@@osama2135 I love it. Handles very well in the turns, perfect drivers car. Big head turner too. Not as quick as my old 335i but much more fun to drive.
Girls car?!? Ha, pass me a skirt, I'm all over it!! Most people who say roadsters (any of em) are girls cars are nearly all either children or bitter dads driving around in the family volvo or work van.
C Huzz couldn't say it better myself. all people who has been shouting negative stuff have been stupid/poor fucks in volvos, seriously, its only been volvos!
+Arturo Tomas not really, there's nothing wrong with a Volvo but, it's not something to dream about or to sit in proclaiming all roadsters girls cars! For example, my house is ok, it does the job but it ain't no villa on the Dalmatian Coast. My Mrs is ok but she.....hmm better not go there....
I have a Murci roadster and haven't got that that sense it is a girls car at all. I also bought a 2013 Boxster when they came out. Which to me was the perfect car in my opinion. Well balanced, comfortable and plenty of power that you can actually use... oh and I bought it because it just looked awesome.
I've watched dozens of RUclips videos over the last 20 years of owning a Boxster S and not a single reviewer can resist the urge to mention the "girls car" stigma. And yet in 20 years of owning one I've only ever gotten heaps of praise and admiration of my Boxster. Car guys all nod as soon as you mention it with the universal acceptance that it is one of the best sports cars ever produced. It would seem then that it is only RUclips reviewers that have a complex about it. The same can be said of Miata's. Among the car guy crowd only respect. I assure you that Boxster and Miata owners have no complex or fragile ego issues. Long live the roadsters!
Long live the Cayman and boxster, these ones are fantastic, I prefer them over the 911 Flame me but that is just the way it is, I find them more attractive and they are dynamically superior.
I just bought a 2015 base manual one for £27,000. I can't see them depreciating much more tbh especially with the new models and their crappy 4 cylinder engines. These older Caymans will be alot more sought after now.
@@travis8665 Is that why Porsche has decided to revert back to their 6 cylinder engines on some of the new models? Everyone hated the new turbo 4 cylinders because they sound garbage. How fast it goes 0-60 is irrelevant when it sounds like shit. If all anyone cared about was 0-60 you wouldn’t buy a Porsche in the first place. You’d buy a performance Audi/BMW/Mercedes It’s all about the sound/character of the engine + the drive of the car. The 6 cylinder Porsche engines sound absolutely amazing and different throughout the Rev range.
@@NewGeoEconomics Yes, because you can buy 986 for next to nothing, but it looks like Miyata. I would pay extra for 981, but I won't because I have one already. 981S a bonafide go-kart and I love it.
these newer boxsters just look beautiful. I might be in the minority but I'm starting to think the newer boxters and caymans look better than the 911s.
The 981 Boxster and Cayman are really stunning in my opinion, even in 2020 they look great. The 718 looks great too, the 981 was already pretty much perfect, so they have made minimal changes, and it still looks perfect.
For me Chris Harris is THE BEST car tester for quite a while. He does not just learn all car specs by heart, but he HAS THE HEART and brain to make you learn and feel the car, although you havent been sitting in it. So from that perspective he does the best job. Cant even find enough good words for it!
Im 20years old and bought me a boxster s from 2001 and i love it :) i dont care if someone says it is a car for women... Its an excellent car! You cant get anything better for 10000$
Yep...I traded mine for a 2016 Miata. Even with 15 years of updates on the Miata, the 2001 Boxster was still more fun to drive. Just make sure you get that IMS bearing upgraded to double row ceramic and you'll be good to go!
I went into a Porsche showroom and looked at the Boxster and 911 side by side and guess what.......The Boxster compares well. Size wise and the look from the back......it just seems more modern and I must admit I kind of preferred the shape .....i was surprised because I like a lot of people feel the 911 is the car you should buy. But this new design changes all that it really does !
A lot of people just buy the 911 to prove that they can, as a show of status. Just like buying a rolex watch...It doesn't necessarily keep time better than a less expensive watch but it shows that the owner can afford to blow 10,000$ on a watch lol
Couldn't agree more. Wife wanted an SL. I convinced her to go 981 Boxster S. Found a 2013 with 4k miles we just picked up. Drove it 6 hours home and fell in love with it. What an amazingly all around, well balanced, performing and quality car! Every time we drive it, I appreciate it more. The best part - some other chap paid $40k off of sticker, to drive it 4k miles and then hand it to us. I feel like I scored the best value, high quality sports car on the market.
I have never in my days of living seen a girl drive a boxster. I live in Washington state and whenever I see a booster its a guy driving it, the older ones and newer ones
Yeah...when I hear a fool call a Boxster a "poor man's" Porsche, I just tell them that "if an $80K car is a poor man's Porsche, then you must be doing a lot better financially than me."...which they're not!
Yes-Agreed. I was told by a young woman that I had a " a pretty car"-I took that as a total positive statement and best compliment to the car I've had.
I picked up way more chicks driving an 87 model 944 and my 92 Miata than with my 500hp 03 Zinc Yellow Convertible Mustang!! The shallow women loved the 03 because it looks new. Lol just thought I'd through that out there. Lol
Also the Aston is a touring car. I used to race my friend in auto cross in the mid 00s. I was in my 95 Z28 she was in a 6 speed 2007 Vantage. My time was better. She was no slouch either. She's usually #1 on go-karts.
