987.2 Porsche Boxster | The Best Budget Mid Engine Porsche | CarCave
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 15 дек 2024
- Owning a Porsche is something a lot of people strive to do, but if you don't have boat loads of money, which one should you buy? The 911 is the most iconic, but Porsche also makes a mid-engine younger brother, and in this video I talk about why the 987.2 generation of that younger brother should be the next addition to your garage.
I bought the Cayman variant 987.2 with a 2.9 flat six engine with manual transmission, it is the sweet spot of the Porsche brand with performance, prestige, heritage and analog drive. Excellent ownership proposition as it allowed me to own a reliable Porsche without splashing out too much cash. I concur.
It’s a great car, and you are right, for the money, it’s nearly impossible to find something better
I bought 987.2 cayman with pdk great car.
Perfect choice and rarer than 987.1
@@khoimavlogs5161 Me too. Love it.
@@khoimavlogs5161 I've got a 2011 987.2 cayman s. seven years in, starting to think I really can't get rid of it, ever. nearly a perfect sports car and it didn't cost a fortune. I've driven it from 55k to 90k miles and it's been extremely reliable.
Well, I found a 987.2 2.9 2011-basemodel, macadamia brown and sandbeige interior, only 45k km on the counter. Coming from a 2004 BMW Z4 2.5i, which I adored (and still), I couldn’t believe a car could be steering this fantastic. I have mine in manual 6speed and I must say it is one great little sportscar. I love it, gonna keep it ride it as long as possible. Greetings from Belgium, Marc.
Congratulations Marc, you are going to love that car!
The Macadamia Brown is such an uncommon color, and with the sandbeige interior its such a cool spec!
I bought exactly the same spec boxster 987.2 2.9 2011-base model, macadamia brown and sand beige interior. Collecting it tomorrow. The colour is very rare, at least in the UK. On the test drive the suspension felt quite stiff for a non s car, it's on 19” Carrera S II’s.
@@fogg404I’m from Canada and just picked up a 987.2 exact same spics, same colours but with a PDK. Pick it up tomorrow. Love this review, have watched it several times, great job.
Great cinematography and awesome, clear narration. You deserve way more recognition.
That's' really kind of you to say mate, thanks! Glad you enjoy the videos!
I just nabbed a 1-owner base 987.2 Boxster with a 6-speed. 11,000 miles! Cannot believe my luck!
It’s joining a garage with a 981 Boxster Spyder, a CLK63 Black Series, a LC500, a Model 3 performance, and a yellow SSR. The fact I was still targeting a 987.2 should tell you everything about how great these are to drive.
You have quite the collection going there mate. The 981 Spyder is on my list for the future, thanks for watching!
The 987.2 certainly carries a premium over the 987.1, but I sleep easier at night ;) Greet video though - thank you!
Thanks mate! Just sitting here hoping that premium keeps going up lol
I have a 2010 base Boxster that I purchased in 2013 and which now has 136000 miles. I added a full exhaust from SOUL, Softronics ECU map, NUMERICS shifter and cables along the way. The car is brilliant, best I’ve ever owned. Very good video, right on point.
I have been looking at the SOUL exhaust system. Is yours valved? Did you have PSE or do you use the fab from SOUL?
@@carcaveofficial hi, I have competition headers (no cats) and two way valve exhaust system. I didn’t have PSE so I use the SOUL fan which is wired to the Porsche installed garage door opener switches. All very seamless and factory like. The Softronics ECU map bypasses the now missing CAT O2 sensors. System was installed in 2019 and I routinely get 18-19 mph mileage around town and over 30 mph on the highway.
Fab vs fan
That is a very tempting setup....the car sounds fine stock, but I want to open it up a bit and let it breath!
This is excellent analysis. i researched for months until finally found 2011 987.2 base 6 spd. now i know why 2009-2012 are so difficult to find. good job
Thanks mate. What you say is true, they are hard to find, and I think it’s only going to get harder. Especially with the petrol powered Boxster ending next year…
hey thanks . petrol ending next year? crazy. welcome to the new world. glad i'm old guy.
Wish I was older...
