Why the 986 Boxster S, is the BEST CAR I've ever owned
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- Опубліковано 27 тра 2024
- Video explaining why 12 years on(!) the Porsche Boxster S 986 was the best car I've ever owned. Documenting 3 reason why you should consider one in 2022 and detailing the modification work I did, what I'd recommend doing from what I won't - if I had to do it all again.
I owned this 986 Boxster S in my early 20's (I was broke, but bought and sold cars and scraped penny's until I could afford!). Spent early 2010's driving it around with friends, before we all went to university or moved from South West. Realisable, sounded amazing, looked amazing and to this day - no car has "covered all basis" as well as the Boxster!
------------------------- Content of Video --------------------------
00:00 - Intro and 3 reasons to own
00:41 - Reason No.1, Car with multiple personalities
02:27 - Reason No.2, How the car made you feel
04:13 - Reason No.3, "That sound it make!"
05:15 - Modification works intro
05:54 - Mod No.1, Wheels
06:46 - Mod No.2, Sports clutch
07:47 - Mod No.3, Exhaust, manifolds, throttle body and inlet work
09:30 - Mod No.4, ECU Map (Revo)
09:53 - Off to Design 911 and London 'adventure'
10:44 - Before and after BHP (wow!)
11:51 - What would I do again?
12:51 - What would I NOT do again?
14:26 - What OTHER things would I do INSTEAD?
15:02 - Conclusions and Outro, please Subscribe! :)
--------------------------------- Car Spec --------------------------------
- 2001 Porsche Boxster S (986)
- Options = Black with tan interior, PSM
- Full stainless steel exhaust (including manifolds and sports cats)
- Design 911 IPD splitter, enlarged inlet manifold and K&N cone
- Revo off the self ECU tune
- Lighten underdrive pully
- 19" 911/GT3 wheels
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Thanks to NOMYN for the great music! Check them our per the following:
New Best Collection by Nomyn / nomyn
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Music promoted by TUNES AD / @tunesad8666
------------------------------------ Hashtags --------------------------------------
#Porsche #PorscheBoxster #BoxsterS #Boxster986 #BoxsterS986 #PorscheBoxsterS986 - Авто та транспорт
Guys - just a quick but very big THANK YOU to everyone that watched, liked and subscribed because of this the video. Thanks to your input, my tiny tiny 'hobby' UA-cam channel has seen an explosion in daily views, subscribers and watch times - causing the UA-cam to show my content to more new people. Thank you and I'm hoping to make more content soon. All the best.
Enjoyed the video, some great info. I'm looking at 911's but Boxster's are really excellent value for money. Some constructive criticism- see if you can not use the word 'actually' in your next post... :D
@@justinjoyit13 haha thanks Justinjoyit, that’s ACTUALLY a very good point! (perhaps I’ll include an ‘actually’ counter in the next video?) 😂
@@justinjoyit13 Actually, that's a perfectly fine word. Basically, many people literally use it a lot to express themselves even if it technically adds nothing to a sentence ..... literally
@@AK88onCars Don't stop using it. Let's just turn it into a drinking game .... LOL
I adored my 986 too! NEVER let me down. Drove it to 248,000 miles with ZERO issues. I just maintained it religiously and added ZX1 to my oil every service. It lasts 25k miles so every other service but I just stuck to every service. I gave the car to my closest friend as he wouldn't buy a Porsche as he lost his 19yr old son and said it just wouldn't be the same. So I was determined to ensure he had a flat six in his garage and gifted it to him. We took the sump pan off and the engine was SO clean! No sludge in the pan, no metal swarf on the magnet. This is because the ZX1 covers all components in a ceramic coating that sticks to the metal and reaches every nook and cranny. So I highly recommend it and use it in my 997 Carrera 2 S.
Thanks for your comment Shaun, a really heart warming story. Thank you for sharing!
