marcelo1176

So I configured out a 981 (base) and with the 20 inch wheels, PDK, NAV, etc, the price came close to 67k. I was ready to place an order, and then saw a 2009 997 Cab with 28k miles for 65k (certified). I am now second guessing I which car to get? I know this is a 997 forum, but what are your thoughts??? I will post on the 981 forum also just to see the two points of view. I must say that I drove both cars, and that did not help me make my mind. I owned a 2001 996 Cab that I barely drove (garage queen). The biggest complaint I had was all the squeaks and rattles. I now have a 987 with almost 80k miles which I love driving, but still feel like I don't have the "daddy" of Porsche's.

Look forward to your suggestions.

slipangle77

I'd choose the 997, though the new box looks nice and like a lot of fun. We had a boxster previously, after having had a 911 for years, and although I liked it it wasn't the same driving experience and I doubt that has changed. It's a good one so it depends on what personality you want from the car imo.

stefang

I just went through that and wound up with a '09 997. I've wanted a Boxster for a while, but could never fit comfortably, so I was very excited when the 981 came. When push came to shove I went for the 911 because... still not entirely sure. Probably because that's what I wanted right now. I totally see myself in a Boxster three years from now. The one thing that made me second guess the 911 decision when I drove it home was the power and speed of the car. You can wind out the Boxster for a longer period before reaching ridiculous speeds. Oh and the '09 has no rattles that I can detect.

Edgy01

Many prefer the Boxster driving experience (better even handling) but prefer the 911 style and 'attitude.' Many Boxster owners state later, "I should have gotten the 911." Resale on Boxsters is quite poor compared to a Carrera. Just look at the numbers. The Carrera is the preferred car.

I would find the lack of a back seat too confining. Although I only put humans in the back seats only rarely, I still like to retain that option. With a Boxster you have no option. Two is it. You can't even carry along a small dog or a baby with you--you can with a Carrera. I have become well adjusted to packing a Carrera--the trunk for things I don't need to access along the way, while I can put everything else in the back seat area. Boxsters lack the room for an in-cockpit cooler, for example.

Only you can ultimately decide for your situation in life, and from the other cars that you have, which is better for you.

wanderingwheelz

I've owned both. I can't think of a reason why I'd ever go back to the Boxster. In my opinion, a Boxster MUST be an "S".... If not, it's just way too underpowered for me. The car is able to handle even more power in the "S" version, for that matter. If you just want a roadster for relaxed weekend cruising, I guess the base 981 would do the trick. But don't expect goosebumps.

For what it's worth, the 911 will always hold more status.

marcelo1176

That is something that is also coming into play. I drive about 20k miles a year, so the fact that the 997 just felt more "comfortable" is also making me lean that way.

ufischer

I just had to make the same decision. Although in my case the '09 Cab was a little more expensive (its a 4S), but the mileage was identical. I got the Cab and 6 months later and I am incredibly happy with my decision. I know that if I had gotten the Box I would be kicking myself every time a 911 drove by. But it sounds like you know the feeling Go for the 997.

MikeBat

Ask on the 981 forum?

TommyV44

997 all day every day!!

Tom

SteveFromMN

You'll love the 981 unless you drive the 997.

USMC_DS1

1st I really like the looks of the new Boxster so I can see why this might be a tough choice from an aesthetic perspective. But fashion fades over time so I'm considering this query from a purely financial perspective should you have a change of heart along the way... call it the financial cost of change. Hopefully you'll decide on one and never look at the other again. But if you were to get the 997 cab now and decide say in 6-12 months to trade it in for the 981 instead... I would think that the financial depreciated hit would be reasonable as that '09 997 has already taken a significant depreciated hit from it's new car price. Now consider the inverse "Get the new 981 now then in 6-12 months trade it in for the 997 cab"... well that would be much more costly to do. As we all know the 1st few years of ownership = the most significant depreciated hit in general. The 981 would likely take a significant $$$ hit as soon as you drive it off the lot. Just something to consider.

Mumbles

997

P0rsch3F113

+1 I definitely concur!
I love the Boxster, but it's just too cramped for me. I realize the 911 back seat is kind of useless for adults, but its great for holding my 'stuff'! Bought my C4S last April - had to decide to either by a new Boxster or a used 911. Much as i love the Boxster, ultimately the greater horesepower and torque (and interior space) of the 911 won me over.
You just have to decide which one wants to adopt you.

marcelo1176

Thanks all for the suggestions. I went to see the cars today again and I think I am getting closer to a decision.

Chris C.

I've driven both and - no offense to anyone - find the 981 is the better convertible all else being equal. Tighter with less body flex made the difference to me. Plus the mid engine handling and it's lighter. And two trunks makes up for some of the loss of rear seats.

I can see the benefit of the back seats but if you use the wind deflector you lose a lot of the utility of those too. Then there's looks - subjective, you get to choose.

I enjoyed the cab - recently sold - but wouldn't dismiss the Boxster S quickly.