High quality commentary, one of the best i've seen - Chris'll be around for a while - now could we please all work together to bring the manual gearbox back to the RS4
Happy to have just purchased a 2013 Boxster S after selling my 987.1 Cayman S. And while I loved my 987, the 981 series is on an entirely different level. Much more refined, more rigid chassis, just superior in every way compared to the 987 (except for maybe the new EA power steering, which is still good but not quite as good as the 987 hydraulic). There more powerful cars, there are faster cars. But I can’t imagine a better TOTAL driving experience than what the 981 delivers. It’s the best car I’ve ever driven, including many 911s.
I have owned Boxster S’ since the first generation, they are outstanding cars. Luckily I could afford any 911 they sell, but I love the Boxster’s handling, compact size and look, therefore I’ll just keep driving a Boxster till I’ll hold a DL.
It's a girls car 100% ,girls chicks, babes they love it and having thick wavy hair, decent looks, full set of teeth and 10 pounds over my weight in high school, weight of 150 pounds. With top down and the reality of were I live, 24 7, all year weather and beautiful rainbows and sunsets and most important, bikinis are getting smaller and more..... distracting to concentrate in Hawaii!!! Aloha ,
Chris delivered another eloquently executed automotive review. Love his style. To Porsche: I never cared for the Boxster, until this model (981). Well done! To Drive: Incredible content, keep it coming. Wishing you guys lots of success.
The comment about the useless Sports Chrono on the dash seemed to ignore that the Sports Chrono option also gives dynamic transmission mounts on the 981 series -- making it tighter when G-forces are up. It improves the handling somewhat. I also think the chronometer on the dash just looks cool. I loved Chris' comments about leaving the PASM in normal mode. That was good feedback to hear about how well the PASM was working, since it's active all the time, just to different levels of engagement.
I test drove the new Boxster S this past weekend. It's difficult to describe the PDK gearbox. In normal mode, it shifted into 7th gear at 35 mph (800 rpm). In sport mode, it keeps it at normal revs and downshifted more readily. In Sport Plus, it was downshifting into second for turns I would have taken in third. Overall, I would liken the PDK to a roller coaster: very fast and exciting, but devoid of user interaction. With a manual transmission, it would be near-perfect.
I have the 987.2 Boxster S with the same 3.4 DI engine, a LS differential, PASM, and sport exhaust with the last hydraulic steering rack. It is an absolute drivers dream with the 6 spd manual and the top down on a country road. This is what sport car driving is all about. The cars don't get any more compliant yet capable than this. And you can't get any more involved in the luxury sport driving experience than you can in a little Boxster S. I'm so glad I found mine. Thank you Porsche for making it.
@@TucsonDude 3 yrs and zero problems. This has been a lovely car. The 987.2 is both a comfortable and viseral driving experience. I made a couple of plug in electronic mods to boost the performance. A sprint throttle boost lets you select about 10 levels of throttle response. I use it at about 5 for a much quicker response than stock. And I swapped the suppension computer with a DSC active suspension control. This unit made a big improvement in the suspension response right out of the box without any PC tuning. The car became more compliant and more capable. I highly recommend this car with these 2 plug in upgrades. I may sell mine soon if interested. Too many cars. Cheers
@@scottyb6765 Hi Scotty...good information! I didn't know these cars were that modifiable like a Jeep or a Mustang. Right now, I'm negotiating for a local 2016 Boxster and hope to have it soon. Thanks again for the info and encouragement!
My mate owns a Porsche GT3 & calls mine a hairdressers car. 🤣🤣. He asked me when I was going to buy a “ proper Porsche “. Then I had to pick him up in my Boxster S. He was gob smacked at how well it drove & even went as far to say it was better through the corners & bends than his. Good enough for me. 👍👍👍
Oh joy! A proper, grown up, informative, interesting, intelligent, full length sports car review, by somebody who we all enjoy listening to!! Thank you Drive, thank you JT & most importantly thank you Chris for doing what we have all been waiting for since Top Gear went mental!! Oh & DRTV closed down!!
What I like about this review is that the presenter covers all points you want to know when watching a review with enough emotion in his voice to keep you listening, but equally important - no overly dramatic, arty, false-colour shots with composer music taken from some film's soundtrack. Yes, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Having owned and driven over my 25 year driving career a variety of different soft top roadsters/sports cars from spitfire to MX5, Alfa to Porsche in every single one, despite being married with kids my masculinity has at some point been questioned. Do I care? Nope I just love driving them...I suggest you do the same. Enjoy.
Hi Chris. I am dreaming to buy a 1996-1999 986 Boxster. In Portugal, with our high car taxes and our lower incomes, it is not as easy as in other Countries. Please, keep doing videos like this, so that all "real man" lose interest in buying it, keeping prices low or making them lower. That said, seen a lot of YT videos about Boxsters, but never saw such a drift as the one you show here on that beautiful road. Great fun :)
You know what, I used to worry about the Longevity of the Top Gear series. But with Chris Harris around, i think we are safe for many years to come. Keep up the awesome work Chris.
One of the best car reviews that I have ever ever ever seen :) So important and spot-on question - how much of a sports car do you really need?! Porsche made something unbelievable - have might just have excelled their more 'advanced' models with a youngster in their product line!
That is the best mirror suspension you can get with the mid engine to boot! What more can you ask for? The rear outer rear wheel tows in under the turns, gives you confidence and predictability, and trust worthy.......it makes good drivers great....
