986 Boxster S Buying & Spec Advice - Page 1 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

Evening All, I'm currently considering buying a 986 Boxster S. My budget is around £8k. I've done a fair bit of research so far and am aware of the potential IMS & RMS issues. As I'll be looking at higher mileage cars (80k), I'm hoping that IMS issues would have already surfaced and that with RMS it can be monitored and rectified when the clutch is done. I've got a checklist for mech and elec things to check. My main questions are around spec; 1.) What's the integrated optional Sat Nav like? I suspect fairly dated. I've just come from a 2003 BMW E39 M5 and the nav in that was pretty crappy. 2.) Is there a comms pack that allows phone integration. 3.) I've seen some examples with electric seats - are they memory seat or are these an optional extra errr optional extra? I'm 5'10 my girlie is 5' maybe. Adjusting seats constantly will drive me nuts. 4.) 2003 facelift. I know the rear screen was changed to glass, something I desire after having a plastic E36 M3 one go milky and split on me on the past. Also I think that's the point at which the lights were changed from amber to clear? 5.) Does the optional wind deflector work well? 6.) What's the difference in ride like between the 17" & 18" wheels? 7.) What about heated seats - are these an optional extra? 8.) Were there any factory exhaust options? Or are upgraded ones all aftermarket? 9.) Any other spec advice much appreciated. Thanks in advice for any info, advice and opinions!

I have a 2003 Boxster S. Can't help with 1-2, mine doesn't have integrated sat nav, not seen many with it either. 3. Mine has manual seats fore aft but electric tilt, full electric was an option according to user manual. 4. Not 100% sure on this but I think the 'S' models went to clear indicators earlier than the 2.7 models, 2002 perhaps? 5. Mine has one, still a bit blustery with the top down but less so without it. Not an extra that I think is a deal clincher. 6. I've got 18" wheels, ride doesn't seem that hard to me. (Turbo 2 wheels option. I think 17" is standard. Carrera wheels look even better IMHO). 7. I don't have them. Interior pics will show you if they're fitted, the buttons are in the centre console just behind the electric window buttons. (mine have blanks) Other options include larger capacity battery, full leather on doors and dashboard (not just seats) and onboard computer. Cruise control is an option. I have climate control but not sure if 'only' air con was standard. To add, I've had it 5 months and please with it so far. Only getting 22 mpg though. Edited by ianwayne on Thursday 3rd April 08:33

ianwayne, Thanks for your response. 22mpg is lower than I've heard, so you have a heavy foot??

Actually, on a run, it's better than that. More like 26-27 mpg when I did a 100 mile trip, but some of my journeys are short with a cold engine.

Heated seats are a must. Thats about it.

Heated seats are a must. Thats about it.

NicD said: Heated seats are a must. Thats about it. I'd say also The wind deflector is a must, but can be added later The upgraded stereo is a big help (speakers in the dad top & amp) - the standard is weedy Extended leather lifts the interior

NicD said: Heated seats are a must. Thats about it. I don't think they are. Even when I had them on an old Saab, and on an Omega, I didn't like to use them. Uncomfortable. Maybe it's because I don't normally have to drive in very cold weather. If they are fitted it's a bonus IMHO but it was very low down my priority list.

Each to their own but heated seats are high on my list, especially for a soft top car. They give you more roof down days in winter, especially with the other half in the car or on relatively short journeys before the heater gets going. Cruise control and wheel options are easy retro fits so not a deal breaker if the car is otherwise sound. I'd also agree that the Sound Package Plus with door speakers is a must have. I'd put litronic headlights on my highly desirable list too.

In my experience the main use for heated seats has always been turning your passengers seat 'full-on' in the height of summer...the heated seat game, hours of fun

The full leather interior really lifts the feeling of quality in the cabin. (leather dash & door cards). All 986'S'have leather seats as standard Pre-facelift cars had the option of a switchable sports exhaust but i believe post facelift this was no longer an option. Having had both 17' and 18' wheels I don't think there is much in it really in terms of ride comfort. Visually the 18' Carrera wheel wins every time for me! Remember to buy on condition, you will see a lot of dogs on your search but there are some well looked after gems out there.

I stuck some 19's on mine, looked great but ruined the ride

Traction control was an option also, I think it's useful to have if you're going to drive all year round, could prove a blessing in the Autumn / winter when it's easy to get caught out on damp/frosty road and you can always turn it off in summer when you wish. I paid £8K for my '03 plate 'S' facelift car which has traction control, computer, bose stereo with 6CD, electric with 2 pos memory (very useful) but not heated seats and standard wheels. 67K miles and most importantly FPSH. Try a few before you buy, mine was the 6th I looked at and I wasted a fair bit of time going to see so called 'mint' cars which were anything but. Most important to check for oil leaks, rear main seal (RMS) and intermediate shaft problems as these are the potential big bills. I am really happy with it. Just be careful there are some very good but also bad cars out there. Edited by AC Motors on Wednesday 9th April 22:27

My boxster has a pretty basic spec. No traction control/ heated seats/plastic dash and door cards. In fact the only option I know that it has is the upgraded stereo system which gives it door speakers, cd changer and amp. The only option I wish it had was the extended leather. The interior of my car really let's it down.

I have a 2003 S, bought 21 months ago with 77,500 on clock. Just this week had it serviced at local garage at 103,500 miles, I don't see the point of Main dealer or specialist for basic servicing on an 11 year old car now. It's not Rocket Science! Mine has the 6 CD changer, cruise control, climate control and computer. (4 stalks switch which I had to replace) It also has Tiptronic, which I prefer. I managed to source a hard top for winter use. Had to have three of the 4 wheel bearings changed - JET WASH I suspect! Needs a new nearside CAT and I think a new battery at the moment. Avg 26 MPG. Great car, well made, no rust and makes me smile as the exhaust note changes to that howl! IMS bearing? Well nearly 104k and I use the performance regularly but always let it warm up first. RMS seal? Have a very slight oil weep, but between 10,000 services not put any oil in it. Got to love that oil level check first thing when ignition is switched on! I advise getting one that has been used regularly.