View Full Version : In the clearing stands a Boxster
Now that I've had the Boxster for a couple of weeks, I thought I'd write up a few thoughts.
First, you know how since you were a little kid you've wanted a Porsche? Maybe had posters of everything from a range of 911s to the lowly 924S? Perhaps your favorite part of Risky Business wasn't Guido the Killer Pimp or Rebecca DeMornay getting it on to Tangerine Dream but rather the all too brief appearance(s) of the 928?
Yeah, me too. So, I have to say, I come into this with expectations that might be unrealistic. And, as someone said, just a Boxster (and, perhaps, thus not a "real" Porsche, whatever that means). It was built in Finland, for chrissakes, like a mobile phone or a reindeer or something.
But, holyfuckingshitOMGBBQ I love this fucking car. Seriously. It kicks large amounts of ass, at all times, constantly.
How so? Let's start with the steering, which provides more nuance than a law review article. Equ is right, btw--the (relatively) large diameter steering wheel, with it's old school thin rim, is absolutely perfect for this car. You drive with both hands, not because you need to, but because you *want* to.
And the drivetrain. The throttle's travel is perfectly calibrated and the clutch, while a bit heavy for stop and go traffic, is wondrously easy to modulate. The 3.2 in this car is flexible, linear and has plenty of power. Honestly, the 3.4 in the 07s has more grunt, but it's not so much as to make this car feel slow. Because "feel slow" is not something this car does. Sitting with your ass on the road, with the intake sucking loud behind your left ear and the engine whirring behind you, it feels fast just puttering around. The brakes, too, have exceptional feel, and, as you might imagine, plenty of potential for performing the Heimlich on yourself or your passenger should you feel inclined.
So, all good? Not quite--the shifter is the weak link. It lacks the direct, positive action you'd find in the best Front engine cars, and I think the S shifter isn't quite a good as in the base car. But it gets the job done, and the ease with which you can blip the throttle on downshifts makes for a lot. Other demerits go to the lack of a spare, the lack of a dip stick, the giant ball of suck that comes from not having an aux in or bluetooth, and an interior that, frankly, feels a bit cheap for a car like this. What's with the 70s conversion van carpet on the doors? The extended leather dresses the place up, but very few Boxsters that I saw had this option. Still, the 987's interior layout is worlds better than the 986, and (other than the cupholders) it's pretty hard to complain about the ergonomics; these are essentially perfect.
A detailed exegesis on handling will have to wait--mostly I've been commuting in it. And taking it to Lowes. Suffice to say that on the few occasions where I've actually been able to get it onto some roads with curves I've been happier than a pig in shit. It flows with an ease and grace that makes most other cars feel like club-footed oafs. My father described it as a very personal driving experience, which I think is a good way to put it.
How does it compare to the M3? It doesn't, really; the cars are so different that comparing them is kind of silly. But hopping into the BMW after a couple of days in the Porsche makes the BMW feel slightly soft, with a light clutch and big seats. The BMW is faster, of course, by a huge and unmistakable margin, but mostly that comes in a batshit rush to redline--around town it is the Boxster that feels torquier. On the other hand, I vastly prefer the BMW's shifter, and the BMW can actually accommodate more than 2 people and a couple of overnight bags. Different cars, different missions.
So. Two thumbs up. Would buy again.
I really want one too. Must wait until daughter is in booster seat.
rumatt
03-09-2010, 12:45 AM
You suck. Now I want one of each.
Thanks for the review though. Glad you're enjoying them both. It seems like a great combo.
:thumbup:
Awesomely written as usual.
:+1 on everything JST said. And I mentioned similar points in my review(s).
FWIW, the full-leather cocoa interior looks gorgeous and people won't shut up about it.
John V
03-09-2010, 08:08 AM
They are awesome cars. Not without their faults, but on the whole, awesome.
Just dropped off my wife at the train station and the drop off area is inside the covered garage. I wanted to do laps in the garage for an hour, that's how good the car sounded.
This past weekend we had gorgeous weather near 60F. I drove the car for hours. Everyone seemed to hate me. Oh well.
To reiterate a major point about his car, it feels special ALL the time. Whether it's going for a relaxed cruise, flogging it, with the top down, with the top up, hell, even parked with the top down - it doesn't matter.
