What new options MUST I have on a 2007?

[Maxhouse97]

I think one of the main issues I have to figure out is this 6-speed thing (the sole subject of my other post in the performance section - but no one has replied yet).

With the 6-spee/PASM (if you didn't HAVE to get PASM w/ it, I wouldn't even think twice) the price goes up $2680. After that, and all of the other "S" make up options (wheels, sound system, sport steering wheel) you do get within striking distance of the S. So I could skip the 6-speed and probably end up spending 50 grand (MSRP), or dive all the way in, say "oh the S isn't that much more" and spend $57.3k (have to have xenons and metallic paint). Big difference.

I said it before, every sports car today has a 6-speed. S2000, any M (SMG has 7), vette, even the miata. I know 5 speeds are nice to drive and that you rarely have to use them all, but to me it just seems like a wasted opportunity to use some gearing to increase the performance of your car - i.e. free hp w/ better gas mileage to boot (6th gear is taller than 5spd 5th).

I'll post the content of my other post here for convienence:

Just thinking of getting a 07 987 w/ the 6-speed (which you can ONLY get w/ PASM). Does anyone have any performance numbers of the new 245hp Base Boxster w/ the 6-speed? I would think that it would be faster 0-60 and 1/4 mile than the 5-speed due to better gearing - and have better gas mileage as well, which is already impressive (base Cayman is listed at 23/32). I have read that it has a higher top speed (not important). Thing is any respectable sports car these days comes w/ 6 speeds and not 5. Also there is a pretty big jump in gear ratios from 3rd to 4th on the base 5 speed.

Does anyone have a base Boxster w/ the 6 speed that can vouch for the engine/trans combo? It is an $2680 option (again w/ PASM) so I just want to know if it is worth it.

Thanks,

Tony

[John Y]

Keep up the great discussion, guys! This is very useful for someone like me, who is agonizing over what options really make sense for me, when I plan to order next Spring, probably. Still somewhat undecided between keeping my 06 GTI and selling the TT Roadster for a standard Boxster, or getting rid of both cars and going for a Cayman S.

If it is the Boxster, I love Forest Green, so I assume I'll have to order since it doesn't show up too often. Here's what I'm thinking, in addition to the metallic paint; maybe some of this will be of use to the original poster, too:

Xenons: no debate (can't believe they aren't standard in a car of this class)

heated seats: I live in NY, and love to go top down in cool or even chilly weather.

18s from the S: they look much better, and the chassis can handle it - they don't seem to be overkill even on the standard Box. Wheel caps with colored crest are a key touch, too!

Sport wheel: my GTI wheel has spoiled me; I totally agree with whoever said that improving the things your constantly touching or looking at is huge. I like the round center better, and find the standard wheel a little large - I'm sure I could live with it, but at 250, the sport wheel is a pretty cheap, good upgrade. Just wish I could get the multifunction wheel by itself.

Windstop: seems like it could only help, the glass one on the TT definitely does. But should I get it in conjunction with the Bose? I love my music (have 2600 track Phatbox in the tt) but am probably not what most would consider an audiophile; does the stocker sound like crap, or not? I quite like the premium Bose system in the TT, and that is some pretty old tech by now. Sound system Plus seems like a half-assed solution to me too, but maybe others will chime in?

I was considering the sport seats which I think are great, and relatively well-priced, but I think they will be too restrictive at my shoulders. Comfort on long road trips will be important, too.

My TT has auto climate cotnrol, the GTI has regular a/c. I prefer the former on balance, but the regular a/c is OK too. Think I would be fine without the ACC.

Now you guys have got me thinking aobut the embossed head rests too, overkill with the Porsche pride?? Hmm...if I don't do sport seats or the Bose, I could still stay at just aobut 50K msrp, which is kind of a psychological threshold for me and the standard Box. As for the S/non-S debate, I love the extra power and have drivien the 3.4 from the Cayman S as well; but I feel I a Roadster isn't fundamentally about power and speed - it's about the open-air experience; the things you see, feel, smell, and hear , and the way it all makes you feel, that you don't get in a coupe. Hell, going a little slower in a Roadster only gives you more of that! And I don't think anyone would argue the 245hp Box is "underpowered"! Now if I opted for a coupe however, there has to be soemthing to replace that huge experience that is being missed out on, and that can only be one thing...powa! So I'd go for a Cayman S in that case. I'd love to get input on any of this from you guys! Also, how many of you (not including those in Texas, So Cal or FL) have a Boxster as your only car/daily driver?

[denverpete]

John Y - There are quite a few of us Daily Drivers out there. But there is also a very large contingent who winter their cars. To each their own.

Regarding the Non-S versus S question. Personally, I think you're trying to talk yourself out of it. Don't get me wrong, I have a '99 Non-S (hell they didn't even have an S to offer). But, you'll also notice that half of the threads (Rail26 not withstanding) have to do with performance upgrades. You can spend thousands on aftermarket crap and not even come close to what ordering an S would get you. I've always had the mindset of getting the best engine available. It keeps the buyers regret lower when I'm next to some guy with the exact same car but more horsepower. It also helps tremendously with resale.

