Selling my 987.2 Boxster S for a Vantage - Am I mad? - Page 3 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

Nice...if you need to scratch the Aston itch then why not, lovely car the Vantage. At least you know if the Aston doesn't work out another Boxster will meet you driving needs.

You'll have to change your user name!

Not sure it's a good idea to have your postcode in the AT link.....

A ropey Vantage or a nice Boxster? If you can up your budget an approved Vantage will set you back low 30s, and you can haggle for a 2nd year warranty.

I have just bought a Boxster GTS after being lucky enough to have had two Aston Martin Vantage convertibles. After 4 years of AM ownership I wanted a change looked at the F type and although it’s a very good drivers car it’s just too wide for B roads. Previously I have owned Lotuses and TVR's, never really been interested in Porsche as always tried to buy British cars. Looked at Lotus again but too sparse and I wanted a softop but something smaller than the AM and the Porsche GTS does everything that I wanted. So if you are changing to an AM from a Porsche I would try and get a 4.7 AM with sports suspension, or get it modified as many do by Bamford Rose otherwise they are a little soft on the suspension and you need the extra BHP of the 4.7. Do I miss the AM? well if AM had bought out a "new" Vantage I probably would have stayed with them. But I am having more fun in the GTS than the AM, it is more nimble, is faster than the AM both on top speeds where roads allow and cornering. Yes people do not always let me out at junctions in the Porsche like they did in the AM, or give the Porsche a second glance that the AM used to get, but so what. But like you I had an itch to try a Porsche and the GTS fits very nicely for the next few years, give AM a go you will enjoy the experience.

caiss4 said: Not sure it's a good idea to have your postcode in the AT link..... Updated to my weekend place, Buck's Palace.

HappyBoxster said: caiss4 said: Not sure it's a good idea to have your postcode in the AT link..... Updated to my weekend place, Buck's Palace. OMG, I had no idea

You'll love it for a few weeks and then wish you'd kept the 987.

m33ufo said: You'll love it for a few weeks and then wish you'd kept the 987. Whys that? I'd quite like a Vantage to be honest and I did consider one before my Cayman, but as above I'd rather have an excellent Porsche than a ropey Aston. But if you can find a nice one then surely it is worth a punt?

I did a similar thing several years ago. Initially revelled in the the beauty and delicious noise of the Vantage (mine was a 2006 4.3 manual), but ultimately I found it more show than go which was compounded by a poor manual box. AM fitted a revised gearbox linkage under warranty but it made a marginal difference. Generally a disappointing experience. I can fully understand why you'd want to scratch the itch, but you'll probably miss the Box quite quickly IMHO.

m33ufo said: I did a similar thing several years ago. Initially revelled in the the beauty and delicious noise of the Vantage (mine was a 2006 4.3 manual), but ultimately I found it more show than go which was compounded by a poor manual box. AM fitted a revised gearbox linkage under warranty but it made a marginal difference. Generally a disappointing experience. I can fully understand why you'd want to scratch the itch, but you'll probably miss the Box quite quickly IMHO. I'm another one who went through this; don't get me wrong I enjoyed my AM ownership (tho not the cost as it was as the market tanked) but it really made me appreciate what a great driving car the Boxster is...

Trikster said: m33ufo said: I did a similar thing several years ago. Initially revelled in the the beauty and delicious noise of the Vantage (mine was a 2006 4.3 manual), but ultimately I found it more show than go which was compounded by a poor manual box. AM fitted a revised gearbox linkage under warranty but it made a marginal difference. Generally a disappointing experience. I can fully understand why you'd want to scratch the itch, but you'll probably miss the Box quite quickly IMHO. I'm another one who went through this; don't get me wrong I enjoyed my AM ownership (tho not the cost as it was as the market tanked) but it really made me appreciate what a great driving car the Boxster is... To be honest, I think that this is how my experience will stack up. But it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all!

If I ever get around to trying to sell my turbo, I plan to do the same. Definitely want to scratch the AM itch, and I think the Vantage is a gorgeous looking car.