Good luck waiting! Last year 981 BS was about $40k in USA, nowadays it’s $50-55k. It’s the last naturally aspirated mid-engine daily driver Porsche which you can buy for 5-digit price:)
Owned a 2006 Boxster S, a 993 Turbo, a 993 4, a 968, driven possibly all Porsche cars since the 90s, am a free lance instructor at Porsche and a Radical SR3 race driver, heard that the Boxster is a lady's car too many times. People who say that cant drive it or never driven one. Mid engine, rear wheel drive marvel. Utter perfection
Chris -- you do realize, I hope, that you have perhaps the singularly best job in the world? They pay you to drive these lovely cars -- incredible! Keep up the great work; we are living vicariously through you...
Woah.... The advertisement for this video was an advertisement for DRIVE ... i only noticed this about halfway through because i was reading comments then all of a sudden heard JF and Alex's voice. Very cool guys. Good to see you have enough budget for advertisement.
I avoided reading or watching anything about this car because I was afraid I'd love it and have to have it. My fears are now my reality. Thanks Chris Harris. Thanks a lot.
Clarkson isn't really a car reviewer, more like an entertainment talk host with him behind the wheel of some random car and a script for him to sound like he knows about cars
The thing that differentiates Clarkson is his humour ...who cares that you have disected the operation of PASM or whatever .....If you were really going to buy this car you would look into its operation. This review is really for most people who will never buy one. Im not saying people can't afford them cos a second hand Boxster is cheap its just that most people won't take the plunge and buy a Porsche.
Cayman looks really weird. Like Chinese 911.. Like when you design Boxter.. and then you are forced to do also metal roof version. I never liked Boxter look.. but this new one is so musculus, it's not a hairdresser's car, it look like baby 918 spider and as mid engine it makes more sense than bad concept engineered to very good car that 911 in fact is.
This car is epic. I recently purchased a 2014 Boxster S in manual trans to replace my similar 2000 Boxster S. I always thought my old Boxster could not be improved upon but the 2014 is considerably better in every way. Had I not driven the 981 version I would have been still in love with the 2000 986 version. You couldn't go wrong with ANY Boxster S of any year, as long as it wasn't an automatic. I still have my first gen Miata MX-5 and it is epic in it's own way. Both are the best in their respective classes. Neither will break the bank. Gobbs of fun for pennies on the dollar. "Super Cars" these days are grotesquely over priced toys for millionaires. Anyone can have these cars. Miata's $2,500 and up. Boxster S's 10k and up. Recently I've been seeing early Boxster S's well under 10k USD.
If your manhood is decided based on the car you drive, you need take a good long look at yourself in the mirror. I would hoon the crap out of this car!
Was I the only one just listening to the sounds of the Porsche during the credits. I miss living by a windy road like that and just listening to all the sports cars in the area go through.
Spot on Chris. The Boxster finally has the looks to back up the sublime chassis. I think it's come down to the 991 911 being for poseurs and this 981 Boxster for the serious driving enthusiasts.
As a decidedly non-bike person, I have to say that you got me thinking about my own admittedly "wannabe" driving habits when in sport mode. You make an important point about sharing the roads. Thanks for speaking up. Maybe some pointless and tragic accidents can be averted. - Porsche 911 owner
Good episode! A lot of speed shooting and cornering shots, thats how it should look, much better than the last weeks. The car is just amazing... Thanks
You also hit the nail on the head when you wrote "you might not like the 599/Zonda no matter the cost." I think this is happening with the latest Cayman/Boxster. The unique characteristics of these cars compared to the others in the Porsche line up may be the reason for the migration of 911 owners, as well as what, by most accounts, is an absolutely fantastic chassis.
i really like this the look of this era boxster s . I've never owned or driven a porsche but these models in and around 20 - 30k ( pounds ) are dam apealing !!!
That's what makes a SUPERcar. What makes a SPORTS car is a car that feels like you're at one with it, and becomes more than simply A-B transport or a car that's filling out lap times on a track. It's why the Mazda MX-5 has worked for over 20 years, and why things like the GT 86/BR-Z and this Boxster are so critically acclaimed. They aren't going to win track days, they're not that quick. But they feel bloody fantastic to drive with a manual, and it instils character into them.
Very good review Good you talk about the flaws as well as the pluses It looks great The side shot at the start makes it kind of remind me of the old MR-S. Anyone else see that?
Great video, commentary, the requisite drift shots...you nailed it. Very happy to have you producing videos now for youtube. Great future in this business and you are one of the best. Cheers..
I recently ordered replacement aftermarket Rennline pedals for my 2005 boxster S. Heel/toe is almost impossible without braking super hard like in a race on a track. I had a 350Z before this car and the heal toe setup was excellent. It sounds like they still haven't fixed what I would call an inexcusable flaw in the pedal setup.
With the stock pedals I basically did reverse heel toe with my heel on the brake and toe blipping the throttle. That was ok until I drove at Road America. I'm hoping I can do traditional heel toe with the Rennline pedals I had installed after some adjustments.
Chris Harris is great on reporting on these vehicles I'm in the U.S> and these reports are effectively relevant to us here as with European specs along with driving/performance information
This was the first time I watched a review from this channel. I actually have to say that I loved it! It was very fun to watch besides being such a long video. Excellent!
