Mark Dreyer

BGTS doesn't give up much in looks department to Spyder. It's a beautiful car. For me it was all about a 3.8 L consolation prize after I missed out on a GT4 allocation. I think you make some good arguments for the BGTS possibly being the better DD. I've not driven a BGTS, but I'd be quite surprised if the sound was anywhere close to as good as that of the 981 Spyder. I am continually amazed to hear that kind of raucous sound out of an OEM exhaust.

I fit your description of the guy who only drives the Spyder on nice days. Part of that reason is I have other less valuable Porsche's to get my fix in. As the value has held strong and the traffic has gotten crazier in Orlando, I'm a bit nervous to drive it. I'd say at least once/week I have what I'd describe as a near miss from some crazy driver almost nailing me. My one regret in owning this car is that I don't live in a part of the world where I can maximally enjoy it. Orlando totally sucks for traffic and lack of nice driving roads.

Milehigh981

Honestly the best car I've ever owned. Any time an the new car itch comes along a short drive in the Spyder is an immediate cure. Almost frustrating as I generally lose interest in a car after 2-3 years and I've no desire to replace it.
If you're looking for a fantastic open top experience, it's pretty hard to beat. One potential downside is that it does draw a lot of attention- you will regularly get comments of "nice car" etc. while driving, at the pump, in parking lots.. a nice "problem" to have though

re the heated seats- they were a must have here in CO, makes it easier to drive on a brisk March morning!

blacksheepSpyder

gearFX

Spyder production totals may be pretty well documented by now, but I never found official GTS production numbers from Porsche (though they have gone on record saying that the GTS model accounts for 15% of sales, so we could just take them at their word). A while back I analyzed Boxster classified ads on all of the major online websites to (unscientifically) reverse-engineer relative production distribution in the U.S. (not worldwide). My data is out of date now, but back then I found the following information (multiple value ranges are provided depending on which classified website you were looking at):

* 10-15% of all 2015 Boxster listings were GTS models. If 3102 Boxsters were sold in the U.S. in 2015, then a range of 330-465 units were likely GTS models.
* 13-21% of all 2016 Boxster listings were GTS models. If 2670 Boxsters were sold in the U.S. in 2016, then a range of 347-561 units were likely GTS models.

If the data is to be believed, that means total 2015-2016 Boxster GTS numbers in the U.S. may be somewhere in the range of 677-1026 units (plus or minus a few % for other unaccounted variables). Again, this is not scientific but better than nothing. In any case, the GTS still qualifies as a pretty uncommon car in its own right (I certainly don't see many at club events and almost never encounter one in the wild). Perhaps "exclusivity" was never artificially restricted (in terms of dealer order allocations), but final GTS numbers still compare favorably with the Spyder (granted the GTS doesn't have as much bespoke content to set it apart from its siblings, but even a "regular" Boxster is not a very common vehicle, based on annual sales figures in the U.S.).

Back on topic, I had considered the Spyder and even the 991.1 cab but the BGTS was the sweet spot for me and my needs and intended use. I agree with the others that suggest exploring (and test-driving) everything including the 987 to determine which one floats your boat the most. All of the cars mentioned have their own inherent magic and charms.

NelsonF

Strange, hard to admit that I feel the same way about mine! This is very uncharacteristic as this was not the same with my last 4 GT cars. My only diff is that I have the buckets but would welcome the heated seats if they were available. I'm in line for the next version but would not be surprised if I passed given my satisfaction with the current car. We'll see...

SpyderSenseOC

I know this has probably been posted before (possibly even by me) but it's worth doing it again. Looks nicely optioned at a pretty darn good price if there are no surprises.

http://www.countrybuickgmc.com/Vehic...-VA/3135411763

Dan Nagy

To be honest, I think the 987 is really good looking. The trunk humps work the best with the slanting tail lamps, IMO. However, I prefer considering a 992 version so I can configure it as I want.

il pirata

I had the 987 and have the 981. Neither leaked for me in heavy rain, my 981 does not have air leaks but it does have noise. You can run the 981 though a car wash, not that I have.

il pirata

Not if you bought new, the GTS was what $75k MSRP and the Spyder $82,100 MSRP.

manifold danger

This data is tough to dispute; and come to think of it I think my car was the first Boxster GTS I'd ever laid eyes on, despite seeing a handful of Spyders at a few cars and coffees. I'll also be the first to tell you that manual GTS's are in short supply, especially Boxsters. Mine was one of two listed in the US when I was looking.

It's hard to believe that looking at used car values now. I bought my well-optioned GTS ($93k original MSRP) for $60k, and you can't find a Spyder for less than $90k. Part of that can be explained by my car had quite a few miles on it and most Spyders hover in the sub-10k range; which does a lot to corroborate my earlier hypothesis that they're not really intended or used for daily driving. My guess is it's more of a collector's item, but yeah it's tough to argue that the market really does speak for itself.

Also implies that the GTS is a relative bargain.

gearFX

Did anyone else catch in the recent Panorama magazine that PCNA now expects as much as 50% of 718 sales to be GTS models? Where is the additional newfound 35% of GTS demand coming from? (Unless dealers are being incentivized to order more GTS models for their showroom floor, and/or regular 718 and 718S units are being diverted to other markets, so it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy... ) Especially in light of the active speculation and people already getting on allocation lists for upcoming 718 GT4 and Spyder models, a 50% take-rate on 718 GTS models (even if GT4s and Sypder won't appear until next model year) just doesn't seem to add up (to me).

K-A

The Spyder will truly quench that visceral thirst: N/A screamer, lighter, etc. I don't think I've seen any car generate as ecstatic a group of owners.

However, I recommend the 981 GTS as well. Brilliantly raucous 3.4, and imo one of the most perfect sports car packages, ever. The GT4 really overshadowed them, so imo the market appreciation for them will rise more-so in the future, along with eventual price appreciation. Destined classics.

brownan

It's superb all around. I'm going to finally get it broken-in this spring so I can wind it past 4000! Super charismatic car, a long term keeper, and highly complimentary to my other Porsche stuff.

Dan Nagy

^^^^^^
That!

I'd like to find a car that will satisfy me for a long time. I was just added to the list for a 718 Spyder. Thanks all for your input.

Archimedes

We got a break in the weather today and I got a chance to pull the Spyder out for a quick drive into the foothills. It is such an epic car and just an event every time you get behind the wheel. I honestly could think of a more perfect road car and if I have to choose between this car and my new GT3, there's no way I'm keeping the GT3. This car has to stay in my garage.