Boxster or Cayman - Any regrets? - Page 3 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

For those who spent countless hours debating the two, who has embraced or regretted their decision and why? I've been looking at gen 2 Boxsters and they really are very nice but with the roof up I felt slightly claustrophobic and was a bit weary of only having a bit of fabric above my head. I like cars that make me feel cosy especially when its 6am on a cold winters day, tempted to play it safe and buy the traditional steel roof version but I know for I'll regret it for a few months of the year!

For me I prefer the cayman on looks, i prefer the sleeker coupe silhouette. few other minor things. stiffness (doens;t apply with 981). more carriage space (net over the engine). but if you are a softop fane first, then go for it. PS no regrets!

I went from a Boxster S to a Cayman S specifically because I wanted the fixed roof. 2 things about the Boxster's roof irritated me; often a cord (piece of string) would be sticking out after I'd closed the roof and the Boxster's cabin does seem a little claustrophobic as the rear window is right behind the seats. So no I didn't regret my decision to change but sometimes I did wonder why I'd spent X thousand pounds for essentially another version of the same car

I bought a Cayman S after a few soft and steel tops because I liked the look and feel of the car. I still love the car and can't think of a better car to replace it with. But following the poverty pork threads I ended up buying on older (2004) boxster for my wife. So in the end the best of both worlds, both great cars in different ways and for me I prefer to own the newer Cayman and the older Boxster rather than the other way round.

I had a Boxster 987 from new...loved it. Bought a gen 2 Cayman next just for a change...but fell in love with the thing. Looks so much nicer and feels more special...god knows why!! Now have a 981 Cayman...IMO, the best looking Porsche in the current line up.

I had a Boxster 987 from new...loved it. Bought a gen 2 Cayman next just for a change...but fell in love with the thing. Looks so much nicer and feels more special...god knows why!! Now have a 981 Cayman...IMO, the best looking Porsche in the current line up.

I got a Cayman in 2008, and I'm still loving it. Both are brilliant cars, but I got the Cayman because it's easier to get it safe enough for serious track and open road racing use, and at the time I was living in a climate that alternated between baking humidity and snow! For all that, if you'll get more enjoyment out of a few months' top down motoring than a few days at the track each day, the Boxster is a fantastic car and has a very good insulated roof for when it's wet and cold.

One thing to add...the Boxster is alot quieter inside

One thing to add...the Boxster is alot quieter inside

Some interesting comments thanks. The Boxster being quieter, is that fact? I'd have that it would have been the opposite. What about thermal insulation?

Really not an issue. I have just gone to 981 Cayman S after 4 years of a Boxster Spyder. The Cayman is better on almost all objective levels. I miss the Spyder.

Beknown said: Some interesting comments thanks. The Boxster being quieter, is that fact? I'd have that it would have been the opposite. What about thermal insulation? With the Boxster, the engine is outside the cabin, rather than under the hatch, unlike the Cayman. One thing to watch....the 987 Cayman always had a funny 'booming' sound in the cabin...some people didn't notice this...I did, but learnt to tune it out...probably to do with grafting a metal roof onto a design that was orignally meant for a soft top. No such issues with the 981's as they were designed together. edited to add....they are all great cars....would happily still have my old Boxster or 987 Cayman....but the 981 is really special

Went from a Boxster to a Cayman. Much much prefer the Cayman. No creaking, scuttle shake. Better all round car. |In my opinion of course.

I went from Box to Cayman, and I thought the Boxster was brilliant, but I fell in love with the Cayman.

I was undecided between Cayman and Boxster 981's and tried both. I probably prefer the look of the Cayman if I am honest but the increased noise in the cabin of the Cayman (very noticeable to me)and the allure of open top motoring meant I took the Boxster. Haven't regretted it for a minute, the default position for the hood is down, the better to enjoy the PSE, and it has been an absolute joy up to now.

