Experiences with big people and Boxsters - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

slwcok · 07-31-2009, 05:03 AM

I'm considering buying a used Boxster (2004 and newer) but am concerned that I'm too big for the car. I'm 6' 2" and 225 lbs. I have tried sitting in several Boxsters and it was a bit of a struggle to get in, but once I did, I did actually have some legroom, and didn't feel like the steering wheel was in my chest or that I had limited side motion. I have never driven the car but may try to find one for a test drive in the near future.

Any experiences or words of wisdom would be welcome.

Flavor 987S · 07-31-2009, 06:00 AM

Get a 987 (2005 or newer). They have slightly more room than the 986.

6'2"
210
4.5 40 (back in the 80's!)

Thumper · 07-31-2009, 06:00 AM

We're about the exact same size. You quickly develop a way of getting in and out, but once in, I find that I am very comfy and ready for a drive. The older I get, the less flexible I seem to be, so some days are easier than others getting in and out of my Boxster. I have the front seat set all the way to the back and down. I even think it's comfortable on long trips. Try to find one with the heated seats. They are WONDERFUL in cold weather and great for bad backs. Buy one, you won't regret it.

mptoledo · 07-31-2009, 06:52 AM

6' 2 1/2".... 245 lbs. 39years old. Not fat (well not real fat), just kind of big upper body with long legs and arms. Make sure you have your seat lowered to the floor, and a few inches forward, so you can recline it. It seems your a litte close to the steering wheel, but you get use to it real fast. Also remember race car drivers are strapped in and pretty snug too.

I drove my 2001 box back from Sanfran Cali To dayton Ohio. It was about 2400 miles. I was suprised at how comfortable I was. Yes I was a little stiff between the 400 mile gas station stops. My only real complaint is I do wish the seat would recline back farther, but I guess they had to put the engine somewhere.

sd_boxster · 07-31-2009, 08:56 AM

I'm 6'2, 215, and I fit in my Boxster just fine. I'm a little tall for the "broomstick" rule, so I might have to get the roll bar extensions if I do anything beyond autocross.

Climbing in and out is an art form - I am learning to pull in closer to the steering wheel so I don't scuff the seat bolster when I slide in.

Go to the nearest Lotus dealer and get in and out of an Elise... and then try a Boxster on again.

timothy · 07-31-2009, 09:00 AM

Did I accidentally register for the 986[foot]forum?! A bunch of tall people on here.

5'11" 140lbs and fit just fine

mylamb · 07-31-2009, 09:12 AM

6'1" - 225 and no problems with ingress/egress or comfort. You want an exercise in futility? Try climbing out of an Elise!

TriGem2k · 07-31-2009, 10:08 AM

It sounds like we can put together a full defensive line here with these fellas.

I'm 6'1 180lbs with GT3 seats. +1 on getting in and out as being an art form.

Burg Boxster · 07-31-2009, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timothy

5'11" 140lbs

Dude - eat something

j/k

gschotland · 07-31-2009, 11:58 AM

5'8" 190lbs (a bit of a "spare tire") :-)

Great fit! Ingress/egress no problem.

mikefocke · 07-31-2009, 01:51 PM

you may have trouble finding a seat location that will protect your head from the roll bar in the event of a crash. When your head snaps back into that solid bar, you are gonna have more than a headache.

I'm 6' 199 but very long waisted and as tall sitting as my 6'4.5" son. The 230 won't trouble you with standard seats...I was there 6 months ago. But do try the seats and be conscious of the roll bar behind your head. I can't locate the seat as far back as I'd like.

The 987s have a bit more room (2005-2011 models).

mptoledo · 07-31-2009, 04:16 PM

Remember, Germans design and make these cars and they are of an average to larger size race of people. Unlike cars made/designed in the orient who wouldn't understand the concept of leg room for a six footer or larger male.

Bobiam · 08-01-2009, 04:29 PM

6' 3" and an '01 Bosster. I did a GT3 console delete kit and it's the best thing ever. Only lost a stg bin and one of those CD stg things. Looks great (kinda retro) and gives me wonderful side leg room.
I've sat in a few 987s and Caymans and could not drive one comfortably for more than 5 min. So, it's 986 for me, or have to go for a 911 Cab which I could never afford.

Bob

ekam · 08-01-2009, 07:09 PM

6'2" 165lbs and Carlsberg is my friend I swear!

Pirate50 · 08-01-2009, 09:31 PM

6'3", 218 lbs, 47 yrs old, ingress/egress is a little tight but don't care about that. Longer trips, like Portland to Seattle can be a pain in the hips, but overall a very comfortable ride around town all day. Wish the seat bottom was a little wider at the bolsters. 911's are a little more friendly for taller people, but they don't offer the same driving experience.

slwcok · 08-03-2009, 06:36 AM

Thanks to all of you for your responses!

I had an opportunity to check out an 04 Boxster S this weekend and much of what you have mentioned in your responses is true. Getting in and out is an art, but I would see it becoming natural with repetition. I also found that with the steering wheel adjustment limited to in/out, it was easier to get in with the wheel pulled out, but easier to drive with it in. I would have liked to tilt it up, as my bent knees seemed to be at the same location as the lower portion of the steering wheel.

Seats weren't too bad and although a little cramped on the door side, interior room was ok.

I did find that my head was clearly above the seat rest and would strike the roll bar if snapped back. No amount of seat correction addressed this issue. That is a very big concern.

Bottom line, it might make more sense to switch than fight, so I'm now looking at the 911. Not as much fun, but potentially less of a headache!