I started looking for a Porsche about a month ago. I've always wanted a 911 and kind of set my budget at about 50K give or take 5K. That would get me a nice 2005 - 2007 Carrera S with an aerokit. I already have three cars...an older BMW convertible, a X5 for work and a 2003 M5. The convertible is going to my nephew so I can make room for a new car...I don't think I'll ever get rid of the M5...I absolutely love the car and I've modded it exactly how I want it (well maybe need to add the supercharger next year). Never really considered a new car since I can't stand thinking about all of that depreciation on an asset.

Well I saw a couple of cars that I liked but they were sold by the time I got around to making plans to see them. They were mostly quite a distance and I would have to travel to see them...oh well...I'm not really in a hurry. I made my way to the dealership in Livermore to look at their selection of 911s...thought they weren't priced well but I spied a black 981. I had no idea what it was until I read the name on the back. I never really considered them previously since I didn't really like the looks of the previous generations...just looked too soft for a sports car. I remember the concept car back in the 90's and thought it was beautiful but the production styling left a lot to be desired. I thought the redesign was marvelous...everything looked amazing and the interior looked really upgraded and had a great look to it. Talked to the salesman about the car but told him that I'm not serious about buying anything until after February when my bonus comes in. He told me no problem but I should really test drive the car...right on!

Well needless to say I was extremely impressed with the car...it had PDK & SC but no PASM or sport exhaust...but I still had a great time driving the car, and my opinions were changed 180 about the Boxster.

So Fast forward to this Saturday where I'm going to the dealership to put money down for a custom order 981 Boxster with the following options:

Basalt Black with Black top
19" S wheels...will change to aftermarket after I get the car
Infotainment system
Leather Interior with two tone: Agate Grey with Amber Orange
Deletion of Model
Auto dimming and int rain sensor
PDK
PASM
SC
Light design
2 way Sports Seats
Sport Design Steering wheel
Aluminum brushed interior package

I didn't add the Sport exhaust because I'll just add a Tubi afterwards...I like a louder exhaust with plenty of pop.

As I said I went down to drive an S again to make sure and drop off the deposit. As I was looking around I saw a 2012 Cayman R in the Peridot green...wow I loved the color in person...definitely a perfect color for the car. Salesman asks if I want to take it for a drive...I of course wouldn't turn down the offer. This car had bucket seats, ceramic brakes and no A/C. I loved the bucket seats...I thought they were easy to get in...but I'm 5'8" and 185 with plenty of gym time...the salesman looked extremely uncomfortable...he was on the bigger side and really struggled to get even into the seat. But man driving the car was like sitting on a saddle of a beast...I thought the manual was perfect and the sounds from the car were intoxicating...it felt special to drive it. I drove the Boxster S afterwards...definitely a great car but a little bit more relaxed and of course more restrained/refined feeling...not sure because it didn't have a racing exhaust or because it had the PDK.

I told the salesman that if the cayman had A/C that I would seriously consider it....they only wanted $65K versus the $76K (3K off MSRP) for the Boxster. Not having A/C in the Central valley of CA is not an option for me. Gave him the deposit for the Boxster and was on my way.

Well I called him a few hours later to tell him to hold on...that I needed to think more about whether I want to find a Cayman R in Peridot with A/C. I felt bad, but hey this is my money. So with thinking more today, I'm more tilting toward the Boxster now...but that R was really special in a different way. I'm maybe 70/30.

I've attached some pics of the car with the interior I chose...I think it will look smashing.

 

I love the orange and the black combo, but hey look at my garage, I love orange.

That being said, my dad has a cayman R with a stick and we trade cars occasionally. So my comments from driving both:

1) either car makes a great daily driver, the Boxster a little more due to a more compliant ride! But the car is extremely competent on the track in a DE envorionment.
2) the manual vs PDK, if I could only have one car on a daily driver, I have really found I prefer the PDK as an overall package? Its so good on back roads and the track. Sme say less engaging. I agree, but don't feel like I am losing anything in the experience. I fact, I would argue my car is quite a bit quicker when driven in anger due to the shift speed and the ease of being right where I want in every gear. If you go PDK, def keep the sport steering wheel.
3) on no AC, wow, can't imagine that here, maybe in CA you can
4) as far as uniqueness/collectible, the Cayman R is for sure that and the Peridot, like orange, has to be seen to be appreciated
5) basalt black is a great color, but is VERY hard to keep mint IMO, something about the softness of Porsche metallic paint. Drove me nuts with my TT, but admittedly I am OCD on cleaning, but would get the straight black and out Xpel on it.
6) exhaust, the Tubi will be perfect, may get some cabin drone I hear. Will let you own in March when I order mine. Hve heard the PSE and it's not loud enough IMO.
7) comfort, my dads car has 2 way seats and are no issue on long hauls. However, full track seats would limit long trips IMO.

