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I currently own a '17 Ram 1500 Limited as my daily driver and have an '04 350Z that I bought as a present to myself after my divorce in '04. It has 31k miles on it and still has a new car smell. I love driving it so not going anywhere. Besides it has special memories However I've been wanting a drop top in the garage and have been looking at a Boxster S/GTS to scratch that itch. Recently I visited a local Porsche dealer here in Pittsburgh and test drove a 718 S and couldn't wait to get back into my little old 350. That V6 pulls from the push of the peddle and has a silky clutch and snappy shift. I've owned two different turbo induced cars before - an '89 Supra and an '85 Saab, neither of which had as noticeable lag as the 718. Man I really didn't enjoy the 718 test drive. Hated the craggy sound of that four banger and the response at the pedal.
So now I'm looking at 981S/GTS as an option with a Spyder as an outside option - not sure I want to spend that much on a garage queen. Is there anything I should look for as a concern in buying a used 981? Anything that might be of concern with a '14/'15/'16 with under 20K? Any packages that should be included as a must have? Any and all input is really appreciated. I'm kind of lost in the weeds. Oh, can anyone offer up what they feel are the appreciable differences between the 981 and the new 718 aside from the drivetrain? I guess I should add - not interested in PDK. Just straight manual shifting.
I personally bought a CPO 2016 Cayman GTS for 2.5 years ago with 141 miles on it and I now have 22,000 miles on it without a single issue. I only use the car for spirited drives and the car sits for months during our NJ winters. It’s not that I’m afraid to drive it in the winter but it’s just no fun for me.
The only time time it’s been in the shop is for its annual services and a set of tires. The car has been been absolutely rock solid.
Total cost of of service and tires over 2.5 years has been $3,151.00.
I’d look for a CPO car.
As far as options goes - you’re going to get a lot of debate over that especially when it comes to PASM vs X73 suspension.
Find a car are you like and when you be able to pull the trigger on the spot as the nice cars go really really quick.
Also want to add - I love the Cayman. I think it's a sexier car than any 911. Too bad Porsche has relegated it as a step sister of sorts. It deserves better. Oh nice color by the way.
Jim can you explain the difference in the suspensions? Would I be wrong if I said that the S comes with PASM as standard?
Bill
PASM is the Porsche Active Suspension Management which I believe uses magnetic type dampeners. I have this on my car and Im very satisfied with it for spirited drives. As you can see by the attached photos I get some pretty decent Gs out of the car.
X73 is the sport suspension which I believe sits 10 mm lower than PASM and gives a firmer ride. Guys that have it love it and guys that have switched to it say it transforms the car.
I couldn't find a car with X73 but the car I purchased checked all my other requirements.
This is a car I'm very interested in. VIN Link. Has 17K on it.
That looks like a nice one. Amaranth is one of the rarer colors and it even has full leather interior which is hard to find on the used market. You can easily retrofit the PSE. Shame the dealer had to stick a license plate onto the front bumper (and drilling holes into it!).
Unless you're looking to add an aftermarket exhaust, I'd argue the PSE is a must-have.
In general the 981s are very reliable.
Have to agree - PSE is a must for me. Otherwise it looks like a nice car.
The other thing that was a must have me was the Sport Chrono- i realize it doesnt do much performance wise on a manual car but i love the look of the little clock on the dash.
CarMax doesnt allow for a PPI so if you were to buy it immediately take if for a PPI and if it doesnt check out return it within 5 days.
If you can swing it you might be better off buying a CPO car from a Porsche dealer.
PASM is the Porsche Active Suspension Management which I believe uses magnetic type dampeners. I have this on my car and Im very satisfied with it for spirited drives. As you can see by the attached photos I get some pretty decent Gs out of the car.
X73 is the sport suspension which I believe sits 10 mm lower than PASM and gives a firmer ride. Guys that have it love it and guys that have switched to it say it transforms the car.
I couldn't find a car with X73 but the car I purchased checked all my other requirements.
Also don't be afraid of driving a base 981 or 987.2. Either will be faster than your Z and the engines sing pretty sweetly. Not as fast as the S of course but I'm just saying drive one before you decide you must have an S.
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Buying Used
However I've been wanting a drop top in the garage and have been looking at a Boxster S/GTS to scratch that itch. Recently I visited a local Porsche dealer here in Pittsburgh and test drove a 718 S and couldn't wait to get back into my little old 350. That V6 pulls from the push of the peddle and has a silky clutch and snappy shift. I've owned two different turbo induced cars before - an '89 Supra and an '85 Saab, neither of which had as noticeable lag as the 718. Man I really didn't enjoy the 718 test drive. Hated the craggy sound of that four banger and the response at the pedal.