Chris Harris in my opinion is the best car reviewer and motoring journalist around, love his reviews and this is no exception. Just to add to the previous debates the Boxster is by no means a ladies car, even though my wife owned a 986 s any time I had the opportunity I used to love driving it.
best automotive reviewer in my opinion. I have never cared for the boxster as a care I would potentially buy but I love this car and will be ordering one in GT silver with carrera red interior
it’s NOT and never has been a girls car… and the people that drive them know this. I am ex racing driver and 3 of my friends are both racing drivers and two are instructors… and we all drive caymans/boxsters - do we know why, yes, because quite simply bang for buck they are amazing and the chassis is the best Porsche make. It’s a PROPER DRIVERS car… Anyone that says otherwise, is a fool and has probably never driven one.
Again, another wonderfully amazing video from Chris / Drive. I just feel the background music on all his videos are getting in the way, could do without them. Other then that, marvelous!!
True true. Yeah I think I'm about to set aside a special little savings for it and when the time comes I'm going to either move in on one of these 2012 Boxsters or I'm going for something like a 2008 Cayman S. Thank you so much for your help it's definitely helped me map out what I want to do for the future! Hope you have a great week bud!
I remember watching this 8 years ago. Just bought a red 981 manual love it!
I’m lookin to buy one soon... how is it?
@@osama2135 I love it. Handles very well in the turns, perfect drivers car. Big head turner too. Not as quick as my old 335i but much more fun to drive.
@@osama2135 I also bought one 2 months ago, awesome car. The sound is a blast!
Had my Guards Red 981 S since June and ..wow.....what a car......roll,on the summer 2021 !
Im watching now and hope to have one soon.
The Boxster/Cayman is the sports car Porsche wants to build, the 911 is the sports car Porsche has to build!
Laszlo Szutor - well said!
IKR?
Best comment ever. 100% spot on.
no lol
I still quote this comment to this day.....brilliant ..still,true....look at the new GTS, Spyder and GT4
Girls car?!? Ha, pass me a skirt, I'm all over it!!
Most people who say roadsters (any of em) are girls cars are nearly all either children or bitter dads driving around in the family volvo or work van.
C Huzz couldn't say it better myself. all people who has been shouting negative stuff have been stupid/poor fucks in volvos, seriously, its only been volvos!
You're resorting to the same ad hominem tactic by, for some reason insulting Volvo. Lol
+Arturo Tomas not really, there's nothing wrong with a Volvo but, it's not something to dream about or to sit in proclaiming all roadsters girls cars! For example, my house is ok, it does the job but it ain't no villa on the Dalmatian Coast. My Mrs is ok but she.....hmm better not go there....
+C Huzz lol f...ing ace comment
I have a Murci roadster and haven't got that that sense it is a girls car at all. I also bought a 2013 Boxster when they came out. Which to me was the perfect car in my opinion. Well balanced, comfortable and plenty of power that you can actually use... oh and I bought it because it just looked awesome.
I've watched dozens of RUclips videos over the last 20 years of owning a Boxster S and not a single reviewer can resist the urge to mention the "girls car" stigma. And yet in 20 years of owning one I've only ever gotten heaps of praise and admiration of my Boxster. Car guys all nod as soon as you mention it with the universal acceptance that it is one of the best sports cars ever produced. It would seem then that it is only RUclips reviewers that have a complex about it. The same can be said of Miata's. Among the car guy crowd only respect. I assure you that Boxster and Miata owners have no complex or fragile ego issues. Long live the roadsters!
same as an Audi TT, I got loads of comments online but everyone in person loved it.
Right, I have owned many cars, (20) Porsches (5 GT3s, C2S, GT4, etc.. M-B, BMW, Ferrari. The boxster S is one of my favorite cars easily!
Long live the Cayman and boxster, these ones are fantastic,
I prefer them over the 911
Flame me but that is just the way it is,
I find them more attractive and they are dynamically superior.
I didn't like the way the 911 covetable looked. I wanted a 2 seater convertible. Mazda No, BMW no, Nissan no, Lotus no,Triumph No, All the others, No,
I love the boxster and currently get more shit over my 2003 Zinc Yellow 500hp Terminator Mustang than any Boxster!! lol
Just got myself a yellow 981S, my first Porsche and it's just a fantastic fantastic machine! So so so glad I went for this over a Z4M.
2020. Still waiting for the prices on these to go down!! Would love one of these
D Lee same
32k for a decent one.
I just bought a 2015 base manual one for £27,000. I can't see them depreciating much more tbh especially with the new models and their crappy 4 cylinder engines. These older Caymans will be alot more sought after now.
@@Jasonrm92 I don't think so. The crappy 4 cylinder goes faster than the 6 and not all of us care about the exhaust sound. a 2015 car is old now.
@@travis8665 Is that why Porsche has decided to revert back to their 6 cylinder engines on some of the new models? Everyone hated the new turbo 4 cylinders because they sound garbage. How fast it goes 0-60 is irrelevant when it sounds like shit.
If all anyone cared about was 0-60 you wouldn’t buy a Porsche in the first place. You’d buy a performance Audi/BMW/Mercedes It’s all about the sound/character of the engine + the drive of the car. The 6 cylinder Porsche engines sound absolutely amazing and different throughout the Rev range.
The 981 is the best Boxster $ can buy. I have a ‘14 BS and after several years of ownership it still makes me smile. The 718 is a step backwards.