Excellent write-up! Now I want to go drive an S! The last Boxster I drove was a '97. At that time I was on the Boxster waiting list and after finally driving one, I requested my deposit back. Over time Porsche has obviously improved both Boxster models and it might be time to give it another look?
Excellent write-up! Now I want to go drive an S! The last Boxster I drove was a '97. At that time I was on the Boxster waiting list and after finally driving one, I requested my deposit back. Over time Porsche has obviously improved both Boxster models and it might be time to give it another look?
Yes, the 987s are vastly better than the early, base Boxsters--for one thing, they're fast enough to get out of their own way. Even my car, with the 3.2, has something like 60 additional hp over the original Boxsters. For another, the interior is just on a different planet.
I will say this, though, with respect to test drives--if you go in kind of sort of thinking maybe, there's a very good chance you'll end up with the keys in your pocket and a Boxster-sized hole in your bank account.
So let me see if I have this straight - it's ugly, the interior is terrible, it's not very fast, and has no cargo capacity.
Yeah, I'd buy that over a corvette. :?
So let me see if I have this straight - it's ugly, the interior is terrible, it's not very fast, and has no cargo capacity.
Yeah, I'd buy that over a corvette. :?
Ugly is a matter of taste--I don't think it's ugly, and I prefer it to the Corvette. It actually has pretty good luggage capacity for a little two seat convertible. The interior is far from "terrible;" there are areas where it could stand some improvement, but I have yet to cut myself on any of the edges of the plastic storage compartment doors and you'd never think to yourself "hey I'm sitting in a 1989 Grand Prix," so Porsche 1, Corvette 0 on that score. And, like I said, for what it is it is fast enough to be entertaining. I'm not going to race anyone for pinks, but I wasn't going to do that anyway.
John V
03-09-2010, 11:11 AM
The interior is better than a C6 (the seats alone are worth it) and it has pretty good cargo capacity. 987S vs C6 Z51 in terms of driving fun... it depends on what you're looking for but they're both very fun.
...a matter of taste....
Of course. I was just giving you shit. ;)
Acoording to the forums, the spare issue can be solved (easier than the M at least). You can also order the 987 inflatable spare but it is more expensive.
I carry a never-used 986/996 spare with foam insert, jack, tools, in cover. I found it on ebay. When the tires becomes 10-12 years old, I'll just order another one (I know it's 6-8, but for a spare I think I can go a touch longer).
It is a touch short on diameter (105/95-17 IIRC) but has been test fit. In any case our front tires are shorter than our rears. So I'd only use it on the front and go to the trouble of moving a front to the back if I were to have a rear flat. I keep it wedged in the front trunk, so far it hasn't made any noises or made a bump/dent on the hood. I can even keep my groceries in/around it. Note: cold items go up front as the rear will get warm.
They really are awesome, special cars. I drove about 200 miles this weekend with the lovely weather and the experience still felt fresh after 22,700 miles (and I need not say that I tire of cars quick).
My shifter has actually gotten a little less buttery recently, I'm wondering if it is in need of cable adjustment or gear oil, I'll bring it in in a few months. I suspect they're going to tell me it's just fine.
I wouldn't call mine fast, but it never feels slow either as it is very responsive simply from being light. Stab the throttle doing 65 on the highway. In 4th, you get a nice roar and it wants to go to triple digits. In 5th, you hear the intake take a breath and in a seeming instant you're at 75. Its quickness makes it really fun, almost like a motorcycle. In the end, the ability to feel/play with the engine and chassis is almost like an education, you're so in touch, I do think it makes you a better driver over time (or at least makes you think that).
It's not at its best doing long, 80-85 mph journeys like the audis/bmws are. It's not bad, it just has less amenities, more revs, more noise and more consumption.
SARAFIL
03-09-2010, 11:50 AM
You guys are corrupting me! AHHHH!!!!!
:irate:
Ok, Boxster S added to my consideration list for next year.
You guys are corrupting me! AHHHH!!!!!
:irate:
Ok, Boxster S added to my consideration list for next year.
You are welcome to drive mine whenever you wish.;)
SARAFIL
03-09-2010, 12:03 PM
You are welcome to drive mine whenever you wish.;)
I'm trying to avoid thinking about it too much right now, I'm afraid that I'll make a foolish decision. CAN'T THINK ABOUT NEW CAR RIGHT NOW... CAN'T THINK ABOUT NEW CAR RIGHT NOW...
