I don't renew it Sod's Law comes into play ! I had a 981 GT4 when they first came out so always been a fan of the 981 series cars so would be a very reluctant sale.

SkinnyPete said: That's a good point. I have 2 years left on mine and then it runs out, for good. I really wouldn't want to run it without the warranty, it's paid for itself every year. I just extended my warranty early for another two years when I got the heads up the rates were going up in January. I can't quite claim the warranty has paid for itself completely, but the gap is easily filled by the additional peace of mind it provides and I still consider it to be good value. My car (Boxster S PDK) is now 10 years old, I love it to bits and would not have a clue what to replace it with. I got close to buying a new 4.0 GTS under the 'sod it, why not justification' but when I concluded it wouldn't really do anything more for me for twice as much money and then on top of that it wouldn't sound as good the idea lost its appeal. When I bought it I was in the market for one of the last 3.4 cars, I didn't want any sports chrono/active mounts hassle and can't stand Alcantara so I ended up with a 65 plate S with all the bits I wanted on it, job done. I already have another drive around the Alps booked for June and I cannot think of another car I would rather be doing it in, that says it all.

I absolutely love my base 981 Cayman manual, does everything so well. It's my daily and I also have a 911 992.1 GTS PDK. I love driving both just as much as the other for different reasons. 981 is such a great model, still looks modern and fresh, better looking than the 718 IMHO.

Schuey_911 said: ..................still looks modern and fresh, better looking than the 718 IMHO. I'm glad you said it, I will let you take the heat for that

981Boxess said: I'm glad you said it, I will let you take the heat for that Whoops!!!

Sunny day with dry roads so took the BGTS out this afternoon having not driven it for close to 3 months. For context I'd been watching vids of GT4 RS's for the last couple of weeks and thinking one of these might be my next car. I'd clearly forgotten how compliant the 981 BGTS is plus the lovely noise. Love this car so much I've shelved the idea of chopping for another car and keeping the 981. Looking forward to the summer

A couple of months on and I’m still on the fence about selling. Running costs have been a touch over £7,500 in the last 12 months, plus roughly £1,500 in fuel, but usage has dropped off a cliff - only driven twice this month since picking up an EV that suits my day-to-day mileage a lot better. Every time I do take it out it reminds me why I bought it, but it’s hard to justify keeping it for such occasional use. Suspect I’d regret selling it… equally aware I’m not really using it as intended. Gratuitous shot chasing a GT3

I'm putting mine up for sale shortly. I absolutely love it, but I am a bit too precious about it, which results in me refusing to leave it anywhere, going ten miles when I only need to go two to warm it up properly, etc.

SkinnyPete said: A couple of months on and I m still on the fence about selling. Running costs have been a touch over £7,500 in the last 12 months, plus roughly £1,500 in fuel, but usage has dropped off a cliff - only driven twice this month since picking up an EV that suits my day-to-day mileage a lot better. Every time I do take it out it reminds me why I bought it, but it s hard to justify keeping it for such occasional use. Suspect I d regret selling it equally aware I m not really using it as intended. Gratuitous shot chasing a GT3 Seems a huge cost for 12 months driving but guessing a result of track days ?

Had mine out this afternoon for its first proper run since I got it earlier in the year. What a glorious sound it makes! (PDK GTS)

AllyM said: Had mine out this afternoon for its first proper run since I got it earlier in the year. What a glorious sound it makes! (PDK GTS) Agreed. Took my BGTS out this week (roof off) the noise is mesmerising. I don't doubt the 718 4.0 is a better car in many ways but just know id miss that exhaust note badly & the PDK changes are just brilliant. Mines being detailed tomorrow. Pics to follow

SkinnyPete said: Insurance (£421) Mine was £115, fully comp with SAGA. One of the few positive things about getting old...

Was that three years of warranty renewal?

I do wonder why keeping up a warranty and extortionate servicing cost on an old car. I use a very good indie, service, discs and pads all round, all 4 wheels refurbed, £2,200. Job done for another year or two,

supersport said: I do wonder why keeping up a warranty and extortionate servicing cost on an old car. I use a very good indie, service, discs and pads all round, all 4 wheels refurbed, £2,200. Job done for another year or two, Great if no huge issue arises. Guy I know owns a 991.2 911 with PDK. Hasn't bothered with the warranty for the last 2 years, figured waste of money but now the box has failed. Staring down the barrel of an 18k bill to replace

SkinnyPete said: Not really. The opportunity cost of this car over 10 years is circa £200,000. Expeniture over the past 12 months: Warranty renewal 12 year service (£2012, ouch) Tyres MOT Tax Insurance (£421) Wiper blades Front brake discs, pads, sensors Rear brake pads, sensors, fitting kit Brake fluid Battery Aftermarket condensers Air con regas Calibrate handbrake Code battery £7593.56 There was also £4500 worth of warranty work (at inflated OPC prices). Edited by SkinnyPete on Saturday 25th April 20:35 Fair enough . My 12 year service is due next March but didn't know that might be a bigger service than any other major one? Had my car 2 years now and total costs including 2 warranty renewals and the 111 point inspection plus insurance has worked out to be 4k. Have covered 5k miles since ownership. I'm guessing you're also including fuel in your numbers and doing lots more mileage than me ?

SkinnyPete said: Not really. The opportunity cost of this car over 10 years is circa £200,000. Expeniture over the past 12 months: Warranty renewal 12 year service (£2012, ouch) Tyres MOT Tax Insurance (£421) Wiper blades Front brake discs, pads, sensors Rear brake pads, sensors, fitting kit Brake fluid Battery Aftermarket condensers Air con regas Calibrate handbrake Code battery £7593.56 There was also £4500 worth of warranty work (at inflated OPC prices). Edited by SkinnyPete on Saturday 25th April 20:35 The divorce would have been cheaper

supersport said: I do wonder why keeping up a warranty and extortionate servicing cost on an old car. I use a very good indie, service, discs and pads all round, all 4 wheels refurbed, £2,200. Job done for another year or two, Easy answer. Independents don’t save as much as people think (occasionally they cost more), and the warranty has covered itself every year so far. As a bonus, it's a great way to drive loads of Porsche models properly. I’ve driven almost the full range now - just the Turbo, GT3 and Cayman 4.0 left. It's also a good way to stay on Porsche's books and be invited to events/48 hour test drives.