Thanks for a great video. I am beginning to realize just how great a deal I made when I found my 2010 Guards Red Boxster base model. It is a pleasure to drive with plenty of speed but not so much as to get myself in any real trouble. A great car.
That is a great way to sum it up, enough power to have fun, but not enough to get into trouble. What more do you need!
Whatever configuration you choose, 987.2 and 997.2 was a real sweet spot for Porsche.
Agreed!
I call one my own since 5 years. Second hand. BOXSTER 987.2 black, PSE, Turbo weels etc. Love my 987.2 so much.
Same here, such a great car!
I bought the 987.1 with the 3.4l and 6 speed manual. Had a PPI done to satisfy myself that I have no bore score issues and although its mileage is a pretty low 50k miles (80k km), I have booked it in for the upgraded IMS. This will set me back about $2000 AU but I will sleep better, and it will add resale value to my car.
The Boxster S is hands down the best bang for buck sports car money can buy (maybe I'm biased) but I've driven some nice machines, and this is like no other. A true driver's car. If you're in the market, there are loads of great examples out there. Don't let the doubters put you off. Yet to meet a hairdresser that owns one. Porsche Boxsters are affordable fun and I cannot wipe the smug grin off my face every time I climb in and start her up.
Agreed 100% and even if a hairdresser does have one, that hairdresser is enjoying the drive more than most!
Great video, just subbed. I’m currently saving for a 987.2 Cayman or Boxster 2.9L 6 speed manual. Can’t wait to own one, I absolutely fell in love with Porsche when I drove a 2005 Boxster S 6 speed manual for several months. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the way that car drove. It’s such a great platform
Thanks for the support mate! I know what you mean, for me the first Porsche I drove was a 981 Cayman GT4, and ever since that day I have been hooked!
Good luck on getting yours!
I've been looking for good reviews of the 987 online and yours is one of the better ones for sure. Would've been great to see more driving shots but I still really enjoyed it. Subscribed as a result. Keep up the good work and I hope your channel blows up!
Appreciate the feedback mate! When the temperature drops under the triple digits here in California, I will be sure to do some more driving shots!
Great video. Just looking to get my first Porsche boxster and this straightforward clear description is the best I’ve seen 👍
That is kind of you to say mate! Thanks for watching!
Great video with a clear explanation of why the 987.2 is an excellent choice for the driving enthusiast. After a year long search and model history research I bought a 10k mile 2011 BS with many performance options; 6 spd manual, PASM, LSD, PSE, heated sport seats, and more. My expectations for the car were very high. Initially I was slightly disappointed in the handling and acceleration. More research led me to purchase a DSC suspension module and Sprint throttle response control. These 2 plug in mods made the car more capable and more compliant. 3 years later this car is still my favorite. This is a very enjoyable car to drive. It is by far the one of the very best canyon and mountain road convertibles for the driving enthusiast at a reasonable entry point.
I agree 100%, for practical use, you really don't NEED more power, or more anything. More power doesn't necessarily translate into more enjoyment. The 987.2 is the perfect balance of everything you need in a sports car.
Thanks my man. I am renting a base 987.2 on Turo in LA this May and appreciated the targeted review!
Of course man! Enjoy that car, its a special one, thanks for watching!
Update: I picked myself up a 981 base last month for a very good deal based on market conditions. I test drove all the boxsters 986, 987.1, 987.2, & 981 and can say you can't go wrong with either model.
Great review
They are hard to find, it took me nearly 2 years before I finally found mine. But it’s worth the wait, if you are looking for one in the next 6 months, best to start looking now!
@@carcaveofficial Oh trust me. I've been checking every week haha
I know the struggle. I was obsessing. I even started making offers to people that weren't selling their cars, like Jeremy Clarkson in the Vietnam special...
If you haven't bought yet, don't right the.1 off. The issues are way overhyped, and you might be walking by an absolute bargain. Just get a PPI for peace of mind. My 17 year old S is faultless and feels factory fresh.
@@04stiger agreed, the sheer volume of 987.1 available for sale at the moment means low prices but this wont be the case for ever - I think that people will want classic porsches as weekend / second cars as an antidote to digital EVs.
