Bluff Boy

I am looking to buy my first Porsche ever, a used 2008 to 2010 Boxster S before the end of this year. The five deal breakers for me are engine size, HP, color, transmission and California Legal. It must be 3.4L, 310HP, PDK Transmission, Metalic Arctic Silver and California Legal. Price, mileage, location and condition are of lesser importance to me.

Many of the used car sites that I look at, don't even know what a PDK transmission is. If there isn't a decent photo of the steering wheel or the gear selector console, I don't know how to determine if the vehicle has a PDK. The specs from a VIN# ID search don't usually specify the transmission; they just state manual or automatic. I have noticed however, that they usually list the transmission ratios as per the example below, which I believe must be for the PDK Transmission.

Trans Order Code 250 250.0 min 250.0 max

Trans Type 7, 6 6.0 min 7.0 max

Trans Description Cont. Auto, Manual

First Gear Ratio (:1) 3.91, 3.50 3.5 min 3.91 max

Second Gear Ratio (:1) 2.26, 2.12 2.12 min 2.26 max

Third Gear Ratio (:1) 1.65, 1.43 1.43 min 1.65 max

Fourth Gear Ratio (:1) 1.30, 1.09 1.09 min 1.3 max

Fifth Gear Ratio (:1) 1.08, 0.84 0.84 min 1.08 max

Seventh Gear Ratio (:1) 0.62 0.62 min 0.62 max

Reverse Ratio (:1) 3.55, 3.44 3.44 min 3.55 max

Clutch Size 9.45 in 9.45 min 9.45 max

Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) 2.62, 3.88 2.62 min 3.88 max

Can someone please confirm that these specs are indeed for a PDK Transmission. Also, something strange that I have noticed, is that the Sixth Gear Ratio is always missing in these specs. Can anybody explain that please?

I have been told that the “build sheets” have the transmission information on them. I do not know what a build sheet is, where you get them and if they can be obtained from a VIN#.

If anyone can help me out with these issues it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

zedcat

Forget MY2008, PDK became the auto trans option in MY2009. Should be pretty easy to tell if MT or PDK.

vbb

Yes, it's nice to be thorough, but you're overcomplicating it. Any 2009+ that isnt a 6 speed manual will be a PDK. If you see a 2009 or newer, and it is listed as "automatic" by the seller, you can be sure it has the PDK. Based on your mandatory options, you're exclusively looking for a '09-'12 S model.

Happy shopping!

daylorb

Most of the used sites will have it listed as an automatic, simple as that. I've seen some instances where they get it wrong. You can easily tell just by glancing at the center column - PDK will have the rigid frame around the gear shift lever, manual will have the soft cover. Manual:



PDK:

PorscheAddict

What they said. Also, though, you're overcomplicating your requirements. Needing PDK eliminates 2008 from your list. You may already know this, but 2009 presented a major engine change from the IMS-bearing older tech to a more robust unit (9A1), which also increased power slightly and added direct injection. Because of this, you will notice prices jump more from 2008-2009 than between most other years. Engine size and HP are not separate requirements, you are just looking for an S. All unmodified cars will be CA legal. So you're looking for:

1. S model
2. 2009+
3. Artic Silver
4. PDK/Auto