Been looking for 987.2 S, but now considering a base 981 ...
06-02-2016, 03:30 PM
#16
Instructor
Thread Starter
We had a "large" group so I did not get to drive other cars I wanted - we only got to drive 3x of the cars available. I started with the least Horsepower but lightest car (Lotus), then the Cayman (since I am looking to buy a Boxster and I felt it would be a great way to test the 981 platform), and for the 3rd car, I of course "had" to drive an exotic, so the Ferrari was the last one I drove.
So as of right now, I am sold on getting a base 981 Boxster, manual speed. Probably 2013 or 2014 with "low" miles, and a few "must have" options for Texas weather. So far most of the ones I am finding out (like the one that sold on Sat) are CPO cars with the extended warranty, so even better
Will
PS
I know this is not strictly "Porsche" related, but since these were exotics, I hope you guys will not mind a few more photos of some of the other cars that day:
Audi R8 - If I get to do this event again in the future, I need to drive this one next time, as most everyone loved it:
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
Nissan GTR:
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
Lamborghini:
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
2015 or 2016 (basically new) Viper:
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
Maseratti:
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
There were 1 or 2 more cars, but I did not get photos of those (unfortunately).
06-02-2016, 06:58 PM
#17
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
At the end of the day it's for the driver/owner to decide, your views and those you referenced are opinions as are mine. You can parade around telling people how they are supposed to "feel" driving a car or which car is
"better" or calling people out for giving "bad advice" or say the only reason they'd buy a 987 over 981 is for financial reasons but it doesn't really matter, it's which car appeals to the driver/buyer more.
I know for myself that when I sit in a 987 and drive it, the shape and size of the car around me, the view of the road from the windshield, the height of the door panels, the steering feel, etc. etc. is more in line with the experience I want from a sports car, I love my 981 for other reasons and there are some things I do like more about it compared to the 987 but I don't go around telling people they're idiots for liking the 987 more.
Regarding the steering, of course reviewers will say good things about EPS because that's the only option available on current Porsches and compared to other similarly priced vehicles on the market I'm sure Porsche does it better than most, but if you're comparing a 987 to a 981 which in this case is exactly what OP is looking to do and you can't tell a difference in the "steering feel" then I'd question what sensory inputs exactly you are getting when driving a vehicle.
You should definitely purchase a 981.2 because there is nothing about the 981 that is better or more of a driver's car than the 981.2 and if you don't upgrade it's only because you can't afford to *sarcasm*
"better" or calling people out for giving "bad advice" or say the only reason they'd buy a 987 over 981 is for financial reasons but it doesn't really matter, it's which car appeals to the driver/buyer more.
I know for myself that when I sit in a 987 and drive it, the shape and size of the car around me, the view of the road from the windshield, the height of the door panels, the steering feel, etc. etc. is more in line with the experience I want from a sports car, I love my 981 for other reasons and there are some things I do like more about it compared to the 987 but I don't go around telling people they're idiots for liking the 987 more.
Regarding the steering, of course reviewers will say good things about EPS because that's the only option available on current Porsches and compared to other similarly priced vehicles on the market I'm sure Porsche does it better than most, but if you're comparing a 987 to a 981 which in this case is exactly what OP is looking to do and you can't tell a difference in the "steering feel" then I'd question what sensory inputs exactly you are getting when driving a vehicle.
You should definitely purchase a 981.2 because there is nothing about the 981 that is better or more of a driver's car than the 981.2 and if you don't upgrade it's only because you can't afford to *sarcasm*
06-03-2016, 04:47 AM
#18
Rennlist Member
Regarding the steering, of course reviewers will say good things about EPS because that's the only option available on current Porsches and compared to other similarly priced vehicles on the market I'm sure Porsche does it better than most, but if you're comparing a 987 to a 981 which in this case is exactly what OP is looking to do and you can't tell a difference in the "steering feel" then I'd question what sensory inputs exactly you are getting when driving a vehicle.
Reviewers didn't say good things about the 981's EPS - they criticized it. They criticized it because it was literally the only thing they could think of to criticize, and nobody likes Mary Sue reviews.
You should definitely purchase a 981.2 because there is nothing about the 981 that is better or more of a driver's car than the 981.2 and if you don't upgrade it's only because you can't afford to *sarcasm*
There is one hell of a lot more to complain about on the 718 than the electric power steering.
06-03-2016, 09:46 AM
#19
Rennlist Member
The base cars are really good sports cars.
You won't be disappointed.
Go with the wife on this one
You won't be disappointed.
Go with the wife on this one
06-03-2016, 08:13 PM
#20
Not biased at all. Just want to make sure he doesn't get bad advice from someone biased toward the old car because they own one. I've driven both cars. They're both great cars, but there is nothing about the 987 that is better or more of a driver's car than the 981. Zip. The new car was a big leap forward in every way. And it's laughable how this whole .steering feel' nonsense gets repeated over and over, yet some of the best drivers in the world have raved about Porsche's EPS. It's good enough for Tiff Needle, but not good enough for us knuckelheads?