Dude these shots are amazing
Thanks mate! Appreciate it!
Very direct, clear & concise. Loved it.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Man the best review for cayman so far. Kudos!
Thank you much mate! Glad you enjoyed it 🙏
that's a great review! One of the best I've seen in a while. Keep up the good work my man!
Much appreciated mate! Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed the content 🤙
Very polished review given it’s a small channel. Just bought a 987.2 PDK with 14k miles in mint condition after owning a 987.1, 997.1, 996.1 and am looking forward to the driving experience.
You will not be disappointed! It’s a brilliant car. Was it a Boxster or a Cayman?
Thanks for the kind words mate!
@@carcaveofficial Boxster ! Thanks !
Nice! Enjoy it mate, get as many miles on it as possible! Thanks for checking out the channel!
base engine Boxster 2.9, is only one that returns regular fuel injection and not DFI, so yet another long-term benefit for reliability
It is a great long term car!
Good stuff, expect for the 's' not being the one to go for! The main reason I didin't go 981 was electric steering, a big difference..
You said everything that I want to hear. Hoping to buy it in the near future.
Best of luck mate!
Hello. I’m from Canada (Québec), and I have the pleasure of owning a 2010 987.2 in basalt black. Beautiful car! It has just under 60,000km. It looks like and drives like a new car.
Very much enjoyed your video on your own 987.2. I also own an 2006 MX5 GT. That is also a very cheery car to drive. When in the Porsche, it’s like wearing a tuxedo whereas in the MX5, I feel like I’m in a pair of jeans loll. I’m debating on whether I should sell one or keep both. I love them both. Cheers!
Pierre
This is just my opinion, but I would not sell the 987.2. Porsche is moving further and further away from mid-engine NA flat-6 cars, and the more they push toward small turbo engines, or worse, electric, the more our cars will appreciate.
This is of course speculation, nobody knows, but cars like ours don't exist, and unfortunately cannot exist anymore. I would hold on to it.
I invite the rest of RUclips to pitch in their thoughts!
Thanks for your opinion. It helps me in my discernment. Take care
I just upgraded from a 2006 987.1 Base model to a 2010 987.2 S model. I did it to make keeping up with my mostly 911 drive group a little less of a struggle. That problem is mostly solved at the speeds we generally drive at. That being said, the 987.1 Base was just as much fun to drive when there was nothing to compare to. It is a hard working sportscar. But an extra 65 hp is awesome!
If I could go back and get the S....I probably would, but then again if I had the S, I would want to go back and get the Spyder, then go back and get the R, and before you know it, I have a CGT. It is a slippery slope...
These cars are incredible ..I did a track day with Porsche.A proper driver from Porsche drove my car on the track..I was like Mr Ford in Le Mans unbelievable….
I did 166,000 miles and then my IMs started make a noise…didn’t break, I never had a clutch which meant nobody looked at the IMs .It’s assumed you will need a clutch at 70,000.. Get it checked regardless ..
That was such a great scene lol!
the 06-08 had the larger non-replaceable IMS bearing(unless you completely rebuild the engine). This bearing has a very low failure rate
Good to know! Thanks for sharing mate!
987.2 Boxster/Cayman of any trim level is simply a fantastic car. Buy the best one you can afford, add miles, enjoy!
Very true!
Very solid trouble free car. I hope to buy another Porsche but will never sell my 987.2
I am in the same boat!
Excellent!!, confirmed my choice of a 2006 boxster s. Single owner, daily driver, well maintained back in 2019. Enjoying everything about it, especially with top down and cruising in Hawaii! Aloha
Ooooooooo, single owner from '06? That's amazing, what color?
@@carcaveofficial its artic silver, 100% stock, and all blac interior, and top! Yessssah!
Artic silver is such a nice color....thanks for sharing! (Keep it stock!)
Great informative video. I’m currently in the market for either a 981S or Chevrolet C7 convertible. Thx for sharing.
