Not impressed so far, Porsche! - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

eslai · 08-19-2005, 01:45 PM

Oh, and I think the 987 interior is a pretty impressive step up from the past year models, I'm surprised to hear that that's not a universal opinion. There's a little goofiness here and there, but part of what made me not want to buy a 986 was the dated and less-than-expensive looking interior.

Perfectlap · 08-19-2005, 01:58 PM

I definitely prefer the 996/986 interior. The steering wheel (with silver crest) is great design. Although on some 996/986 models the car could have greatly benefited from nicer materials and colors.
Even a great desing will be ruined by poor interior materials like cheap plastick and fake aluminum/chrome.
The interior of my car was what pushed me over the bump and its probably the first thing people compliment.

eslai · 08-19-2005, 03:02 PM

Different strokes for different folks I guess.

Rail26 · 08-19-2005, 03:55 PM

Seems like we all share the same:

Whistling side mirror
Rattling Windstop
Stereo problem

446 miles to go on the break-in. My trip to Santa Fe should take care of that!

gschiener · 08-19-2005, 06:04 PM

I've now clocked 3,500 miles on my 987... It's been nothing but sheer delight... only had the "stop" radio message appear once... have added h&r lowering springs, BMC air filter... Valentine One detector... I had no complaints with my 986 interior, but I do find the new interior styling a bit more upscale...

Mark986 · 08-19-2005, 08:45 PM

OK guys and gals her comes the big rant!

I have to agree with DeliriousGA regarding the 987 interior. I always thought that the 986 was supposed to be an homage to the speedsters of the past, namely the 550.

The little roadster that literally saved Porsche has been "refined" and homogenized into a car that for me has lost a little of its' edge. In the same way that Porsche decided to enter the SUV arena just because they couldn't give that market segment to BMW and the like, they have tried to make the Boxster more palatable to the everyman and everywoman to garner a few more sales (like they need it!). I will always appreciate a Porsche as a great driver's car, but IMHO the dash now looks like it belongs in a 1965 Ford Fairlane. It's just straight and flat with the exception of that ridiculous timer, that strikes me as more of an affectation than an integral part of a true sports car. I agree that the materials, fit and finish have improved, but the styling is dull! Just compare each panel of the interior to see what emotion it illicits from you. I really think the 986 evokes the feeling of a true roadster. These cars were not meant to be "plush", hell maybe not even comfortable!
Please don't think for one minute that I hate the 987, I'm just a tad disappointed in the direction Porsche has taken. I fell in love with the Boxster the first time I got behind the wheel and now I look at the details on the 987 (the headlights, the wheels, the taillights, the side intakes) and it leaves me kinda underwhelmed. Even though all the body panels are new, it stills looks like a 986.... but just not better. For example, I'm looking at the side intakes on the Caymen and they have a subtle curve that adds panache and flows into the lines of the rear quarter panel. The 987 vents look like they were designed with a straigtedge and just tacked on so they would be different from the "old" model. It feels like the bean counters are in control of the company and the next new model after the Caymen will be a reincarnation of the 924.

Don't flame me too hard guys, I didn't realize how I really felt about the direction Porsche was taking until I started writing this. I could go on for pages, but you get the idea. I'm going to go take my medicine now and I'll feel better in the morning. Long live the 986.

Rail26 · 08-20-2005, 05:42 AM

Mark, don't completely agree, but love the passion! Unfortunately, for a company to be viable and survive todays market they have to appeal to the largest group possible. IMHO, I think Porsche has been able to keep the Porsche panache, yet ensure its future success with its current models. Such luxury cars like Lambo, Ferrari and Aston Martin are way out my reach. Their "boutique" hand built cars will never be in my reach. Porsche has introduced a model that I have been able to afford. It will be a while before I can purchase a 911. I do agree that Porsche has added a little more "water to the scotch", but now we can all have a taste yet we still attain that exclusivity that we all want.

Dig the passion though brother. We are all Porsche-files in our own way.

Brucelee · 08-20-2005, 05:44 AM

All of this is totally subjective, but there are many things that I like about the 987.

Looks wise however, they have taken some backsteps in my opinion.

