2011 Boxster Spyder - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

pcw · 12-06-2009, 08:43 PM

Hi All,

New to the forum and have a question. I have never owned a Porsche but have always loved the classic lines and the looks. I am in a position now to afford one and just wanted to know your thoughts regarding a Boxster S or a Spyder. It will not be a daily driver and I live in Norcal where from May to Oct it hardly ever rains and the rest of the time it's warm enough with a little sun to drive a convertible.

I have read a few threads about the 2011 Spyder and some of your thoughts. I can understand the opinions about the Spyder being a daily driver with it's less than protective "tarp" but if the car was more of a occasional driver, would you feel differently? I also like the uniqueness of the Spyder and really the differences in price between the Boxster S and the Spyder isn't that critical to me.

So I guess the real questions are, if you didn't have to use it as a daily driver and the 62K wasn't really a factor, would you have one in your garage???

Thanks for your time,

PCW

Lobo1186 · 12-06-2009, 08:53 PM

sure... then i would start replacing body parts and actually make it light.

BeachBum · 12-06-2009, 09:03 PM

If you wanted only to take it out on sunny days for short jaunts then, yes. Personally there have been many " topdown" days where after a while it gets too hot on a two hour ride and the top is a nice break from the sun. I have also been caught in a couple quick downpours and the top is a REALLY nice this to be able to just throw up with the press of a button. I am also a big fan of the radio and A/C when I do need to throw the top up. I guess I would miss the creature comforts that would come in handy from time to time. My Boxster is also not a daily driver, but I wouldn't trade those creature comforts in to shed a few pounds.
Just my two cents.

8 Ball · 12-06-2009, 10:08 PM

The Spyder is only 200 lbs lighter than a Boxster and that top seems useless. The power increase is good but not great. I would love to see a 2,000 - 2,400 LB Spyder, then you really have something. If I was spending 64K on a Boxster I would buy a $15,000 one used and put $50,000 into it to get a bigger engine, loose a lot of weight and really customize it.

JTP · 12-06-2009, 10:10 PM

I'm not a fan of convertible cars, I got a Boxster because it was a good deal and I like Porsches but I almost never put the roof down. Even on my 914s, I never took the roof off. But with the Spyder, if I could afford it, I would probably get one. It is destined to be a collector Porsche in the future and the spartan interior and "build it yourself" roof does not bother me. It would be one of those cars I'd take out on weekends. If you have another car as a daily driver, then definitely go for the Spyder. If you want the security and comfort, then go for the S or even a Cayman S. The Spyder is marketed as being lighter for competition use, but Porsche knows well that 90% of the people who will buy this car will never track it. It's all just a marketing gimmick but the car looks great. Plus if you read the fine print, tracking your car will void the warranty.

Just like you wouldn't normally have a motorcycle as your only mode of transportation, you wouldn't have a Spyder as your only car. When I take my motorcycle out, I check the weather but if I get doused once in a while, it's not a big deal. Plus, you can usually see when a big storm is coming so you get enough time to either go home or duck under an overpass/gas station to put the roof up.

Many other sports cars have had limited comforts but were sought after by enthusiasts. Take the MkI Dodge Viper, when it was first introduced it had no side windows, a roof that came with a VHS video that taught the owner how to erect the roof and curtains for side windows. Even some modern Lambos had arrangements like this. If you own cars like that, you wouldn't really worry about certain inconveniences since you simply get into your 'other' car when needed.

renzop · 12-07-2009, 05:48 AM

Even though it will not be a daily driver you might consider the ride implications of the 1" lower suspension on the Spyder combined with 19" wheels and low profile rubber. Nothing worse than having a car for fun and finding the ride is stiff enough to make the car not fun. If they were currently available then I would suggest a test drive of each on less than perfect roads before plopping down your deposit. Since that's not the case go test drive an '09 or '10 Boxster S and then ask yourself if you want a car that rides considerably rougher than that.

pcw · 12-07-2009, 07:17 AM

Thanks to who have replied. Good points. I was also looking at a Superformance 427 Cobra, that car doesn't have A/C, radio and it does have a"soft top" , a lot like the Spyder does, that really isn't meant for bad weather. I'm really just looking for a unique car and I have always wanted a Porsche and I really like the Spyder's design.

PCW