SHIFTY said: I have just bought a Boxster GTS after being lucky enough to have had two Aston Martin Vantage convertibles. After 4 years of AM ownership I wanted a change looked at the F type and although it’s a very good drivers car it’s just too wide for B roads. Previously I have owned Lotuses and TVR's, never really been interested in Porsche as always tried to buy British cars. Looked at Lotus again but too sparse and I wanted a softop but something smaller than the AM and the Porsche GTS does everything that I wanted. So if you are changing to an AM from a Porsche I would try and get a 4.7 AM with sports suspension, or get it modified as many do by Bamford Rose otherwise they are a little soft on the suspension and you need the extra BHP of the 4.7. Do I miss the AM? well if AM had bought out a "new" Vantage I probably would have stayed with them. But I am having more fun in the GTS than the AM, it is more nimble, is faster than the AM both on top speeds where roads allow and cornering. Yes people do not always let me out at junctions in the Porsche like they did in the AM, or give the Porsche a second glance that the AM used to get, but so what. But like you I had an itch to try a Porsche and the GTS fits very nicely for the next few years, give AM a go you will enjoy the experience. And I had a Cayman R, sold that (one of the few cars I regret parting with), purchased a Vantage v12v, just sold that, and as Shifty knows, ordered a Boxster GTS. Yes, the Aston itch must be scratched, which I have now done, but to the broader point the Cayman/Boxster duo is a more relaxed and enjoyable drive at lower speeds, with the ability to whip around a track more quickly than any AM Vantage. The nimble enjoyment of the Porsche is in my view what was missing in the v12v. Also, the Vantages are very low and old tech. But, as my dear lady would say, the Astons stand out in a crowd, and you don't notice Porsches, which, as I reminded her, is why my new Boxster GTS is racing yellow! (Not sure that held any water as an argument, but... ;-) I WOULD recommend you buying an AM warranty, at least for the first year if you can, so you have peace of mind. My v12v was mint with 5k miles, and in the last year (4th year) had a new fuel pump, door handles resprayed, front skirt resprayed, inside boot leather handle replaced, oh, and a new clutch which took a week to fit, a known issue with model... I WILL miss the v12 starting up, and the looks, which in my view, cannot be beaten (v12v in titanium silver)

As has been said, it's not like you can never go back. Variety is the spice etc. etc.

I listed my 987.2 Boxster S for sale today. I did so with mixed emotions. It is a fantastic car to drive, it's in excellent shape, and I've got 18mths of warranty left. I'll be swapping this for an Aston Vantage of unknown pedigree and, in all probability, without a warranty. The Boxster is hands down the more engaging drive but I've always wanted as Aston and now I have the opportunity to get one. I posted something similar on the PH Aston forum for advice. It was helpful but all those who responded were Aston fans. It seems only fair that I offer the same opportunity to the Porsche crowd. So, put simply, am I mad? Edited by HappyBoxster on Thursday 4th September 19:05 ETA No links to ads please. Edited by Big Al. on Friday 5th September 19:22

Vantage now identified and Boxster dropped by £2k to prompt a quick sale. I still feel conflicted, particually selling at this price level, but hey-ho. You only live once. I need a *gulp* smilie

Good luck with the change! Vantage is a very nice cruiser - Boxster is an almost unbeatable sportscar.

I went from a 911 C4S to my now present 4.7 Vantage....no regrets. Its a manual so if going to a SS Vantage you may be a bit jaded, especially coming from PDK. I love it. Yes a 911/987 would "drive" better but its all about the sense of occasion with the Aston. And contrary to what others may say, you get treated better in a Aston!!!

If my new Boxster GTS is delayed again I will cancel it and go buy a V8 Vantage!!

Ozzie Osmond said: Good luck with the change! Vantage is a very nice cruiser - Boxster is an almost unbeatable sportscar. I think I will always feel fortunate to have own a Boxster. It was only once I stopped trying to compare the Vantage to it that I was able to make my head follow my heart. If well balanced, agile, and nippy were my only requirements I would never change.

HappyBoxster said: Ozzie Osmond said: Good luck with the change! Vantage is a very nice cruiser - Boxster is an almost unbeatable sportscar. I think I will always feel fortunate to have own a Boxster. It was only once I stopped trying to compare the Vantage to it that I was able to make my head follow my heart. If well balanced, agile, and nippy were my only requirements I would never change. Of course you can also look at this as a time filler while you wait for the 981 to come down in price. Like a sorbet to clear the pallete if you like.

Vantage is the best looking and sounding car you can get up to a F430. I drove one before I bought my 997 C4S and didn't like the drive or tech, heavy car, poor box and fuel consumption a total joke. As it is my only car & I commute 70 miles a day it just din't work. Services at £800 every 10,000 miles vs £300 every 20,000 in the pork. Clutches that were good for 20,000-30,000 If you have the itch and can affod it go for it you can easily change back at a later time Read Grant's book about it, full of info. And finally, upgrade the rear lights to the clear DBS ones and upgrade the front grille to the new 6 bar one and it makes the car look much newer, like clear lights on the 986 Good luck, get your fuel card at the ready

Lovely, lovely things. They make a gorgeous noise and go very well indeed. Went on a Euro trip with a friend who has one and it was surprising just how agile it was. Neither of us expected that. Indeed the only real downside to it is the thirst. Size-wise it's surprisingly similar to a 987 also! One of the few cars I'd swap the Cayman for.

