Is it worth it
 

Okay, help me out here. I agree, as most of us do, that the 981 is a superior sports car to ours in almost every way. In reality you are not going to walk out the door with one under $80,000. Let's say that mine is worth $20,000 (in my dreams, but it's just to make the math easy).

Is the 981 really going to be $60,000 more fun to drive than mine? Most people looking at them, if they are not side by side, will not know the difference.





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I don't own either a 986, 987 or a 981 yet. But I have often thought about the same thing . The way I ended up rationalizing is that the fun of owning a 981 is not 60,000 dollars (in your example) for fun to drive. But then again you have to realize the residual values of your 2 car are going to be at least 40 to 50 K apart for the first couple years at least.

Say in a year the new car would have depreciated to 65K and the older one to 17K - the difference is 48K. So the question in my opinion comes down to whether buying a car with exactly the options you want, the color and the latest gadgets and technology worth 12K? Also the cost of maintenance in the first 4 years on your new car would be minimal compared to the same for the older car.

In my case I choose the older car only because I do not have 80K to put down. :>)

Cheers,
AJR

Heliguy, that's really a question only you can answer... :)

I really like the 981. I don't think I'm in a position to buy one for a year or two, though. Equipped the way I'd want it, I'd come out at or just under $70K. Or, I can buy this really nice two owner '00, for $10K. In my case, $10K is more economical/practical. But the heart wants what the heart wants... ;)

I love my 986.

I made a mistake and drove the 981. Holy cow. It's an AMAZING car. The best sportscar I've ever driven, and maybe one of the best (in the discussion) of best sportscars ever made by a car manufacturer.

Seriously, it blew my mind.

Vs. a 986:
- Its way faster (base is faster than my S)
- Sounds amazing
- Interior is fantastic
- Seats superior
- Looks great
- Handles better (no comparison actually, the 981 is seriously poised)
- Driving inputs are better (steering, shifter, brakes)
- Modern features like PASM are highly desirable
- Will be more reliable and under warranty

The PDK blew my mind on the test drive. I don't like automatics, and I can't believe how good it was. The manual 6 speed though was the best 6 speed I've ever driven. So I would end up with that.

What's not to like? I priced out the 981 with the options I want at about 75K. Hopefully get it for around 70K discounted. In my case, it's just a matter of time. Maybe I put it off for a year or so, or maybe I don't.

Is the 981 "55K better than my 986"? Probably not. It's probably unnecessary. The 986 is a lot of fun. But it's my daily driver, my only car, and affordable for me. So why not?

BTW - I will probably go with the Cayman S in a modern color with full leather interior.

I hope someone can talk me off the ledge...



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Just wait a few years, and the price won't be nearly as painful ! IMO, Boxtsers are a great used car buy, since they're generally treated well, and have low mileage.

Having a brand new Porsche the year it comes out is more than just the fun factor and quality of the car. It's a status symbol. You 'wear' your car the same way girls 'wear' an LV purse. Some can do it, some can't.

Personally, I have the money right now to sell my car and get a newer 987... But I'm not. I'm going to drop a 3.6 in my 986 and have way more fun than any 987 or 981 can buy me.

For me it's worth it. I'm having fun with my 986 but too much maintenance and trouble lately. It's getting old and it feel it. Lots of wear and to get back to original is a lots of work and money.
I've decided to sell it next spring and get a 981 Aqua blue. Order will be done soon for spring 65k$ plus taxes. It will be worth it for the next 10 years of ownership. :-)

Later
Chris

I'm seriously envious! $65K for a new 981 ! At that price I would be contemplating buying one myself, but in this country a new 981 is about $130K, maybe as high as $150K with a few extras. Just too much, for me anyway.

Of course it is your decision but you are asking for our perspective. For me there would be two factors in this equation. The money and the fun factor.

I originally went with a 2001 Boxster base and never even tried an S. I stayed away from test driving anything new or anything at a dealership. The reason? Once I tried something new or something superior such as an S model I likely would have been smitten. Once I feel the need then I might head into something like that.

The $$$$? Would new be worth it? If you want to put out that kind of money then fine. For me I want value and would be looking at a Cayman(2009 or newer = ims free). Would new be any more fun than old? You have tried it - you know. I have 42k miles on my 2001. It has some rattles and I know I will be facing replacing parts in the next few years likely. If $$$ was no object I would go for new definitely. But don't forget in a few years that new car will be used and Porsche will be tweaking the Boxster to make it a bit superior to the previous year. Good luck with your choice and let us know what you do!

Aqua blue is discontinued :( Did you get in under the wire?

fatmike, I had the exact same opinion as you did when I drove the 981...Instant love affair. The PDK is smarter than a 5th grader!!

Another factor with a new 981 is what you'd LIKE to do with it vs what you actually will do.

I know I would not take a brand new 981 to an Auto-X, the local shopping mall or leave it anywhere outdoors overnight.

However, I don't worry much about scratches, vandals, rain or hard driving and cones at the Auto-X with a $15k car and it has become my Daily driver.

