Boxster/Cayman 981s or 987.2 next step, Life after Z

[GranTurismoEra]

Been looking at these lately. Whilst at uni the Cayman 987 was very popular back in 2010/2011. Somewhat common in my area. 10 years later the 981 seems to have been steady above 30k. Boxster being slightly different in prices. These are 12 to 16 plates..

 

Im hearing the 718 isnt quite the same but more refined and modern. I have a feeling the 981 will become more valuable than the 718. Cayman 981 kept steady pricing for the last few years

 

Also on enquiring about warranty from Nissan on the Nismo they wanted a cool 700 plus pounds for 12 months warranty while porsche charge around 1300 pounds for 24 months. In terms of running costs are both cars similar? As Servicing Nissan costs around £400 to £500 per annum. Depending on what needs doing more reasonable service costs can be found at Porsche or at Indies. Wheels are 19s and 20s mainly.

 

Driving dynamics they say Porsche is superior.  The steering rack is hydraulic on the Nissan but balance is probably better on Cayman with Boxster being heavier due to the roof?! Also adaptive suspension doesnt bother me but most come with it. 

Edited April 8, 2023 by GranTurismoEra

[docwra]

On 25/02/2023 at 09:24, GranTurismoEra said:

Driving dynamics they say Porsche is superior.  The steering rack is hydraulic on the Nissan but balance is probably better on Cayman with Boxster being heavier due to the roof?! Also adaptive suspension doesnt bother me but most come with it. 

 

Not really a comparison, IMO the 981 is one of the best road cars ever built. The 6 cylinder cars and GT4s dont seem to depreciate either ..........

[davey_83]

Very decent insight this

 

 

 

[ShortPaul]

Not much difference in running costs comparing with a nismo 

[The Bounty Bar Kid]

So for the price I paid for my 2013 981s, I could have got a 2018 718s. The 981 is the last of the Cayman/Boxster boxer engines unless you go to the 4.0 718gts or GT4.

 

With regards to servicing costs, service is once every 2 years and from an independent not too bad. I'd say similar to 350z but only half the time.

 

You can get an android auto/apple gayplay upgrade. I'd recommend going for the nvmautomotive one. Not the joyride or cheap Chinese ones.

 

@Stutopiaand I are both 981 owners and I'm sure he'd be happy to chip in on advice. Although I've only had for since September.

 

If you fancy a 981GTS, he's selling his.

[GranTurismoEra]

19 hours ago, davey_83 said:

Very decent insight this

 

 

 

 

Hes only gone and factored in his finance. Also 1300 pound warranty vs £10k PDK is worth it in my opinion. Its still a mechanical thing that could go bang. My history of Germans tells me its silly to buy out of warranty.

 

Running costs seem similar all things considered bar a few items that could sting out of warranty.

[GranTurismoEra]

12 hours ago, The Bounty Bar Kid said:

So for the price I paid for my 2013 981s, I could have got a 2018 718s. The 981 is the last of the Cayman/Boxster boxer engines unless you go to the 4.0 718gts or GT4.

 

With regards to servicing costs, service is once every 2 years and from an independent not too bad. I'd say similar to 350z but only half the time.

 

You can get an android auto/apple gayplay upgrade. I'd recommend going for the nvmautomotive one. Not the joyride or cheap Chinese ones.

 

@Stutopiaand I are both 981 owners and I'm sure he'd be happy to chip in on advice. Although I've only had for since September.

 

If you fancy a 981GTS, he's selling his.

 

When the time comes (still early days) id be looking at a similar Cayman S or Boxster S to yours minus a few options. I couldn't afford a GTS realistically. Although the options in them are near complete. Maybe when im running the show at work 😂. 

 

Id be happy with a PSE, Sport Plus and Sports steering wheel etc. Not fussed about Suspension modes. Whats the advantage of PASM? 

 

Sport Chrono I prefer to press buttons in the center console. Makes passengers think this guy means business 😂. Ill have a look at your thread again!

Edited February 28, 2023 by GranTurismoEra

[Stutopia]

Serving costs are broadly comparable. You can elect to do extra things like PDK fluid that are “lifetime”, if you wish. Attached a copy of my latest one, there’s nothing secret here, the menu prices are on this specialist's website.