Esquire said: Seems a huge cost for 12 months driving but guessing a result of track days ? Not really. The opportunity cost of this car over 10 years is circa £200,000. Expeniture over the past 12 months: Warranty renewal with porsche assist (two years £1634) 12 year service (£2012, ouch) Tyres MOT Tax Insurance (£421) Wiper blades Front brake discs, pads, sensors Rear brake pads, sensors, fitting kit Brake fluid Battery Aftermarket condensers Air con regas Calibrate handbrake Code battery £7593.56 There was also £4500 worth of warranty work (at inflated OPC prices). Edited by SkinnyPete on Saturday 25th April 20:35 Edited by SkinnyPete on Sunday 26th April 10:02

ATM said: I think the relatively strong pricing of these is actually pushing people out of these cars. Considering the car mentioned above is now around 14 years old and done 70k then 27 grand seems strong compared to other Boxsters that came before. I think a case can be made that they are both undervalued and overvalued, depending on what it is being compared with. Up against a 991, the 981 looks like amazing value for money. Against a 987, a 981 looks expensive. Ultimately, the 981 was the last 'proper' Boxster before it became a turbo 4-pot. There are not a huge number of 981s around, and in particular, manuals are quite rare, especially the S.

ATM said: I did a 7 hour drive in mine yesterday and wasn't exactly loving the leg cramps. I did find if I reposition my hips regularly then it reduced it a bit but I'm not sure that's the sort of thing for general PH consumption. I did find myself thinking this is definitely not the sort of ideal use case for a Boxster. But I will mention I did have the roof down for the whole day which is a big BIG win. I just did a blast around the Alps in my BoxsterS, over 2000 miles, two days were 550 miles each day - I cannot think of a better car to have done the trip in. Roof down, PSE on, mountain roads - what’s not to like. I have done 700+ miles in a TVR in one day several times, it is like driving a limo compared to that. Great cars - cannot think of anything better to replace it with.

The 981 is an amazing peace of engineering, practical, very reliable, relatively easy to maintain, great performance and amazing looks. No wonder prices are solid. Had 2 as DD's for 4 years. Only slight thing is that they are long geared so have to push them above 4k to get the performance, something that was fixed in the 718

981Boxess said: ATM said: I did a 7 hour drive in mine yesterday and wasn't exactly loving the leg cramps. I did find if I reposition my hips regularly then it reduced it a bit but I'm not sure that's the sort of thing for general PH consumption. I did find myself thinking this is definitely not the sort of ideal use case for a Boxster. But I will mention I did have the roof down for the whole day which is a big BIG win. I just did a blast around the Alps in my BoxsterS, over 2000 miles, two days were 550 miles each day - I cannot think of a better car to have done the trip in. Roof down, PSE on, mountain roads - what s not to like. I have done 700+ miles in a TVR in one day several times, it is like driving a limo compared to that. Great cars - cannot think of anything better to replace it with. Mine was over 95% motorway / dual carriageway with quite a lot of crawling traffic queues

ATM said: SkinnyPete said: So much so that I m starting to think I might be more Cayenne/Panamera than 911 these days. I think I m having a reverse mid-life crisis. I did a 7 hour drive in mine yesterday and wasn't exactly loving the leg cramps. I did find if I reposition my hips regularly then it reduced it a bit but I'm not sure that's the sort of thing for general PH consumption. I did find myself thinking this is definitely not the sort of ideal use case for a Boxster. But I will mention I did have the roof down for the whole day which is a big BIG win. I think the relatively strong pricing of these is actually pushing people out of these cars. Considering the car mentioned above is now around 14 years old and done 70k then 27 grand seems strong compared to other Boxsters that came before. When I bought mine in 2014 I think they were probably around 37 - to keep the maths easy. So to only lose 10 grand in 12 years or less than a third of price paid feels different. I'm not asking for my car to be worth less - mine is difficult to value because its crash damaged - but I'm just saying if the values were lower would that make you consider keeping instead - if it was only worth say 17 would you just keep it? For me it wasn't really about the value. The bigger issue was that it just wasn't getting used, and I'm not really one for keeping cars as ornaments. I'd had 10 years of enjoyment out of it and felt I'd done everything I wanted to do with the car. The fact it's been gone 7 weeks now and I haven't missed it once probably tells me it was the right time to sell.

AmoCS said: The 981 is an amazing peace of engineering, practical, very reliable, relatively easy to maintain, great performance and amazing looks. No wonder prices are solid. Had 2 as DD's for 4 years. Only slight thing is that they are long geared so have to push them above 4k to get the performance, something that was fixed in the 718 Solved with the PDK box

Timpson said: DJMC; 4.0 is indeed excessive but the 718 2.0T is actually an excellent engine and you can get a much newer improved model. Also much more mid range torque for overtakes. I've had a few 718 2 litres as courtesy cars. Let's not start that debate but, for me, the flat 6 induction noise and wail IS the car.

DJMC said: I've had a few 718 2 litres as courtesy cars. Let's not start that debate but, for me, the flat 6 induction noise and wail IS the car. Agree. The 718 4-pot is objectively good. The rest of the car has has a polish up, too. That can only be a good thing. But for me, the heart of a sports car is the engine - and my enjoyment of the 718 pales in comparison - despite how capable they are. Modern cars are so objectively good nowadays, but for a number of us, that’s not what it’s about.