I disagree. 986 is the best Boxster money can buy. 981 is the best looking Boxster.
@@NewGeoEconomics Yes, because you can buy 986 for next to nothing, but it looks like Miyata. I would pay extra for 981, but I won't because I have one already. 981S a bonafide go-kart and I love it.
these newer boxsters just look beautiful. I might be in the minority but I'm starting to think the newer boxters and caymans look better than the 911s.
You are in the minority.
Porsche has pulled a great trick on us, want the size and performance of an old 911 (better than almost all) 987 is the way to go!!
The 981 Boxster and Cayman are really stunning in my opinion, even in 2020 they look great. The 718 looks great too, the 981 was already pretty much perfect, so they have made minimal changes, and it still looks perfect.
@@maxxweber4336 You clearly don't own a Porsche
For me Chris Harris is THE BEST car tester for quite a while. He does not just learn all car specs by heart, but he HAS THE HEART and brain to make you learn and feel the car, although you havent been sitting in it. So from that perspective he does the best job. Cant even find enough good words for it!
Im 20years old and bought me a boxster s from 2001 and i love it :) i dont care if someone says it is a car for women... Its an excellent car! You cant get anything better for 10000$
Great buy! My 2005 BS is a car I want to drive forever, because my g/f IS a hairdresser...
Yep...I traded mine for a 2016 Miata. Even with 15 years of updates on the Miata, the 2001 Boxster was still more fun to drive. Just make sure you get that IMS bearing upgraded to double row ceramic and you'll be good to go!
Tucsonan Dude I actually just sold my 2015 ND Miata for a 987.2 Cayman. I am not sure what is better, the ND is a seriously good car.
Lucky (and very wise) you :)
I went into a Porsche showroom and looked at the Boxster and 911 side by side and guess what.......The Boxster compares well. Size wise and the look from the back......it just seems more modern and I must admit I kind of preferred the shape .....i was surprised because I like a lot of people feel the 911 is the car you should buy. But this new design changes all that it really does !
A lot of people just buy the 911 to prove that they can, as a show of status. Just like buying a rolex watch...It doesn't necessarily keep time better than a less expensive watch but it shows that the owner can afford to blow 10,000$ on a watch lol
Couldn't agree more. Wife wanted an SL. I convinced her to go 981 Boxster S. Found a 2013 with 4k miles we just picked up. Drove it 6 hours home and fell in love with it. What an amazingly all around, well balanced, performing and quality car! Every time we drive it, I appreciate it more. The best part - some other chap paid $40k off of sticker, to drive it 4k miles and then hand it to us. I feel like I scored the best value, high quality sports car on the market.
Brilliant review of the Boxter, Chris. I honestly can't think of a better (level headed) auto journalist than you.
I have never in my days of living seen a girl drive a boxster. I live in Washington state and whenever I see a booster its a guy driving it, the older ones and newer ones
agreed!!!!
That is america doesn't apply to europe , england or australia ,Men drive them but they get as much respect as an MX5 driver
Yeah...when I hear a fool call a Boxster a "poor man's" Porsche, I just tell them that "if an $80K car is a poor man's Porsche, then you must be doing a lot better financially than me."...which they're not!
Things are different in Europe dare I say.
It has to be put into the right context, it is compared to the 911 the queen of Porsche
This model(981) is by far the prettiest Porsche ever built.
996 gt1 (street version)
Yes-Agreed. I was told by a young woman that I had a " a pretty car"-I took that as a total positive statement and best compliment to the car I've had.
I picked up way more chicks driving an 87 model 944 and my 92 Miata than with my 500hp 03 Zinc Yellow Convertible Mustang!! The shallow women loved the 03 because it looks new. Lol just thought I'd through that out there. Lol
I forgot to say I'm with you!! The Boxster and Caymans are gorgeous this generation!!
Prettiest Boxster....But the 997.2 is even prettier....
I think the new Boxter looks really sharp. Plus it has an addictive Go Kart Feeling
The boxster S is 4 seconds quicker than an Aston Martin DBS around Nurburgring
Meh. Aston hasn't kept up with modern engineering enough. I'd be shocked if a 2019 Mustang GT was slower than an Aston Martin.
Also the Aston is a touring car. I used to race my friend in auto cross in the mid 00s. I was in my 95 Z28 she was in a 6 speed 2007 Vantage. My time was better. She was no slouch either. She's usually #1 on go-karts.
High quality commentary, one of the best i've seen - Chris'll be around for a while - now could we please all work together to bring the manual gearbox back to the RS4
This is a proper car review, informative with passion on all detail in such a short period. Well done Chris!
Happy to have just purchased a 2013 Boxster S after selling my 987.1 Cayman S. And while I loved my 987, the 981 series is on an entirely different level. Much more refined, more rigid chassis, just superior in every way compared to the 987 (except for maybe the new EA power steering, which is still good but not quite as good as the 987 hydraulic). There more powerful cars, there are faster cars. But I can’t imagine a better TOTAL driving experience than what the 981 delivers. It’s the best car I’ve ever driven, including many 911s.
"I almost prefer the boxster to the 911" -Chris Harris
Almost i believe makes all the difference
One can call the Porsche a girl car as often as they would like. However, they'll probably never own one.
They won’t own one because....it’s a girl car 😂
I do own one and it’s awesome !