 

 

As for other bits and pieces, I replaced the exhaust due to the valves seizing. That was £1500, which is for a genuine Porsche part, not dissimilar to prices for an aftermarket option on a Z, but I imagine it’s more than a genuine Nissan unit would be. Also, I recently had a rear damper fail, that was £600 per axle to fix, so not exactly cheap (for Bilstein OEM replacement). Some places wanted £800 an axle. These are parts prices, not including labour.  

Tyres are tyres, on any sports coupe with a decent sized set of wheels.

 

Mine returns 40mpg+ on long runs, but even when I drive enthusiastically or around town it doesn’t drop below 20.

 

VED was £330 last year, not sure what it is on a 370.

 

I did test drive a 370 a few years ago, enjoyed it, but didn’t buy it. It felt heavier and less nimble in every way, more GT than out and out sports car. The engine is different, more keen to be rev’d in the Cayman, rather less agricultural than the Z. Actually “agricultural” is unfair on the Z, but you get the idea of smoothness and quicker to spin up.

 

The Cayman with the sport chassis option or PASM rides very nicely indeed, it never crashes or feels unsettled. Inside the Z doesn’t really compare to the Cayman GTS interior quality of materials, but it’s not in the same price bracket, so that is to be expected and I’ve not been inside a 981 S without all the alcantara etc. Simple things like the switches and buttons and door handles are just finer.

 

The PDK is a subjective thing, I can’t imagine any auto box that is better than it, but for someone who wants manual involvement, I totally understand how that transcends all of the technical superiority of the PDK versus rowing the gears yourself. The way you can shift up and down, particularly mid corner or heavy braking, without any jolts in the drivetrain is astonishing. People will say you can do that with heel and toe, but not with such precision and on every single shift.

 

I think a test drive in both will tell you very quickly which you prefer, they are quite different and each have appealing qualities - what you want out of a journey should easily determine which way you go.

[ShortPaul]

9 hours ago, Stutopia said:

Serving costs are broadly comparable. You can elect to do extra things like PDK fluid that are “lifetime”, if you wish. Attached a copy of my latest one, there’s nothing secret here, the menu prices are on this specialist's website.

 

 

As for other bits and pieces, I replaced the exhaust due to the valves seizing. That was £1500, which is for a genuine Porsche part, not dissimilar to prices for an aftermarket option on a Z, but I imagine it’s more than a genuine Nissan unit would be. Also, I recently had a rear damper fail, that was £600 per axle to fix, so not exactly cheap (for Bilstein OEM replacement). Some places wanted £800 an axle. These are parts prices, not including labour.  

Tyres are tyres, on any sports coupe with a decent sized set of wheels.

 

Mine returns 40mpg+ on long runs, but even when I drive enthusiastically or around town it doesn’t drop below 20.

 

VED was £330 last year, not sure what it is on a 370.

 

I did test drive a 370 a few years ago, enjoyed it, but didn’t buy it. It felt heavier and less nimble in every way, more GT than out and out sports car. The engine is different, more keen to be rev’d in the Cayman, rather less agricultural than the Z. Actually “agricultural” is unfair on the Z, but you get the idea of smoothness and quicker to spin up.

 

The Cayman with the sport chassis option or PASM rides very nicely indeed, it never crashes or feels unsettled. Inside the Z doesn’t really compare to the Cayman GTS interior quality of materials, but it’s not in the same price bracket, so that is to be expected and I’ve not been inside a 981 S without all the alcantara etc. Simple things like the switches and buttons and door handles are just finer.

 

The PDK is a subjective thing, I can’t imagine any auto box that is better than it, but for someone who wants manual involvement, I totally understand how that transcends all of the technical superiority of the PDK versus rowing the gears yourself. The way you can shift up and down, particularly mid corner or heavy braking, without any jolts in the drivetrain is astonishing. People will say you can do that with heel and toe, but not with such precision and on every single shift.

 

I think a test drive in both will tell you very quickly which you prefer, they are quite different and each have appealing qualities - what you want out of a journey should easily determine which way you go.