Those are some excellent choices. On the one have the C7 is faster, and probably cheaper to own, but the 981S is such a great driving car....A buddy of mine did buy a C7 corvette, and I can tell you after being in my Boxster, he admitted that the build quality of his corvette is not holding up well to the test of time, especially when compared to the Porsche. Just something to consider, it should come as no surprise that I would take the 981S all day!
Thank you for the feedback. Will definitely take this into consideration. DRS
Best of luck mate, can’t go wrong either way! (But get the Porsche!)
Great video, great info!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
987 is truly a great drivers car for under $30k. 987.2 is the way to go but it is so rare due to low sale volume during the financial crisis.
Indeed it is, took me 2 years to find mine!
Then buy a 987.1. Loads of great examples. Get A PPI done for peace of mind on the dreaded bore score.
Not a bad option either honestly.
Picked out a 2009 98/72 boxster what are the best Porsches I had I had three of them this outrageous and more especially what the IMs bearing problem being not involved anymore
They are brilliant cars, thanks for watching!
987.1 base from engine numbers starting 657 and 658 and S from engine numbers 677 and 678 have M97.20 and M97.21 engines respectively which have stronger IMS and other improvements - just bought a 2.7 with 106k miles and going strong. Buy one is my advice.
I think any Porsche can be a great car if you do your research and maintain it well.
Excellent video. I am debating 987.1 or .2 for the longest time. Still confused.
All up to your budget, if you can afford the .2, I would go for it, if you want to spend a little less, get the .1 but I would do you diligence on either one for sure
I own a 987.1 Jason. The bore score and IMS issues are very much overstated. You can get a PPI done to check cylinders for bore score if you're worried (I did) and have the IMS replaced for about $2k. It's a good upgrade and will increase your resale value.
Be a shame to not own one because of a couple of maybes. Because it's pretty hard to fault it. Pure driving nirvana, there's nothing better.
I had the Porsche Boxster 2005 and it ended up getting the rare IMS issue. It’s definitely blown out of proportion online but I was unfortunate to be part of that small percentage of victims to the IMS issue. But you know what? That car is amazing. Instead or shying away from the brand, I got the Porsche Cayman right afterwards. They’re amazing driver cars.
Thanks for sharing mate, good to know that little speedbump didn't cost you your passion for the brand!
The IMS failure is not the myth. I've experienced it and have met several other members in my PCA chapter who have as well.
I like the point that you made about the electronics on the newer models. My very first ever porsche experience was in a cayman gt4. And while driving through a parking lot the steering malfunctioned and went into a form of death wobble. Ripped the steering wheel out of my hands, and would have totaled the car if I were going faster. One could say I no longer trust electric steering.
That is terrifying, and a horrible first impression with Porsche...I don't think I have ever even heard of that...
Great video, very clear and nicely done, congrats!
Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed the content!
I'm shopping for this car versus the 987.1 due to the "bore score" issues that scare me more than the IMS issues.
You pay a bit more for the 987.2 for sure, but you also get a bit of a power bump. You really can’t go wrong…
Bore score issues are way overhyped. Have a PPI done and you'll be fine.
918 turbo is my favorite
I’m looking at a base that’s 21k with 47k miles and it’s manual, I think I need it
2009
Great vid man!
Thanks mate!
Please correct any misunderstanding: My understanding is that the 2.9 (base engine) is essentially a bored out 2.7, so while improved, also can suffer from the same issues, most notably bore scoring. Whereas, the 3.4 (S engine) is the newer DFI technology that lasted through the 981 generation, which is generally considered to have much fewer issues, although I assume cokes up like all DFI engines and need de-coking circa every 80k miles. My understanding is also that while the DFI engines are less problematic, they are not 100% immune to the likes of bore scoring. Anyway, I have also assumed this engine technology difference explains the disproportionate price difference between base and S models of the 987.2 gen.
You know, I am not 100% sure on that one.
@@carcaveofficial Thanks for your reply! Hopefully someone will know because I'm not 100% sure, either. I know the 2.9 remains port injection, so should sound better than the 3.4, and won't coke up like a DFI. It would be good to know what the upgrades were and how they relate to the issues of the 2.7. If the 2.9 really is significantly less prone to engine problems than the 987.1 engines then it's truly a bargain buy.