I went to Le Mans and back in my 987.1 Boxster S. On the way back we set the sat nav to avoid tolls and highways and had a great drive back to the ferry. My car has got a TPC Racing turbo conversion, so has an extra 100bhp and a bit more exhaust noise, and I don't know what I'd ever replace it with for sensible money. I've had it for about 12 years now. Edited by VladD on Wednesday 24th June 07:50

DJMC said: Timpson said: DJMC; 4.0 is indeed excessive but the 718 2.0T is actually an excellent engine and you can get a much newer improved model. Also much more mid range torque for overtakes. I've had a few 718 2 litres as courtesy cars. Let's not start that debate but, for me, the flat 6 induction noise and wail IS the car. Couldn't agree more - if it was only about the numbers then either 4 cyl would be considered an upgrade/improvement. However, there is more to it than that and the 4 cyl, plus the now obligatory GPF has done a fine job of dulling what can only described as one of the last real world sportscar experiences.

981Boxess said: I just did a blast around the Alps in my BoxsterS, over 2000 miles, two days were 550 miles each day - I cannot think of a better car to have done the trip in. Roof down, PSE on, mountain roads - what s not to like. I have done 700+ miles in a TVR in one day several times, it is like driving a limo compared to that. Great cars - cannot think of anything better to replace it with. Completed another 3000 mile Euro road trip in my 981 GT4 recently (which I have been thinking about selling after 5 years of ownership) but there's nothing out there anywhere near as fun/capable/reliable for the money. It's just such a good car, and what a soundtrack. May start looking for a 981 Boxster next year to keep it company.

I have a 981 Cayman Base 2.7 Manual as my daily driver. It's such a brilliant car and done a Nurburgring, Spa and Donny Trackday in it and it did the road trips and track work brilliantly. Also a have a 992.1 GTS, but sometimes I struggle to decide which keys to grab

We recently did a few days driving around Wales and took our 981 2.7 PDK Cayman (wife's) and 718 4.0 PDK Boxster (mine). We drove up through the Elan Valley and then around Snowdonia NP etc. which was really good fun. We also drove around the EVO Triangle and decided to swap cars to see what they were like back to back. Without hesitation we both agreed that the 718 was easier to drive and had much lighter controls, including steering which felt a bit more accurate and of course the tech was also better. The 981 scored top marks for exhaust noise, especially with PSE switched on and while it felt it needed a bit more effort to drive the difference wasn't enough to conclude if one was better that the other from a subjective perspective. They both felt they were doing exactly what they were designed to do, incredibly good fun and if you own either you have something very special. Because of that she's keeping hers and I'm keeping mine since there is now nothing on the market that can do what they can do for the money whilst putting a grin on your face that feels like it'll last forever Edited by Voodoo Blue on Wednesday 24th June 11:41

I'm quite tempted to add a Cayman S to run alongside my rather lovely BGTS 981 PDK to use in the more winter months and keep the BGTS for pure summer driving . Looking at sold prices on Collecting Cars there is clearly a sizeable difference from an S to a GTS so the S for winter use would be my choice . Also although I don't expect these cars to appreciate I think at 30ish k for a nice one there is probably limited downside just the usual running cost providing nothing catastrophic happens.

Voodoo Blue said: Because of that she's keeping hers and I'm keeping mine since there is now nothing on the market that can do what they can do for the money whilst putting a grin on your face that feels like it'll last forever Edited by Voodoo Blue on Wednesday 24th June 11:41 I agree there's nothing to match my 981 but as for "last forever" that's what I too thought until a week ago. Did you read my post on the previous page regarding wheel arch rust and door corrosion? I have decided to have an early restoration to hopefully nip this in the bud and protect for the furure but it seems quite common, from my readings, for Porsches to suffer far worse and need new arches welded in if the first signs of rot aren't acted upon swiftly. With these 12-14yr old cars dropping below £20k as they are doing right now, I'm guessing there won't be that many new owners who will want to spend 25-50% more on sorting the issues waiting in the wings.

DJMC said: Guys... please put me right... Having vague thoughts of selling my 981, after 10+ years... Don't get me wrong, I still love it BUT... RUST!!! Just a little, but the tip of the iceberg? I had thought of trading it against a 991.1 Targa which I test drove a few months back. But it was so bland. No noise, meh handling, and I was amazed that anyone would want one, apart from its unusable power, unless they hadn't driven a Cayman/Boxster, or have small children perhaps? Anyway, my Cayman had its 12yr service a month ago, also replacing coffin arms, rear brake pipes, new discs all round, 4 wheel alignment, all done a my new local indy PMR Porsche near Redditch. A £4k bill all in but I was very happy to have had a full mechanical refresh. Then a week ago I noticed the little rear arch 'bubbles'. Asked around for a recommended body shop and another local indy, Cotswold Porsche, said there's only one place for a proper job, BP Bodybuilders in Cheltenham. Took it to BP yesterday and Lee pointed out that the front wing was also about to erupt, other arches likely to follow, corrosion to bottom edge of driver's door, a corrosion 'wart' in middle of passenger door. He says everything is "saveable" currently but recommends a full strip out of underbody panels, wheel arch liners, clean and treat the latter and repaint both sides of the car. Another £4k bill. I've booked it in for late July. I feel like the curator of a museum piece now. It's 12yrs old and perhaps I should be spending that money on a newer car? Or will my Cayman, if properly maintained, outlive the mass of shortly to be crumbling 981 models out there and become a classic? I had convertibles for 15yrs, mostly BMWs and have been vaguely looking at... gulp... the 4 series cabriolet. But then would I drive that instead of my current practical BMW X1? Would I miss the style and drama of the Cayman? Would I burn my head off in a heatwave? Have I forgotten I vowed 12yrs ago never to buy another convertible? But there's really nothing to compare. I don't fancy a 4.0 Cayman. Engine is too powerful and I don't quite fit (less leg room). 911s are out, dull. I think I should just bite the bullet. Then I have refreshed mechanicals and bodywork and I can continue to enjoy the car I've loved driving for another 10 years. ...or should I? Edited by DJMC on Tuesday 23 June 10:14 Just flicked back after your last post to read this . How many miles has the car covered ? Not really heard of corrosion issues on these but good to know