Road tax on my nismo is £155

[davey_83]

10 hours ago, Stutopia said:

As for other bits and pieces, I replaced the exhaust due to the valves seizing. That was £1500, which is for a genuine Porsche part, not dissimilar to prices for an aftermarket option on a Z, but I imagine it’s more than a genuine Nissan unit would be. Also, I recently had a rear damper fail, that was £600 per axle to fix, so not exactly cheap (for Bilstein OEM replacement). Some places wanted £800 an axle. These are parts prices, not including labour.  

 

Definitely sounds like a car whereby an aftermarket warranty is needed, however I doubt they'd cover those particular items being classed as wear & tear. @GranTurismoEra want the badge (synonymous with poise & refinement) need to spend the £££

 

Followed a Cayman the other day and while lovely, below a GT4 I wouldn't say they're a manly looking car in my honest opinion.

 

[ilogikal1]

As we all know appearance trumps performance, and isn’t subjective at all.

[Stutopia]

2 hours ago, ShortPaul said:

Road tax on my nismo is £155

 

Wow, that's a bargain.

[Stutopia]

1 hour ago, davey_83 said:

 

Definitely sounds like a car whereby an aftermarket warranty is needed, however I doubt they'd cover those particular items being classed as wear & tear. @GranTurismoEra want the badge (synonymous with poise & refinement) need to spend the £££

 

Followed a Cayman the other day and while lovely, below a GT4 I wouldn't say they're a manly looking car in my honest opinion.

 

 

 

I think a solid warranty is good idea, but I agree, most would wriggle out of these items as W&T. The only one I'd go for is the Porsche one and they expect remedial work to be carried out, via them, to the tune of many pennies before they will then warranty it and the annual fees are not exactly cheap. The big risk is the PDK, as I think it's considered a sealed unit, but there are Indies out there who are starting to work on them (if the internet is to be believed). After two years, I am up on the deal by having not bought a Porsche warranty and paid Porsche to do the work they believed to be needed (a tiny weep on AC pipes is a an example of how picky they can be), doubly so if you the exhaust/dampers were chalked up as W&T.

[davey_83]

You've played it well then infact being self insured effectively. Definitely makes sense like with most fun cars to have a repair kitty set aside for things other than routine servicing and repair work. 

 

Amazing to think in order to get a Porsche warranty for a used vehicle, one would have to possibly spend considerably first then again for the premium on top. 

[GranTurismoEra]

7 hours ago, Stutopia said:

 

Wow, that's a bargain.

 

But you need a 67 onwards. Around £27000+. I opted originally for a 17 which was £590 mine now is £630.....Not exactly worth it for a car thats essentially 09 with minimal changes. If i was going for nismo again would be mk2 any year. Road tax wouldn't matter

[GranTurismoEra]

6 hours ago, davey_83 said:

You've played it well then infact being self insured effectively. Definitely makes sense like with most fun cars to have a repair kitty set aside for things other than routine servicing and repair work. 

 

Amazing to think in order to get a Porsche warranty for a used vehicle, one would have to possibly spend considerably first then again for the premium on top. 

 

Pay to enter the club, pay to get a drink, pay again to buy a drink for the suitor. Pay to take them somewhere else. Thats Porsche. Then Nissan you find out its the same sh7t. Basically theyve seen what others pay and youll pay that too. With Nissan theres aftermarket options....which are becoming more expensive anyway 

Edited March 1, 2023 by GranTurismoEra

[GranTurismoEra]

9 hours ago, davey_83 said:

 

 

Followed a Cayman the other day and while lovely, below a GT4 I wouldn't say they're a manly looking car in my honest opinion.

 

 

Wear and tear no ones covering. There are some warranties especially from the dealer that will cover failures all in the fine print. These are not covered which is understandable. 

 

Wiper blades

Tyres

Brake pads and brake discs

Shock absorber

Clutch disc and clutch pressure plate

Drive belt including tensioning guide rails and roller

Spark plugs

Batteries

PDCC reservoir

Coolant

All light bulbs (excluding Xenon and LED-lamps)

All filters, fluids, oils and greases

 

£3200 for 4 shock absorbers? Must be NASA grade tech 😂

[GranTurismoEra]

6 hours ago, Stutopia said:

 

I think a solid warranty is good idea, but I agree, most would wriggle out of these items as W&T. The only one I'd go for is the Porsche one and they expect remedial work to be carried out, via them, to the tune of many pennies before they will then warranty it and the annual fees are not exactly cheap. The big risk is the PDK, as I think it's considered a sealed unit, but there are Indies out there who are starting to work on them (if the internet is to be believed). After two years, I am up on the deal by having not bought a Porsche warranty and paid Porsche to do the work they believed to be needed (a tiny weep on AC pipes is a an example of how picky they can be), doubly so if you the exhaust/dampers were chalked up as W&T.