Plus being a hobby car as well, I feel no apprehension of buying addons and upgrades like bumpers, mufflers, suspension, wheels etc and consider that part of the fun, making the car uniquely your own.

I doubt I'd consider any addons for some time with a new 981.

So it all comes down to how you like to enjoy your car.

Like someone else mentioned, perhaps getting a gently used 981 in a few years would be a good idea.

And just another passing thought, for the price of your new 981, you can have a Daily Driver Boxer, plus another dedicated track car and a small RV & trailer to take to the events.

Personally I think it's a question of money for most people, who wouldn't want a new Boxster? I saw one in the show room the other day and it was beautiful inside and out. I've seen and heard the PDK transmission and think of it always when I'm stuck in traffic. Of course I'm over protective of my 2002S let alone a new car. Would you be worried everytime you left it parked some where. My 2002 brings a smile to my face everytime I get above 4K and everytime I sling it around corners, but I'd still have a new one if I could.

The truth is....

If you'd that money to upgrade.... You'd buy the best 911 you could with the funds.... Anyone who comes on here arguing that point is just spoofing....

Now c'mon spoofers! :-)

After buying other cars, including Porsches, brand new, I will never do it again. It is simply, IMHO, a big, huge waste of money considering how quickly these depreciate. You will be able to pick up a 3-4 year old 981 for 50% of the sticker price down the road.
Unless you are really customizing the car like especial colour, different leather stitching, full leather interior, etc etc and planning to keep it forever, it is simply not worth. Not to me at least.
I just got a Lamborghini Gallardo, used of course, for a fraction of its cost new. Still expensive for a car BUT less than half of what it would cost new. And with 20,000 miles on it.
Same for my daily driver, a V12 BMW 750iL, damn mint, with everything you will ever want on a sedan.
Would I buy any of these new? No way.
Same applies to any Porsches.

CR

Oh, I have fantasized about this dilemma many times. Don't know about the fun factor of the 981 first hand as I've not test driven one yet. But all the reviews i've read have been glowing! To me, there is always a lure of driving home a shiny new car and fully knowing its maintenance history from the time you drive it out of the dealership. Customizing it to your heart's content (or to the extent of your wallet) is a draw for me, too. (my 981 would be white with beige full leather interior) Is that worth $60k? I'd say yes...

Sadly, a new 981 S costs more like $150k in my part of the world and that's just a bit too much money. So I'll just keep dreaming on...

You can buy a Ferrari 355 for $60k, think about it.

Good Lord, there goes the 911 argument again !

jb, I agree, there's something liberating to having a car that's not quite pristine anymore!

They are defiantly a great looking car make sure to do a full 3m shield!

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Crod...we hate you...seriously, if you don't post pics it doesn't exist.

Used is always more practical but these vehicles strike an emotional chord. So then to buy new, you have to find some sort of justification, at least I do. For me, the idea of European delivery (a no cost option) and then touring Europe for 2+ weeks in my own Boxster comes very close to justification. Have you looked at what it costs to rent one for two weeks? So you take a dream vacation and come home with the ultimate souvenir.

It would not be worth it to me - but only you can decide if its worth it to you. Its your money. :D

I think you nailed it. As I said if the plan is to get a car you will custom order to match every single thing you want (in my case it would be a Carrera 4S with even the leather stitching the way I want) and then keep it forever, AND you throw in an European delivery, I would say it is something I could justify doing.

But if someone is looking for a relatively common (stock) car with a few of the more desirable options (i.e. navigation, etc) I would definitely wait until the 981s start coming off leases (you will see plenty of them) and then buy an used one that almost certainly would be a CPO car. That will indeed save anyone tenths of thousands guaranteed.

CR

Ok here we go. The V12 and the V10 beasts. Will arrange for a nice family pic showing the Boxster S, the 750iL and the Gallardo all together. :D
Oh and my scooter too.

CR

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Aqua blue discontinu?? My salemam didnot told me that when we were looking at color combo for exterior and interior in the show Room. You're sur about that?

I just check, the name of the color is blue saphire.

I just test drove a Lamborghini gallardo last week-end. WOW, simply awesome car and I was surprise how confortable and easy to drive it was. You could easily use it as a daily in summer.


Chris

For a brand new Boxster - the Cayman is very close in price. And unless I really want a convertible...I think the Cayman is the nicer car and is the better purchase.

But I wouldn't buy a new Porsche - it's just not worth it. It's fairly easy to find a low mileage Porsche that has been well taken care of. And you'll save $40,000 for basically a brand new car.

A matrix to help u decide...
 

You could consider doing a matrix like this.

For instance what might be say 5 important factors in choosing a car?

These might be mine. You could consider what do you value most.

On these value factors attribute numbers from 1 to 10. Ten being the highest value.

For me five factors would be and attribution of values to them are as follows:
1. New 5
2. Reliability 10
3. Driveability - steering, brakes, suspension 10
4. Discounted price due older 10
5. Options that I want 9
Total score 44 out of 50

Now set up a matrix like this with some value factors that you value and attribute scores to them. It can help you make a decision.....other factors might be P warranty, engine, S or base etc etc....
You could put a matrix next to it of say a 4 year old Boxster and see how it rates next to new. Hope this helps!