Should I buy a 2006 boxster with 180k. One owner well taken care of. All records
The 986 is a fantastic vehicle. I will never sell mine. It’s truly one of the greatest cars I’ve ever owned. (And I love my turbo-twist wheels)😉
Completely agree and won't blame you! To that end, the same gent that bought the car from me 9 years ago - still has it to this day in Scotland in the UK. Check the MOT sheets now and again and its still going really strong! (but not a turbo-twist wheel in sight....)
Just drove one today. Complete waste of time watching UA-cam videos, I watched them all. You'll never get it until you've driven one. What a car.
Even I completely agree with you here! 👍
Money can’t buy happiness i know but the amount of pure excitement i have to just drive to work or when i get off is unmatched and never gets old. I absolutely love my 986s and whenever i have the top down it’s impossible not to take the long way home
Completely agree dude! 👍
Nice video. I have a 2002 986S--my fourteenth Porsche in 40 years, a lineup that has included air cooled 911s, 944s, 987s, a 928, and I have to say the Boxster is near the top. Bought mine with 61k miles, and the previous owner had done the IMS bearing and clutch and had added a $5k Fabspeed exhaust system and tune. I've added Numeric cables and a Numeric shifter (highly recommended). The car is amazing, and compares favorably with my Cayman S in power. I just got back from a 4k mile road trip down the Pacific Coast from Seattle to LA and back, and I completely agree with your comments about the car being comfortable. I paid $15k for mine a year ago, and consider it to be one of the great automotive bargains. With the death of the ICE engine in our future, and all the turbos in the Porsche lineup, I think anything with a naturally aspirated six in it is going to become valuable in the next 10-15 years.
Thanks for your comment and that sounds like a fantastic Porsche journey! Sounds very similar to mine in may ways, and that trip from Seattle to LA sounds amazing. I was in Seattle on work a few years ago about this time of year, had a Camaro on hire and really enjoyed driving that around all over (was happy to get a bit of Skiing as well). You guys are really lucky with natural beauty in the US. Likewise agree, that having ICE cars will be a storey for the grandkids one day (with one still in the garage!)
exactly
I had the same feeling about Boxsters and even Porsches in general. I had no desire to own one. The whole Porsche zeitgeist rubbed me wrong. But I saw a low mileage Boxster in my mechanic's shop that the owner wasn't driving much and voila .... That night I did a lot of reading about them on the internet and watched a lot of videos. That was interesting. NO ONE who had ever driven one had anything bad to say about them. To a person, they loved the car. I bought it and have loved it every day since. They are at their low point in price right now. Just an amazing bargain. If you have any desire to ever buy a sports car, find a way to drive one. You will buy one. Do it before you can't afford it.
I own a 2003 S for 6 years and it is such a great and reliable vehicle, love it. Sits on the road like a rocket!
Thanks for your comment Jan - completely agree 👍
I have to agree! Unequivocally, my 2001 3.2-l, 6 speed Boxster S with sport exhaust makes my heart sing every time I drive it!
The symphony of Full Throttle exhaust howl accented by the gutteral low-RPM burbles and pops, never fail to give immense satisfaction and enjoyment, whether top is up or down---Sooo rewarding!
Kudos on the Great choice, and I join you in saying, my boxer s is the best car I've ever had!
Great minds! 👍
Bought a 1997 boxster in the summer last year just before I turned 17, I’ll finally be able to drive it in July when I turn 18. Very excited for the coming summer!
Get out there and make those memories Mike! Was so lucky to enjoy this car in my early 20's.
Really enjoyed the VLOG, explanation and honesty really came across which is really appreciated, a very likeable personality came through the VLOG……really enjoyed it
Thank you very much for watching and your kind words. Means a lot 🙂
I own a 2004 2.7 boxster and I love it . A brilliant drive. Great video keep them coming.
Thanks Andy, very much appreciate your kind words!
Ditto - I bought my 2004 2.7 2 years ago. Definitely a keeper. Porsche has so much heritage. I’ve not driven the S but can’t imagine needing that much extra bhp on UK roads.