 

Electronic adaptive dampers sound like trouble if they fail

[Stutopia]

6 hours ago, GranTurismoEra said:

 

Electronic adaptive dampers sound like trouble if they fail

 

https://www.design911.co.uk/porsche/cayman-s-34l-981-2013/bilstein-cars-with-pasm/

[Ekona]

5 hours ago, Stutopia said:

 

https://www.design911.co.uk/porsche/cayman-s-34l-981-2013/bilstein-cars-with-pasm/

They’re really good as well, I’ve tried them on a 997.1 and they were easy a match for the OEM on my 997.2. Totally rebuildable to your own specs too. 

[GranTurismoEra]

Ive seen a GT4 in real life whilst at a hospital parked up. While it looks small and low its still iconic. Not concerned about whats manly or whats not. We drive Fairladys lol....Id still take it as the handling, the drive and experience matters a lot.

 

Would warranty cover exhaust valves, engine mounts or air con. I have a feeling theres some wriggling out of these with manufacturer. Engine mounts seem wear and tear. £2400 apparently 

 

Aircon unit one youtuber paid £1300 to get sorted. There was an aftermarket option for slightly less.

 

Warranty and paid repairs come with 2 years cover.  

[Stutopia]

3 hours ago, GranTurismoEra said:

Ive seen a GT4 in real life whilst at a hospital parked up. While it looks small and low its still iconic. Not concerned about whats manly or whats not. We drive Fairladys lol....Id still take it as the handling, the drive and experience matters a lot.

 

Would warranty cover exhaust valves, engine mounts or air con. I have a feeling theres some wriggling out of these with manufacturer. Engine mounts seem wear and tear. £2400 apparently 

 

Aircon unit one youtuber paid £1300 to get sorted. There was an aftermarket option for slightly less.

 

Warranty and paid repairs come with 2 years cover.  

 

If the risk of the bills is a worry, Porsche Used Approved is the way to go for warranty life. What you pay extra is not dissimilar to what you pay to get a quality warrantee onto an unwarranted car. There are a few Porsche specialists that have good reputations and offer cover, I think RSJ is one, IIRC.

[GranTurismoEra]

4 hours ago, Stutopia said:

 

If the risk of the bills is a worry, Porsche Used Approved is the way to go for warranty life. What you pay extra is not dissimilar to what you pay to get a quality warrantee onto an unwarranted car. There are a few Porsche specialists that have good reputations and offer cover, I think RSJ is one, IIRC.

 

Yep will check them out. Whereas the Z has no warranty claims or repair bills in 15 months at all. Full service + MOT done including plugs and coolant £500 Just brakes and tires to do. Around £1800. Then possibly gearbox/diff plus P1 service next year at 60k. £500 + basic p1 service of £100-£150. 

Edited March 5, 2023 by GranTurismoEra

[GranTurismoEra]

didnt want to be that guy starting another thread but also looking at these SLK.

 

The 350s are level with 350Z. Theres also the older 2000-2003 SLK mk 1 SLK 32 rare gems with Supercharger

354hp some tuned to 400hp weighing only 1300kg.

 

The 172 2012 - 2016 do have some issues including roof leaks and exhaust valve. They are rare and come with a 5.4 v8. They weigh around 1620kg. 394 ft lbs and 4.6 seconds so as fast as a NA v8 needs to be. Roadtax is £340 and has the 4 cylinder shutoff system for economical driving. 

 

Not to be confused with SL which has its own issues

Edited March 22, 2023 by GranTurismoEra

[Eddie_r32]

Don't, in selling my slk 320 manual today as it's not as engaging as my 370z, slk55 I'd be tempted with as it's just a dinosaur that won't be repeated and kinda cool, the numb handling and suspension and not that great a gearbox can be forgiven because it has a hand built V8 under the bonnet