Over the last twenty years I've owned a string of hot hatches, mostly Golf GTi's, followed by a 325i Touring before I bought a new 981 CS this year (I didn't consider a Boxster). My biggest grip has to be cabin noise, I find it hard to believe Porsche can't tune out the tyre roar. I'd swear its nosier than my Mk1 Golf GTi was back in the 80s! Other minor grips; the analogue speedo is a usless guauge, you'll only look at the digital display, and the central locking switch LED is far too bright (particularly for night time driving). But there are no regrets, I can honestly say the Cayman is the most enjoyable car I've ever owned or driven (and I have driven some very good cars including far too many Aston's most V8/V12 Mercs and the odd Lambo). Biggest surprise is how practical the Cayman is; I don't miss the space of the touring and its the easiest car I've driven through central london traffic (but I did add PASM, ACC and PDK which make it a doddle)

engineermk said: Over the last twenty years I've owned a string of hot hatches, mostly Golf GTi's, followed by a 325i Touring before I bought a new 981 CS this year (I didn't consider a Boxster). My biggest grip has to be cabin noise, I find it hard to believe Porsche can't tune out the tyre roar. I'd swear its nosier than my Mk1 Golf GTi was back in the 80s! Other minor grips; the analogue speedo is a usless guauge, you'll only look at the digital display, and the central locking switch LED is far too bright (particularly for night time driving). But there are no regrets, I can honestly say the Cayman is the most enjoyable car I've ever owned or driven (and I have driven some very good cars including far too many Aston's most V8/V12 Mercs and the odd Lambo). Biggest surprise is how practical the Cayman is; I don't miss the space of the touring and its the easiest car I've driven through central london traffic (but I did add PASM, ACC and PDK which make it a doddle) I've always hated the central locking light, so always programme for the doors not to auto lock

I can only echo the comments from other Cayman owners about what a great car it is. Engaging, practical, good looking, surprisingly frugal- just really easy to live with and doles up loads of driving fun when you ask it to. There's a great range of options to suit everyones taste, you can spend 40k or 70k and get the car you want. My only gripes are the stop start function which can be "programmed away" and the centre console ergonomics are a bit random (gear lever obstructs the temp control for example). As for Boxster/Cayman - purely personal, I preferred the looks of the Cayman and wanted everyday practicality of a hatch and a boot. Didn't drive a Box so can't comment on noise/dynamics etc.

FrankCayman said: I've always hated the central locking light, so always programme for the doors not to auto lock Good tip. Thanks, the light is annoying!

On days like today, wish I could swap the Cayman for a Boxster

just own both :-)

I had a 987 Cayman S for 4 years.... very nice, very competent, but I personally got bored with it. It didn't feel very special and on non-pasm was not very refined in the damping dept. Agree about the cabin noise and being quite boomy. I had an Elise before this and missed open top motoring. I missed the Elise when i owned the Cayman. I am now 4 years into Boxster Spyder ownership. It is such a different car to the previous Cayman. It feels and looks special, whilst also being far better to drive than the previous Cayman. I no longer miss the Elise with the Spyder. I don't think you can beat the roof being down on a nice day.

truck71 said: I can only echo the comments from other Cayman owners about what a great car it is. Engaging, practical, good looking, surprisingly frugal- just really easy to live with and doles up loads of driving fun when you ask it to. (Snipped) I'll second that. It's been our only car for 6 years and it does everything from shopping to business trips to track days to driving holidays (US Coast to Coast before we moved here, then multiple drives from London to Romania, Greece and Croatia)

Well it doesn't look like the boxster is doing too well against the cayman. If the cayman didn't exist I'd happily buy a boxster, but as it does exist it makes the choice quite difficult. I just think the cayman is a bit more proportionate and has a nicer interior, and that's before getting onto the dynamic differences. Still roof down motoring ..,

It all depends on the use you plan for the car. Until fairly recently we had a BMW 330Ci - great on a sunny day but top down for longer and speedier trips traffic noise and wind - atmospheric not personal - could be wearing. The Cayman is now 8mths old and, as well as other things, is used for a daily 55 ml round trip commute on a mix of roads; every journey is a pleasure. Another soft top might be on the cards at some time but it will always be in addition the Cayman.

60 miles a day, every working day of the year. Would this be too much for a boxster? I'm not bothered about running costs.

SkinnyP said: 60 miles a day, every working day of the year. Would this be too much for a boxster? I'm not bothered about running costs. The car will thrive on being used regularly. I commuted further in a 996 and nearly as far in a Cayman. I bought a fair few tyres, but the cars lapped it up!

