MidEngineRules

This debate will go on forever. When you're talking speed/power differences in these cars you're absolutely splitting hairs. There's no situation where one is great and the other is not. BL if you want a brand new Boxster/Cayman these days you're getting a turbo. I hope I'm around in 20 years to see how the classic car market views these 2 comparatively. One thing for sure is Porsche made a lot of special versions of the 987, with 2 being limited numbered production runs (both Boxsters). They don't seem to be doing that anymore which is a shame. With the 981 you got a GT4 and Spyder, neither numbered but both will have a place in Porsche history. Even if there's a new Spyder it'll have more in common with a 981 than a 718 if equipped with a NA motor. Curious whether Porsche will create a special 718 that goes beyond the normal production runs. Something to lift the turbos in the market. I don't see a turbo 718 having any racing heritage. Does anyone know how well the 718s are doing in sales?

Noah Fect

In the US, they aren't doing well:



I believe that the outlier in May 2017 is actually a mistake on the part of goodcarbadcar.net, because it's both suspiciously high and suspiciously identical to the Cayman sales reported for that month. I think they accidentally reported the combined figure for both models individually. In that light, the numbers definitely look pretty grim.

Still, if you actually plot the data, it's far from clear that the engine change is responsible. The Boxster/Cayman trend line has been heading south at about the same rate for several years, while the 911s are barely holding steady. Meanwhile, the Macan is selling as fast as they can make them.

No solid data yet for rest-of-world sales, but I imagine the 718s are doing much better in the Asian markets, where displacement taxes are such a large part of the sales price and where there is no historical legacy for them to either live up to or fall short of.

MidEngineRules

Clearly Porsche are pricing these cars out of the market. Not that the 981 was much better in that regard. The Cayman and especially the Boxster have become much more refined, but these (S, GTS) shouldn't be pushing $100k. The driving dynamic hasn't changed enough to justify the price doubling in <15 years. I can get just as much driving satisfaction from a nice pre-DFI 987 S as a 718 S.

fast1

When discussing these cars, I believe that it's important to first acknowledge that they are both outstanding cars. When posters like me express some reservations with the 718, some jump to the conclusion that I am bashing the 718. Nothing could be farther from the truth. It's just personal preferences, just like I prefer MT over PDK.

As a long time owner of 911s, I've become accustomed to keeping the engine speed in the upper RPM levels so that I am always in the power band. So I am typically driving a couple gears lower than the average driver. I do agree with your point that the 718 turbo provides a great deal of torque at lower RPM, and that is a feature which most drivers enjoy.

fast1

And let's not forget that you are comparing the last year of a model run for the 981, which typically is the lowest in sales, with the launch year for the 718 which typically is the highest. Hopefully the low sales result in very aggressive discounts for the 718. If I were interested in the 718, I'd be delaying my purchase for a couple of years and look for a great deal on a used 718.

MidEngineRules

Good thoughts. I try to come across that way as well. I'm new here and not looking for enemies. I have peered over at the 991 forum here and there since they are going through the same debate. Rough crowd. Over there it's all about getting their tunes for world domination. The 991 needs a tune like I need another orifice. It's all bragging rights. First to 500 hp I guess! I'll be watching for the first to throw a rod and have Porsche deny their warranty. Forgive me if I smile.

Selo

As much as I love cars that handle, people love acceleration and speed. We love going fast on roller coasters, snowboards, motorcycles, and cars. And the list goes on and on.
If it were all about handling and balance we'd all get a Miata and be done with it.
People want power in an expensive sports car, and for a bare boned version of the Cayman costing $65k or $70k, we've got a lot of choices, some of which have outstanding V8s. The refinement of the 718 is wonderful, but unless I have unlimited access to twisty, deserted roads, I think I'm going to be happier with a car with more of a power/fun quotient.

lajoiedp

Are you really comparing the handling and balance of a Miata to a 718 Cayman? I've driven both, and they're not even close. Have you driven a 718? If so, it doesn't have enough power or fun quotient for you?

Selo

^ In a sense. I've test driven the 718s a few times. As a stand alone I love it. It has great balance and handling, and at speed it feels perfect. But with a MT, which is all I've driven, it has turbo lag, and I don't enjoy it in any traffic that has stop and go. If it were much less expensive I could tolerate it, but not at these prices. If I build it the way I'd want it I'm in 911 territory. If I go light on the options I'm in Grand Sport territory. If the GT4 and Spyder are NA, there's the answer for me.

PoorManWantsFun

I am new to this board and since I couldn't create a new post, I am asking questions here. I haven't owned a German car before but am interested in a 718 Boxster base. Is there such thing as a 718 Boxster (manual) without options? I priced one online at about 58.6k MSRP but when looking at the local dealers (online) they have the ones with a lot of options. This will be my daily as I have a truck for rainy days. Currently I owned a Miata 2016 that is a little over 2 years old (bought it new). Had previously owned two S2000s, a few 350z coupe and convertible.

1) Lets say if I am able to find a 58.6k base Boxster and with 8.75% tax here in socal, what would be a good out the door price for a 2018?

2) Do you guys do your own oil change? I have had free oil change on my Tacoma truck and never used it once. Too much hassle going to dealer ( like a poster here said, only make appointments for doctor).

PorscheAddict

Welcome to the boards, and hopefully to Porsche ownership soon! They do not build very many stripped Porsche's because most buyers want some level of options and because the profit margin is high on options. If you want it close to stripped, you may have to custom order it (which is not a problem).

1. Price is tough, since there have been some crazy deals on 718's due to low sales, but I'd say $58-$59k OTD would be a good deal. Basically get them to cover your steep tax. You may be able to do better, maybe a little worse.

2. I do. It is cheap, since factory fill is Mobil 1, and fairly easy, although you do have to let it drain 2+ hours which is not normal.

Good luck.

PoorManWantsFun

Thanks for your input.

CaymanSinAR

Haha. I think we "spoke" at miata.net.

Welcome!

Given the good deals on new Boxsters you might even be able to find a lightly used one in your price range with options. As others have said, hard to find a Boxster on a lot without options.

kiznarsh

Finding a stripped manual here in SoCal is definitely gonna be tough but if you're willing to travel a bit, that really opens up your options. If you're open to a used/CPO one, the search tool is pretty handy:

http://locator.porsche.com/ipl-custo...ails.ipl?cid=1

There's a manual base Boxster in Livermore for $57.9k with ~3,500 miles.

I also do my own oil changes despite one salesman warning me not to "on a car like this" (whatever that means). Best price I've found has been walmart.com where you can get 10 quarts of Mobil 1 for $50 shipped. New filter, O-ring, and crush washer for another $20 so about $70 in parts instead of paying the dealer $350+.

PoorManWantsFun

Haha- my username there is tractng. Thinking of doing a switch somewhere in the summer. I haven't driven one but will do soon to see...Good suggestion on used ones.

Thanks for the advice on the oil change. I even changed my own jetski oil (2017 yamaha fx svho). We use a pump to withdraw the oil (no such thing as a drain plug on jetski).