MessyMarvin

I am debating trading in my 2011 Audi TT Coupe for a Boxster. I absolutely want a Convertible. I do love the TT, but when I bought it I did not have my 2012 Dodge Ram for the winter so I no longer need Quattro. Anyway here is my situation, I have a 2012 Dodge Ram Crew Cab, a 2007 Shelby Mustang, and an Audi TT (Wife has a Honda Odyssey for Family). I do not plan on getting rid of my Shelby, I absolutely love it and have put a lot into it, it will remain my Garage Queen that I put 3000 or so miles on a year. My Ram will handle bad weather days as well as when I need extra room. So the Boxster would share some DD as well as taking joy rides, probably 8-10K miles a year. I do NOT intend to track it that is why I am not sure if the "S" would be worth the Price difference, also I have 496 RWHP in my Shelby so if I want Speed I can get my fix elsewhere.

I have not had a Porsche for a long time, but always knew I would get another, my last was an 88 911 Coupe, I wish I still had it. I would go down that or the 993 road, but do not feel like dealing with the increased maintenance.

I know ultimately it is my choice and I intend to test drive both, but I have learned over the years a test drive just does not tell the full story, it is not long enough.

I am leaning towards the 981, but then I will have a whole other dilema on if I would want to upgrade to the "S" 1-2 years later.

I would like to keep it under $60K, I built a 2013 and it came out to under $55K, I do not need Navigation and stuff based on my intended use.

Kevin Rohrer

Many people who get a base model end up with buyers' regret, wishing they got the more powerful 'S'. The 'S' retains its value more than a base model and has more goodies that add to the appeal.

I bought an 09S earlier in the year w/ 11k miles on it for a price I was willing to pay, and got my money's worth. I would have gotten far less for my money is I had bought new.

sfo

just make sure you drive a 987 and a 981 before you decide ..

MessyMarvin

Great Point, looking at the 981 "S" after 5% off it appears I can still come under $60K. I know you get the upgraded engine and the 19" wheels that I planned to get on the Non "S", upgraded brakes, as well I have to look into what else you get for the extra $11K.

Jim 'n' SC

Get the base 981. It's a blast to drive and not the much slower than an S. Also, its not true about the S holding it value better...its actually just the opposite.

medtech

Go S or go home!

MessyMarvin

So based on my brief research I think yo are right, the "S" adds the motor, wheels ($1560), and the brakes. That means the brakes and motor equal about $10K to the price. I am sure I might be missing other things the "S" comes with, but when I look at the 987 market the "S" only has around an average of a $5K price over the base, this is models 2009 and up. To me I would have to agree with you, the "S" premium appears to lose value at a faster rate than the car itself.

Now to be clear this is not why I am buying it, resale on cars sucks period, but if the "S" really had a huge resale advantage kind of like the Spyder does now I would buy just because it would be stupid not to.

clutchplate

Based on lease residuals, Porsche predicts the S will depreciate more than the base by 2%.

Allan Gibbs

I agree. I had a base 1999 986 and HATED it. In 2011, I tested the 987 base and S and even though the base had 260 something hp, it was still weak. I went with and S and never regretted it. Now, my 2 year lease is almost over.


Yesterday, I test drove a PDK 981 base and had the chance to floor it onto the freeway. Not impressed at all.

So, my $.02, dealers aren't really offering much discounts and of course, there aren't any factory incentive. So, my advice if you can't get a 981S now, then just wait. The 981 isn't going to disappear....at least for the next 5-7 years.

Plyman438

I'm biased as I drive a 986 base Boxster, but for around town it's very quick and handles like a dream. Maybe if I tracked it all the time I would crave the S, but for around town the base Boxster is far more than enough. And the 981 is not much heavier than 986 with 40 more hp making its 0-60 time in low 5 second range plus slot car handling. Unless you track on course with longer straights, not sure how you notice performance difference other than maybe a bit flatter 3rd gear getting on freeway ramp. My base is more than enough to handle in most situations.

clutchplate

The biggest drawback with the base is lack of torque, not horsepower. Floor it at 2500 RPM's and it pretty much ignores you. Floor it at 5K and it's pretty quick. If you can live with an old school power curve, it's a lot of fun.

M. Schneider

+1 Agreed, but to be honest as a former MY00 986 owner (wifes) its a toss up. As an aside, torque, is torque however the 981 base 2.7 is more powerful and the car lighter... Bench racing is a costly game. (all bet's off if you're a high altitude buyer - check the S option box, no question. Better yet, turbo charge that mother f..k'er)

A cars value is like a bar of soap. One minute its there and puff its gone.

Order a base 981, option the full leather, PASM, and stay clear of the pricey wheel upgrades, stereo options, etc. ... I'm just saying.

A Base 981, metallic paint, PASM, Full leather w/sport seats, Brushed alum trim + shipping $56,600.
A 981 S, metallic paint, PASM, Full Leather w/sport seats, Brushed alum trim + shipping $68,000.
Torque costs money .....

BevHillsPorsche

The new 981 is by all intents and purposes a better car than the 987 but I could argue that the 987 is a better looking car.

I have an 08 RS 60 Spyder and I absolutely love it! I truly think the lines of the car specifically the more organic curves of the front and rear fenders are far better looking than the 981 with it's creases based on the 918 design concept.

I think the 987's curves give it a more classic 60's Porsche roadster feel.

Here's a few pics of my car.... I LOVE IT!

MessyMarvin

Great points, for $60K you get in my opinion a well equipped Base. I just do not see how the $11K difference is justified unless you track.

Bullitt44

i vote 981