Great video, thanks. I daily drive my 987.1 Boxster S and the only mod I’ve done is an under drive pulley for the alternator, got it from Pedro’s Garage USA. I found it improved acceleration and my independent Porsche only garage agrees, he dd’s a 987.2 Cayman S. I want to do the exhaust for the sound but here in California they aren’t legal so I’ll have to r&r with stock every 2 years. I agree these are the best all around sports cars for the money, I like and use the 2006 987.1’s 280 hp and drive with the top down almost every day, it’s a holiday every day!!!
Thanks for your comment David. Ah - good to hear from someone with a different view then mine on the 'underdrive pulley'! The 987 is another beautiful car (aging even better then the 986, if I might say) and a lovely car to have as a daily drive (especially in the place you call home).
I pick mine up next week. Can't wait!!
Enjoy!
I've been looking at getting a 2001 Boxster for a daily, thank you!
Glad it helped :)
£3,000-£5,000 it’s a steal! Especially compared with the market here in the US. I recently purchased a 2002 Boxster S w 68k miles for $12,850 in an auction app. For reference the 25 Boxsters from 97-04 sold in the app in the previous 24 months went from $8,000 to $22,000. Most falling between $10,000 to $16,000. Anyhow, great video and totally agree. The car is a gem! I own a 2012 MX5 Miata as well. Both fantastic, both convertible, but very diff characters. The Porsche has the edge. 👊😎✨
Thanks for your comment E, really interesting to hear more about what prices are doing in the US currently! Also agree regarding MX5 Miata, someone in my family has a 2019 model that's a bit of a gem too!
Great vid mate 🤙🏻 I was so drunk that night and when I fell back on that chair I really hurt my head lol 🤣 keep the vids coming mate 👍🏻
Great times mate as always! Remember getting to Oxford Circus and being like "is this central London?", trying to explorer, not really understanding how it worked and then just chickening out and going to Subway!
wow a really great video amazing how u can recall from so long ago
Glad you enjoyed it!
Just picked up a 89K mile Boxster S this week. Yours is very helpful video; your insights are in line with my own expectations for work I should plan to do for the car....the clutch particularly....a job for when the engine is out (IMS bearing etc). I have the Factory BBS 18 inch Sport Classic II alloy wheels which look great.
Thanks for your comment, really glad you liked the video. Enjoy the car! Lots of fun driving ahead!
Great video mate
Thanks dude! Some other videos on my channel comparing against S2000 and Lotus platforms too, which might be of interest.
I had 986 S and sold it three months ago and bought a 996.......the 986 S drives so much better and it was so much more fun
Give it some time, I suspect it might be a very different driving feel between the two. Which 996 did you buy?
@@AK88onCars yes its definitely a different driving experience. I went for a C2 manual. So far I've done a suspension refresh and changed all arms etc so it does feel alot better.....I just miss my Boxster S...I will work on the 996 and get it to where I want
@@galisggenuwin3443 nice! Keep going and give it a chance 🙂
I had a 996 and went to the 986. The 986 is the better car. No question.
I have a 997 coupe and a 986 S. While the 997 may be faster in a straight line, the 986 handles better, so I can drive it fast with more confidence, and is more fun. 986 S is an incredible car that was underrated for many years. Basically you give up a little engine displacement for much better handling and a better layout (two trunks, etc.). 986 is the driver's car.
That "main seal bearing" is actually called the intermediate shaft bearing. Just so ya know.
Thanks Alex - one of my subscriber similarly pointed out my error too :) thanks for the correction.
I just bought a 2004 Boxster S, 6 speed manual, midnight blue, light blue interior. I pick it up this Monday. I am beside myself with anticipation. :)
Hope you enjoy it, it will make an impression on you I’m sure! Make sure to have get the top down on your first drive (weather permitting!) 👍
@@AK88onCars I did, took the long way home with the top down.😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁
Thanks for the video
Thanks Blackjack Lover!
At 20+ years old the suspension on most of our 986s are very well worn... and that work can cost close to the value of the vehicle. They are "cheap" to buy but they are expensive to maintain. No two ways about it.