DJMC said: I agree there's nothing to match my 981 but as for "last forever" that's what I too thought until a week ago. Did you read my post on the previous page regarding wheel arch rust and door corrosion? I have decided to have an early restoration to hopefully nip this in the bud and protect for the furure but it seems quite common, from my readings, for Porsches to suffer far worse and need new arches welded in if the first signs of rot aren't acted upon swiftly. With these 12-14yr old cars dropping below £20k as they are doing right now, I'm guessing there won't be that many new owners who will want to spend 25-50% more on sorting the issues waiting in the wings. Our Cayman is a little younger and has done less miles but no signs of corrosion yet so perhaps we've been lucky so far. Sometimes putting money into cars makes no financial sense whatsoever but you do it because of the pleasure it gives you back when driving and using it. Trust me, I know from also running a 45 year old 928S By the way I also noted your point about legroom, It might be just different seats but I've not noticed any discernible difference between ours and both of us are quite tall (5,7 and 6,1). The 4.0 718s are definitely getting to the point where they have too much power for today's driving conditions but for a touring trip around Europe they are an absolute hoot. As previously mentioned though, the 981s sound so much better. Edited by Voodoo Blue on Thursday 25th June 10:49

Thoughts on this gents ? https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/2013-porsche-9...

For legroom difference go to 20:45 in this comparison... https://youtube.com/watch?v=RHamImnUhmc&is=Vt5... BUT... I just noticed they're both 718s, so it looks like the 718 4cyl cabin was made bigger than the 981's perhaps? Your 981 2.7 (same as mine) may have the same, already 'cramped' cabin as the 718 4.0 now they've put the F6 back in. That might solve my issue with buying a 4.0 legroom-wise but I still couldn't cope with the muted noise and unusable power. Less is more here! PS. I used to drive a dragster so acceleration in any road car means little to me. Edited by DJMC on Thursday 25th June 12:45

DJMC said: For legroom difference go to 20:45 in this comparison... https://youtube.com/watch?v=RHamImnUhmc&is=Vt5... BUT... I just noticed they're both 718s, so it looks like the 718 4cyl cabin was made bigger than the 981's perhaps? Your 981 2.7 (same as mine) may have the same, already 'cramped' cabin as the 718 4.0 now they've put the F6 back in. That might solve my issue with buying a 4.0 legroom-wise but I still couldn't cope with the muted noise and unusable power. Less is more here! PS. I used to drive a dragster so acceleration in any road car means little to me. Edited by DJMC on Thursday 25th June 12:45 Yep, I saw the follow up video he did on this subject as well so would assume any difference would be down to seats. If your thrill is more about feel, handling and noise the 981 is hard to beat for the money. The 718 4.0 does sound great when its past around 3500 rpm but by then you're almost certainly heading beyond the speed limit before changing up again. But for me it's more than the outright speed and acceleration it's the whole package and because of that I'm happy to forgo some of the visceral advantages the 981 has. Having said that, it would be a dilemma to be in if we had to downsize to 1 of ours and I know that would be a really difficult decision to make so do sympathise. The only thing I can suggest is before committing to anything, draw up a shortlist of other potential candidate and see if you can get some examples on an extended test drive preferably on familiar roads and maybe back to back with yours. Hopefully the decision you make will be the right one for you.

Timpson said: DJ- there s a follow up video. He made an error. Cabins same size.. https://youtu.be/ANuU0q2nDVI?is=EMOe0kHs1iNPfQS2 Aha! Great news. So... should I try a 4.0 718 and spend £40k (p/ex) upgrading to unnecessary power and muted exhaust, or... spend £4k to keep my 981 in good shape? Does the 4.0 GTS have normal leather seats (not alcantara), and are they 14-way? Mine already has these and PASM. @Voodoo Blue, thanks for your help as you are the ideal person to ask. Your comparison drive kind of gives me the answer. Edited by DJMC on Thursday 25th June 14:16

As for other contenders... I'm now scared of 'old' due to rust and 'new' due to the dpf nanny, and stupid tech. So... for a budget up to, say, £60k used what is there? New MX-5. Really liked the drive (as a 3rd car) but not special enough to feel special when driving my 'special' car. R8. Too powerful. A bit leery. Any Aston. Will never buy another. Bentley? Madness running one financially. Something classic from the 50s/60s. Awful to drive but haven't tried an Elan. Lotus. Too sporty. BMW, Mercedes, Audi. Too popular. Nope, nothing shouts out at me... Keep the 981 and do whatever is needed to maintain it for years to come.

DJMC said: As for other contenders... I'm now scared of 'old' due to rust and 'new' due to the dpf nanny, and stupid tech. So... for a budget up to, say, £60k used what is there? New MX-5. Really liked the drive (as a 3rd car) but not special enough to feel special when driving my 'special' car. R8. Too powerful. A bit leery. Any Aston. Will never buy another. Bentley? Madness running one financially. Something classic from the 50s/60s. Awful to drive but haven't tried an Elan. Lotus. Too sporty. BMW, Mercedes, Audi. Too popular. Nope, nothing shouts out at me... Keep the 981 and do whatever is needed to maintain it for years to come. DJ- did you see the car I listed above coming up for sale. Genuinely interested in your thoughts. Think non PASM car ?