Yes, the 987s are vastly better than the early, base Boxsters--for one thing, they're fast enough to get out of their own way. Even my car, with the 3.2, has something like 60 additional hp over the original Boxsters. For another, the interior is just on a different planet.
I will say this, though, with respect to test drives--if you go in kind of sort of thinking maybe, there's a very good chance you'll end up with the keys in your pocket and a Boxster-sized hole in your bank account.
Sadly I would have to travel to Atlanta to drive one and even then my seat time would be limited to a 5-10 minute test drive.
lemming
03-09-2010, 10:15 PM
:D
Yeah, I'm jealous.
So what.
Sharp11
03-10-2010, 12:24 AM
JST, how's the body rigidity?
The one I drove was either an 05 or 06, can't recall, but it felt reasonably solid - I was told there were useful structural changes and reinforcements added for the 05 model year.
Nick M3
03-10-2010, 12:28 AM
I have to say that I really enjoyed driving the 986 S. I think Ken thought that I was a bit over exuberant, though.
http://www.nrubenstein.com/albums/album10/porkchop.jpg
Now Josh has two cars that I need to test drive. :)
wdc330i
03-10-2010, 01:11 PM
want one. very much.
I have to say that I really enjoyed driving the 986 S. I think Ken thought that I was a bit over exuberant, though.
http://www.nrubenstein.com/albums/album10/porkchop.jpg
Now Josh has two cars that I need to test drive. :)
In that picture are you describing to Ken the amount by which you missed the previous cone?
JST, how's the body rigidity?
The one I drove was either an 05 or 06, can't recall, but it felt reasonably solid - I was told there were useful structural changes and reinforcements added for the 05 model year.
It's good; I mean, the car is noticeably a convertible, in that there is some cowl shake over heavy bumps. I can see why people who are maximally interested in handling prowess would prefer the Cayman. But for my money the small loss of rigidity is more than made up for by the joys of being able to throw the top down.
John V
03-10-2010, 01:48 PM
In that picture are you describing to Ken the amount by which you missed the previous cone?
I assumed he was waving to his fans.
zcasavant
03-10-2010, 02:07 PM
Now Josh has two cars that I need to test drive. :)
I don't even need a test drive. I'll take one of each.
Great write up ... you've got a nice selection, it must be tough when you go for a drive to decide which one to take ....
Are you at least 5'10" ? I know that is a strange question but I find the interior a drop too small ... if it were literally 2 inches more it would be comfortable. The 986 was a little too small for me, I know the 987 they moved the pedals closer to the foot well ... maybe this helped.
I'm 6' tall. The interior isn't wildly spacious, and if my legs were any longer I might be uncomfortable, but as it is the space is just about perfect.
John V
03-13-2010, 08:39 PM
I'm just shy of 6', Ken is 6'1" and the current owner of Ken's old car is 6'. We're all comfy in the 986S. But we all sit at a reasonable (i.e. not Italian) distance from the wheel.
Bought the clear side marker lights for the car. I'm actually not sure how I feel about them, but they were only $30 and took all of 20 seconds to install.
Nice. I think I prefer the ambers, though.
lemming
06-23-2010, 07:41 PM
i like the clears. ambers aren't ugly, though.
Well done, JST, clears look great. Did you get a spare yet? After months of rennlist, planet-9 and ebay sifting I nailed a 986/996 spare kit (tire/wheel/tools/foam insert/cover) from ebay. Never used. Should be in the mid-200's. Some people hold to $300 for it. Much cheaper than the official 987 kit.
I haven't gotten a spare, mostly because I've tried everything I can think of and can't figure out how you'd get the road wheel into the car once you put the spare in. It won't fit in the front--the 986 had a bigger cargo space because of the space saver. I suppose if it was flat it might fit, though nothing else would, so I don't know where I'd put my luggage.
The above should read "once you put the spare on."
Ah, that's a good point. The cayman can fit one of its tires in the back, under the hatch (if the seats are a bit forward), and one on the front seat (if you can shift in small spaces). I have actually fit two 265/40-18's once.
I haven't gotten a spare, mostly because I've tried everything I can think of and can't figure out how you'd get the road wheel into the car once you put the spare in.