That’s fair. Think it’s helped that Porsche have now given the 986 “classic” status, helping on the cost to parts. The aftermarket sector is also helping (not helpful for purists mind you).
Brilliant... looking to buy one,so big help
Thanks for your comment Arthur - glad you found it useful :)
Enjoyed the vid, reminded me of why I loved mine so much. Worth clarifying what you called the main seal bearing - there’s actually 2 separate commons issues on these cars. RMS or rear main seal can leak, not a big deal or cost to fix but doesn’t involve a bearing. IMS is the intermediate shaft and has the bearing which terrifies everyone on forums. I agree chances of failure are low, particularly on a car with plenty of miles. Not a bad thing to have it replaced properly but some of the replacements have a service life anyway and removal of the old bearing can be tricky and put a lot of stress on other parts. Just drive it and enjoy in my opinion…
Thank you for correcting my (poor…) technical knowledge there (was kind of running on a 12+ year memory of the ‘issues’ too!) 😁
I drive a 2014 Boxster S now but I had a 2001 986S for 15 years. I agree with you totally; it's a great car!
Completely agree Jon! Not sure if you feel the same, but at the time (12 years ago) there was a lot of somewhat negative sentiment (typically, "its not a 911") on the Boxster and since then, its great to see the secret of how good the Boxster is as more publicly, been realised.
@@AK88onCars Anything more than a Boxster S and you're just showing off. 😎
Enjoyed your video. I would suggest a 987 S soft top 3.4 Naturally Aspirated 2008 Boxster S and beyond Roadster . 1st Mod was Air and breathing from a local Porsche specialist in the USA.,. I never mapped it. Agree the Exhaust could be improved. The car was bought in 2011 22000 and only had 27000 miles when I sold it 5 years later. The most reliable car I ever had BUT Porsche parts are crazy price. I had a warranty and my instrument binnacle had a few glitches and was $3000 or so !
Nice video =) In regards to pricing, I live in the US and purchased a 2002 S last year with 63,000 miles on it- $17,000. There were a few mods added but seems to be the average price if it’s in decent shape
Thanks for your comment! Interesting, a few others said something similar. Suspect mileage is now starting to drive a more significant premium
Great video. I've been thinking about doing some mods to my 986 Boxster S.
Thanks Chris, hope the video therefore provided food for thought! 🙂
Or you could just burn a pile of money. The outcome will be the same. Just enjoy your 986.
Thanks for the video. I'm buying my first Porsche this week and it is a 2002 Boxster. A deal I couldnt pass up for $10,900. Very well taken care of. I will have fun with it till I can move up to a 911.
My pleasure Jeff. Best of luck with your first Porsche purchase! You’ll have a great time with the car I’m sure.
Totally agree. I have been lucky enough to own most of the super cars in the 80’s and 90’s so I don’t impress easily but now in my 70’s I have owned several Boxsters and love them! My latest one has a sports exhaust which sounds superb unlike some of them. The car still retains its ‘Boxster bark’. Which some of the sports systems drown out. Mine was bought with no history and a cat N but it’s one of the best and quickest that I have owned!
Completely agree on "balance" of exhaust so as not to loose the Boxster Bark. Keep on enjoying!
I love my boxster does that exhaust drone at cruising speed very interesting video 👍
Thanks for watching and your comment! Appreciated 👍
Love my 2001 S and I use to hate them in the 90s. It sounds and feels like a supercar and cost me only 11000 euros with 65000 m on the clock..It has totally surprized me in its feel and sound..
Completely agree!
Brilliant video!!! Makes me so happy there are other addicts 🤣 bought mine last year in RAINFOREST GREEN 😍 I'm 46 and a kid again (mid life crisis maybe lol) Great decision on your new wheels btw. Only problem I'm having is it failed MOT on emissions so bought a TOYO exhaust system through a place in Birmingham, a poor product. Wish I'd known about Design 911 as they've been excellent!!! I wouldn't mind 'pimping my ride' the way you have in the future 😁 it sounds fantastic!!! Buzzing watching this video. THANK YOU It is the best return I've ever had spending a relatively small amount of money ✌ I'm in County Durham
Really glad you liked the video and you're enjoying the Boxster! 😁
Mid life crisis just means you can now afford what you wanted as a kid ....