Now I've owned 2 981's and a 718 4.0 GTS. Something was definitely different between the 2 for cabin space. I had far less room in the 4.0 and actually felt a little cramped, whereas I always found I had plenty of room in my 981's. There was definitely something going on there especially with others noting exactly the same!

Further to the above it wasn't the seats, I had sports and sports plus in my 981's and sports plus gts seats in the 4.0.

Esquire said: DJ- did you see the car I listed above coming up for sale. Genuinely interested in your thoughts. Think non PASM car ? No climate, no front parking sensors, PSE (it'll drone, on or off), no multi way seats, fairly basic spec. If you can live with these and get it for £25k I'd say go for it. Check ALL the spec for missing things you'd expect to be standard. Check tyres for cracking (see MOT history) - probably Pirellis. Not seen many in white but it's a good colour to show off its lines.

The other thing to consider is changing cars to new or used. My wife bought a used Macan S from an OPC last year. So many issues she lost confidence in it and also lost £8k selling it back to the same OPC eight months later. After 10yrs I know my 981 inside out. If you have a good one, nurture it.

DJMC said: No climate, no front parking sensors, PSE (it'll drone, on or off), no multi way seats, fairly basic spec. If you can live with these and get it for £25k I'd say go for it. Check ALL the spec for missing things you'd expect to be standard. Check tyres for cracking (see MOT history) - probably Pirellis. Not seen many in white but it's a good colour to show off its lines. Thanks mate, fair bit to consider

DJMC said: As for other contenders... I'm now scared of 'old' due to rust and 'new' due to the dpf nanny, and stupid tech. So... for a budget up to, say, £60k used what is there? New MX-5. Really liked the drive (as a 3rd car) but not special enough to feel special when driving my 'special' car. R8. Too powerful. A bit leery. Any Aston. Will never buy another. Bentley? Madness running one financially. Something classic from the 50s/60s. Awful to drive but haven't tried an Elan. Lotus. Too sporty. BMW, Mercedes, Audi. Too popular. Nope, nothing shouts out at me... Keep the 981 and do whatever is needed to maintain it for years to come. An early R8 is a very nice thing. Very classy in the right spec and not at all "leery". And far from too powerful, I'd say it's just right for road use. But certain maintenance items are megabucks and from what I can see Audi is awful at supporting older models re parts. Porsche may rip us off with parts prices, but at least it does a (mostly) very good job at maintaining availability. Personally in your budget I'd either go R8 or a really nice low mile 981 3.4. The 3.4 is no rocket ship, but has a bit more torque. The 2.7 is a nice engine, but feels gutless too often in the 981 chassis. Would suit a car about 200kg lighter than the 981 perfectly.

DJMC said: As for other contenders... I'm now scared of 'old' due to rust and 'new' due to the dpf nanny, and stupid tech. So... for a budget up to, say, £60k used what is there? New MX-5. Really liked the drive (as a 3rd car) but not special enough to feel special when driving my 'special' car. R8. Too powerful. A bit leery. Any Aston. Will never buy another. Bentley? Madness running one financially. Something classic from the 50s/60s. Awful to drive but haven't tried an Elan. Lotus. Too sporty. BMW, Mercedes, Audi. Too popular. Nope, nothing shouts out at me... Keep the 981 and do whatever is needed to maintain it for years to come. Alpine. For me it’s the only credible alternative to a Cayman, although my £60k would go into a 4.0GTS if I could find one the right spec at that price. OPFs are removable so it’s really not a consideration unless you are determined to keep then Porsche warranty and while you are binning them you can spec as much/little noise as you want with a different exhaust.

Steve H said: OPFs are removable so it s really not a consideration unless you are determined to keep then Porsche warranty and while you are binning them you can spec as much/little noise as you want with a different exhaust. Problem with that is that you are then driving an illegal car. Not making a moral objection to that, but in practical terms, I don't love the idea. You could argue that LED bulbs in a standard incandescent light unit is equally illegal. I just think removing the OPF is a bit more full on and in the event of a major accident, I suspect your insurer would have more grounds to deny a claim on that basis than a light bulb which you could plausibly claim to be unaware of on a second hand car.

housemouse said: Steve H said: OPFs are removable so it s really not a consideration unless you are determined to keep then Porsche warranty and while you are binning them you can spec as much/little noise as you want with a different exhaust. Problem with that is that you are then driving an illegal car. Not making a moral objection to that, but in practical terms, I don't love the idea. You could argue that LED bulbs in a standard incandescent light unit is equally illegal. I just think removing the OPF is a bit more full on and in the event of a major accident, I suspect your insurer would have more grounds to deny a claim on that basis than a light bulb which you could plausibly claim to be unaware of on a second hand car. Declare any mods and you would be fine on that score. In fact even if you didn’t declare any mods you would almost certainly be fine but the option is there if you wish to be extra safe.

DJMC said: Aha! Great news. So... should I try a 4.0 718 and spend £40k (p/ex) upgrading to unnecessary power and muted exhaust, or... spend £4k to keep my 981 in good shape? Does the 4.0 GTS have normal leather seats (not alcantara), and are they 14-way? Mine already has these and PASM. @Voodoo Blue, thanks for your help as you are the ideal person to ask. Your comparison drive kind of gives me the answer. Edited by DJMC on Thursday 25th June 14:16 Glad to help. If you have any more questions let me know By the way I also run a 45 year old 928S and that is quite brilliant to drive, very modern feel but apart from the 3 speed auto (which I think really suits the car) it's completely analog. No computer aids, no screens and no known major mechanical gremlins. They have a reputation of being complicated and the electrics can be a bit of a mystery sometimes but if you get a good one it'll cost about the same to maintain as your 981 at a good independent and baring any major faults they are very capable and a lot of fun. And of course Harry has just bought one so prices are only going to go in one direction Not suggesting you buy one but historics do have an allure and charm all of their own if you feel like going in a different direction.

