986 Boxster S - that good? - Page 1 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

Hi All Bit of man maths has told me buying a 986 Boxster S will save me money. I can't find many negative reviews online, are they really that good? And is there anything to look out for?

best bangs per buck you can buy when it was new. still applies as a used buy. check ims/rms on engine and condition of hood but thats about it

Well I thought they were goo value which is why I bought one last Nov. I got a late 2003 model so that you get a glass rear screen and (supposedly of course) 260 bhp. Pleased with it, and if you shop around and are willing to travel, they go for under £8k (£40k new!), depending on mileage. Check out the brake discs though. I thought mine were OK from the outside but the inside surfaces were badly scored / rusty. I got it reduced because the rear ones had obviously had it but didn't check the front ones properly. CV gaiters split too but apart from that, I haven't had an issue.

I like mine. Not sure if that helps....

If you are willing or able to work on the car yourself then they are really rather cheap to run and own. I buy all of my service bits from the local motor factors. To give you some idea, next week I am doing oil and filter, air,fuel and cabin filter, poly v belt, gearbox oil, coolant flush, brake fluid, 6 spark plugs, screen wash all in £245. No idea what that would cost at an independent or OPC but well worth taking the time to do it yourself. I have done a MAF, Air oil separator, water pump, etc again all with parts from motor factors and no problems whatsoever. Car is economical on a day to day for what it is and really cheap to insure.....£180 from swift cover for myself. Good used parts are the order of the day from eBay. Pound for pound not sure anything touches these cars for the money?

I find them a really compelling package. The combination of feel, driving dynamics, roof down, noise, low cost meant I bought a second one despite being able to 'trade up'.

Cheers for the responses guys. Still unsure. Costs are fine; my current daily gets 16mpg and costs £490 to tax. Servicing is fine - though I can't do things myself (no mechanical ability at all) I do have a fantastic mechanic who is almost as cheap as doing it yourself (he's retired, a family friend and doesn't charge labour!). Everything I've seen is pretty much telling me to buy one... The problem I have is in all honesty that I only want a Boxster because I can't afford a 911 - would this be a bad reason to get one?? I know it is all opinion but I'm struggling to make a choice here! Budget is 10k so can get some good ones for that!

There are 911s out there for less than £10k, the 996 model, which is unpopular it seems, the first water cooled ones. It would be 15 / 16 yrs old though. There's even a 911 convertible in the classifieds section for £8495, not that I'd advocate one!

Never compromise, if its a 911 you want then it doesn't matter how good the boxster is, it'll never be the 911 you really wanted.

ro55a said: Never compromise, if its a 911 you want then it doesn't matter how good the boxster is, it'll never be the 911 you really wanted. That is exactly what I'm worried about!

I have just gone from a Boxster S to a 996 and have to admit , I don't think I would go back.The Boxster is a superb car for the money but it will cost. Much the same to upkeep, has many of the similar and just as expensive issues re IMS and RMS etc but won't have the same age related resale value. IMO the 996 just seems to do it all that bit better but I appreciate this is is a personal opinion only Good luck with your choice anyway

medieval said: I have just gone from a Boxster S to a 996 and have to admit , I don't think I would go back.The Boxster is a superb car for the money but it will cost. Much the same to upkeep, has many of the similar and just as expensive issues re IMS and RMS etc but won't have the same age related resale value. IMO the 996 just seems to do it all that bit better but I appreciate this is is a personal opinion only Good luck with your choice anyway Hmm? Now you have got me thinking as well.

Covered 160,000 miles in my two Boxsters. Both better cars to drive than my current 997 turbo which I've covered not far off 70,000 miles in. I think its easier to find a quality Boxster S than it is to find a quality 996 for £8-10k in in any event so no brainer unless you need the rear seats.

In like for like condition, I think the 986S is around £5k cheaper than a 996 these days. It's a great car. If your budget is 12k and you want a 996, then buy one. if you have much less, either save up, or buy a 986 If you're buying a 10-14 year old Boxster, look for plenty of bills - hood, clutch, aircon & water rads, suspension arms, shocks, droplinks as well as evidence of good maintenance. Well maintained ones are around - and should be cheaper in the long run than a "bargain".