Interested in a couple different 986's - advice needed - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

dmcutter · 05-28-2007, 07:26 AM

On the Tail of the Dragon roadtrip at the beginning of the month, I broke the back end loose a couple of times in sharp curves in the rain. I was behind Mantis and saw his back end slide a couple times too. I saw the PSM light flash as it kicked in and I know it saved me from myself at least once. I know there were other guys who didn't have PSM and no one slid off the road, so you can certainly live without it, but I found it reassuring to know it was there.

Grizzly · 05-28-2007, 07:42 AM

Boxstaboy may be on to something mentioning WVAviator's car in the classified section. It's a really nice color combination and priced right, for an S. If you didn't want to drive it back, a shipper would bring it to you for about a grand, and you'd still be a couple thousand ahead of the game.

I've never driven a Z4, but to me, their styling is clumsy. Where I live, they're also very common. That's not the case with the Porsche.

Boxtaboy · 05-28-2007, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grizzly

Boxstaboy may be on to something mentioning WVAviator's car in the classified section. It's a really nice color combination and priced right, for an S. If you didn't want to drive it back, a shipper would bring it to you for about a grand, and you'd still be a couple thousand ahead of the game.

I've never driven a Z4, but to me, their styling is clumsy. Where I live, they're also very common. That's not the case with the Porsche.

Not to mention the special boxster red interior was a full leather gift- not the vinyl dash and door panels that most Boxsters come with. It truly is a great deal, and I'd buy it myself if I wasn't so lazy. The Boxster S he's looking at IMO, has too many miles, and at 88K miles, will prob. need a 90K major service soon. Yes, there are many folks with higher mileage boxsters, and that's great, but in all honesty, that's also the mileage point where things start to go out, like interior dash bulbs needing to be replaced, clutches starting to wear out, suspension starting to wear out, alternators/starters, a/c units, brake rotors, you name it.

As for the base 986 he's looking at, it is priced too high, comes with 17-inch wheels/cheap Kumhos, and white also isn't a particularly sought after color. I don't get it...can't be only 2 Boxsters in his entire state available for sale.

As for the BMW's, personally, I can't get over the ronald mcdonald clown shoe side profile of the car...long nose/short butt look.

As for PSM, I think it is a great thing to have, as it can really save your butt in a sticky situation. That being said, however, my car doesn't have PSM, and I've never swapped ends so far, and yet still enjoy the heck out of my car. You just need to be aware that you don't have the extra safety feature, and must drive accordingly.

Scooter986 · 05-28-2007, 09:08 AM

I saw the 2001 S in WV. I am just not a fan of red interior and I would like another color than seal grey, so although it has the features I want, it just won't work for me. I picked my '70 911 up in Ohio last year and drove it cross county to Seattle via the long southern route. It was a blast and I would definitely do it again for the right car, but this one is just not it.

There are more than two 986's for sale in Washington, but I narrowed it down to two for my questions here. I am open to other cars and purchasing outside the state, if the right car comes along. There was a 2001 speed yellow S from CA advertised on 986forum last month that I would buy, but he never responded to my PM. So, what I am saying is that these two cars are just the best examples at this time, but they are not the only cars I am interested in. Any other leads will be greatly appreciated.

As far as S vs. non S. I had an S and I really liked the power and the brakes. Since then, I have only driven the non S and I also like the power and the brakes. I mosly like the 986 for the cornering ability, but do you guys really think I will be disappointed with the non S power? I know the overall consensus is that the S is prefered. As far as suspension, I plan on installing PSS9's on any car a purchase. As for brakes, is there fade or any other problems with non S brakes?

Thanks again for your comments.

Scooter986 · 05-29-2007, 09:42 AM

Sorry to bump this to the top if nobody else is interested, but I really would like some more constructive advice from anybody who is willing.

It sounds like the advice so far is buy an S, even if it does not have PSM...is this correct?

I found a 2001 S with 55,000 miles that is CPO for $26,000 from a Porsche dealership, but I would really need to get it for a couple thousand less to fit my budget. Not sure yet if it has PSM or not. It is forest green in color with black interior.

I still like the white/blue prestine 2001 non-S with 31,000 and PSM. They are asking $24,000, but I would hope to get it for $22,000. It is at a private dealership. Should I just forget the non-S? If not, what do you think the chances of a dealership coming off the price by $2,000?

Thanks again for any advice.

Scooter986 · 05-29-2007, 09:50 AM

Well, I just found out the green car sold. I am finding that the 986 market is somewhat shallow right now.

Perfectlap · 05-29-2007, 10:47 AM

check the Porsche Club of America classifieds.

I wasn't so concerned with the year as much as the mileage.
Found one with barely 10K miles, but even though I looked at newer S models
with much higher mileage I went with the lowest mileage.
I think if you put at least 10K miles on the clock a year, you want to avoid a car with high miles.

After 30K miles I've only had one repair over a $100. Purty good....