1st post in these forums. I registered primarily because I THINK I want a Boxster, but haven't yet committed to actually getting serious enough to pursue one. I just sold my 1991 BMW 850i a few weeks ago and I'm trying to scratch that itch for another convertible. I loved the coupe, but there is something about top down driving that no other car can fulfill.
Before I continue, I figured some of you might like to see what my 850i looked like:
In the past, we've owned 5 Miatas (NA, NB, & NC) and enjoyed all of them. The new Miata looks promising, but at $32K I don't know if I want to swing that way and commit that kind of money … yet.
I thought the BMW Z4 would be a better option for me, but I've driven both the E85 & E89 versions and remarkably I did not care for the seats - if you can believe that.
My only experience with the Porsche was a 1987 928S4 I owned and I parted ways with it simply because parts were prohibitively expensive - the cam gears alone are over $400 each. In retrospect, I should have kept it, but that ship has sailed.
Anyway, used Porsche Boxsters are scarce in my neck of the woods. I have driven a 987 Cayman but have not had the opportunity to drive a 986 Boxster. One thing that concerns me is the interior in the 986. It looks somewhat downscale as far as aesthetics go - primarily lots of plastic bits and alot of wear surfaces on the switchgear (at least from pictures I've seen). To me the 987 interior looks more upscale, but this may be totally subjective. What are your thoughts on the 986 interiors and do you enjoy the seat comfort? Additionally, what draws you to the 986 vs the 987, other than price?
The whole IMS issue is a concern, but I think I know enough to deal with it on my own as I do my own wrenching and have a lift. However, I'm wondering if I do find one that I want to purchase, how do you deal with getting a PPI when the car is not in your hometown?