Steve H said: Declare any mods and you would be fine on that score. No, you wouldn't. It's not legal to remove the GPF, so your insurance would be cancelled if you announced that change.

Today I was chasing a 991.1 gt3 in my 981 3.4 and ok the 981 isn't quite as fast but the difference seems marginal

Voodoo Blue said: Glad to help. If you have any more questions let me know By the way I also run a 45 year old 928S and that is quite brilliant to drive, very modern feel but apart from the 3 speed auto (which I think really suits the car) it's completely analog. No computer aids, no screens and no known major mechanical gremlins. They have a reputation of being complicated and the electrics can be a bit of a mystery sometimes but if you get a good one it'll cost about the same to maintain as your 981 at a good independent and baring any major faults they are very capable and a lot of fun. And of course Harry has just bought one so prices are only going to go in one direction Not suggesting you buy one but historics do have an allure and charm all of their own if you feel like going in a different direction. Ah yes... I was driven to the church for my wedding 39 years ago in my best man's 928, chequered seats and all. Very futuristic back then, and look up to date today.

DJMC said: Aha! Great news. So... should I try a 4.0 718 and spend £40k (p/ex) upgrading to unnecessary power and muted exhaust, or... spend £4k to keep my 981 in good shape? Does the 4.0 GTS have normal leather seats (not alcantara), and are they 14-way? Mine already has these and PASM. @Voodoo Blue, thanks for your help as you are the ideal person to ask. Your comparison drive kind of gives me the answer. Edited by DJMC on Thursday 25th June 14:16 Leather is standard I think with alcantara an option with the GTS interior pack (happy to be corrected), and seats will be sports plus style with 2 way or 18 way as an option. We had a 981 CS for 6 years which we still miss. Had a 4.0 as a loaner for a day. The 4.0 has way more torque which is really noticeable, but the 3.4 is much nicer sounding and also revs more freely. Really worth a test drive to make an informed decision. Edited by mr pg on Thursday 25th June 22:01

Esquire said: Thoughts on this gents ? https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/2013-porsche-9... VERY low mileage in recent years. Last change of ownership in 2015. Failed MoT in 2019 with both rear tyres below 1.6mm, and both front tyres as an advisory for cracking and perishing and they've never been replaced since according to the advert. Seven years on dodgy front tyres on its own is enough to put me off.

CanAm said: VERY low mileage in recent years. Last change of ownership in 2015. Failed MoT in 2019 with both rear tyres below 1.6mm, and both front tyres as an advisory for cracking and perishing and they've never been replaced since according to the advert. Seven years on dodgy front tyres on its own is enough to put me off. Good spot tks . I'll pass

May well be a seller that has no clue about recommended tyre ages etc? Wouldn't put me off on an extremely low mileage car, the SH is fairly solid. Go take a look, speak to the seller, then decide would be my advice. I get a feel for a vehicle within seconds when viewing it.

CanAm said: Esquire said: Thoughts on this gents ? https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/2013-porsche-9... VERY low mileage in recent years. Last change of ownership in 2015. Failed MoT in 2019 with both rear tyres below 1.6mm, and both front tyres as an advisory for cracking and perishing and they've never been replaced since according to the advert. Seven years on dodgy front tyres on its own is enough to put me off. Whilst normally I would agree, an MOT tester wrongly failed mine on two tyres. When I pointed this out, he accepted his mistake but couldn t remove it from the system (apparently).

[Image-only or quote-only post; no author-written text.] https://i.postimg.cc/pVjy3j62/20260626-121045.jpg

ATM said: Did I miss something?

Esquire said: Did I miss something? Yes

plynchy said: May well be a seller that has no clue about recommended tyre ages etc? Wouldn't put me off on an extremely low mileage car, the SH is fairly solid. Go take a look, speak to the seller, then decide would be my advice. I get a feel for a vehicle within seconds when viewing it. Agree. I’d have my radar on though. It’s easy to get a read on the car very quickly. I also like to get a read on the seller, too.

housemouse said: An early R8 is a very nice thing. Very classy in the right spec and not at all "leery". And far from too powerful, I'd say it's just right for road use. But certain maintenance items are megabucks and from what I can see Audi is awful at supporting older models re parts. Porsche may rip us off with parts prices, but at least it does a (mostly) very good job at maintaining availability. Personally in your budget I'd either go R8 or a really nice low mile 981 3.4. The 3.4 is no rocket ship, but has a bit more torque. The 2.7 is a nice engine, but feels gutless too often in the 981 chassis. Would suit a car about 200kg lighter than the 981 perfectly. As an ex-987 Cayman 2.7 owner, if I get another Cayman depending on budget: Sub £20k it would be a 987.2 2.9 Low 20s a 987.2 S (if you can even find one, certainly a manual!) Mid to high 20s, I do wonder if I'd stretch to top of budget and pick a 718 base over a 981 2.7. I love the flat 6 howl and the way the power climbs when it comes on song, and agree it is a key part of the appeal. But at the same time that gutless feeling of getting bogged down isn't great. You have to work for it. Then as we go past £30k the battle turns to 981 S vs 718 S

SkinnyPete said: CanAm said: Esquire said: Thoughts on this gents ? https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/2013-porsche-9... VERY low mileage in recent years. Last change of ownership in 2015. Failed MoT in 2019 with both rear tyres below 1.6mm, and both front tyres as an advisory for cracking and perishing and they've never been replaced since according to the advert. Seven years on dodgy front tyres on its own is enough to put me off. Whilst normally I would agree, an MOT tester wrongly failed mine on two tyres. When I pointed this out, he accepted his mistake but couldn t remove it from the system (apparently). The tyres were Advisories in 2019, and were the same in the March 2026 test. Yould think after 7 years the owner would think perhaps it was time to do something. The rear tyres being below 1.6mm would worry me. Maybe I'm wrong, but if an owner isn't bothered about tyres in a performance car, it sets my spidey senses tingling.