I planned on getting a 987 Cayamn S for ages, but had so much fun in my Mk1 MX5 with the roof down that I went for the Boxster instead. No regrets whatsoever. I think the Cayman is a fantastic looking car and the Boxster slightly awkward, but the open top clinched the deal. Ideally I'd have got a Cayman Targa, but they didn't/don't make one.

VladD said: Ideally I'd have got a Cayman Targa, but they didn't/don't make one. I'd never thought about that, could be a nice little addition to the model line up

alcatraz236 said: VladD said: Ideally I'd have got a Cayman Targa, but they didn't/don't make one. I'd never thought about that, could be a nice little addition to the model line up If I had money to burn I'd get a couple of the Zeintop roofs and make one of those a Targa. That way you've have one car that was hard top, targa and soft top.

For two weeks every year I regret not getting the Boxster. For the other 50 I'm happy I got the Cayman. If I lived somewhere dry, I'd have a Spyder on my driveway.

SkinnyP said: 60 miles a day, every working day of the year. Would this be too much for a boxster? I'm not bothered about running costs. Easy, mine's on course for just under 30,000 miles a year at the moment- if you're doing big miles chances are most of them are sat on motorways at cruising speed when nothing's working very hard. Current first service indicator is predicting 27,000... Might have it seen to before that! Edited by truck71 on Friday 6th June 18:41

alcatraz236 said: VladD said: Ideally I'd have got a Cayman Targa, but they didn't/don't make one. I'd never thought about that, could be a nice little addition to the model line up Perhaps a convertible Cayman also............;)

I'll say a word for my 11 year old Boxster... It doesn't have any cord in the cabin or hanging from the roof, it doesn't have tyre roar, or a boomy cabin. It's extremely practical for a 2 seater, when on a trip all luggage is locked firmly away in capacious boots and is never in cabin (of course). I was surprised to hear about scuttle shake, mine's never had any of that (and I do know what it is). Scuttle shake can be induced by poor geo, wheels or tyres or a combo of same. When out in nice countryside or spectacular scenery, it's fantastic to have the roof down. It's great to have it down in frosty-cold conditions too. I happen to think the UK/North-ish Europe has possibly the best climate for softops, as when it's very hot it's not nice with roof down. I don't think the UK is too wet - I was speaking to someone competing at Curborough on a lovely sunny Sunday last week, and he said he's been competing for 3 years and is still to do a wet meeting. Downside are that the cabin is a bit tight (although still practical), and as mine is a weekend car the rusting discs is a fecking pita. I'm not sure any other car has been able to do the m'way loper and roof-down sports car (often in one journey) as well as the Boxster, in one package. Even when packed for a 2 week holiday it can do this act with aplomb.

Beknown said: For those who spent countless hours debating the two, who has embraced or regretted their decision and why? I've been driving an NC-1 MX-5 for 7.5 years now. I originally considered the Boxster, but ended up siding with the Cayman after four test drives. The reason is I didn't want a Boxster that wasn't a Boxster Spyder (finding used ones the way I want seems to be impossible), and we're probably several years out from the next Spyder. Not to mention if the Cayman GT4 rumors are to be believed, the new Boxster Spyder will be nearly twice as expensive as the first one. For a non-special car, the Cayman will age better. It's more handsome. Like an old Dino 246. It'll never look bad. The Boxster? It's not bad, but it's not great either. That's more or less it. If I can't feel like a badass 1950s Le Mans racing driver (despite being born in the early 80s), I won't have it. So my Cayman GTS shows up in the US in September. If the Boxster Spyder ends up with the 3.8L, and looks as good as I hoped it would, I'll likely regret my choice, and then have to start convincing myself that eating a boatload of depreciation is perfectly reasonable for that sort of a trade. After all, do you have any idea how incredibly badass I'll look driving a Boxster Spyder top-down in the middle of January when it's -3C out?

I think you need to take both out on an extended test drive, if it's a nice day you'll buy the Boxster. I am in my second year of Boxster ownership, I bought a secondhand mega spec RS60 at a good price. It is the first car I have owned that I haven't wanted to sell after a year I like it that much. I also like the looks of the 981 Cayman it now looks superb and in a few years time will be had for £30K. I will be in a real dilemma in a few years time as part of me wants to buy a mega spec 981 but the other half of me really wants to have the Parr turbo conversion which gives the Boxster the sort of power it should have. My original budget was 3 times what I paid for my Boxster so I feel it has also been superb value for money so I will have no qualms at all paying out the £17K for the full fat conversion. I know I'll never get my money back but I don't care it will be an even better car.