Either way you can't go wrong, but IMO from driving the exact cars you are considering back to back, I really think my Boxster is the better car, considering the blend of functionality, performance, styling and with the Boxster you can enjoy the open air.

If this car is for tracking only, I would go Cayman, otherwise Boxster I think will give you more overall driving enjoyment.

Either way, you can't go wrong, I would decide based on how you plan to use the car 80% of the time.

Good luck and congrats.

 

Great advice, exactly what I was looking for. Orange is my favorite color and I would have selected it for the exterior color if offered....but black with an orange interior is just as good. I like how they added the deviated stitching as well.

I'll have to think about the basalt black...it looked really great. This car will probably only get 3K miles a year since it will have to share driving time with the others...but I will probably agonize over every little chip.

A little bit of drone below 1500 rpms is not really a big deal to me in trade for aural ecstacy 99.5% of the time. My M5 with aftermarket is like that when the exhaust is still cold and I'm lazy about shifting down in a turn...doesn't really bother me. I listened to clips of PSE and I too think it isn't loud enough...i like much more shake and bake.

I'll keep the PDK, I think I just have to get used to shifting with paddles...feels much more digital and disconnected to me now...but I think it will just take more time for me to get used to it.

Thanks for your reply, and the advice your gave in other threads...very much appreciated.

 

Hey Koz, orange is actually the color that comes up on the configuration for the PTS custom paint option. Both solid and metallic. That being said, Joe West would still need to approve and I had heard they were not using Signal Orange as much, but you could ask, can't hurt if you really want orange. The PTS is another 5500 to the cost though.

 

Thanks for the heads up but I love the black with an orange interior. If no orange was offered than I would consider it...plus I want the car in April

 

Both cars sounded fabulous but whatever you do do not buy a car without A/C or you will have problem selling them later on.

 

yeah I didn't even really consider buying the one without A/C it is definitely a no go in central CA. I did however find two, one in Kentucky and the one in Texas with A/C/. But I called the dealership today and let them know to go ahead and put the Boxster on order....so it looks like about April I'll be rippin' around in it.

 

Sounds like a great build, but I have one question - why pay extra for the 19" S wheels if you are going to replace them with aftermarket wheels?

 

The 19" S wheels are the no cost base wheel....maybe you thought I was getting a base Boxster?

I really went back and forth about the PTV, but the price was starting to get a little high...over 80K so I decided if I really wanted a LSD I could always put one on later...I don't get the inside corner braking but I doubt I'll miss this anyway

 

I think you made the right decision going with the Box. The color combo you are looking at is unbelievable and you are getting a great performer in its own right. I understand your concern over the two choices - I like the Cayman R and I like it best in Peridiot Green, so that is a tough one. However, the 981 has taken things up a few notches and I would go with your decision all day long. Good luck waiting on it! It would kill me to have to wait! Congratulations.

 

Wow both cars are amazing. I would agree on the Black/Orange 981. That interior color is awesome. I love the styling of the Cayman, and I wish I had waited and gotten a 987 Cayman myself, but the new 981's are really nice. And definitely you should get a car with A/C out here.
Either way, congrats!

 

Both really nice cars, but you can't go wrong with the Boxster. I wouldn't even consider a car without A/C, unless it was strictly for track.

 

I love that orange interior!

 

Very nice build. Dont second guess yourself.

 

Oh no...my order was verified last weekend, now I'm just waiting now for the delivery. They say in mid April sometime. So now every time I go into the bay area I drop by and spend some time at the dealership looking at the Boxsters...waiting and waiting...

Took the M5 out last weekend for a nice curvy drive...and stopped by also. This is going to be a long three months