Personally, I hate the new standard wheels and I don't like the side vents either.

I really HATE no having a dipstick. Soon, they will put a lock on the damn oil pan so that we can wrench anything!

But on balance, the changes to the driveline seem solid and well thought out.

I am partial to the 03 Box S as pretty much where the 986 was "completed" in my mind.

todd1ada · 09-02-2005, 10:05 AM

[QUOTE=Mark986]OK guys and gals her comes the big rant!

I have to agree with DeliriousGA regarding the 987 interior. I always thought that the 986 was supposed to be an homage to the speedsters of the past, namely the 550.

The little roadster that literally saved Porsche has been "refined" and homogenized into a car that for me has lost a little of its' edge. In the same way that Porsche decided to enter the SUV arena just because they couldn't give that market segment to BMW and the like, they have tried to make the Boxster more palatable to the everyman and everywoman to garner a few more sales (like they need it!). I will always appreciate a Porsche as a great driver's car, but IMHO the dash now looks like it belongs in a 1965 Ford Fairlane. It's just straight and flat with the exception of that ridiculous timer, that strikes me as more of an affectation than an integral part of a true sports car. I agree that the materials, fit and finish have improved, but the styling is dull! Just compare each panel of the interior to see what emotion it illicits from you. I really think the 986 evokes the feeling of a true roadster. These cars were not meant to be "plush", hell maybe not even comfortable!
Please don't think for one minute that I hate the 987, I'm just a tad disappointed in the direction Porsche has taken. I fell in love with the Boxster the first time I got behind the wheel and now I look at the details on the 987 (the headlights, the wheels, the taillights, the side intakes) and it leaves me kinda underwhelmed. Even though all the body panels are new, it stills looks like a 986.... but just not better. For example, I'm looking at the side intakes on the Caymen and they have a subtle curve that adds panache and flows into the lines of the rear quarter panel. The 987 vents look like they were designed with a straigtedge and just tacked on so they would be different from the "old" model. It feels like the bean counters are in control of the company and the next new model after the Caymen will be a reincarnation of the 924.

Don't flame me too hard guys, I didn't realize how I really felt about the direction Porsche was taking until I started writing this. I could go on for pages, but you get the idea. I'm going to go take my medicine now and I'll feel better in the morning. Long live the 986.[/QUOTE}

Mark986-- Couldn't agree with you more. The interior of the 986, to me, looks very european and sporty, whereas the 987 looks more standard Japanese-style a la Lexus, which I don't really like. Porsche should have simply upgrade the down-market plastics used in the 986 cockpit and it would have been perfect.

longislander1 · 09-02-2005, 02:36 PM

The problem with the 986 interior is that Porsche skimped on the materials. (Apologies to those of you who own one. However, I've seen a lot of people do some nice mods to really upgrade them.) Take a look at the seat bolsters on an older car and see how the foam has shifted. We all know about peeling problems with the armrests. And I just never understood all the black plastic in a car that price.

Three things kept me away from the Boxster for a number of years -- interior, headlights and the fact that it didn't perform any better (and sometimes worse) than my 968. The 987S cures all of those things and that's why I bought one.

Brucelee · 09-02-2005, 02:43 PM

I love those 968s. I am still looking for a pristine coupe.

eslai · 09-02-2005, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longislander1

And I just never understood all the black plastic in a car that price.

Yeah, i think that's just it. I don't think the interior's shape looked bad, but everything looked and felt too cheap for a $50,000 car. Now in the 987 it looks rather "audi-fied" with is fine by me.

I'm really quite confused by all the people in here that prefer the 986 look over the 987. I thought the changes would all be welcomed and in fact, most of the reviews mention the changes as being a good thing. Once again though, different strokes for different folks.

longislander1 · 09-04-2005, 06:47 AM

I think people are referring to the curves of the 986 interior, which can be great if they're tastefully done and the materials are of high quality. As far as the 987 interior, I do think that the standard wheel feels cheap and unworthy of a car in this price range. I've said before that my Mazda Tribute wheel feels better. Anyone ordering a 987 would be well-advised to go with the thicker sport wheel.