Quick question: 986 or 987
 

It was a click bait. Thanks for your interest.

As I mentioned in my first post, I am interested in buying my first Boxster. I've been seriously looking for a clean one for 3 weeks and it all came down to 2 cars. Let me know what you would do.

1) fairly priced 986
- 2001
- 125k on the clock
- Boxster S
- white
- no IMS treatment

2) fairly priced 986 price + $4k for a 987
- 2005
- 140k on the clock
- base
- inside out not as clean as the one above
- dark blue

Just a clarification: I am not too worried about the $4k difference. All prices are in Canadian $.

I know it's up to me and the car that sings to me but no else but I'd like to hear your thoughts please.

I am located in Toronto, Canada.

Thanks for your responses in advance.

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My 1st Porsche was an 01 986S. Luckily it was CPO because it had lots of issues. But not everything was covered by CPO, so there were some expensive outlays. I've owned 3 987Ss (still have 2 of them now), and have driven a collective 125K trouble free mi on them. Some of the best cars I've ever owned. Only Achilles heel is the water pump.

That said, I would avoid an 05 987. It's a crap shoot whether you have the serviceable Gen II IMS or the more reliable, non-serviceable Gen III version. No way to know for sure unless you crack the trans from the engine and look. Or cross your fingers and hope. If you find an 06-08 987, you're sure you have the Gen III IMS.

Between the 2 the 986 S, spend some of the 4K on ims, clutch, and some general maintenance. That is me, you may get different opinion, but the 986 has fewer miles, and by your description is in better shape.

I would go with the 986 and use $4k towards upgrades, registration, etc.

The 986 seems like the better choice to me. $4k cheaper, lower miles, in better condition and its an S. You can use the $4k you save to do the IMS and what ever else needs doing.

The general rule about buying a Porsche is get the cleanest newest model you can afford . However that general statement does not rule out an older model . Based on your minimal description of the two cars I'd go with the 986 . Having said that you should really consider having a pre purchase inspection done by a known reputable independent garage if at all possible . This does several things , first you are establishing a relationship with a mechanic . Second if they are good with the PPI you get an accurate health report on the vehicle you are considering to purchase . Based on the PPI results you can possibly negotiate a lower price or walk away from a potential money pit .

Yes it may cost you a couple hundred dollars but it's money well spent in my opinion . You will quickly learn about the Porsche tax ( everything is expensive ) so proceed with caution . When you get a good one regardless of the model they reward you with a driving experience matched by few cars on the road . Good luck in your quest but lead with your brain NOT with your emotions............ in the long run that will save you $$$ .

I am happy with my "S" all other things being equal, I would go with a 986 "S" again.

First off, thanks everyone for their responses so far. Appreciate it.

I have to admit that I am a bit surprised with all the 986 recommendations but I understand why. Yes, the 986 is cleaner and cheaper but I wish the IMS situation was dealt with but I can get that stuff done and more with the $4k "leftover" for sure. The S factor is also important - although I understand that some think that the extra weight negates the extra power but the S felt much faster when I test drove it.

I also totally agree with taking the car to a mechanic and I've already done my due diligence and will take the car(s) to a local Porsche mechanic (Gtek Auto) for a quick check to ensure there are no major issues with them.

Please keep your recommendations coming.

Cheers.


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The 986S seems a better car and with less than the $4k you can install the IMS Solution and forget about the IMS. Remember that the S have better brakes as well.

You also mentioned that the white car was in better shape, but I may be biased because I love white cars.. :-)

987 and 986 Ranked:

1. 987 Boxster S
2. 986 Boxster S
3. 987 Boxster
4. 986 Boxster 2.7
5. 986 Boxster 2.5

This forum is called "986" forum for a reason (of course, you're going to find more votes for 986's!).

Drive them all (986, 987, base, S) and decide for yourself which you like better. No amount of advice can replace first hand experience.

When you decide on a model, then buy the lowest mileage, newest, and best condition car you can afford.

Between those two, I'd also go with the 986S. I usually suggest avoiding '05 models simply due to the uncertainty of which IMS bearing you have, and whether or not it can even be replaced. With an '01, you know what you have and you can definitely install a replacement.

You dont give credit to our forum members, yes titile is 986but I beleive all who have posted here are providing an unbiased opinions based off the description provided. You are correct in saying try several models for first hand experience.

I would get the 01 for the following reasons

1. Less miles
2. S model
3. You mentioned it is cleaner
4. I do not think the 05 is worth 4k more. Install an new IMS, clutch and new top with glass window.

Buy on the car's maintenance history. These cars are at least 10 years old and it is nice to have someone else have paid for some of the things that just age in any car.

Buy on the seller's motivation to sell. Why are they selling? If you can verify the answer to that question, you can eliminate scam artists.

Buy with the advice of an experienced Porsche mechanic. If the seller won't facilitate a PPI, then walk away. There are hundreds of these cars for sale today.

There is a list of changes year to year posted here.

Gentlemen, thank you again for your suggestions but I ended up with the 987. I drove both of the vehicles again and the condition of the 987 wasn't actually worse than the 986; this was my misjudgment. So, newer car, slightly more kms with in better overall condition and more complete maintenance records made me choose the 987.

Thanks again for your recommendations! I hope not to be thrown out of the forums! :) Cheers.

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