Newbie looking for advice - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

amnt · 10-30-2018, 05:29 PM

I am new to this forum and am looking for my first Porsche. I have been an admirer for many years but am just now able to entertain the chance to purchase one. I have read several of the posts and recommendations for a first time buyer but I still have one questions.

What is best, all things being equal (similar miles, service, price), a Gen 1 S version or a Gen 2 base version?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

Deserion · 10-30-2018, 07:39 PM

If they’re equal in condition/maintenance/cost, whichever one best passes a PPI and calls to you.

thstone · 10-30-2018, 09:28 PM

The age old rule is to buy the newest and best condition Porsche that you can afford.

With that being said, all things cannot be equal - the age of a 986 S will always be greater than the age of a 987 base. The hard part is comparing years vs miles: which is better, an 03 S with 50K miles or an 06 base with 75K miles where both have similar prices? The answer is in condition. The better cared and maintained car will generally be the better choice.

Another rule is that you should drive both cars yourself and decide which you personally prefer (because all of the S owners will say "buy the original S" and all of the base owners will say "buy the newer base").

Andy804 · 10-30-2018, 10:00 PM

I was in a similar situation earlier this year looking at 986 (gen 1) S models or a 987 (gen 2) base models. Eventually, a 2003 (986) S came around that I felt was too good to pass up so I went with it. I'll reiterate that you should buy the best condition you can afford. And get the pre-purchase inspection.

Jim 'n' SC · 10-31-2018, 03:05 AM

I've owned both a 99 & 03 Base. The 03 is a much better car. If buying a 986 get a 03 or 04.

78F350 · 10-31-2018, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amnt

What is best, all things being equal ...

Totally subjective and personal. Pepsi or Coke? Your correct answer totally depends on you. What in your opinion makes one car better than another?

In the end the best comparison is probably between the individual cars that you have to choose from regardless of Gen 1 vs 2.

redciv1 · 10-31-2018, 04:24 AM

If all things are equal, then which body style do you prefer, which interior do you prefer? It is all totally subjective. What are your plans for the car as well?

kk2002s · 10-31-2018, 06:00 AM

You gotta drive them. You are trying to equate apples to oranges (986 S to 987 Base). Newest tends to be a good starting point but good service history is a big plus as well. Thing about 987 base is that it has almost as much power as the 986 S, on paper. I have never driven a 987 so my butt doesn't actually know.

Also you are asking a 986 forum, might be a bit of bias here.

Now if you want to know what oil to use, is the S better than the base, should I do the IMSB, what are the best tires, then you are in the right place

Starter986 · 10-31-2018, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kk2002s

Now if you want to know what oil to use, is the S better than the base, should I do the IMSB, what are the best tires, then you are in the right place

Love it!

Porsche-Eh · 10-31-2018, 07:43 AM

Also depends if it is a driver or weekend car that you hope to keep for 20 years. When the 986's are 40 years old and collectible the S will bring the premium dollars. The base 986 and 987 are like the old 911 T's - still valuable but bring 1/2 of what a good 911 S brings.

mikefocke · 10-31-2018, 02:27 PM

I beg to differ with some of these opinions.

I owned a '99 and an '01S. Loved them. But when I look at a 987 I see a list of improvements that matter. Are they compelling to you? I can't say, only you can. For me the 987 was more comfortable and, as my Porsches were daily drivers, that would have mattered.

Find a review online that compares the 986 and 987. See what they thought of the changes.

I never experienced a situation where the S model was so much more powerful than the base that it mattered even if the difference was about 25%. In fact I enjoyed the fact that I could keep my right foot down longer on the smaller engine. Maybe that was just me. I had owned two Alfa roadsters (1.3L and 1.6) and a 1.6L 914 which I drove far harder than either of my Boxsters. I was young and foolish and always on the verge of loosing my license.

Go drive some samples. Don't be in a hurry to buy until one speaks to you. Buy the best you can afford always keeping enough money in reserve for potential repairs (none of these cars are new, after all) and for having fun. Save for the future.

BrokenLinkage · 10-31-2018, 03:29 PM

Go with the one that has the best online forum community.😉