@@boyracer3477 🤣 exactly. I'm now looking at doing the Silverstone Stunt Driving experience lol.
I have a 2000 S 6-speed ...it has a tune on it that the previous owner put on it I've driven a couple of other cars the same year same spec and the tune seems to make a pretty good difference in how the car hits at 4 k I also have a 996.2 Coupe and I love both cars equally.... I would never give up the 986. Both great cars and blessed to have them. Perfect combination of cars to have. I am definitely going to do an exhaust. Love to see the passion that people have for these cars.
Thanks for your comment dude. Everyone’s different and maybe one day I’ll give the S2000 another go (with some forced induction) for a different experience 👌 plus getting older! 😂
@@AK88onCars I'm 65 but I drive the snot out of my cars. I used to race Motocross dirt bikes surf jumping on my jet ski I refuse to go quietly into old age. Lucky to live in North Georgia which is a playground for sports cars
My friend - you are living the life we all hope to be at the same age. Keep it up 👍
I have the same car .. I feel like the seat take up too much room.. thinking if I put some race seats in and I can fit it in better
Great video I build these cars.
Thanks for watching!
Enjoyed your video. One of the most recent. I would suggest a 987 S soft top 3.4 Naturally Aspirated 2008 Boxster S and beyond Roadster .
1st Mod I made was Air and breathing from recommendations from a local Porsche specialist in the USA.,. I never mapped it. Agree the Exhaust could be improved but was too $$$ . The car was bought in 2011 22000 Miles and only had 27000 miles when I sold it 5 years later. The most reliable car I ever , had BUT Porsche parts are crazy prices. I had a second hand warranty and my instrument binnacle had a few glitches and was replaced free, $3000 or so ! Was worth it.
Its 90% of a 911 of the same year , half the price and proved by Porsche club of America runs, the 911s could not shake me off !
Its a great car, sorry I sold.
987 S2 version S is the one to buy !
Thanks for your kind comment. Agree with so much of what you said! Completely agree on the parts point, the rear brake shoes (used for the handbrake) broke a spring, I was dead certain I had mashed the gear box. Was relived when it was just these tiny springs (£80 the pair for these tiny things!). One of the nice thing my my current car (VX220 Turbo) is the engine was put in thousands of GM cars, so the worst case the engine goes, it’s very inexpensive to fix. But similar to you, I was sorry to sell it.
Did not know these Wheels were fitting in a 986, cool
They were replicas from Design911 so I suspect the sizing to the genuine ones may be different
I love my 97 Boxster. Fantastic ride! Recently the hand break does not engage (pull it up and it refuses to lock in that position). And of course without engaging the handbrake you cannot lower the roof. And the ignition key frequently gets stuck...after putting the key into the ignition it will not turn. Anybody have suggestions?
In a M96 engine I would not put on a lighten flywheel stick with the standard dual mass flywheel it will preserve the engines life, no need to remap, if you want to the car to breathe well go a 987 airbox (if you use the 987 maf tube then you will need to update the map with larger ID of the maf tube), defo do the exhaust system, I did the IPD thing expensive mod only better throttle response not more power. Looking at doing the numeric shifter and cables next
Thanks for your comment. So on the flywheel (interesting one) - I got scared off by Boxster.net members saying the same, but came to meet a bunch more owners that had been running the flywheel with a performance clutch for 40k miles with no problem. It’s also a bit of an weird fear, as only on boxsters does there seem to be this fear (current car has a lighter flywheel and paddle clutch)
driver I know liked the non-S better than the "S", ( they had owned both) I was surprised to hear that but maybe for the area they drove in, it just made more sense.