I own one too. Beautiful car with top up or down. And who cares what guys call it-I don't think girls think of it as a girl car, anyway.
I have owned Boxster S’ since the first generation, they are outstanding cars. Luckily I could afford any 911 they sell, but I love the Boxster’s handling, compact size and look, therefore I’ll just keep driving a Boxster till I’ll hold a DL.
It's a girls car 100% ,girls chicks, babes they love it and having thick wavy hair, decent looks, full set of teeth and 10 pounds over my weight in high school, weight of 150 pounds. With top down and the reality of were I live, 24 7, all year weather and beautiful rainbows and sunsets and most important, bikinis are getting smaller and more..... distracting to concentrate in Hawaii!!! Aloha ,
Chris delivered another eloquently executed automotive review. Love his style.
To Porsche: I never cared for the Boxster, until this model (981). Well done!
To Drive: Incredible content, keep it coming. Wishing you guys lots of success.
Looks like a cutting edge design in 2022. Classic
Hopefully buying a 2015 version this weekend. It broke my neck the first time I saw one in 2013.
@@chaddavies8377 I’m on my second one for that very reason. You will love every second of owning it
The comment about the useless Sports Chrono on the dash seemed to ignore that the Sports Chrono option also gives dynamic transmission mounts on the 981 series -- making it tighter when G-forces are up. It improves the handling somewhat. I also think the chronometer on the dash just looks cool. I loved Chris' comments about leaving the PASM in normal mode. That was good feedback to hear about how well the PASM was working, since it's active all the time, just to different levels of engagement.
I think it looks great.
Is it true that the dynamic mounts can fail and are expensive to replace?
@@TucsonDude Yes and Yes. I didn't bother getting one with SC for that reason. Easier to add the button and have the Sports Plus part of the package.
I test drove the new Boxster S this past weekend. It's difficult to describe the PDK gearbox. In normal mode, it shifted into 7th gear at 35 mph (800 rpm). In sport mode, it keeps it at normal revs and downshifted more readily. In Sport Plus, it was downshifting into second for turns I would have taken in third. Overall, I would liken the PDK to a roller coaster: very fast and exciting, but devoid of user interaction. With a manual transmission, it would be near-perfect.
I have the 987.2 Boxster S with the same 3.4 DI engine, a LS differential, PASM, and sport exhaust with the last hydraulic steering rack. It is an absolute drivers dream with the 6 spd manual and the top down on a country road. This is what sport car driving is all about. The cars don't get any more compliant yet capable than this. And you can't get any more involved in the luxury sport driving experience than you can in a little Boxster S. I'm so glad I found mine. Thank you Porsche for making it.
Any problems with yours?
@@TucsonDude 3 yrs and zero problems. This has been a lovely car. The 987.2 is both a comfortable and viseral driving experience. I made a couple of plug in electronic mods to boost the performance. A sprint throttle boost lets you select about 10 levels of throttle response. I use it at about 5 for a much quicker response than stock. And I swapped the suppension computer with a DSC active suspension control. This unit made a big improvement in the suspension response right out of the box without any PC tuning. The car became more compliant and more capable. I highly recommend this car with these 2 plug in upgrades. I may sell mine soon if interested. Too many cars. Cheers
@@scottyb6765 Hi Scotty...good information! I didn't know these cars were that modifiable like a Jeep or a Mustang. Right now, I'm negotiating for a local 2016 Boxster and hope to have it soon. Thanks again for the info and encouragement!
I love a Boxster. They handle better than a 911.
My mate owns a Porsche GT3 & calls mine a hairdressers car. 🤣🤣. He asked me when I was going to buy a “ proper Porsche “. Then I had to pick him up in my Boxster S. He was gob smacked at how well it drove & even went as far to say it was better through the corners & bends than his. Good enough for me. 👍👍👍
Future classic. I don't care if it is slower. I'll take the flat 6 to the turbo 4 of the newer 718 Boxster
Yes, much much nicer. This comes from a 987 Cayman driver !!
There's the new 718 Spyder if you're bold enough, or the Cayman GT4, if you rather drive in the rain.
Oh joy! A proper, grown up, informative, interesting, intelligent, full length sports car review, by somebody who we all enjoy listening to!!
Thank you Drive, thank you JT & most importantly thank you Chris for doing what we have all been waiting for since Top Gear went mental!!
Oh & DRTV closed down!!
Been a long time (first generation) since I've heard the Boxster referred as a "girl's car" and it's usually from someone that doesn't own a Porsche.
What I like about this review is that the presenter covers all points you want to know when watching a review with enough emotion in his voice to keep you listening, but equally important - no overly dramatic, arty, false-colour shots with composer music taken from some film's soundtrack. Yes, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Having owned and driven over my 25 year driving career a variety of different soft top roadsters/sports cars from spitfire to MX5, Alfa to Porsche in every single one, despite being married with kids my masculinity has at some point been questioned. Do I care? Nope I just love driving them...I suggest you do the same. Enjoy.
totally agree with that last statement
Well said sir.
Hi Chris. I am dreaming to buy a 1996-1999 986 Boxster. In Portugal, with our high car taxes and our lower incomes, it is not as easy as in other Countries. Please, keep doing videos like this, so that all "real man" lose interest in buying it, keeping prices low or making them lower. That said, seen a lot of YT videos about Boxsters, but never saw such a drift as the one you show here on that beautiful road. Great fun :)
Chris your video always top notch
Saw one on the road yesterday, looks AMAZING. Much improved over the old design which was ok but this is just WAY better.
