What new options MUST I have on a 2007?

[z12358]

John Y quote:
"Now if I opted for a coupe however, there has to be soemthing to replace that huge experience that is being missed out on, and that can only be one thing...powa! So I'd go for a Cayman S in that case. I'd love to get input on any of this from you guys!"

I don't quite get your logic. Why pay more for a coupe (Cayman S) when you can have the roadster that you really want (07 Boxster S) with the same power (295HP) for less?

Frankly, I am surprised by how many list the xenons as a must. Just don't get the hype and they were at the bottom of my list.

Dollar for dollar there is nothing on the options list of a Base Boxster that can beat the 3.4L engine upgrade (i.e. the "S upgrade") -- both in performance, everyday feel, and resale value. Of course, IMHO and to each their own.

[John Y]

[I don't quite get your logic. Why pay more for a coupe (Cayman S) when you can have the roadster that you really want (07 Boxster S) with the same power (295HP) for less?

As I tried to explain below to another poster, it's because I would rather have 1 car than two at this point, and the Cayman seems like a better bet than the Box, if that's the case. But if my love for the Roadster prevails over my desire to have just 1 car, then I'll go for the Boxster and keep my GTI as a 'practical' car. Keeping and (paying for) 2 cars is $$, so the TTR will go and I can manage a non-S, and my GTI. Is that clearer?

Frankly, I am surprised by how many list the xenons as a must. Just don't get the hype and they were at the bottom of my list.

I guess it's because the HIDs on my GTI and TT are alot better than any of the non-HID lamps I've experienced on other cars; sound as if that may not be so much the case on the Porsches...

Dollar for dollar there is nothing on the options list of a Base Boxster that can beat the 3.4L engine upgrade (i.e. the "S upgrade") -- both in performance, everyday feel, and resale value. Of course, IMHO and to each their own.[/QUOTE]

Can't argue with that at all, although on fairly short test drives last year, I didn't feel the 3.2 was dramatically better than the 2.7l. I thought both had great response, quite flat torque curves, and rev-ability, though neither amazed me with the amount of torque - I'm comparing to two chipped, turbo cars. The 2.7 is way off what the GTI or TT put out in terms of torque. Yet, because of the things I just listed, as well as curb weight, it never felt under-powered. I will be driving the variocam-plus 2.7l this weekend, albeit in a Cayman.

Money and the practicality (almost one and the same) issues hold me back from the S. To put it another way, the only 'S' I can afford is the Cayman, to my way of thinking, as odd as it sounds. Initially more expensive, but I would be unloading 2 vehicles instead of 1, not to mention insuring, storing, maintaining and generally squandering my time obsessively, over 1 instead of 2 cars! Better in the long run, I think. Now if you guys convince me the Boxster S is every bit as practical and good a long-term prospect as the Cayman S, then it's a win-win! BTW, I've never been this undecided about a car before; I never had to shop or compare, because there was only 1 vehicle I really wanted. But these 4 Cayman and Boxster models are giving me fits!

[John Y]

And thanks for everyone's input so far! I've already learned some things I didn't know SD987, I guess I will have to pay attention to the sound system for a change on the next Boxster or Cayman I drive...

[z12358]

As I tried to explain below to another poster, it's because I would rather have 1 car than two at this point, and the Cayman seems like a better bet than the Box, if that's the case. But if my love for the Roadster prevails over my desire to have just 1 car, then I'll go for the Boxster and keep my GTI as a 'practical' car. Keeping and (paying for) 2 cars is $$, so the TTR will go and I can manage a non-S, and my GTI. Is that clearer?

Clear. Your previous post explained it.

Money and the practicality (almost one and the same) issues hold me back from the S. To put it another way, the only 'S' I can afford is the Cayman, to my way of thinking, as odd as it sounds. Initially more expensive, but I would be unloading 2 vehicles instead of 1, not to mention insuring, storing, maintaining and generally squandering my time obsessively, over 1 instead of 2 cars! Better in the long run, I think. Now if you guys convince me the Boxster S is every bit as practical and good a long-term prospect as the Cayman S, then it's a win-win! BTW, I've never been this undecided about a car before; I never hard to shop or compare, because there was only 1 vehicle I really wanted. But these 4 Cayman and Boxster models are giving me fits!

For me, the roadster part of the Boxster was THE largest attraction. The way the engine sounds with the top down is just magical -- a four wheel motorcycle with all the safety that comes with it. And I don't think I'd be salivating as much over my impending early Saturday morning drive if it wasn't in a roadster. So if it was me, and if you don't plan to track much, I'd just keep it simple and forget the Cayman.

Consider unloading the two cars and get a Boxster S with just windstop and heated seats (Bose or not) + a used Maxima/Camry/Accord/Civic/etc for $6-9k to drive in winter or around town (especially if you live around NYC). That would simplify care, insurance, and maintanance a lot, and allocate cars optimally between pleasure and utility. Again, just IMHO.

[John Y]

Those are some good points, Z12358. I see a Box S stickering for between 57.5 and 59.5, along the lines you're suggesting. I suppose the rubber will hit the road when I find out what kind of a break I can expect on an ordered car as opposed to one from dealer stock.

By the way, what kind of mileage do you get with your S? And what is the insurance premium difference between standard and non-S, typically? I know, I should've searched for those, and I will, but I'd appreciate people's real world input; thanks.

Originally Posted by John Y

By the way, what kind of mileage do you get with your S? And what is the insurance premium difference between standard and non-S, typically? I know, I should've searched for those, and I will, but I'd appreciate people's real world input; thanks.

Mileage on my car is about 24 MPG on the highway with the top down.

I think it is almost impossible to really compare insurance rates among other owners (you vs. me for example) because of locations, driving records, claims history and actual coverage. Now, doing a comparison among vendors (Geico vs State Farm) is another issue that could prove beneficial.

At the end of the day, you still get-what-you-pay-for. So be careful. Cheap insurance may prove to be cheap service and poor coverage.

[z12358]

I see a Box S stickering for between 57.5 and 59.5, along the lines you're suggesting. I suppose the rubber will hit the road when I find out what kind of a break I can expect on an ordered car as opposed to one from dealer stock.

You should be able to get a VERY good deal on a 06 S from stock right now and through the rest of the year (but, of course, from a shrinking pool of colors and options available). Consider scanning your area dealers this winter (say, Dec 30) for the best deals, both on 07s and 06s (I've heard of $10k+ off MSRP). I would think the discount for stock would be considerable vs an ordered one, so if you don't intend to customize a lot (which I don't recommend anyway) buying from stock should be worthwhile.

By the way, what kind of mileage do you get with your S? And what is the insurance premium difference between standard and non-S, typically? I know, I should've searched for those, and I will, but I'd appreciate people's real world input; thanks.

I've been getting 23mpg with mixed driving -- mostly country roads with a lot of shifting gears and little highway, which is close to bmussatti's number. Don't worry about the milleage too much, it will be in that area, and one could argue that the S would get better than the base as you will strain it less.

I found Geico to be most competitive by far for the Porsche so I switched my other car to them as well for even a better deal. The package was much less than what I was expecting to pay. You just have to do your own legwork (ok, mousework) on this one but I don't think the base will be much different from the S.

[longislander1]

I'm only averaging 17.8 mpg and 30mph on our crowded local roads. That's a 987S with 5100 miles.

[eslai]

I disagree heartily with SD987 about the stereo--it's the worst premium system I've ever heard and used in my life. Don't spend any extra money on it at Porsche!