Just my $.02 - but don't buy a Non-S and then start posting threads about trying to get more power....

[SD987]

I love Forest Green

The dark olive metallic is also quite nice.

Xenons: no debate (can't believe they aren't standard in a car of this class)

One reason they're not standard is because the stock headlights are excellent. They use an H7 clear-glass projector beam not a standard reflector setup, and in no way resemble the halogens on a 986. The non-xenons are also color-matched to the other lights so debatably look better. I'm not trying to talk you out of the xenons, but you see alot of dealer spec cars without xenons which is partly attributable to Porsche removing the xenons from Preferred Package after 05, but is also a testament to the quality of the standard lights. The only time I notice the increased performance of the xenons is when I use high beams.

But should I get it in conjunction with the Bose? I love my music (have 2600 track Phatbox in the tt)

We love to malign the CD24 but frankly it's an above average sounding stock stereo (better for example, than the stock stereo in the SLK350). Top up it actually sounds good, it's top down that's the problem. The engine noise in the base 987 makes it noticeably louder top-up or down then the S which is also a less than ideal place to appreciate the finer nuances of a stereo system. The Bose is pretty good, I'd give it a 7 out of 10, but still is no match for 90 mph in fourth with the top and windows down.

Those greens are very nice colors. Just don't do the Rolex Green option!

The Forest Green Metallic (code 53) is $825.

The Dark Olive Metallic (7G) is $3,070.

IMHO, I think there is a lot better way to spend $3,000 on options.

[John Y]

Originally Posted by denverpete

John Y - There are quite a few of us Daily Drivers out there. But there is also a very large contingent who winter their cars. To each their own.

I've always had the mindset of getting the best engine available. It keeps the buyers regret lower when I'm next to some guy with the exact same car but more horsepower. It also helps tremendously with resale.

Just my $.02 - but don't buy a Non-S and then start posting threads about trying to get more power....

I agree with you, and I've spent plenty of $$ on my TT and GTI, where there is cheap horsepower to be had; I'm aware there really are no effective (in bang for the buck terms, anyway) options when it comes to upgrading these cars, since they are normally aspirated, and because Porsche doesn't leave much on the table, unlike the VW or the Audi - the Boxster motor comes fairly fully-tweaked from the factory, I suppose.

I may have been unclear in my first post that I think I could live with a Cayman as an only car, but that would be more difficult with a Boxster. I could swing paying for a Boxster and my new GTI (the fun but still practical car), but if I go Cayman S that would have to be my only car - I'd need to use the equity in the other two (mostly in the TT which is paid off) and there's no need to keep the GTI if I have a Cayman. I am finding two cars just for me to be a luxury I don't need, and in addition to the cost, taking care of them and keeping them in the condition I like is often a PITA, too. That's why I asked how many of you make do with just the Box - the Cayman would seem a better choice for an only car, though I suppose it may not be MUCH more practical than the Box...?

[z12358]

John Y quote:
"Now if I opted for a coupe however, there has to be soemthing to replace that huge experience that is being missed out on, and that can only be one thing...powa! So I'd go for a Cayman S in that case. I'd love to get input on any of this from you guys!"

I don't quite get your logic. Why pay more for a coupe (Cayman S) when you can have the roadster that you really want (07 Boxster S) with the same power (295HP) for less?

Frankly, I am surprised by how many list the xenons as a must. Just don't get the hype and they were at the bottom of my list.

Dollar for dollar there is nothing on the options list of a Base Boxster that can beat the 3.4L engine upgrade (i.e. the "S upgrade") -- both in performance, everyday feel, and resale value. Of course, IMHO and to each their own.

[John Y]

[I don't quite get your logic. Why pay more for a coupe (Cayman S) when you can have the roadster that you really want (07 Boxster S) with the same power (295HP) for less?

As I tried to explain below to another poster, it's because I would rather have 1 car than two at this point, and the Cayman seems like a better bet than the Box, if that's the case. But if my love for the Roadster prevails over my desire to have just 1 car, then I'll go for the Boxster and keep my GTI as a 'practical' car. Keeping and (paying for) 2 cars is $$, so the TTR will go and I can manage a non-S, and my GTI. Is that clearer?

Frankly, I am surprised by how many list the xenons as a must. Just don't get the hype and they were at the bottom of my list.

I guess it's because the HIDs on my GTI and TT are alot better than any of the non-HID lamps I've experienced on other cars; sound as if that may not be so much the case on the Porsches...

Dollar for dollar there is nothing on the options list of a Base Boxster that can beat the 3.4L engine upgrade (i.e. the "S upgrade") -- both in performance, everyday feel, and resale value. Of course, IMHO and to each their own.[/QUOTE]

Can't argue with that at all, although on fairly short test drives last year, I didn't feel the 3.2 was dramatically better than the 2.7l. I thought both had great response, quite flat torque curves, and rev-ability, though neither amazed me with the amount of torque - I'm comparing to two chipped, turbo cars. The 2.7 is way off what the GTI or TT put out in terms of torque. Yet, because of the things I just listed, as well as curb weight, it never felt under-powered. I will be driving the variocam-plus 2.7l this weekend, albeit in a Cayman.