This is my favorite car! Thank you so much for this in depth review.
You know what, I used to worry about the Longevity of the Top Gear series. But with Chris Harris around, i think we are safe for many years to come. Keep up the awesome work Chris.
My rx8 had electric steering. It handled like a dream
I genuinely love these videos, Chris Harris is the greatest
The 981 is the finest generation of them all. Best sound, best look, best feel. Even new 718 4.0 cannot match it for engine sound.
One of the best car reviews that I have ever ever ever seen :) So important and spot-on question - how much of a sports car do you really need?! Porsche made something unbelievable - have might just have excelled their more 'advanced' models with a youngster in their product line!
I'm a man, I'd drive any of them.
Are you a man......Better check with Bugbumper up there and see if his sister can "smack you around" and then check again ......;-)
That is the best mirror suspension you can get with the mid engine to boot! What more can you ask for? The rear outer rear wheel tows in under the turns, gives you confidence and predictability, and trust worthy.......it makes good drivers great....
I hope to own a 981 Cayman or Boxster someday. Just need a couple more years of depreciation.
Nighthawk2112 How’s the depreciation going? In Australia Manual 981s or 987.2d have held there value well due to the new 4cyl boxster/cayman.
Yeah me too :/
A good 2013 Boxster full spec in Brasil is R$ 310.000,00
Good luck waiting! Last year 981 BS was about $40k in USA, nowadays it’s $50-55k. It’s the last naturally aspirated mid-engine daily driver Porsche which you can buy for 5-digit price:)
@@vldmr_sd yea this plan backfired a bit lol
I completely agree! That's why I downsized from 19 to 17 inch wheels, which was the original recommended size...And they look more apropriate too!
looks brilliant in red
Owned a 2006 Boxster S, a 993 Turbo, a 993 4, a 968, driven possibly all Porsche cars since the 90s, am a free lance instructor at Porsche and a Radical SR3 race driver, heard that the Boxster is a lady's car too many times. People who say that cant drive it or never driven one. Mid engine, rear wheel drive marvel. Utter perfection
2019 anyone?
Chris -- you do realize, I hope, that you have perhaps the singularly best job in the world? They pay you to drive these lovely cars -- incredible! Keep up the great work; we are living vicariously through you...
You just see the fun part. Believe it or not, he still has to work, write, scrounge and politic.
i drive an mr2 spider i dont give a fuck who calls it a girls car the people who say this cant even afford a car
Right on, mid-engine rules.
Right on, mid-engine rules.
Apparently Harris CAN afford this car...and it is a girls car, so is your MR2 Spider
Woah.... The advertisement for this video was an advertisement for DRIVE ... i only noticed this about halfway through because i was reading comments then all of a sudden heard JF and Alex's voice. Very cool guys. Good to see you have enough budget for advertisement.
I didn't used to like the Boxster much, but it's getting better looking
I avoided reading or watching anything about this car because I was afraid I'd love it and have to have it. My fears are now my reality. Thanks Chris Harris. Thanks a lot.
Best car reviewer ever! Sorry Clarkson
Clarkson isn't really a car reviewer, more like an entertainment talk host with him behind the wheel of some random car and a script for him to sound like he knows about cars
Clarkson has been reviewing cars long before top gear! He probably knows more about cars than anybody!
Top Gear is more of a family show these days.
The thing that differentiates Clarkson is his humour ...who cares that you have disected the operation of PASM or whatever .....If you were really going to buy this car you would look into its operation. This review is really for most people who will never buy one. Im not saying people can't afford them cos a second hand Boxster is cheap its just that most people won't take the plunge and buy a Porsche.
Jake Maletesta top gear is more of a non-existent show these days.
Lol I love the comment about the pedal box. Heel and toeing is an important factor that usually gets missed!!
Cayman looks really weird. Like Chinese 911.. Like when you design Boxter.. and then you are forced to do also metal roof version. I never liked Boxter look.. but this new one is so musculus, it's not a hairdresser's car, it look like baby 918 spider and as mid engine it makes more sense than bad concept engineered to very good car that 911 in fact is.
I totally agree with you, but the word is "muscular," lol.
Musculus sounds like a fish, or a disease, or a fish disease.
This car is epic. I recently purchased a 2014 Boxster S in manual trans to replace my similar 2000 Boxster S. I always thought my old Boxster could not be improved upon but the 2014 is considerably better in every way. Had I not driven the 981 version I would have been still in love with the 2000 986 version. You couldn't go wrong with ANY Boxster S of any year, as long as it wasn't an automatic. I still have my first gen Miata MX-5 and it is epic in it's own way. Both are the best in their respective classes. Neither will break the bank. Gobbs of fun for pennies on the dollar. "Super Cars" these days are grotesquely over priced toys for millionaires. Anyone can have these cars. Miata's $2,500 and up. Boxster S's 10k and up. Recently I've been seeing early Boxster S's well under 10k USD.
u drift like a boss
The way he controls the car is just amazing.
If your manhood is decided based on the car you drive, you need take a good long look at yourself in the mirror. I would hoon the crap out of this car!
Just listen to the crackles😍
I want people to know I have a large manhood, so I have a proper car: H2 Hummer. This Porsche is for ladies.