That little button that lowers the roof on a nice day. Priceless.

Gents, how big is the Cayman front boot? I was wondering if there is enough room for a trolley (the biggest hand luggage allowed for air travelling just to be clear). No question for the rear one, very, very small. Thanks in advance...

rob.kellock said: Really not an issue. I have just gone to 981 Cayman S after 4 years of a Boxster Spyder. The Cayman is better on almost all objective levels. I miss the Spyder. because it looks special? i still think the cayman is a better drive.. mind i haven't had extended time in the 981 cayman only the 987 CR

RBT0 said: Gents, how big is the Cayman front boot? I was wondering if there is enough room for a trolley (the biggest hand luggage allowed for air travelling just to be clear). No question for the rear one, very, very small. Thanks in advance... I imagine it would consume one of those easy enough, mine takes a backpack, laptop case, medical case of similar size plus walking gear including two coats without trying.

I'm stoked up reading this thread. I've been thinking about a Cayman for a while & I decided yesterday I'm going to buy one. Convertibles just aren't for me & I love the swooping rear of the Cayman, although I've had a good blast in my mates' Boxster & wasa blown away by the quality of the chassis . In context, I'm driving round in a Cooper S, so this is going to be quite a change. First Porsche, I can't wait to start looking for the right one.

RBT0 said: Gents, how big is the Cayman front boot? I was wondering if there is enough room for a trolley (the biggest hand luggage allowed for air travelling just to be clear). No question for the rear one, very, very small. Thanks in advance... 5.3 cubic feet / 150 liters

HokumPokum said: because it looks special? i still think the cayman is a better drive.. mind i haven't had extended time in the 981 cayman only the 987 CR 981 Cayman S is not a better drive than a Spyder. They lack the Spyder's finesse. I have done a track day and 1500 + miles in the Cayman now and did 22k in the Spyder. I love the improved interior and the tech, the comfy ride and stunning handling, it looks great too. It is quicker on track with PDK. The Spyder is somehow special though, feels lighter (even if it isn't much I don't think?) and all its controls are perfectly weighted. Hard to describe but Spyder is greater than the sum of its parts.

Goofnik said: 5.3 cubic feet / 150 liters Which to confirm - is big enough for a carry on suitcase

rob.kellock said: FrankCayman said: I've always hated the central locking light, so always programme for the doors not to auto lock Good tip. Thanks, the light is annoying! I hate to admit it but I've used a black marker pen to 'dim' to led

Goofnik said: RBT0 said: Gents, how big is the Cayman front boot? I was wondering if there is enough room for a trolley (the biggest hand luggage allowed for air travelling just to be clear). No question for the rear one, very, very small. Thanks in advance... 5.3 cubic feet / 150 liters You'll easily get carry on luggage in the front boot. We get two med size suitcases up front in the 981 cayman and our hand luggage (two laptop backpacks) in the rear with space to spare.

RBT0 said: how big is the Cayman front boot? [snip] No question for the rear one, very, very small. From our recent, epic, trip: This was the luggage we were packing. Other than the handbag that lodges behind Mrs Carbon Based's seat, everything goes in and is out of sight. Two cases in the front, with space for fleeces. One holdall and a few other bags in the back. With a bit of crafty repacking, we then managed to get a case and half of wine (including the wooden box ) and a shed load of biscuits etc (don't ask) with only the camera and courier bags on the luggage shelf. Then there are the cubby holes behind the seats which can take the apparently obligatory hi viz and fire extinguisher, and a brolly in case it rains. If anyone would like to sign up for an evening class in how to (over)load a Cayman, please reply here.

lol That's amazing! Yesterday I wondered about the use of those holes with sliding lids on the back of the seats. Really strange storage comp.