I don't think I'll be doing more than 2-3,000 miles per year so fuel economy doesnt overly concern me. With either a 4.3 or 4.7L engine, I'm not expecting miralces in this department. Servicing isnt great but I do have a very highly regarded Indy on my doorstep which I will probably use given that I intend to keep the car for a while I dont forsee this greatly impacting resale. Finally, my Boxster had a new clutch and flywheel fitted last week at 36,000 miles. It all depends upon the roll of the dice and how they are driven.

juansolo said: Lovely, lovely things. They make a gorgeous noise and go very well indeed. Went on a Euro trip with a friend who has one and it was surprising just how agile it was. Neither of us expected that. Indeed the only real downside to it is the thirst. Size-wise it's surprisingly similar to a 987 also! One of the few cars I'd swap the Cayman for. Great Pic.

HappyBoxster said: I don't think I'll be doing more than 2-3,000 miles per year so fuel economy doesnt overly concern me. With either a 4.3 or 4.7L engine, I'm not expecting miralces in this department. Servicing isnt great but I do have a very highly regarded Indy on my doorstep which I will probably use given that I intend to keep the car for a while I dont forsee this greatly impacting resale. Finally, my Boxster had a new clutch and flywheel fitted last week at 36,000 miles. It all depends upon the roll of the dice and how they are driven. May I ask how much the clutch set you back? Surprised it wore out so quickly.

Love that pic - Reims Gueux circuit, non? The AM itch is tricky to ignore, but a friend of a friend has a V8V and the running costs have been stupidly high - loads has gone wrong lately, and rather expensively. Caveat emptor and all that I suppose. Beautiful looking things though.

You're pretty bonkers, OP. I don't really see the point of a 2-seater that is anything but brilliant dynamically, and I have never seen anyone say that the Vantage is better than "quite good" in that regard. Aside from the sound of the engine, it's unequivocally a car for old folks and posers. It's the kind of car that people have to make excuses for and talk about "character", which is code for "overpriced and badly engineered".

SkinnyP said: May I ask how much the clutch set you back? Surprised it wore out so quickly. Cost at an OPC was £2050 for clutch and flywheel.

ORD said: You're pretty bonkers, OP. I don't really see the point of a 2-seater that is anything but brilliant dynamically, and I have never seen anyone say that the Vantage is better than "quite good" in that regard. Aside from the sound of the engine, it's unequivocally a car for old folks and posers. It's the kind of car that people have to make excuses for and talk about "character", which is code for "overpriced and badly engineered". Methinks this man is not far off the mark, 'cept maybe for mentioning that quintessential and undefinable feel good factor when driving the AM brand...

cibble10 said: ORD said: You're pretty bonkers, OP. I don't really see the point of a 2-seater that is anything but brilliant dynamically, and I have never seen anyone say that the Vantage is better than "quite good" in that regard. Aside from the sound of the engine, it's unequivocally a car for old folks and posers. It's the kind of car that people have to make excuses for and talk about "character", which is code for "overpriced and badly engineered". Methinks this man is not far off the mark, 'cept maybe for mentioning that quintessential and undefinable feel good factor when driving the AM brand... All very true, and yet none of us are currently commenting on a thread situated in a Caterham 7 forum. Outright dynamic performance never is the be all and end all.

Actus Reus said: Love that pic - Reims Gueux circuit, non? Yup. Few pics from that trip here http://juansolo.co.uk/motas/porker14.html Lots of Pork/Aston action in there. ORD said: You're pretty bonkers, OP. I don't really see the point of a 2-seater that is anything but brilliant dynamically, and I have never seen anyone say that the Vantage is better than "quite good" in that regard. Gotta disagree with this. There was nothing that the Cayman did that the Aston couldn't on that trip. We even managed to cook the brakes at exactly the same time (both got long pedals, though I also got the dash lighting up like an xmas tree). Also when thrapping, the Aston's range is exactly the same as the Cayman's we found (bigger tank to be fair). Only when cruising did the Cayman's range increase dramatically, while the Aston's, errm, just didn't change It seems to use the same amount of fuel regardless of how you drive it. As for character, it's a compact GT with a big V8 (that looks simply stunning from every angle) that can pretend to be a sports car when it calls for it. The Cayman is a sports car that can pretend to be a GT. Edited by juansolo on Wednesday 10th September 19:25

Maybe give the Porsche to someone who can drive. In seriousness, I haven't driven the Vantage so I'm relying on what douche bag journos say so should probably get my coat

juansolo said: As for character, it's a compact GT with a big V8 (that looks simply stunning from every angle) that can pretend to be a sports car when it calls for it. The Cayman is a sports car that can pretend to be a GT. I agree that the Vantage is a good looking and great sounding car. But that "big V8" lets the side down and the gearbox (manual or sport shift), isn't something you should encounter in a sports car. In all senses more show than go which is a trait that altogether doesn't appeal to me.