Money and the practicality (almost one and the same) issues hold me back from the S. To put it another way, the only 'S' I can afford is the Cayman, to my way of thinking, as odd as it sounds. Initially more expensive, but I would be unloading 2 vehicles instead of 1, not to mention insuring, storing, maintaining and generally squandering my time obsessively, over 1 instead of 2 cars! Better in the long run, I think. Now if you guys convince me the Boxster S is every bit as practical and good a long-term prospect as the Cayman S, then it's a win-win! BTW, I've never been this undecided about a car before; I never had to shop or compare, because there was only 1 vehicle I really wanted. But these 4 Cayman and Boxster models are giving me fits!

[John Y]

And thanks for everyone's input so far! I've already learned some things I didn't know SD987, I guess I will have to pay attention to the sound system for a change on the next Boxster or Cayman I drive...

[z12358]

As I tried to explain below to another poster, it's because I would rather have 1 car than two at this point, and the Cayman seems like a better bet than the Box, if that's the case. But if my love for the Roadster prevails over my desire to have just 1 car, then I'll go for the Boxster and keep my GTI as a 'practical' car. Keeping and (paying for) 2 cars is $$, so the TTR will go and I can manage a non-S, and my GTI. Is that clearer?

Clear. Your previous post explained it.

Money and the practicality (almost one and the same) issues hold me back from the S. To put it another way, the only 'S' I can afford is the Cayman, to my way of thinking, as odd as it sounds. Initially more expensive, but I would be unloading 2 vehicles instead of 1, not to mention insuring, storing, maintaining and generally squandering my time obsessively, over 1 instead of 2 cars! Better in the long run, I think. Now if you guys convince me the Boxster S is every bit as practical and good a long-term prospect as the Cayman S, then it's a win-win! BTW, I've never been this undecided about a car before; I never hard to shop or compare, because there was only 1 vehicle I really wanted. But these 4 Cayman and Boxster models are giving me fits!

For me, the roadster part of the Boxster was THE largest attraction. The way the engine sounds with the top down is just magical -- a four wheel motorcycle with all the safety that comes with it. And I don't think I'd be salivating as much over my impending early Saturday morning drive if it wasn't in a roadster. So if it was me, and if you don't plan to track much, I'd just keep it simple and forget the Cayman.

Consider unloading the two cars and get a Boxster S with just windstop and heated seats (Bose or not) + a used Maxima/Camry/Accord/Civic/etc for $6-9k to drive in winter or around town (especially if you live around NYC). That would simplify care, insurance, and maintanance a lot, and allocate cars optimally between pleasure and utility. Again, just IMHO.

[John Y]

Those are some good points, Z12358. I see a Box S stickering for between 57.5 and 59.5, along the lines you're suggesting. I suppose the rubber will hit the road when I find out what kind of a break I can expect on an ordered car as opposed to one from dealer stock.

By the way, what kind of mileage do you get with your S? And what is the insurance premium difference between standard and non-S, typically? I know, I should've searched for those, and I will, but I'd appreciate people's real world input; thanks.

Originally Posted by John Y

By the way, what kind of mileage do you get with your S? And what is the insurance premium difference between standard and non-S, typically? I know, I should've searched for those, and I will, but I'd appreciate people's real world input; thanks.

Mileage on my car is about 24 MPG on the highway with the top down.

I think it is almost impossible to really compare insurance rates among other owners (you vs. me for example) because of locations, driving records, claims history and actual coverage. Now, doing a comparison among vendors (Geico vs State Farm) is another issue that could prove beneficial.

At the end of the day, you still get-what-you-pay-for. So be careful. Cheap insurance may prove to be cheap service and poor coverage.

[z12358]

I see a Box S stickering for between 57.5 and 59.5, along the lines you're suggesting. I suppose the rubber will hit the road when I find out what kind of a break I can expect on an ordered car as opposed to one from dealer stock.

You should be able to get a VERY good deal on a 06 S from stock right now and through the rest of the year (but, of course, from a shrinking pool of colors and options available). Consider scanning your area dealers this winter (say, Dec 30) for the best deals, both on 07s and 06s (I've heard of $10k+ off MSRP). I would think the discount for stock would be considerable vs an ordered one, so if you don't intend to customize a lot (which I don't recommend anyway) buying from stock should be worthwhile.

By the way, what kind of mileage do you get with your S? And what is the insurance premium difference between standard and non-S, typically? I know, I should've searched for those, and I will, but I'd appreciate people's real world input; thanks.

I've been getting 23mpg with mixed driving -- mostly country roads with a lot of shifting gears and little highway, which is close to bmussatti's number. Don't worry about the milleage too much, it will be in that area, and one could argue that the S would get better than the base as you will strain it less.

I found Geico to be most competitive by far for the Porsche so I switched my other car to them as well for even a better deal. The package was much less than what I was expecting to pay. You just have to do your own legwork (ok, mousework) on this one but I don't think the base will be much different from the S.