I hope it is...
The engine types seems to be different:
2.7 L M96.25 / M97.20 flat-6 (2005-2008)
2.9 L M96.26/MA1.20 flat-6 (2009-2012)
Source wikipedia
The 2.9 is not a bored out 2.7 engine. It is a completely new design (9A1 or MA1.20), intended to overcome reliability issues that plagued earlier M96 and M97 engines. The 2.9 is generally regarded as a very reliable engine by Porsche standards. Bore scoring in this engine is exceedingly rare, even less prevalent than what you would find in its 3.4 big brother with DFI. Where it exists, bore scoring would most likley be brought on by careless owners who ignored Porsche instructions not to rev the engine until it is properly warmed up. Not by poor oiling, which is a major contributor to scoring in earlier engines.
Great video, thank you!!
Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it!
I’d like you to expand on the 987.2 car in terms of pluses and minuses.
I’ll get something together!
I had a 996 911 Turbo. Great car until a distracted driver drove into my rear end full speed. Never could get it fixed right by the dealer's shop. So, I traded it in for an R8. I love it but now I'm looking for a track car. Cayman or Boxster. Street legal but something I can throw around a bit. The 996 turbo had no ims bearing issue. What is the best model for me in the $30K price range?
What year is your R8? Is it a manual or auto? I have been getting distracted often by the idea of getting an R8....
The Cayman is a more rigid setup, but honestly, you can't go wrong with either. You will get more power for your money in a Boxster than a Cayman. I would say a 987.1 Boxster S would easily fit in that price range, and just budget for $2k to replace the bearing, or get a 987.2 like mine with the 2.9L. Not sure if you can find a good example of an S for that money, but if your plan is to track it, maybe go for a higher mileage, but well maintained 987.2 S?
@@carcaveofficial R8 is auto stick. 2015 Carbon Spyder. Mythos Black. I love it! Thank you for the advice on Porsche. I could probably buy back my wrecked 2004 911 Turbo for $30K, but it was never fixed right. Nice car though
I love the rear cover on the R8 Spyder, the louvers on either side in that satin silver finish is modern art at its finest.
That is always an option, but for me, personally, I would steer clear of a wrecked Porsche. They just get so expensive, and will never really truly be the same after a wreck. Just my two cents.
@@carcaveofficial agreed. my R8 does not have the side blades. I never really liked them. Now when I see a C8 Vette with contrasting color on the side intake, same reaction. draws too much attention to the intake. Makes it look busy (C8 looks busy enough already)
The C8 looks so busy....for me, car design peaked with the 458 italia. It's elegant without being overdone.
I own a 2009 Boxster 'S' with PDK, and a 2004 Boxster 986 base manual. Don't overlook the 986, they are amazing cars.
986 is a great car!
Nice video, thank you.
If I may ask, you look quite tall; height and headroom/legroom ?
Thanks for watching!
I am 6'2". Headroom is comfortable, leg room is just fine. The only criticism is that sometimes my knee does hit the steering wheel when I release the clutch if I am being lazy about it. Otherwise, its totally fine
Totally agree 👍🥂
Thanks for watching mate!
Actually, the 987.2 Base isn’t a particularly slow car, especially since it’s not designed just to produce 0-60mph figures then give up. You stomp on the gas at 60 and the magic sounds happen and speed appears in an absolutely linear fashion. I didn’t like the base turbo 718 variant I drove: It reminded me, to some degree, of a Saab 900 Turbo with its lag then boost…but unlike the Saab, the 718s didn’t sound good…just 4 cyl sadness. But what’s still amazing in the 987.2B is your feeling of complete control and communicative feedback the car gives you in tight sweepers. You really have to abuse the turns before the rear steps out of line and then, yes, you don’t get that ‘ole FWD understeer but instead modest oversteer which you can quickly tame but ‘ya better be ready since the limits of this car with good summer rubber are astonishingly high. FUN FUN FUN. Note: There are some options you really want on this vehicle, including the upgraded Xenon headlights, 18” Wheels, Windscreen, Auto Temp Control, and the non-standard stereo (either SPP or Bose, tho the Bose will steal valuable interior storage space but delivers a decent sound system). The PDK will cause you no embarrassment either. The Cayman has better dynamics being a more rigid frame but the joys of open air motoring in the Boxster can’t be beat.