WayOutWest said: I do wonder if I'd stretch to top of budget and pick a 718 base over a 981 2.7. I love the flat 6 howl and the way the power climbs when it comes on song, and agree it is a key part of the appeal. But at the same time that gutless feeling of getting bogged down isn't great. You have to work for it. When does it get "bogged down"? In 10 years I've never experienced this. Heresay perhaps?

DJMC said: When does it get "bogged down"? In 10 years I've never experienced this. Heresay perhaps? Only if you are lazy with your gear changes admittedly. And used to driving other vehicles with lazy power, turbo engines and auto boxes. In contrast the turbo lump in the 718 is going to give you more flexibility on powerband.

WayOutWest said: Only if you are lazy with your gear changes admittedly. And used to driving other vehicles with lazy power, turbo engines and auto boxes. In contrast the turbo lump in the 718 is going to give you more flexibility on powerband. My 981 is a PDK. Don't have this issue so you're talking manual 2.7, yes? Conversely iirc the 2.0 718 suffers turbo lag. It's been a while since I had one as a courtesy car but I seem to recall that was the case.

DJMC said: My 981 is a PDK. Don't have this issue so you're talking manual 2.7, yes? Conversely iirc the 2.0 718 suffers turbo lag. It's been a while since I had one as a courtesy car but I seem to recall that was the case. Manual 2.7 yes. I've not actually driven a 2.7 PDK, I'd imagine it's easier to keep on the boil. As for the 718 I've driven a base and S both PDK but it was ages ago now. The other day I watched that Matt Watson clip on youtube with a 718 base Cayman against a GT4 and some Mustang and it was amazing how well the 718 base did. It seems like enough real world usable performance.

Timpson said: If you want the naturally aspirated flat six to sing you are wringing its neck all the way to the redline, which is an experience for about five minutes before you realise you are doing 95mph in a 40 zone and your licence is a memory. You'd have to be a pretty appalling driver for that to happen.

Timpson said: paulguitar said: Timpson said: If you want the naturally aspirated flat six to sing you are wringing its neck all the way to the redline, which is an experience for about five minutes before you realise you are doing 95mph in a 40 zone and your licence is a memory. You'd have to be a pretty appalling driver for that to happen. Fair point, hyperbole noted. But it does rather illustrate the 981 s fundamental limitation on the road. A car that only truly comes alive at the top of its rev range is fine on a track where you can use it, but on public roads you are spending most of your time waiting for the fun to start. The 718 delivers something meaningful the moment you put your foot down in almost any gear at almost any speed. That is not a small thing. Understood. All I'd say about my 981S is that it's necessary/effective to use second gear more than might be expected. But I've found that once I got used to doing that, lots of fun was available. That said, I love the 987 2.7 I had previously, which was not as quick, but loved to rev and I thought was perfectly suited to UK roads.

Timpson said: Turbo lag on the 718 gets a bad rap and most of it comes from people who have never driven something that genuinely suffers from it. <snip> Porsche solved a problem most manufacturers did not even attempt. A bit more credit where it is due. I feel slightly responsible for this. Back when 718s were being delivered initially, I used boost gauge and stop watch to measure the lag on a demo drive down at 2000-2500 rpm. It's measurable, and I think I reported back on this forum. But you really don't feel it, and my first (2017) 2.0 718 Cayman had so much more mid range torque than the 981 GT4 that followed it. On the road, the 718 was just plain quicker. So much so that I bought another (PPF-strangled) one new in 2021 as a winter hack. Was not quite as good, but pretty damn close. They are truly great road cars, and possibly good on track too, although I never did any of that with either. While I'm fortunate enough to have a GT4 RS, and just in the last month a new GT3 Touring in the garage right now, my first Porsche, a pov spec 2017 718 Cayman 2.0 manual, was in most ways the best everyday daily drive of all of them. I drove a couple of 981s at the time I was ordering it, and they do sound better and all that... But the 4 pot tubo Caymans and Boxsters remain massively underrated. The Ford Sierra Cosworth was an original in just how good a 2.0 turbo 4-pot engine could be 30+ years ago. Porsche took it to its logical conclusion in a sublime sports car, and deserve a lot of credit. One of my all time favourites. Liam

WayOutWest said: Manual 2.7 yes. I've not actually driven a 2.7 PDK, I'd imagine it's easier to keep on the boil. As for the 718 I've driven a base and S both PDK but it was ages ago now. The other day I watched that Matt Watson clip on youtube with a 718 base Cayman against a GT4 and some Mustang and it was amazing how well the 718 base did. It seems like enough real world usable performance. If that bloke wasn't so damn annoying I'd watch it . On another note, I don't find I have to thrash my 981 to get the best from it , in fact it's far more enjoyable around 4/5k revs using the paddles. Maybe I'm just not getting it .

LiamH66 said: The Ford Sierra Cosworth was an original in just how good a 2.0 turbo 4-pot engine could be 30+ years ago. Liam I ran one for 26 years, the lag could be measured on a sun dial. :-)

Esquire said: If that bloke wasn't so damn annoying I'd watch it . On another note, I don't find I have to thrash my 981 to get the best from it , in fact it's far more enjoyable around 4/5k revs using the paddles. Maybe I'm just not getting it . Yes, that's the thing. People forget the PDK box is a brilliant manual box as well. I like using the gear lever too. I'd just remembered the Mat Watson drag race before it was mentioned on the thread... Go to 4:40: https://youtu.be/7MqOaqHbf9Q?is=vmUg-Kp0McEjR75Q

No doubt the 2.0t looked impressive against the 4.0 gt4.

But if I wanted a car for straight line speed, I wouldn't have bought a GT4, I'd have bought another turbo...