Suspect your bang on there Johnny, some personal preference and local driving conditions perhaps. They are geared quite long too which might put some off to I guess?
Just bought my 2000 Boxster manual with 76k miles on it for $10k. Debating on getting the IMS bearing done, but loving it so far.
Enjoy the car dude! IMS would just pause and address when clutch needs replacing/upgrading, nice to do stuff like that as part of wider "improvement" works.
If you got 76k in your engine, it’s prolly fine. But look on the internet for your model and see which IMS bearing you have, some are more beefy with 2 rows of bearings.
Owner of a 987.2 here. Curious to hear your comment on the clutch bite point being high on most Boxsters. I find the bite point in my car disconcertingly high, to the extent that I took the car back to the Porsche dealer and asked if it was normal. I was assured by the mechanic whho took it out for a test drive that there was nothing unusual about my clutch. Your favourable comment on the Sachs clutch kit piqued my interest. Exactly which kit was it and did it alter the bite point or feel of the clutch?
Howdy, so standard clutch I very much felt the same as you, felt like it only bit on the final inch. On the Sach clutch, it improvement the position a bit, but perhaps only another inch more (I.e so it still felt like it wasn’t biting until 75% released). The sach clutch was amazing though, felt like it engaged much more positively (replaced the slave cylinder too so that may have done it).
@@AK88onCars Appreciate your detailed feedback. I'll seriously consider getting a Sachs clutch when my current one needs replacement.
@@pervertt anytime dude 👍 all the best with your car
Nice video great car, I'm on my third Boxster. I would advise--both hands on the wheel unless you are in the actual act of shifting. Like, shifting right now...otherwise, both hands on the wheel. You don't have any leverage with one hand and bad things can unexpectedly happen. Otherwise, great stuff.
Thanks for taking the time to watch :)
The problem is we only see you and not the car !!
(In Austin Powers voice) Yeah I know baby! Very naughty…
Hello Mate can you tell me the price and where you got those wheels like you I like those wheels and they look just as good on a 986 as they do on a 987 thank you in advance
Here you go dude (from Design 911) www.design911.co.uk/fu/prod551/19--Style-331-Alloy-wheels-for-Porsche-Cars-Carrera-S/
im 19 and have had mine since 18, i would agree with the comfiness if i fit in it properly lol
Love that you got the car so early on! Enjoy it!
15:12 where can you find a decent 986 for 3-5K? I bought mine for 7.5K and it's in very good condition (122k miles, 2000, Base model, and it was a daily too so it had scratches on the body). I couldn't find a better deal for less than 7.5K. I found one for 6k but it had issues and if you go cheaper you find non-runners.
It’s a fair comment - think prices have rebounded (probably overdue) generally for the 986 in addition to what happened to secondhand car market / inflation in the UK. At the time of making, a buddy of mine sold a 2001 with 100k for £3.5k, although I think that was a steel. Think as you say, better to aim for the £7.5k - £10k margin currently. I bought this one 12 years ago for c.£12k I think, so prices are getting back to that level for a decent one (which is a good thing as we’ll keep some good examples on the future) 👍
I completely agree with everything you said, I had a 986 S and just as you say, it was the best car I ever had, UNTIL I got a 911 (997) which I still struggle to grasp how incredible it is. It is everything that the Boxster is, but probably 50% more in every respect. I honestly still can't believe how much better it is to be honest. I would urge anyone interested in buying a porsche to try a 911 if they have any chance of getting one. Obviously more expensive, but wow!
Thanks for your thoughts P Jay on both the Boxster and 911. Not yet got to a 911 personally (although always love the idea of a 997!) for the sole reason that I’ve currently (by circumstance mostly) move towards the more ‘track’ / ‘modify’ie’ cars end of the spectrum . But I will 100% be back in one at some point!
@@AK88onCars the mid engine cars probably are better on track, but the thing I love most of all about the 911 is that the rear engine gives a kind of enjoyment and involvement at sensible speeds on the road.