Perfect setup for a Boxster S v. 911 comparo. Maybe you can finally decide which is your favorite.
Another fantastic presentation by the great Mr Harris. Cheers 👍🍻
I LOVE metallic silver on Porsches, my dad has a Boxster S that color with a dark green interior. It's pretty fricking amazing
Was I the only one just listening to the sounds of the Porsche during the credits. I miss living by a windy road like that and just listening to all the sports cars in the area go through.
Spot on Chris. The Boxster finally has the looks to back up the sublime chassis. I think it's come down to the 991 911 being for poseurs and this 981 Boxster for the serious driving enthusiasts.
Chris Harris makes me love cars more and more. also he's the only reviews not prejudice at any car maker, all his reviews are objective.
Chris Harris, you are the best. And thank you very much for defending manual gearboxes!!!
As a decidedly non-bike person, I have to say that you got me thinking about my own admittedly "wannabe" driving habits when in sport mode. You make an important point about sharing the roads. Thanks for speaking up. Maybe some pointless and tragic accidents can be averted.
- Porsche 911 owner
Good episode! A lot of speed shooting and cornering shots, thats how it should look, much better than the last weeks. The car is just amazing... Thanks
You also hit the nail on the head when you wrote "you might not like the 599/Zonda no matter the cost." I think this is happening with the latest Cayman/Boxster. The unique characteristics of these cars compared to the others in the Porsche line up may be the reason for the migration of 911 owners, as well as what, by most accounts, is an absolutely fantastic chassis.
All of the Drive episodes keep getting better and better!
again chris harris kills it! one of the best reviews on a carive ever seen!
thanks for making one of, if not the best shows on youtube
i really like this the look of this era boxster s .
I've never owned or driven a porsche but these models in and around 20 - 30k ( pounds ) are dam apealing !!!
this is, literally, the BEST review on any car i have every watched. Chris Harris ftw!
That's what makes a SUPERcar.
What makes a SPORTS car is a car that feels like you're at one with it, and becomes more than simply A-B transport or a car that's filling out lap times on a track. It's why the Mazda MX-5 has worked for over 20 years, and why things like the GT 86/BR-Z and this Boxster are so critically acclaimed. They aren't going to win track days, they're not that quick. But they feel bloody fantastic to drive with a manual, and it instils character into them.
These reviews by Chris Harris are such a joy watching.
Very good review
Good you talk about the flaws as well as the pluses
It looks great
The side shot at the start makes it kind of remind me of the old MR-S.
Anyone else see that?
Great video, commentary, the requisite drift shots...you nailed it. Very happy to have you producing videos now for youtube. Great future in this business and you are one of the best. Cheers..
I recently ordered replacement aftermarket Rennline pedals for my 2005 boxster S. Heel/toe is almost impossible without braking super hard like in a race on a track. I had a 350Z before this car and the heal toe setup was excellent. It sounds like they still haven't fixed what I would call an inexcusable flaw in the pedal setup.
I heel/toe my 05 but use the left/right side of the ball of my foot. Much better
With the stock pedals I basically did reverse heel toe with my heel on the brake and toe blipping the throttle. That was ok until I drove at Road America. I'm hoping I can do traditional heel toe with the Rennline pedals I had installed after some adjustments.
This is the Boxster we all wanted to see.
Well done Porsche, as usual: the best in what they do.
Chris Harris is great on reporting on these vehicles I'm in the U.S> and these reports are effectively relevant to us here as with European specs along with driving/performance information
Love the front end especially the headlights. I will definately give it a look in a couple years when i can pick a low mileage used one up
This was the first time I watched a review from this channel. I actually have to say that I loved it! It was very fun to watch besides being such a long video. Excellent!
glad to see you back to normal Chris!
This looks fantastic. I cannot imagine how amazing the Cayman will be.
Chris Harris in my opinion is the best car reviewer and motoring journalist around, love his reviews and this is no exception.
Just to add to the previous debates the Boxster is by no means a ladies car, even though my wife owned a 986 s any time I had the opportunity I used to love driving it.
I love the length of the review, compared to watching a typical 4 minute briefing review. You really get more than just the outside layer of the car.
best automotive reviewer in my opinion. I have never cared for the boxster as a care I would potentially buy but I love this car and will be ordering one in GT silver with carrera red interior
it’s NOT and never has been a girls car… and the people that drive them know this. I am ex racing driver and 3 of my friends are both racing drivers and two are instructors… and we all drive caymans/boxsters - do we know why, yes, because quite simply bang for buck they are amazing and the chassis is the best Porsche make. It’s a PROPER DRIVERS car…
Anyone that says otherwise, is a fool and has probably never driven one.
Again, another wonderfully amazing video from Chris / Drive. I just feel the background music on all his videos are getting in the way, could do without them. Other then that, marvelous!!
Great review. I agree that Chris is one of the best automotive journalists today.
True true. Yeah I think I'm about to set aside a special little savings for it and when the time comes I'm going to either move in on one of these 2012 Boxsters or I'm going for something like a 2008 Cayman S. Thank you so much for your help it's definitely helped me map out what I want to do for the future! Hope you have a great week bud!
The 987.2 version is a high water mark for the Boxster. 2009-2012.
Great video. Subscribing
Car looks amazing. Simply put.
Best review yet from Chris on the drive channel
It looks so much better than the old Boxster, this new one i would actually like to own. Great review.