Bingo.
Oh and I think I can go either way on the markers.I like the ambers on my white car (plus I'm selling it now, so it's a "moo" point).
So I still think there is room in the front seats for the original tire (assuming you don't have a passenger).
http://www.cargogear.com/catimages/sussrackpCAT.jpg
So I still think there is room in the front seats for the original tire (assuming you don't have a passenger).
That's a sitcom skit right there.
wdc330i
06-24-2010, 01:04 PM
Oh and I think I can go either way on the markers.I like the ambers on my white car (plus I'm selling it now, so it's a "moo" point).
Not a "mute" point? :)
Oh and I think I can go either way on the markers.I like the ambers on my white car (plus I'm selling it now, so it's a "moo" point).
http://yellowallpaper.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/cow.jpg
http://menino.com/mirror/question-is-moot.mov
Not a "mute" point? :)
It's from "Friends."
The exchange vaguely goes something like this:
Joey: "It's a moo point."
Other Friend: "A "moo" point?"
Joey: "Yeah, it's like a cow's opinion. A moo point."
But you had to see it.:eeps:
lupinsea
06-24-2010, 07:28 PM
http://yellowallpaper.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/cow.jpg
That looks like four moo points.
So I still think there is room in the front seats for the original tire (assuming you don't have a passenger).
You end up with the world's biggest cupholder.
Normally the spare lives in the front; today I had to let it ride shotgun to fit some stuff up front.
You got one! That's the spare I have.
I've put on a good 320miles this weekend, first a day trip/cayman club drive to New Paltz and today to a friend's house upstate.
Countryside + fall + porsche = win. My thoughts of selling disappeared again.
Yeah, I found the whole kit from a dismantler on eBay for like $180. Hard to beat, especially since others were going for over 200. Seems like it's in as-new condition.
You don't happen to have a link to that dismantler? I may want to consider one... The only thing holding me back is that I typically keep the booster seat for my daughter in the front trunk -- and it fits nice and snug with the bottom and back separated.
As for miles, I've put ~1300 miles on mine since buying it exactly one month ago...
You don't happen to have a link to that dismantler? I may want to consider one... The only thing holding me back is that I typically keep the booster seat for my daughter in the front trunk -- and it fits nice and snug with the bottom and back separated.
As for miles, I've put ~1300 miles on mine since buying it exactly one month ago...
It was LKQ, which appears to be a nationwide chain of junkyards (or "dismantlers," if you are dealing with European cars). Mine came from NY city someplace.
I found the part on eBay and then went to their website and bought it from them directly to avoid having to use PayPal. I paid $150 + $40 in shipping.
http://www.lkqonline.com/default.aspx
Doesn't look like they have any right now, though.
A quick search on eBay doesn't show any real bargains right now, but you might want to keep an eye out.
http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=boxster+spare+tire&_sacat=&_dmpt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&_odkw=986+spare+tire&_osacat=0&bkBtn=&_trksid=p4506.m270.l1313
This one is local to you, but $275 is definitely on the high side for this part.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PORSCHE-SPARE-TIRE-KIT-BOXSTER-996-/230527084334?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35ac7c272e#ht_500wt_956
As I mentioned upthread, the real trick isn't so much finding a place for the spare--it's figuring out what to do with the road wheel if you have a flat. The passenger seat is about the only option, though that won't work with a passenger. I also have a set of cargo tie downs, and I figure if worst came to worst I could stick in the rear trunk and try and secure it somehow. Or maybe I could call the AAA guy and have him deliver the wheel to a tire shop instead of towing the car.
Do you have the airbag defeat kit installed, or do you just rely on the seat sensor to turn the bags off when your daughter rides with you? I have yet to convince relevant stakeholders that it is a good idea to take the kid in the Porsche, much to my chagrin.
Sharp11
10-04-2010, 12:37 AM
You got one! That's the spare I have.
I've put on a good 320miles this weekend, first a day trip/cayman club drive to New Paltz and today to a friend's house upstate.
Countryside + fall + porsche = win. My thoughts of selling disappeared again.
It was a beautiful day, I did the Connecticut BMW club chapter drive up to Hunter Mt in Hunter NY for the Octoberfest celebration - just north of where you guys were.
