986 or 987 ??
 

987s are becoming more affordable, which do you prefer and why ??

986
 

Original styling based on what car show concept was after, simpler electronics, a real oil dipstick, and "Classic Porsche" parts support.

987 is more refined, more grown up. Certainly more modern in the styling. That being said, the 986 is more raw, more wild. Drive them both, our opinion really doesn't matter - it's all what you like.

Save up for 2009 with the new engine architecture. Everything before it basically uses the same engine design with slightly differing levels of power. The BIG engine power bump didn't come until the very end with the 2015 Boxster Spyder. And then they got rid of the flat6....altogether.
So 986 vs. 987... it really comes down to aesthetics. And always go for the car with the lowest miles you can afford with the caveat that it was owned by enthusiast and not someone who let the car sit weeks or months a time. The longer these engines sit and stew, the worse they fare in the long run. But on the flip side, the higher the mileage (~70K+ ) the bigger those VERY expensive repair bills can be.

I personally find the styling of the 986 to be more in keeping with the original inspiration of the 550 Spyder. That said, the 987 is a great car. You can't really go wrong, I would say it depends on what you want from it.

I prefer the 986 .
It is how it was supposed to be .
Of them all I'd take a 2003-04 model for the upgrades , but could quite easily live with a first year model .

I also like the 987 .
Particularly after spending years hearing Whiney 996 owners complaining that the "lowly , bargain basement , poverty spec" Boxster had the same front-end as their 911s ...
porsche addressed this by fitting the Boxster with headlights more like the carrera GT !1!! :D
Well played porsche ....
That is the major difference from the outside for me , approaching one on the freeway for example I have to get real close to work out if it's an 03-04 986 or a 987 .
From the side-on it's easier due to the inlets , but to be honest I'm busy thinking " beautiful car" and miss them :D

The interior is better again , and this should all add up to it being a better car .
But the 986 just has that little something .......

Btw , should we ever have another one I'd buy a 2013 on in a heartbeat ....

A totally different car , but taking the principal to a whole new level ....

A Pdk S was my end goal , after buying the 986 as a short-term ...
965 performance in a modern , comfortable , beautiful 2 seater convertible ticks all the right boxes for me .

I'm still a bit torn about selling the 986 though .

It was bought cash so no finance hassle , looks right , doesn't need much , and the only thing it needs is driving !!!

Buy a Cayman

This may sound ridiculous, but the interior styling of the 986 is more aesthetically pleasing to me. Especially the wonderful curves of the door panels.

grenade!!!!

I like the interior of the 986 better too... but the 2009+ model are far better I think.

I just got my first Porche; it is a 986. It wants to be driven, is very mechanical, inspires confidence when it comes to maintenance because most maintenance is easy, and is old school (old is cool). It is a guys car

My first was/is also a 986.2 I got the best example I could find for my budget, which was just a little shy of 987.1 territory at the time. I love the exterior styling and agree its true to the original Spyder concept. I have to say, the 90's interior styling has grown on me. Everything you need, and nothing you don't (well, I do wish mine had heated seats). The car is very analog and a pure joy to drive. Anyone who thinks it is a "hairdresser's" is either an ignorant ass or - more likely - has never driven one. I agree with the advice to get the newest, lowest mileage car you can, but always, always from someone who loved it.

Cheers!


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What eventually sours a new owner of a Boxster is a series of expensive repairs.
I have never read(yet)' the Boxster is great but I am selling it because I can't stand the aesthetics'. Such declarations usually involve engine repairs not interior accoutrements..
The best advice if $ & sense is of value is to first find a competent Porsche Indie and ask for a PPI. Ask specifically about any cars their customers are selling.
There are several Boxster sites with Stickies on Buying hints.

I prefer the 986S. When the 987S (280 HP version) came out, i went immediately to the dealer, because i thought the exterior design is better. But when i drove it i was disappointed. To refined for me. The 986S is much rougher and much more fun for me. And i always wanted a drivers car, not a posers car.

Later on i drove different versions of the car 295 HP, 303 HP and also so 987 2.9 2010. Nice, but not that appealing to me. The 981 Cayman GT4 is the one i would go for, to be honest. But it's too expensive and my little old 986S is still enough fun for me.

Regards, Markus

Thanks guys, some really good perspectives....

I don't know guys but I just sold my '01 986 base & picked up a low miles '05 987S. I find the 987 better in all ways. Bose system is killer, the torque, brakes, sound & overall handling is better & more precise. I also really like the full power seats as I can tune my fit spot on. The added xtra HP makes this car a blast.

I suppose it's all subjective but those are my observations so far.

alanP

Yes ,they really have become more like Buicks over time....