Is it worth it

[thstone]

Originally Posted by fatmike

No - not if you see the car in person. The MR2 was trivial (looked like a small japanese car). The 981 is substantial.

You see Carrara GT roots when you see the car in person.

Agree. Photos do not do the 981 justice. I know we hear that a lot but its really true for the new Boxster. It looks nothing like an MR2 in person (and I owned an MR2 back in the day).

[rteichman]

Sorry I have to disagree. A week ago I had my 99 Boxster in for an emergency repair (window would not go down so I could not close the door). While waiting I almost bought a 981 they had on the floor. The dealer was very sneaky, had a totally base car at $50,000 in a great color combo.I fell in love. Luckily (as I am unemployed) I restrained myself (I also refused a test drive since I know my resolve would have faded LOL). So you see I do LOVE the look of the car.

HOWEVER, the other day I noticed what I thought was an MR2 on the road in oncomming traffic. It looked strange, so I took a second look only to realize it was a 981 :-( From photos and even a quick live glimpse it does resemble an MR2.

Originally Posted by thstone

Agree. Photos do not do the 981 justice. I know we hear that a lot but its really true for the new Boxster. It looks nothing like an MR2 in person (and I owned an MR2 back in the day).

[southernstar]

I don't think anyone can answer this question for anyone but themselves. While I could afford a new 981, it would nevertheless take away liquid resources from various other things I am pursuing and hence, would only make sense from a financial standpoint if there were huge advantages. Frankly, while the 981 is a better car in VIRTUALLY all respects (as one would expect in a car introduced 16 years later), I find that the 986 is not only just as much fun, but a car that provides a better connection with the road: the steering feedback is superior, I don't have to reach up for the shift lever, the car is less precise but more 'tossable' and yes, I actually like the feel of engaging a mechanical emergency brake. Sure, by comparison the 986 is inferior in ultimate grip, acceleration, top speed, precision, interior space, comfort, assembly quatlity/interior materials and fuel consumption. However, for me these are secondary considerations - for the amount I drive it, fuel consumption is not an issue; I will never hit top speed; the acceleration is more than adequate for my purposes and the driving position/controls/HVAC are terrific.

If, on the other hand, I had less irons in my financial pot, wanted the latest edition of a great car from a great marque, was concerned about maintenance and wanted a warranty, the 981 would make perfect sense.

Brad