We drove 57 across the Berkshires - no police and a lot of twisty elevation changes, we were able to get up some nice speeds - it was a pleasure keeping the ZHP's engine up in its powerband - top down, incredible sounds :), Incredible road !!!
The festival was cool, BMW had a motorcycle presence there, they brought a bunch of bikes and people were test driving them on the trails - pretty neat.
It was a beautiful day, I did the Connecticut BMW club chapter drive up to Hunter Mt in Hunter NY for the Octoberfest celebration - just north of where you guys were.
We drove 57 across the Berkshires - no police and a lot of twisty elevation changes, we were able to get up some nice speeds - it was a pleasure keeping the ZHP's engine up in its powerband - top down, incredible sounds :), Incredible road !!!
The festival was cool, BMW had a motorcycle presence there, they brought a bunch of bikes and people were test driving them on the trails - pretty neat.
It was my first meet-up/drive in two years. Nice to see the Cap'n and good to hear you were out and about as well. I really should make an effort to get out to CT this fall and see you.
Thanks for the links... Good point on where to put the flat if I need to use the spare (and I have 19's on mine...)
Do you have the airbag defeat kit installed, or do you just rely on the seat sensor to turn the bags off when your daughter rides with you? I have yet to convince relevant stakeholders that it is a good idea to take the kid in the Porsche, much to my chagrin.
I'm relying on the seat sensor -- and paranoid to ensure it lights up when she's in the car. I typically pick my daughter up from day care -- and that's just about the only time she's in my car. Day care is a couple miles from our house, and only 2 turns are involved outside our neighborhood.
Edit: I've put ~1300 miles on the Boxster so far in the month I've owned it. Its making a great daily driver...
John V
10-04-2010, 02:38 PM
Edit: I've put ~1300 miles on the Boxster so far in the month I've owned it. Its making a great daily driver...
They are great. I loved mine more every time I drove it.
I would still have it if I didn't have some latent paranoia that the 986s had some time-bomb tendencies.
stuka
10-04-2010, 04:10 PM
They are great. I loved mine more every time I drove it.
I would still have it if I didn't have some latent paranoia that the 986s had some time-bomb tendencies.
I still don't get why you guys don't buy 996 GT3's for the same price.
Especially YOU, John.
I still don't get why you guys don't buy 996 GT3's for the same price.
Especially YOU, John.
1. The 996 has a heinously ugly interior
2. I couldn't find a GT3 for anything like what I paid for my Boxster, unless it had been wrecked.
3. The same reason I don't use an AR15 to open my beer. It's overkill for the job, it's a waste of a perfectly good tool, and it very well might end up hurting me.
I can't get past this point.
1. The 996 has a heinously ugly interior
I spend too much time in my car -- I need to enjoy where I'm sitting... How an interior looks is very important to me...
stuka
10-04-2010, 07:02 PM
I will just say this.
A high 30K mile no story 996 GT3's are in the mid to high 40's.
Yes, the interior is like 986 ugly. No argument from here.
I do think though, that you guys will feel differently after just one test drive in it.
I will just say this.
A high 30K mile no story 996 GT3's are in the mid to high 40's.
Yes, the interior is like 986 ugly. No argument from here.
I do think though, that you guys will feel differently after just one test drive in it.
That's still between 12 and 18 grand more than I paid for my car.
That's still between 12 and 18 grand more than I paid for my car.
And more than I paid for mine. But my car had 4k miles and is under CPO warranty for the next 4 years.
John V
10-05-2010, 08:52 AM
I made an effort to buy a 996 GT3 last year around this time. I couldn't find one for that price but I suppose they have gotten cheaper.
Cheapest car I could find that I would consider buying (and I had lowered my standards) was still $55k.
John V
10-05-2010, 08:54 AM
Not a "mute" point? :)
Or a "moot" point?
rumatt
10-05-2010, 09:21 AM
It's from "Friends."
That was great. Actually, it went like this:
Rachel: A moo point?
Joey: Yeah, it's like a cow's opinion. It just doesn't matter. It's moo.
:lol:
fLwYpSCrlHU
That was great. Actually, it went like this:
Rachel: A moo point?
Joey: Yeah, it's like a cow's opinion. It just doesn't matter. It's moo.
:lol:
fLwYpSCrlHU
Thanks! Had not seen that in many years.
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