Ultimately it is your decision but for me.......HELL NO IT'S NOT WORTH IT! If you look at it from a depreciation point of view, the 986 has hit close to rock bottom and the new car will drop like a rock over the next 10-15 years.

If you look at it from a fun factor (this is much more personal preference) I can think of many ways to better spend my money...............

Nice Porsche 986 = $15,000
Nice used motorcycle (Harley Davidson) = $15,000
Nice muscle car (Corvette) = $20,000

You can have all 3 and still have $20,000-$30,000 to travel all over the country/world sky diving, scuba diving, hiking, fishing, hunting, track days or what ever is your fancy.

I've got a photo of a red 981 Cayman S on my cubicle wall and I will probably leave it up there for another 3 years and then buy a CPO example when the perfectly optioned one comes along.

I would love a 3 year old 991S but frankly, a new Cayman S with a turbo kit on it (which someone will come out with as soon as the 981s come off warranty) will keep right up with a 991S and the motor's not hanging off the back.

I have not driven one yet and have no plans to do it because I'll get a desire to buy one and I just can't afford it starting a new career. However, I can't wait to own a Porsche that doesn't need fixing all the time. It's been exhausting. All I've done to my boxster aside from take it to DE's the last few years is repair something that's worn or was poorly made in the first place.

BTW, I'm going with a Cayman S next because of the rattles associated with aging convertibles. Never again.

Super cool! :cheers:

Jump. Jump! JUMP!

When the 08 LEs came out in Nov 07, I went to the local dealer to look at them - they had 4 in stock. And there on the showroom floor was #5. It bit me and wouldn't let go. I had to have it. I thought and thought about how I could afford a car with a $66K sticker. I did the math, calculated my job security at the time, and was going to have my house paid off in 6 mo. I could swing it. I went in on New Yrs Eve, shot them a number and walked out with the keys 20 min later. I don't care that it's worth $34K today. It's not for sale.

I bought my Cayman S Sport used, if you want to call a 3 yr old car with 7400 mi used. The sticker was $78K. Paid $42K. A lot of car for the money.

New or used, you can always find a way to justify the purchase. Let your money bring you happiness.

New or used, you can always find a way to justify the purchase. Let your money bring you happiness.

Husker - very well said.....

Most of us work(ed) damn hard to afford something we really want - whether its a used Porsche, a set of really good golf clubs, a new kitchen for the house or a mink coat (like Mike Focke had to pay), it doesn't matter. If you do the sums and you calculate you can come out in the black and the Finance Director who your married to give you the nod, then why not.
Personally I went with a used Boxster S, simply because I couldn't justify $US180,000 in Australia for a new one in 2008.

PS - which do you prefer driving - the Boxster or the Cayman.......what a dilemma that must be on a warm Omaha morning !!

no doubt about it, a second-hand manual 981S will be by far the best Porsche bargain during the entire water-cooled era. The 9A1 engine seems like its going to be the 'go to' engine for Porsche for many years to come. I'm leary of the idea of PDK out of warranty so I'll be skipping all those.


I wonder how long before the aftermarket is selling 981 facelift kits for 986/987
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The 981offers a dizzying amount of configuration choices. Things that are a "given" on the 986 for me are completely up in the air on the new platform:

- Boxster or Cayman (could go either way)
- Base vs. S (could go either way)
- Manual vs. PDK (I am a manual traditionalist - but this is still open. The PDK is particularly well suited for the "S").
- Stripped or spend for the options?
- Buy new or wait for a car coming off lease?

Here is the inspiration:

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I would probably put the Platinum satin wheels from the blue car in the last post on this car. To my eye, this is one classy ride.



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And so it begins......
 

Beautiful Lambo! I wouldn't want it because the mirrors are all jacked up...

I dunno, looks aside, can you really have $60K MORE fun?

How many hours will you spend driving? How much is that $60K per hour?! :eek:

I love the looks of the 986, classic design. I wanted one since they came out and won't be letting go of it unless it gets cashed.

The newer Boxsters front/side look too much like a Toyota MR2 Spyder to me.

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You'll never mistake a 986 for anything other then a Porsche.

Even though they're the same car, they have different personalities. It's hard to put into words. I guess the best way to say it is the Cayman is more racier. The only difference in options is the Cayman has PASM.

The Cayman gets lots more attn. The Boxster does OK, but I can never drive far without someone hanging out of their car to take a pic of the Cayman. I've found young people like the wild colors of my current cars while older folks loved my previous Carmon Cayman.

I certainly have a blessed life when the biggest decision in the morning is which 987S to take to work. But I've worked hard for them and taken a different path in life than most - no wife, no EXs, and no kids (that I know of). I paid off the Boxster 1.5 yrs ago and will have the Cayman paid off next yr at this time.

I love to take the Box to work with the top down on a warm Omaha morning. And when it's a bad weather day, the Cayman pulls driving duty. So there is a pecking order - Orange over Green. But the Cayman gets track duty, which is where I'll be this w/e. So it's not all bad being 2nd fiddle.

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.



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