BTW, if you haven't read it yet, there's a great technical article in Panorama a few months back that discusses all the elements of the car that impact steering feel and how electric power steering is but one very small part of the equation. But I'm sure it won't stop the 'Fire - Badddd!' crowd from continuing to complain about steering feel because it sounds cool.
BTW, if you haven't read it yet, there's a great technical article in Panorama a few months back that discusses all the elements of the car that impact steering feel and how electric power steering is but one very small part of the equation. But I'm sure it won't stop the 'Fire - Badddd!' crowd from continuing to complain about steering feel because it sounds cool.
06-04-2016, 10:44 AM
#21
Instructor
Thread Starter
Thank you guys. Wife and I are now settle on the 981 base Boxster, now looking into available colors/options in the used market, and of course those ones priced in a range we can afford. Already got pre-approved by my bank, so we just need to find "the" car now.
My wife and I like black or beige interior (prefer black), and White or Black exterior (I know, very different, but both look great to both of us, also depending on the wheels), with a slight preference at the moment for a Black exterior. My wife and I know Black exterior means more work (a "hobby" by itself), but not terribly worried, specially because my friend who uses Opti-Coat to keep his 2014 981 Cayman S clean and looking great with minimal effort:
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
Living here in Texas I would love to have the vented heats option, but very, very few cars seem to have that, so I am not too optimistic on finding a 6-spd manual, Black or White, with this option. I would also love PASM, but that is even a far rarer option, and I only see if on occasion on fully optioned "S" models. That is it in terms of options - not being super picky.
Will
My wife and I like black or beige interior (prefer black), and White or Black exterior (I know, very different, but both look great to both of us, also depending on the wheels), with a slight preference at the moment for a Black exterior. My wife and I know Black exterior means more work (a "hobby" by itself), but not terribly worried, specially because my friend who uses Opti-Coat to keep his 2014 981 Cayman S clean and looking great with minimal effort:
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
Living here in Texas I would love to have the vented heats option, but very, very few cars seem to have that, so I am not too optimistic on finding a 6-spd manual, Black or White, with this option. I would also love PASM, but that is even a far rarer option, and I only see if on occasion on fully optioned "S" models. That is it in terms of options - not being super picky.
Will
06-11-2016, 08:12 PM
#22
Instructor
Thread Starter
Today I was able to test drive both a base Boxster (new, 2016 Black Edition), and a 2014 CPO Boxster S - both manual transmission. Both had 20" wheels, both had Sport Chrono. I drove the base first, then the S.
- Yes, the S had noticeable more power and more torque. On the on-ramp, accelerating to join the highway traffic, the extra power in the S was awesome.
- Both models had the upgraded Sport Chrono which in Sport+ enables the auto-rev matching on down shifts - it was flawless and a lot of fun.
- The S model was definitely, noticeably harsher on all roads (city and highway - it did not have PASM to try), while the base model rode amazingly well even with the 20" wheels.
- For my intended use, mostly a DD, I can't justify the extra money for the extra power, specially when it also comes with a stiffer ride. The base model needed a little bit more RPM's but it was still plenty powerful and fun to drive. I can definitely see myself driving the base as a DD.
This basically confirms my initial feel after driving the base Cayman (although with PDK), so definitely looking for a CPO base Boxster. Loved the Sport Chrono and rev matching, although fewer cars have this option. The other option I would love to have (specially here in Dallas) is the ventilated heats - again, another relatively rare option. 19" wheels would be plenty for me, although 20" would be OK based on my test drives today.
2016 Base Black edition:
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
2014 Boxster S:
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
- Yes, the S had noticeable more power and more torque. On the on-ramp, accelerating to join the highway traffic, the extra power in the S was awesome.
- Both models had the upgraded Sport Chrono which in Sport+ enables the auto-rev matching on down shifts - it was flawless and a lot of fun.
- The S model was definitely, noticeably harsher on all roads (city and highway - it did not have PASM to try), while the base model rode amazingly well even with the 20" wheels.
- For my intended use, mostly a DD, I can't justify the extra money for the extra power, specially when it also comes with a stiffer ride. The base model needed a little bit more RPM's but it was still plenty powerful and fun to drive. I can definitely see myself driving the base as a DD.
This basically confirms my initial feel after driving the base Cayman (although with PDK), so definitely looking for a CPO base Boxster. Loved the Sport Chrono and rev matching, although fewer cars have this option. The other option I would love to have (specially here in Dallas) is the ventilated heats - again, another relatively rare option. 19" wheels would be plenty for me, although 20" would be OK based on my test drives today.
2016 Base Black edition:
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
2014 Boxster S:
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
06-12-2016, 03:15 AM
#23
Good call - I test drove the base model and thought it was excellent. I ended up purchasing a GTS, however, if that wasn't available I would have happily purchased the base model
06-12-2016, 09:27 AM
#24
Rennlist Member
Today I was able to test drive both a base Boxster (new, 2016 Black Edition), and a 2014 CPO Boxster S - both manual transmission. Both had 20" wheels, both had Sport Chrono. I drove the base first, then the S.
