Porsche Owners Thread - If you own one or just like or hate them! :)

[Yaayuh!]

Well, this was fun, not.

100% you should run it like that for a bit

 

[MrRockliffe]

Any comments on this plan?

The risk is higher. Porsche parts cost a bomb, but find a good independent with fixed pricing and you’ll be gold.



The upside is that you’ll experience a sophistication to the drive an MX5, and a lot of sports cars, don’t achieve.



They’re delicious engines. I’d definitely go and try one out.

 

[bainbridge]

The risk is higher. Porsche parts cost a bomb, but find a good independent with fixed pricing and you’ll be gold.



The upside is that you’ll experience a sophistication to the drive an MX5, and a lot of sports cars, don’t achieve.



They’re delicious engines. I’d definitely go and try one out.

Thanks for replying. I heard that the Cayman has MacPherson struts rather than independent suspension, as in double wishbone/link arms. Is this correct?

 

[Janesy B]

Ok Porsche owners, please tell me what you think:

I've had an mx5 for seven years and it's a great little car, but I want something else.

I'm looking at getting Cayman 987.2, 2.9ltr. One with passive suspension, as mechanical as possible. Manual gearbox.

I think 15-20k should get me a nice one with full service history from a dealer/independent specialist.

I understand that the service schedule is every two years.

I do my own maintenance and repairs where I can.

The plan is to get one of these, keep up the service schedule at an independent specialist every two years, but every other year do an oil and filters change myself, and any other jobs I'm able to tackle.

This will enable me to keep an eye on the car regularly and build up my knowledge of working on it.

I'll keep it for a good 10 years, do about 6k miles per year, Including an annual trip to the Nordschleife and the odd track day over here.

I'll put aside about 2k per year for maintenance and repairs.

A couple of concerns are that the mx5 is just so easy to work on, parts are cheap, the mx5 community is massive and it's quite easy to prepare to take on a fairly complex job and do it on the driveway at home for a fraction of the cost a garage would charge.

These Porsches have the engine all hidden away in the middle, parts are expensive and there's not much of a DIY community that I can find online.

Any comments on this plan?

Not an owner but looked into them as a replacement for the MX-5 for a bit.

Sounds fine, as you say parts and servicing will be more but not outrageous. 987s seem to suffer a lot with corroded brake lines, otherwise it's mostly older car stuff to keep on top of.

 

[MrRockliffe]

Thanks for replying. I heard that the Cayman has MacPherson struts rather than independent suspension, as in double wishbone/link arms. Is this correct?

Couldn’t tell you for definite I’m afraid.

From memory though, I think it’s the 911 GT cars which people love for their double wishbone, which would indicate to me that, yes, it’s MacPherson struts.

 

[dlockers]

Still tearing my hair out at potential cars to purchase. Is something like this really daft?

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I've ruled out 997 as I end up going into £40k territory too quickly, defeating the initial point of this search (save some cost, have some fun).

These are like £300 to insure for the year including biz. mileage...

 

[tom_nieto]

Still tearing my hair out at potential cars to purchase. Is something like this really daft?

Auto Trader UK - New and Used Cars For Sale

Find your next car with Auto Trader UK, the official #1 site to buy and sell new and used cars. Over 400,000 cars online. Simple, easy, quick!

www.autotrader.co.uk

I've ruled out 997 as I end up going into £40k territory too quickly, defeating the initial point of this search (save some cost, have some fun).

These are like £300 to insure for the year including biz. mileage...

To me that looks like suspiciously good value if it’s got a decent history to back it up. Early 996’s, especially manual coupes seem increasingly desirable. You’d probably take a bit of a value hit if you’re putting miles on it - Porsches are mileage sensitive for resale. However, buying a car for such little outlay would mean you’re losing little in the grand scheme of things.

Servicing 996’s at a good independent isn’t as expensive as you might think.

That quoted car could be a brilliant way into the world of 911s. Just buy with your eyes open and expect the usual problems with a 25 year old car!

 

[aaronyuri]

Ok Porsche owners, please tell me what you think:

I've had an mx5 for seven years and it's a great little car, but I want something else.

I'm looking at getting Cayman 987.2, 2.9ltr. One with passive suspension, as mechanical as possible. Manual gearbox.

I think 15-20k should get me a nice one with full service history from a dealer/independent specialist.

I understand that the service schedule is every two years.

I do my own maintenance and repairs where I can.

The plan is to get one of these, keep up the service schedule at an independent specialist every two years, but every other year do an oil and filters change myself, and any other jobs I'm able to tackle.

This will enable me to keep an eye on the car regularly and build up my knowledge of working on it.

I'll keep it for a good 10 years, do about 6k miles per year, Including an annual trip to the Nordschleife and the odd track day over here.

I'll put aside about 2k per year for maintenance and repairs.

A couple of concerns are that the mx5 is just so easy to work on, parts are cheap, the mx5 community is massive and it's quite easy to prepare to take on a fairly complex job and do it on the driveway at home for a fraction of the cost a garage would charge.