We have both a 2011 cayman pdk in my family, and a v8 vantage 4.3. I get to drive both, although more frequently the Aston. The Cayman is newer and I like the PCM. The pdk is a bit laggy imo and doesn't do much for me. The sound is fine in isolation and I the the feel from the it's engine behind you. Steering is okay, ride is average. Its quite unrefined and noisy. Limits are accessible but not that high. It feels like a small sports car, nothing epic. It's a nice car in itself. The Vantage is a very different thing. It's an event and the looks, noise, interior and response from people, these are all a world apart. To drive, it's not so different. The chassis feel is as good or better - it feels very stiff. The front/rear balance is great and you quickly get comfortable. The visibility is not great. The power delivery and top end is a buzz, but at low revs it's more sluggish to respond than the Cayman. The size is a downside. It feels like it could grip forever. Overall it's closer to a supercar, where the Cayman is more sports car. This is either a positive or a negative depending on your needs.

Pentoman said: The size is a downside. Size as in dimensions or weight?

Happyboxster Moving from an AM Vantage to a Boxster the length of both cars is very similar, but the width of the Boxster is 4 inch narrower and I do notice this when driving down country lanes or B roads. In the Vantage many times I have had to slow right down or move right over when cars are coming the other way. In the Boxster no problem it is that noticeable, many sports cars (including the Boxster) are getting wider and this spoils the fun but wider cars equals more grip. I would not want to put you off a Vantage experience and have said previously in this thread that if AM had updated the Vantage I would probably have bought another. I am really enjoying the Boxster it is too capable so most times it’s in sports plus modes to loosen it up a bit. With regard to MPG I never have seen above 20MPH on the Vantage and so far in the Boxster never above 23MPG...

I still look at the Vantage and think it's one of the best looking cars ever made. Wins hands down against the 911 GTS I ended up buying. Was slightly disappointed with the drive, but only after driving the GTS. Enjoy.

SHIFTY said: the width of the Boxster is 4 inch narrower and I do notice this I'm told a lot that 4" is noticable....

I went from a Cayman R to a Vantage v12, and am awaiting my Boxster GTS. Simply, I think they are very different cars, so maybe comparison is not appropriate? If I had lots of cash I would have kept the first two, seeing the first as a good track day car, the second a long distance GT, and maybe added the new GTS as a sunny day out car, for hooning around and have some fun car. Or maybe just the v12 and Boxster for the reasons already outlined... if only...

A mate on mine purchased the original baby vantage from the motor show .. Had a long wait for it. He owned it for 4 years or so and only did 5 or so thousand miles and most of that was one trip in Europe. He, like me always wanted an Aston .. I guess it came from what we might now think were the clunky big Vantages back the 80s. I could never understand why he never raved about it. When he said he was putting in on the market I asked him for a drive. In some respects I loved it. It was refined. The seating position perfect for me. It felt almost identical to my old last UK registered Nimbus Grey Mk3 Supra Turbo. That might seem odd to people who have never owned one of the latter in new condition .. but in some respects it is a great compliment. It was beautifully over engineered and in that understated colour a great and powerful enough grand tourer with thick carpets and leather everywhere (not the usual odd shaped thin plastics you'd assume) Ultimately though ... That was the problem. The Vantage (for someone in the mid forties) should reflect huge muscle and not just a little noise. Every outing should be a major event. His Vantage wasn't that. It was a very pretty Jag that didn't feel like a top end sporty muscle car. A week after I got my 981s .. I took him for a drive. On flooring it and hearing the exhaust note .. His immediate response was .. Wow .. That was faster than the Aston. I'm not sure if that is actually the case .. But it's handling is certainly better and you feel more one with the car ... It is more of an event each time you press the throttle or enter a corner. Oddly .. I always wanted that big loud English V8 and the Porsche to me is a more musical almost Italian experience (I was never into Porsches until recently ... so had no idea the flat 6 could sing like that). Right now ... I'd still want an Aston ... But as a tourer, not a sports run about. I'd also struggle at that money now ... Because to me ... 8+ cylinders would probably push me to an R8 v10 .. I suspect if I was 10 years younger and not a child of the awful Dalton Bond film .. The less hairy chested and more refined and beautiful Astons would be the pinnacle .. Then again .. If I was older still ... It would be the oh so English straight 6 (like the Supra). I guess I'm saying .. Go with what you love .. But be careful you are not thinking the Aston is something it may not be anymore .. Otherwise you will have that disappointment my mate had .. The end of a childhood dream. Paul

Paul I am a recent Porsche convert too. Before my Cayman R the last Porsche I really liked was the 928 S4 (when it was new and I sat in one in a Frence showroom). I could warm to a friend's Carrera 4s. The Caymans and Boxsters don't sound like much when starting up (nothing like a v12 or v8 Aston) BUT the Cayman R with its DCT box when wound up was something sublime, particularly the F1 type gear change. The new Boxster S is similarly melodic. Aston GT to nimble Porsche sportscar, agreed! Paul