I had a 2.0 718 PDK for 18 months before I got the 4.0 and compared to the 2.7 981 PDK the 2.0 was far better dynamically. As mentioned above turbo lag was virtually imperceptible from the get go and once on the move it never felt lacking. I have said many times before that the 2.0 718 is the best sports car Porsche have ever made for the money in terms of performance, handling, environment and even emotional connection. Yes, the four pot doesn't sound like the 6 but that doesn't make it bad, it's just different. But of course people do have preferences. Overall then, compared to the 2.7 981 the 2.0 is absolutely the better car objectively, but the 981will always have that 6 cylinder howl that is deeply emotional and perhaps a little addictive. The 981 does have other charms though, it is a fantastic car to drive and as per my post above, on normal roads without being silly, there isn't that much between it and the 4.0 718 for its ability to put a smile on your face. And of course in this instance we're comparing 6 with 6 and the 981 beats the 718 before they've even turned a wheel. Like most of these things the one you buy or own is likely the right one for you based on your personal preferences but in the end they're all so good the debate on which one is best when being used in the real world is almost pointless

TrevorHill said: I have a 718 GT4 & a 718 2.5 GTS both PDK and the GTS is faster off the line and low down in the gears while driving. Once the GT4 gets going it s a different story. Boxsters/Caymans of any generation are hugely underrated cars imo. Absolutely. They make almost all the competition look a bit daft. I had a 987.1s, then I converted a 2.0 718 into a race car and competed in it, I now have a 718s road car. Sadly I don’t get to use the road car all that much but I am blown away by how good it is when I do use it. The race car was running about 320bhp so not highly tuned but was 3-4s faster than a 718GT4 round Zandvoort, both cars on the same tyres, same drivers, and track geo. The only place the 4.0 really showed gains was under sustained power on the start/finish straight. Those turbo engines are amazing.

Steve H said: Those turbo engines are amazing. Don’t say that too loudly you’ll upset the purists/beards. I have one rule. Fast never goes out of fashion. I really hope to get a chance to compare the Cayman EV with the GT4 and GTS.

TrevorHill said: Steve H said: Those turbo engines are amazing. Don t say that too loudly you ll upset the purists/beards. I have one rule. Fast never goes out of fashion. I really hope to get a chance to compare the Cayman EV with the GT4 and GTS. In a straight line I would imagine the EV would smash it. On the track not so much. I’m not a purist but I do have a beard , I do like the engineered feel of the 4.0 over the 4-pot but for power delivery, especially on the road the 2.0/2.5 are epic. I’ll stick to ICE over EV for a while yet I think.

TrevorHill said: I have one rule. Fast never goes out of fashion. Au contraire, which is why ever faster EVs are proving ever less compelling for their performance. All of this is subjective. Personally, I don’t like the power delivery of the turbo engines and that’s why I wouldn’t have a four pot 718, not the noise. I mean, I much prefer the noise of the NA engines, but the response and power delivery factors are more important to me. The 718 engines aren’t hugely laggy. But you do feel the boost swell every time you get on the throttle and for me that gives a sense of disconnection from the power train and also imprecision. Others will have a different experience, that’s fine.

When my 981 was in for service I had an A1 1.6 loan car. Great fun! I also drove a 1275 Midget recently. Even more fun, but lacking in any kind of safety apparatus.

ATM said: Esquire said: ATM said: Did I miss something? Yes I'm still disappointed no one got this

ATM said: ATM said: Esquire said: ATM said: Did I miss something? Yes I'm still disappointed no one got this We’re waiting for 80085 miles.

ATM said: ATM said: Esquire said: ATM said: Did I miss something? Yes I'm still disappointed no one got this The last 3 digits of the odometer are 981 in a 981?

If he's 47 and well endowed then that's genius.

6 and a half years in to my 981. Can’t think what I’d replace it with. Never tire of it. Every journey a joy.

Billy_Whizzzz said: 6 and a half years in to my 981. Can t think what I d replace it with. Never tire of it. Every journey a joy. Im actually considering adding another 981 to the lovely GTS I already own . Like most petrolheads I ponder what the next car will be but bang for buck ( and my usage) I can't think of anything else I'd want . I suppose for the winter months and a car to hack around in a GR Yaris might not be the worst idea but then servicing every six months is a pain .

Esquire said: I suppose for the winter months and a car to hack around in a GR Yaris might not be the worst idea but then servicing every six months is a pain . 6000 miles or 12 months whichever is sooner.

elisered said: 6000 miles or 12 months whichever is sooner. Ah amazing many tks .

soxboy said: ATM said: ATM said: Esquire said: ATM said: Did I miss something? Yes I'm still disappointed no one got this We re waiting for 80085 miles.

Sold mine last week. I got a little more than I paid for it in 2024. I think the buyer did well, though; manual S Boxsters are quite thin on the ground.

What're you replacing it with, Paul?

paua said: What're you replacing it with, Paul? For now, I am keen just to run one car, so this:

Like those, too. Taking my 987.2S (bought in Oct, last) on track this weekend.

paua said: Like those, too. Taking my 987.2S (bought in Oct, last) on track this weekend. Enjoy! Cracking cars, the 987. I had a 2.7 and loved it, great noise.

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Considering selling my 2014 981S. It's done 127k, is £20k a decent price? It's got decent service history, PDK service done recently along with some other work and has 12 months MOT.

speciald said: Considering selling my 2014 981S. It's done 127k, is £20k a decent price? It's got decent service history, PDK service done recently along with some other work and has 12 months MOT. Why sell? They’re not making them anymore. As an investment / hobby weekend vehicle surely it can complement the next daily? Unless you’re desperate for the 20k of course but it’s worth more in your garage!

I joined the GTS club last week! Had been looking for something to fill the hole my 2.7 987 left years ago. Considered a lot of others including 996, but this manual car popped up and I was smitten. The noise is just completely unbelievable!