These Porsches have the engine all hidden away in the middle, parts are expensive and there's not much of a DIY community that I can find online.

Any comments on this plan?

There is a micro DIY community on Cayman OC and I believe Pelican parts does have a lot of DIY tutorials. The car is not as overly complicated as many would have you believe.

I had a 987 CR for 7 years. It's an absolutely cracking good car. You won't regret it! I also upgraded from an NC MX-5 to the 987.

 

[aaronyuri]

Well, this was fun, not.

Managed to get the OE exhaust off.

One of the worse things I've had to do. The OE studs and nuts are made of cheese. 2 years and 6K miles and not one took a 12mm socket.

This is precisely why I have shied away from doing the OAP change on mine until I have a lot more free time. I know this is exactly what's going to happen!!

 

[bainbridge]

Couldn’t tell you for definite I’m afraid.

From memory though, I think it’s the 911 GT cars which people love for their double wishbone, which would indicate to me that, yes, it’s MacPherson struts.

You're right, it does have MacPherson struts all round. This initially surprised me, being a Porsche, but seeing as the Cayman needed to slot in below the flagship 911 it's understandable.

 

[bainbridge]

There is a micro DIY community on Cayman OC and I believe Pelican parts does have a lot of DIY tutorials. The car is not as overly complicated as many would have you believe.

I had a 987 CR for 7 years. It's an absolutely cracking good car. You won't regret it! I also upgraded from an NC MX-5 to the 987.

Thanks for this info, it's very useful, and it's great to hear that you enjoyed your ownership.

My mx5 is an NC model, it's a great little car but after seven years I fancy a change.

 

[EddScott]

100% you should run it like that for a bit

I had to move the car around a bit. Cold start was deafening went surprisingly quiet after though.

This is precisely why I have shied away from doing the OAP change on mine until I have a lot more free time. I know this is exactly what's going to happen!!

I had the flange glowing and had a post puller tool but even that wouldn't budge them. Just snap them off and drill/retap. Only thing is the cat pipe needs to come off which means undoing the nuts on the manifold which are also ruined.

Tried local-ish Porsche specialists, one didn't answer phone and other said he's too busy. Booked in with RPM next week to sort the exhaust and fit the Manthey suspension kit.

 

[aaronyuri]

I had to move the car around a bit. Cold start was deafening went surprisingly quiet after though.

I had the flange glowing and had a post puller tool but even that wouldn't budge them. Just snap them off and drill/retap. Only thing is the cat pipe needs to come off which means undoing the nuts on the manifold which are also ruined.

Tried local-ish Porsche specialists, one didn't answer phone and other said he's too busy. Booked in with RPM next week to sort the exhaust and fit the Manthey suspension kit.

I've always found all Porsche exhaust fixings to be made of cheese. The weather conditions here just ruin them. They need to take some lead from other manufacturers when it comes to these things. The old exhaust studs/bolts on 90s rotaries are better than Porsche's!

 

[MrRockliffe]

Test drove a 718 Boxster today. Base spec on 20 inch alloys, no extras.


Hard to admit this as a 6 cylinder fanatic, but it’s a better car in every way, including sound.


Let me explain.




The 6 cylinder absolutely sings north of 4500 RPM. Below that, it’s reasonable quiet and pretty much relies on the anti social exhaust popping and crackling.


So on the road, you don’t hear it much.



The 4 cylinder is very very gritty. It sounds more like an older race car trying to shake itself to bits, and so it gives this impression that it’s much sportier. Up top sound isn’t as musical as the flat 6, but it’s still a great noise.


It’s also not embarrassing to drive around on sport mode like mine is.



The low down torque is great, but it revs so freely. Some have said it feels a little asthmatic top end, but I certainly couldn’t feel that at legal speeds.




Everything else about the car is a clear and obvious step up. The steering in particular is delicious. Great turn in and it loads up nicely.




When these are available for similar money to an M2, there’s no competition. I understand it isn’t 6 cylinders, but comparing the car based on the fun factor, the 718 is a clear and obvious step above.

 

[aaronyuri]

Test drove a 718 Boxster today. Base spec on 20 inch alloys, no extras.


Hard to admit this as a 6 cylinder fanatic, but it’s a better car in every way, including sound.


Let me explain.




The 6 cylinder absolutely sings north of 4500 RPM. Below that, it’s reasonable quiet and pretty much relies on the anti social exhaust popping and crackling.


So on the road, you don’t hear it much.



The 4 cylinder is very very gritty. It sounds more like an older race car trying to shake itself to bits, and so it gives this impression that it’s much sportier. Up top sound isn’t as musical as the flat 6, but it’s still a great noise.


It’s also not embarrassing to drive around on sport mode like mine is.



The low down torque is great, but it revs so freely. Some have said it feels a little asthmatic top end, but I certainly couldn’t feel that at legal speeds.




