'04 986 vs. 987 models

[boxster_s_boy_34]

Originally Posted by kentmitchell

I'm new to this site & forum...be gentle !

I recently sold my 911 and I'm thinking of a boxster. I found a beautiful low mileage '04 Boxster S at a decent price, but I've heard that the 986 models can have severe engine problems because of bearings issues. I've heard that a fairly high percentage need to have engines replaced by 60 k miles. One mechanic told me to forget the 986 model, and concentrate my search on an 987 ('05 + newer).
So...I'm getting close to buying a car....any comments out there ??....986 vs. 987. I really want to get this right !!! Affordability is also an issue (isn't it always ?) Thanks for your help....

A handfull of the 2.5 liter (pre 2000) boxsters had a little problem with the casting, but that was so long ago that someone else will have already dealt with that headache by the time you get a car. If you can afford the 987S model that is definately what I would recommend ( I will actually be jealous if you get one!) because I have an '03 S that is the 986 chassis code and it is sweetness. The big thing is that tubi makes an exhaust for the 987 3.4 liter and not for my 3.2 ( I feel left out). If you don't have to have a convertable, I would sooooo go with the cayman S just because the handeling from the stiffer chassis blows the boxster ( and the Carrera S around nurburing nordschleife) out of the water!

[E Kaplan]

I would recommend that you drive both the 986 and 987. I think they are both great, but they do look and drive different. I personally like the curves of the 986 better (especially the rear) and I like my black interior better than the aluminum of the 987. In terms of maintenance, it's a porsche. As we all know, they are more expensive to maintain. Just the way it is. I have a 2000 base that I bought with 31,000 miles about 7 months ago. NO problems at all. Love it.

Good luck.

[dmcutter]

I have an '04 S and I have driven a base model 987 loaner when mine was in the shop. The interiors are drastically different. To me, the 986 interior layout is the model of what roadster should be-only the things you need and just where they should be. My only ******************** is that a couple of the controls like rear window defrost and fan recirc are not visible with the cup holder extended. I liked the 987 but to me the dash looked much like a late model Japanese car, maybe a Maxima. Controls are busier and I didn't like the placement of the window and top switches.

As far as handling, I didn't have a chance to wring it out, but I can't imagine a quantum leap over my S. Granted, I have KW V3 coilovers and I'm sitting much lower than stock, but it doesn't turn around corners, it simply seems to pivot on a big ball bearing in the middle of the car.

Look wise, I actually do prefer the fog lights lower in the front bumper and I kinda like the air intakes better on the 987, but I can't see either of those from the driver's seat. Either way you're going to love it...good luck.

[Dave S.]

I agree that it is really a personal decision. I just bought an 03 986 S model which is essentially identical to the 04. I really like the looks of the interior on the 05 better but I bought an 03 for a few reasons:

1. cost - my 03 Boxster S had 14,400 miles, was flawless inside and out and only cost $27k. (Seal grey, light grey interior, with PSM, heated seats and 18 inch wheels)
2. cost - insurance was cheaper the older I went.
3. cost - I live in Colorado where we pay personal property tax on cars every year. I wanted a mint condition older model to keep the annual tax charged on license plates much lower.
4. cost - lower sales tax on the purchase.

I would not consider anything older than an 03 S model because of the glass rear window, headlight styling, taillight styling and the slight increase in power and reliability of the later model 986. This got me to search for the right 03/04 S model with a slight preference to finding a mint condition low mileage 03 as a preference.

I'm certainly not poor, but I am cheap ;-) I've had the car for 3 weeks and I love it. Was totally worth the extra $$ for the S model.
Dave S.

[kentmitchell]

Originally Posted by boxster_s_boy_34

A handfull of the 2.5 liter (pre 2000) boxsters had a little problem with the casting, but that was so long ago that someone else will have already dealt with that headache by the time you get a car. If you can afford the 987S model that is definately what I would recommend ( I will actually be jealous if you get one!) because I have an '03 S that is the 986 chassis code and it is sweetness. The big thing is that tubi makes an exhaust for the 987 3.4 liter and not for my 3.2 ( I feel left out). If you don't have to have a convertable, I would sooooo go with the cayman S just because the handeling from the stiffer chassis blows the boxster ( and the Carrera S around nurburing nordschleife) out of the water!

Thanx...the Cayman is cool, but I've been driving ragtop roadsters for over 40 years (my first was a '58 bug-eye Sprite). You are right about handling...it was even noticeable in my 911 with the top up....a much tighter solid feel, but I'm strongly addicted to roadsters. Thanx for the advice.

[ekam]

Originally Posted by boxster_s_boy_34

I would sooooo go with the cayman S just because the handeling from the stiffer chassis blows the boxster ( and the Carrera S around nurburing nordschleife) out of the water!

I think the whole stiffer chassis thing on the Cayman is sooooo balony.

The Boxster was built to be a convertible from the ground up. Porsche designed the damn thing with a strong chassis to begin with.

I have yet to experience any "cowl shake" people often talk about on convertibles.

Yes the Cayman is faster, but only very, very slightly.

[stephen wilson]

I'm going thru the same debate,I just test drove an '05 base and an SLK-350. I've also driven an '03 and '04S. I actually like the 986 interior better. Is it just me, or are the headlight bulges larger in the 987 than 986? I actually found them annoying in my sight line while turning. It also seemed the steering was weighted differently.Some reviews rate the 987 as a "10" in handling, vs. an "8" for the 986, but but aren't the suspensions basically the same? My next step is a back-to-back test, but I'm leaning towards an '04S.
I have to say, the SLK stereo puts the Boxster to shame, and it had the Bose rear speaker. How can a $50,000 car have such a horrible stereo! The folding hard-top also had great rear visibility, and the 3.5 good power, but I wasn't able to test the cornering capabilities. The tiny truck bothered me though. The search continues!
Steve