Something that more modern 911s seem to have tuned out for faster nurburgring times!! 🤔😭
NIce video! Tks! Where can I buy 986 parts in Europe? Any special ecommerce in Europe? I'm from Brazil and will spend some days in Italy.
Thanks Pedro. I've not had a 986 for a while, but this is where I bought stuff from: www.design911shop.com
What did you do to fit those 19 inch lobster claw wheels?
Nothing much - straight fit (but they were replica’s mind you)
Running 265/35 19 on back with 11mm spacers I’m going to try removing the spacers. The rims are 9.5 with a 46 offset in the back. Fronts are 325/35 on 8 inch with 57 offset running 5mm spacers. I hear a rub on some bad bumps. I’m going to try and remove the spacers all around
I keep trying to put the key in on the right side of the steering wheel. :) :)
I have a 1997 Boxster S... it's an under-rated monster.
Completely agree.
It got the "not a Porsche" trope just like the Dino got the "not a Ferrari" slam. Also, mention a Boxster to anyone who has never driven one and the first thing out of their mouth is "IMS Bearing". Well, we who have them know that the IMS Bearing thing is overblown and easy to remedy should you choose. And I think that Boxsters have gained respect over the years. But those tropes have kept the price down to ridiculous levels. Worked for me.
There was no S model in 97.
Definitely worth 9 or ten thousand dollars or more. Also the best car I’ve ever owned.
Always worth the money I'd say. Thanks for you're comment 👍
Nice colour combination I'm torn between the reliability of the 2.7 and the extra punch of the S. The car will be purely a weekend warrior I'm lucky to live in Devon too with some amazing roads. These cars are now creeping up in price and probably worth jumping on them before they sky rocket 🚀
Thanks for your comment Chris. It’s a very personal choice, but I think the S is worth it. Cars ‘feel’ slower over time as we get use to the power, but looking it another way, most S where better equipped (base spec + options). That being no said, suggest taking time to find the right one. As a second hand buying experience, the boxster was the worst/most difficult car to buy ever. So many cars that are questionable, but you’ll know when you find the right one. Best of luck.
I had a 986 base, then a 987.2 S, then went back to a 2004 Speed Yellow base. The engine sounds great, and it is faster than you think. Most people don't rev their base Boxsters high enough to get the most power. I would suggest a track day with a PCA instructor to see what a base model is capable of.
Then go for the 2.9 which I have, the best of both worlds! But 3 to 5 grand for a boxster S? Not so here in Belgium…
Wish that The 986s was closer in value in the US right now. People are asking 15-20k (US) for them right now and its far too much to stomach .
Thanks for your comment Treigh. I didn’t realise the increases where so universal in the US?
@@AK88onCars To be fair this is probably the worst time to buy a car right now. I also didn't mention that I loved the breakdown of your ownership experience.
@@unclewithasportscar Or the worst time to buy anything whereby inflation plays a downside. Thank you, that's very kind of you to say so! I really enjoyed putting the video together, it allowed me to go down 'memory lane' with old photos and videos.
I wish, man, I wish.... In Portugal they are still sold for more than 17K €... And our salaries are about 3/4 to 1/2 of those in the UK. People living in Countries were the car is on sale for 7-8K, and effort to gain X €/£/$ is less than here, I don't know why you chose not to own one of these jewels!
Ah dude - really sorry to hear that, but to be fair - for one you'd want to own you'll be paying c.£10k these days, although I know what you mean. On the plus side, you might actually get better weather to use it - convertibles are not much fun in the rain....
You may of just convinced me to part with my rsq3 to buy a 986 s hmmm
All these glowing comments help
The cause
Ha - thanks dude. Honestly and seriously, I sort of dare you to prove us wrong! 😂It’s annoying how much these cars get under your skin. But if your into a RSQ3, maybe think about the later models too. All the 6 cylinder boxsters will generate a similarly feeling. Spyder versions are rarer but extra special.
3-5k for a boxster S.... whew, I'm feeling like I got scammed. I paid 9k for my 2001 boxster with 87k miles and it's not even an S!
