Calling for input on new 987 purchase

[Bavarian Motorist]

He said he doesn't drive fast. Why would he need the S model?

Originally Posted by Bavarian Motorist

He said he doesn't drive fast. Why would he need the S model?

Driving fast is different than driving quickly.

[z12358]

You will make the largest mistake if you don't get the 3.4L S engine. That "option" will affect the car the most in terms of performance, no matter how/where you drive it. The near 300hp and 3.4L bring you into 996/997 power territory in a mid-engine roadster for $30k less than a 997 convertible! If you have ONE option to pick, choose this one.

I too didn't plan to drive fast, and didn't think I would go to the track (DE). Allow yourself to change your mind after you get to know the car better and start enjoying it to the latest drop. The PCA community is also very inviting.

Keep it simple on everything else. The standard 18" S wheels are great. No need for 19" on your roads. No need for PASM. No need for full leather. No need for xenons. No need for hardtop. It's a toy joy-car and 90% of time you will be driving it with the top down. The soft-top is plenty insulated for highway jaunts and for rain.

Get the Bose. I have it and I can hear it -- it also adds a nice bass. Though you'll drive without music 90% of the time, so no big deal if you don't get it. Get the windstop -- it helps. Get heated seats -- to increase the number of top-down rides, especially in Canada. The windstoop and the heated seats will also keep the lady happy (hair not messed up, and butt warm) which will allow for enjoying the car together more often -- hence, a toy for everyone. I think all these come in a preferred package.

Get white or yellow color (if you don't like black) and avoid paying extra for metallic. They all look gorgeous.

With discounts, the car described above can be had new for mid $50k (US) -- the best deal in the roadster universe, bar none.

Hope this helped.

Z.

[jinijazz]

This thread is turning into "must-have" options or "S vs Base".

If it's all about "must-have",
Forget 18/19, 17 is fine. Forget Bose, Xenon, Full Leather, PASM. Forget S too.
There is no such a thing like "must-have".
Base Boxster with no options is the best value.

If it is about "recommendations",
No doubt I'd get PASM & Sport Chrono over 19".

I just saw eslai's post below, very good reviewer on options.
Check out his other thread about options too.

[aren040]

Were here goes my opinion.

I have the Base 987 with Heated Seats, the non-Bose premium audio system, and the 19 Carrera S wheels.

I also live in sunny southern California so I don't worry about snow and so on.

19's: All in all, I like the 19's but if you drive on bad roads regularly then I would not go for them.

PASM: I would have liked to have but I don't so I can not speak about it.

Brakes: The brakes on the Base model are good enough for the streets as far as I am concerned.

Bose: Well I have the mid range "premium" audio system which for me does just fine. I used to be an audiophile but have since stopped caring about perfect sound. The unit I have also does the volume control based on speed and so on.

Full leather: I have not had any issues with it. I do not have it nor do I wish I had it.

S vs. Base: I would say opt out for the S if you can have it. I am a little bit of a conservative and did not want to go for the S at this time. So I went with the base model. Next time around though I will probably go with the S if I have a choice.

[Bavarian Motorist]

Originally Posted by bmussatti

Driving fast is different than driving quickly.

Driving quickly leads to fast driving. You have to assume he does neither. Shrug.

[drburton]

Good point by Eslai, get the sports steering wheel. Something I overlooked but wish I had.

[drburton]

...and yet another consideration. Dependent on what color you go with the option to get the roll bar in the exterior color can be very cool.

Sport Steering Wheel is option code #435. Cost $250. Got one...love it!

This is a 3 spoke steering wheel with a smaller diameter and contoured rim.

[z12358]

Originally Posted by bmussatti

Sport Steering Wheel is option code #435. Cost $250. Got one...love it!

This is a 3 spoke steering wheel with a smaller diameter and contoured rim.

Agree. Initially it wasn't on my list but the car I got (from the lot) had it and I really like it. Good bang for $ option.

Z.

[eslai]

yeah I'm pretty pissed I don't have the sport steering wheel. the reason I don't have it is because it wasn't on the interior options section of the porsche configurator online. It was listed in the LEATHER OPTIONS section that I completely ignored.

Had I seen it I would've ordered it. Bastards.

Now if I want it it costs like $1000+ because of the airbag module.

[Bavarian Motorist]

How do you know if you have the sport steering wheel ?