- Yes, the S had noticeable more power and more torque. On the on-ramp, accelerating to join the highway traffic, the extra power in the S was awesome.
- Both models had the upgraded Sport Chrono which in Sport+ enables the auto-rev matching on down shifts - it was flawless and a lot of fun.
- The S model was definitely, noticeably harsher on all roads (city and highway - it did not have PASM to try), while the base model rode amazingly well even with the 20" wheels.
- For my intended use, mostly a DD, I can't justify the extra money for the extra power, specially when it also comes with a stiffer ride. The base model needed a little bit more RPM's but it was still plenty powerful and fun to drive. I can definitely see myself driving the base as a DD.
This basically confirms my initial feel after driving the base Cayman (although with PDK), so definitely looking for a CPO base Boxster. Loved the Sport Chrono and rev matching, although fewer cars have this option. The other option I would love to have (specially here in Dallas) is the ventilated heats - again, another relatively rare option. 19" wheels would be plenty for me, although 20" would be OK based on my test drives today.
2016 Base Black edition:
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
2014 Boxster S:
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
- Yes, the S had noticeable more power and more torque. On the on-ramp, accelerating to join the highway traffic, the extra power in the S was awesome.
- Both models had the upgraded Sport Chrono which in Sport+ enables the auto-rev matching on down shifts - it was flawless and a lot of fun.
- The S model was definitely, noticeably harsher on all roads (city and highway - it did not have PASM to try), while the base model rode amazingly well even with the 20" wheels.
- For my intended use, mostly a DD, I can't justify the extra money for the extra power, specially when it also comes with a stiffer ride. The base model needed a little bit more RPM's but it was still plenty powerful and fun to drive. I can definitely see myself driving the base as a DD.
This basically confirms my initial feel after driving the base Cayman (although with PDK), so definitely looking for a CPO base Boxster. Loved the Sport Chrono and rev matching, although fewer cars have this option. The other option I would love to have (specially here in Dallas) is the ventilated heats - again, another relatively rare option. 19" wheels would be plenty for me, although 20" would be OK based on my test drives today.
2016 Base Black edition:
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
2014 Boxster S:
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy
OP - post the dealer links?
Black cars are they reportedly show the dirt more etc... That being said, I do have a dark blue and it seems to be ok. The fix is to keep it clean. A friend has a triple-black 997.1 cab and it looks AWESOME when freshly washed.
06-12-2016, 10:48 AM
#25
Instructor
Thread Starter
Awesome choices yet I can open the pictures. Anyone?
OP - post the dealer links?
Black cars are they reportedly show the dirt more etc... That being said, I do have a dark blue and it seems to be ok. The fix is to keep it clean. A friend has a triple-black 997.1 cab and it looks AWESOME when freshly washed.
OP - post the dealer links?
Black cars are they reportedly show the dirt more etc... That being said, I do have a dark blue and it seems to be ok. The fix is to keep it clean. A friend has a triple-black 997.1 cab and it looks AWESOME when freshly washed.
I opened an incognito window, and I was able to see the pictures (even though I am not logged to my Amazon account on that window), but I was able to find the dealer listing for the 2014 CPO S model:
http://www.porscheplanotexas.net/veh...cb2a81es140528
Here is the dealer listing for the 2016 Black Edition base:
http://www.porscheplanotexas.net/veh...ca2a89gs120811
And funny you say Dark Blue, since out of the CPO cars that I am looking at, this Dark Blue CPO looks awesome to me at the moment:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/klje2uexxm...47.02.png?dl=0
06-13-2016, 08:05 AM
#26
Drifting
What you probably felt was the difference in the tires. Tires can make a huge difference in the feel of the car, the ride, the handling and the noise. Especially since you compared a new car (with new tires) to a used car (with unknown tires that may not even match).
06-15-2016, 02:38 PM
#27
Instructor
Thread Starter
That's interesting, since the cars have the same suspension (assuming that both were without PASM).
What you probably felt was the difference in the tires. Tires can make a huge difference in the feel of the car, the ride, the handling and the noise. Especially since you compared a new car (with new tires) to a used car (with unknown tires that may not even match).
What you probably felt was the difference in the tires. Tires can make a huge difference in the feel of the car, the ride, the handling and the noise. Especially since you compared a new car (with new tires) to a used car (with unknown tires that may not even match).
06-15-2016, 05:35 PM
#28
How basic are you thinking?
A 981 base is still around $45000.
The value loss in the next years as it drops out of warranty will be steep.
A "cool" 987 with something special to it will probably do better in absolute terms.
A 981 base is still around $45000.
The value loss in the next years as it drops out of warranty will be steep.
A "cool" 987 with something special to it will probably do better in absolute terms.
06-15-2016, 05:52 PM
#29
Instructor
Thread Starter
Why not the 987? This is totally self-imposed as both myself and my wife love the 981 style over the older cars. And now that I have driven the 981's, its a done deal in that regard. Now, finding a car with the options I would like, with the budget I have is proving to be a little harder