I mean, £3k - £5k will get you a Boxster S, although expect ‘moon mileage’ and bitty service history (plus some broken bits). I’m sure your Boxster Frederick is a great example 🙂
I got a good laugh that you would still make most of the mods when you know that you only gained 10HP. I've said many times that 0-60 in 5.6 and a top speed of 161mph is plenty for me. I've had some pretty exciting drives and I've never finished and thought "Whoa, I wish I could have gone faster". Unless you are tracking your car, modifying this car is only for dick measuring purposes. And I got a real laugh when you said that Porsche was virtually de-tuning the car so as not to outdo the 911. When this car was being designed, Porsche was very close to bankruptcy. They were praying daily that the Boxster was going to save the company. Do you think they would de-tune the car for any reason? Besides, their competition was Miatas, and Mercedes and Beamers not the 911. They did quickly increase the power of the 911 to separate them somewhat. But they never would have inhibited performance unless it was to save money which they needed to do ... again to save the company. But they balanced quality and build cost nicely and we got .... THE 986S !!! PS. If anyone is going to buy one, hold out for an S model. You'll thank me.
Ha thanks. I mean 10bhp or similar is very true for pretty much any N/A tuning, bar variable value timing engines. I’d still do it again mind you, the car drop much nicer and we flattered out the power curve. On the de-tuned bit, I mean - this is a very well known Porsche tactic with its line up. The cayman has been in theory been more capable then the 911 for a long time (forget anything else, the distribution). Those exhaust manifolds where hugely undersized on the 986, ditto plastic inlet manifolds. It’s still and amazing car, and I will go back to Porsche again one day in the future.
I have a 981 Spyder and the 3.8 IS detuned to 375 hp from the 911S 400 hp. Same engine. Softronics and FVD offer tuning to 414 hp which is a lot for NA but it is only 14 hp from ‘stock’.
3 to 5 grand? That's for scrap mate. In 2024 they go from 10 grand upwards, 2005 + .
I've seen 1999 plates go for just under 10k.
Totally fair comment 👍 - prices have increased significantly!
If it is, you need to upgrade bro.
Each to there own I guess. ‘Best’ is an even more subjective term, but ‘best’ her is a good all rounder, which the Boxster was/is in my view 🙂
You probably wouldn’t put 19s on a chassis designed to accept 18s max.
So they were 19”, ride quality felt the same as the stock wheels
It’s not that simple. Wheel diameter and offset affects the intended scrub radius, articulation, steering and wheel bearing tolerance. Porsche never offered 19s as an option on 987 having enlarged the wheel well and revised suspension geo to accomodate
@@brightenupcc I mean principle its about rolling radius, if the radius is the same you'll not really going to have any effect to systems like ABS, transaction control etc. You'll have a different offset on the wheels if their wider, but honestly this is just about doing good enough maths. In terms of wheel geometry beyond that, in most cases it nothing that a proper geo will not solve. The "wheel bearings" point is almost an urban legend, in that things like road conditions, mileage and driving style will much more greatly effect wear to bearings - especially when the hub to outside wheel measurement (with the correct adjusted offset) should be no different.
Doesn't mean much if you have only owned two cars
that one hand driving though...bad bad habit....
You’re right, but we might have an issue transmitting that message to 20 year old me 😂
@@AK88onCars no worries.
Nah It's too stable to be any fun. You need to drive something that's more challenging to get right. Live a little.
Which is sort of the reason for the cars owned since and currently, and completely get your point on "challenging". On balance, I've realised I probably prefer something more difficult than balanced (I have a future video planned on the first car that made me realise this enjoyable - Corsa B with a C20LET). That being said, I maintain whilst its a bit of a 'balance score card car', overall this is still actually the best car, by most reasonable metrics.
Shame you have the wrong wheels on it
Which wheels would you have chosen?
Anything from the 986 era. Those are for the 987.
That is because you don't own a 987.1 3.2S
Would have loved to own one 👍