Yep, they make an ideal mobile library for all your reading material whilst travelling.

rob.kellock said: HokumPokum said: because it looks special? i still think the cayman is a better drive.. mind i haven't had extended time in the 981 cayman only the 987 CR 981 Cayman S is not a better drive than a Spyder. They lack the Spyder's finesse. I have done a track day and 1500 + miles in the Cayman now and did 22k in the Spyder. I love the improved interior and the tech, the comfy ride and stunning handling, it looks great too. It is quicker on track with PDK. The Spyder is somehow special though, feels lighter (even if it isn't much I don't think?) and all its controls are perfectly weighted. Hard to describe but Spyder is greater than the sum of its parts. did you get the x73 sports suspension and PTV? I was actually comparing the 987 CR which I did have.

So, do you miss the Spyder? There's not much feedback from those who have sold and moved on. Looking at the Spyders in the classifieds and there's nothing out there in really in the 'launch' spec. rob.kellock said: HokumPokum said: because it looks special? i still think the cayman is a better drive.. mind i haven't had extended time in the 981 cayman only the 987 CR 981 Cayman S is not a better drive than a Spyder. They lack the Spyder's finesse. I have done a track day and 1500 + miles in the Cayman now and did 22k in the Spyder. I love the improved interior and the tech, the comfy ride and stunning handling, it looks great too. It is quicker on track with PDK. The Spyder is somehow special though, feels lighter (even if it isn't much I don't think?) and all its controls are perfectly weighted. Hard to describe but Spyder is greater than the sum of its parts.

if you need a convertible, i think nothing else will do......... really.

Interesting. I can see how a GT3RS will ease the blow… HokumPokum said: if you need a convertible, i think nothing else will do......... really.

I know the Cayman must be a stiffer car and a better drive, but really, who is actually going to say "oh, my very low mid engined stuff suspensioned beautifully balanced Porsche roadster felt really wobbly round that corner" in real world driving conditions? For me it's an absolute no-brainer (erm, even if I could afford a Cayman). Nothing, but nothing beats that roof down feel. The much better sound of the engine, glancing up at buildings, clouds, trees, hills, the smell of the countryside, the echo of the exhaust off walls or in tunnels, soaking up the sun, parking it up and leaving the roof down, playing rain chicken (as long as we don't stop, it will be OK!) wrapping up warm and getting a whole new perspective on a frosty morning, or a summer night, and the fact that for me a 986 is so achingly pretty with the top down. Especially if the missus is backing it out if the driveway with the roof down! I've had mine since February, and I'm convinced that I've driven it for at least 50% of miles with the roof down. And that's on a 986 with the plastic window and obligatory "boxster chop" every time I put it down. WRT strings sticking out, that means the roof is out of adjustment. Mine was, now fixed, no issues since.

GreenTeam12 said: Interesting. I can see how a GT3RS will ease the blow… HokumPokum said: if you need a convertible, i think nothing else will do......... really. Maybe for you. I'd own a Boxster or Cayman, but never a 911. Every time I see the back of a 911 I get images of Kenny Everett doing his Rod Stewart impression. That's a deal breaker for me.

HokumPokum said: did you get the x73 sports suspension and PTV? I was actually comparing the 987 CR which I did have. No, stock suspension with 20" wheels and no PTV. I think the same observations apply (probably more so) comparing 981 S to 987 Cayman R. I wish I could have kept my Spyder but couldn't afford both. My circumstances have changed recently and I will be able to enjoy the Cayman for 10k+ miles a year in all weathers. Spyders seem quite mileage sensitive, I was too precious about it and the roof is restrictive - it's not a motorway cruiser. I didn't want PTV as I do a couple of track days a year and it increases wear on tyres and brakes. I certainly didn't feel he car was lacking it at Anglesey last month. After 4 years in the Spyder, I was also happy not to have sports suspension (not that any used cars seem to have it) and the increased ride comfort is welcome on my longer journeys.

VladD said: Maybe for you. I'd own a Boxster or Cayman, but never a 911. Every time I see the back of a 911 I get images of Kenny Everett doing his Rod Stewart impression. That's a deal breaker for me. Exactly that. I have a 981 Box S and absolutely love it, the Cayman was never really going to win out over a soft top. But I do occasionally miss four seats (mostly for the dog but occasionally for the odd friend. Before anybody starts- most of my friends are odd!) I am constantly popping into OPC's, trying to convince myself that I should swap for a 911 but they all look lardy-arsed. I cannot bring myself to like them, at least from the rear.