Agreed! Thanks for watching mate!
I wouldn’t say that you should “really want” the xenon lights, auto temp control and the Bose, which will not add to the driving experience. Going for high quality sound with the top down is a futile experience, particularly with the beautiful sound of the NA flat six enhancing the driving experience. I’d rate the sport exhaust as the best option. 😊 It can be retrofitted. I’d agree that the larger wheels from the S model are very desirable for both looks and performance. In any case, you just can’t go wrong if you find a well-maintained example with a good service history. Hugely enjoyable.
Agreed, it all comes down to what is important to the person buying the car. For me, I wanted an interesting color, a manual transmission, and anything but the base wheels. This car was pretty much perfect!
The Cayman R is the peach of the 987.2 generation.
The Cayman R is something very special, pretty hard to find though!
@@carcaveofficial very…and $$$. A 350ish HP supercharged 987.2 would be a really cool project!
350 HP would be plenty!
Peach yes but rare also
Base gang baby
Fo sho!
It wasn't 2009, the 997.2 already was released on August of 2008 and Porsche knew about issues of M96 since 1998/1999.
This guy is spitting on me
I’m ttthhhhhhawwwwrrrrryyyyy
Good video but rather biased. Rationalizing why it’s the best Boxster because it’s the one you bought. I have owned a 987.2 Boxster S and now have a 981 Boxster S. The 981 is better in just about every way.
Thanks for the feedback mate, glad you liked the video!
The 981 has electric steering and tends to have less road feel.
@@foxlake6750 Agreed , it’s lost the Porsche rear engine steering communication.
Love my 987.1 too
Alright till they break and then ££££££££££££££ !
Best stick with an Aygo then.
Any car is alright til they break. I'd rather fix my Porshe than throw my money down the gurgler fixing a Kia!
Actually this particular model 987.2 2.9 might be the most reliable Porsche Sportscar. I would bet you cant drive a relatively modern Porsche, have so mucht fun and not to worry much for less money. If you can not affort this one just go for an MX5/Miata - they are a ton of fun as well!
Mycket bra film
You can learn how viruses spread when someone talking XD
How many other mid-engined Porsches can you buy?
986, 987.1, 981, 982 (718). Boxster or Cayman. Also the S, the GTS, the Spyder, the GT4. Quite a lot of options actually.
@@carcaveofficial okay those are all the same cars what I meant. But yes, multiple variations of the same car
987.1 doesn’t have ims bearing issues, maybe do a bit more research 😂
987.1 had an ims bearing. I did my research.
Yeah, it does have IMS bearing issue. It's a larger bearing than the 986 and a lower failure rate, but still happens.
"The Best Budget Mid Engine Porsche..." Because there is a selection of Budget Mid Engine Porsches to choose from??
Yes...there are several generations, several trims to choose from and the prices vary quite a bit
No way base is worth it: base + wheels + exhaust and you spent the S money without having an S engine. Then comes a lifetime of regret.
Okay....but then you can say that getting a base S will get you the ugly wheels, so you need to opt in for the nicer wheels and you need the active exhaust, and you need xyz option, then you are up to the GTS. So you go for the GTS, and repeat this vicious cycle until you are in a 918 spyder with every option selected and all your internal organs mortgaged to afford it.
You couldn’t be more wrong. I have a loaded “base” that is beautiful, handles extremely well, comfortable, reliable, and versatile. And in the surrounding mountains around me, the “base” engine and 5 speed tranny are just perfect. All about the fun as another gear and a few more hp wouldn’t make any difference.
@@carcaveofficial Nah, an S engine car is a cool sports car even with ugly wheels. A base car is never cool enough. Same with BMW M vs not-M. I don't make the rules though, don't hate me, everyone who participates in forums, social media groups, and car meets knows how it is, toxicity and elitism is name of the game.