Everything else about the car is a clear and obvious step up. The steering in particular is delicious. Great turn in and it loads up nicely.




When these are available for similar money to an M2, there’s no competition. I understand it isn’t 6 cylinders, but comparing the car based on the fun factor, the 718 is a clear and obvious step above.

The 718 with the 4L N/A is the way to go. You get its spectacular chassis and handling with an engine it deserves.

I have also driven the 4 cylinder 718 and it always felt like it was missing something. The theatrics that the 987 had just weren't there. That's how I ended up with a 987R over a 718S. Now I've got the 718 with the 4L, whilst it doesn't feel as raw, it does have a crazy amount of refinement and polish that the 987 needed to next level the driving experience, IMO.

 

[MrRockliffe]

The 718 with the 4L N/A is the way to go. You get its spectacular chassis and handling with an engine it deserves.

I have also driven the 4 cylinder 718 and it always felt like it was missing something. The theatrics that the 987 had just weren't there. That's how I ended up with a 987R over a 718S. Now I've got the 718 with the 4L, whilst it doesn't feel as raw, it does have a crazy amount of refinement and polish that the 987 needed to next level the driving experience, IMO.

My dad has a 718 GTS so I know the car well, and I don’t think it’s worth twice the price of a 718 base.


The 6 cylinder is great, but that’s all it has going for it. I also think it’s too quick for the UK roads. I never feel like I’m wringing its neck on a twisty road.

 

[aaronyuri]

My dad has a 718 GTS so I know the car well, and I don’t think it’s worth twice the price of a 718 base.


The 6 cylinder is great, but that’s all it has going for it. I also think it’s too quick for the UK roads. I never feel like I’m wringing its neck on a twisty road.

The 6 cylinder has everything else the 718 platform has, plus the 6 cylinder. It is the ultimate version of the 718 formula, in my opinion.

I have a GT4 so can't compare it to a 4.0 GTS, or is it a regular GTS? A car of that calibre is hard to utilise on the road, I agree, but why would you buy any car of this calibre and not track it? That's where the fun really starts to happen.

You would have a lot more fun driving a Hyundai i10 at 10/10 on the road than nursing a GT4, but put the i10 on a track and it's no fun at all - just disappointment. It depends on your usage and the 6 cylinder is the one for me. It doesn't sound like it is for you which is reasonable.

 

[MrRockliffe]

The 6 cylinder has everything else the 718 platform has, plus the 6 cylinder.

Sorry I meant all it has going for it over a standard 718


I’d never track my own car, and the majority of people who buy these don’t




Don’t get me wrong the 6 cylinder engine in the GTS and GT4 is amazing. It has a beautiful resonance at around 5K RPM. But you do have to be on it to get that sonic experience Porsche are known for, and with 400 BHP that’s really tricky to do on a 60 MPH road.

 

[aaronyuri]

Sorry I meant all it has going for it over a standard 718


I’d never track my own car, and the majority of people who buy these don’t




Don’t get me wrong the 6 cylinder engine in the GTS and GT4 is amazing. It has a beautiful resonance at around 5K RPM. But you do have to be on it to get that sonic experience Porsche are known for, and with 400 BHP that’s really tricky to do on a 60 MPH road.

Why not? That's where you can (as safely as possible) drive a car of these capabilities to its/your limits. Even a base 718 isn't really stretching its legs at 60. The public highway is not a track and it really shouldn't be driven like one.

If your idea of driving excitement is sitting in the mid rev range, meandering through corners on the public highway, then we are never going to agree. If your idea of fun is driving to 9/10 on the public highway, then we still aren't going to agree. That's fine with me.

Judging by your comment, you would be rather surprised how many Porsches you see at a track day. The idea of a GTS 4.0/GT4 is that they are highly capable track cars that are road legal, even ones you can drive everyday. No fussing around with trailers or something to tow it with. Get in the car, drive to the track, have a blast, drive back. That said, you could do that with a base 718 and still have a great time. You may find that out in the future, and I hope you do.

 

[MrRockliffe]

Why not?

I don’t want the associated costs and increased risk of component failure due to increased wear.

If your idea of driving excitement is sitting in the mid rev range, meandering through corners on the public highway, then we are never going to agree. If your idea of fun is driving to 9/10 on the public highway, then we still aren't going to agree. That's fine with me.

Fun on the public highway comes from enjoyment while putting the safety of others first.


You can drive rapidly without driving excessively quick.


There are plenty of roads near me I can do this on, but on a 718 GTS, you don’t get to experience the joy of the engine as much as a base 718, hence my above post.


Equally, my 981 S is most alive at the top end of the rev range in 2nd gear, which you can seldom do.



Base car has a “grab it by the scruff of the neck” attitude which I loved.

Judging by your comment, you would be rather surprised how many Porsches you see at a track day

I wouldn’t be as I know a lot of people who track theirs, but irrespective of how many there are, it isn’t going to be anywhere near equal to the number of people buying new ones.