Here we go, strap yourselves in for the beginning of a new car adventure! As previously mentioned (in my "mid-life crisis" thread), I have been looking for a weekend toy, something that is usable as a daily car but also something that is different, fun and will give me the ability to fettle. The 987 Boxster seemed to fit that bill very nicely indeed, settled after a test drive last week. Today was collection day, and a day of contrasts. I drove Mrs W's Honda EV to the train station for us to get the 8:16 to University, changed there for the 9:00 to Worcester. After what seemed like an eternity shopping, two coffees and a cake later, we walked up to the dealer to collect the Porsche. The sun was out, almost as if requested. As soon as I walked into the forecourt and saw the car I started beaming like a kid at Xmas. We did the paperwork, registered the car to me, paid the road tax, paid the balance and off we went. Me collecting the car: I'd booked us lunch out near Clent, a lovely little pub called The Talbot, so we headed out of Worcester towards lunch. The "feel" of the car is so very different to the BMW, so it did take me a few miles to get into the groove, so to speak. The roads were a real mixture of dual carriage way (shocking undulating and broken surface for some miles on the A456) and B roads. The car had quarter of a tank of fuel, but looking at the past 12 month history, it had only done 200 miles, so the tank definitely needed a fresh load. I found a service station and filled it up with 99RON, what a treat! I took is easy for this journey, didn't rev it past 4k, didn't want to tempt fate considering it has been stood for some time, letting it bed back in, so to speak. I noticed immediately how different this car feels compared to anything I've driven before. The nearest I could relate it to was a 2007 Alfa GT I had, that was a fitted with a Quaife LSD, really brought the drive alive. The Porsche felt like that, and then more, way more. It communicates everything to the driver, sometimes through the seat and sometimes through the steering wheel. You can place this car so specifically, the hydraulic steering has gorgeous feedback, I could tell exactly what was going on at the front end. The wheel is so thin compared to the G21, no buttons, no switches, just a wheel to steer the car. Lovely. Although the ride is hard, it isn't uncomfortable. The change in road surface is noticeable, sometimes this can become a tad irritating if the road is poor, the road noise is amplified by the lack of sound deadening and the fabric roof. I've not yet checked the tyre pressures, possibly needed to get things as close to spot on as I can. After lunch we headed up and around the Clent hills for a blast, I was getting more confident with the car, so raised the revs to 5K. Oh boy, that's when things get fun! There is a proper growl coming from the back end, the power delivery is so linear, I can feel the pull growing and growing. What is interesting is that the speed isn't taking me into daft figures, there is fun to be had at pretty normal road speeds. However, what I was learning was that the car needs to be driven in a different way to all the turbo derived cars I've owned. We jumped on the M5 for a few junctions, I wanted to test out the motorway causing capacity, absolutely fine. The car felt far less fragile and vulnerable than I was expecting. Got back home, still grinning, parked the car up on the drive. Then went to get changed, car fettling time! A very initial run through the jobs to do, made a list as I was going. Of course I couldn't help myself when I saw the muck under in the battery compartment. There are two drain holes in there, these need to be kept clear otherwise the rain water can flow over the bulkhead and damage the electrics. A vacuum and some very brief cleaning later and these were clear, starting to look a little tidier. Will definitely get this area cleared out in a more detailed clean at some point down the line. Before: And after: While in there I tested the battery, running 12.88v so happy with that for now. Will give it a condition with the CTEK at some point. The list of jobs to do include: - order new boot lights (LED versions ordered) - Replace the pollen filter (ordered via Design911) - Change the rusty wheel bolts (ordered 7mm/15mm spacers and new bolts) - Order Porsche key fob (eBay special ordered) - Clear out the leaves from under the front rads (done, half a forest in there!) - Order and fit ZunSport front grill protectors (ordered via Design911) - Research new wheel centre caps - Change key fob batteries (CR2032, think I have some) - Change the exhaust tip, this one has a black one fitted, prefer the alu look (used one ordered via BoXa forum member) Just some of the leaves/twigs/muck that came out of the front grills: I've done a bit of research on the options on this car: - Colour is Cobalt Blue (love it in the sun!) - Code XME Centre Console painted in body colour - Code XMK Roll over bars painted in body colour - Code 551 optional glass wind deflector - Code 567 Top window tint in green - Code 584 storage box above engine cover - Code 946 Leather seats heated (also a code for the optional leather Momo steering wheel) I was thinking of changing the factory fit 17" wheels for the optional 18" S wheels, but I actually like the look of the car on these, the spacers will help this I think. Also, I'm not sure yet that the 18" wheels would help the road noise and feel etc. I shall keep an eye on this and decide sometime down the line. What is interesting is that Mrs W has been very pleasantly surprised by the car, the words "oh, I think I will take it out for a drive tomorrow" were uttered. Great that she is already buying into the fun! I have the full book pack, including the derive book etc. What made me laugh was the fact the car was delivered to the local Sutton Coldfield Porsche Centre! So it has come back home after 19 years. Interior space is great, far more practical than I was expecting. Storage cubbies seemingly all over the place. Both the boot and the "frunk" (stupid word) are very decent, two overnight cases would easily fit in there. So, a great day indeed. The contracts I mentioned earlier revolved around the drive in the EV and then the Porsche, seemingly total contrasts in terms of transport. A few photos of the interior, these show just how well the cabin and materials have held up over 19 years and 115K. The only let down is the handbrake, no ideal how it got in that condition, absolutely needs to be changed asap. And the best view, those dials! Loads more to explore and do. I've not made my mind up on the ICE update yet, may go down the CarPlay HU as there doesn't seem anyway of adding BT to the CDR24 HU in the car. But that can wait, driving is the main point of this car. Plenty of that to do! Maybe a wash/clean tomorrow, we shall see. Might just go for a blast........
Absolutely love it! Less is more (driver 'aids' etc), a proper driver car, good luck with your new Boxster.
Another job to do: - Change the "3D gel" plates for original ones, may speak to the local dealer, especially as they provided the car originally
@Wynne71 - I’m thrilled for you. Everything you describe of the drive takes me back to my first experiences both as passenger and driver in a 986 and 987 Boxster & Cayman in the mid noughties. There’s no consideration in my mind of these being junior/sub- models of the Porsche range as many like to claim. The 986/987 is a superb car in its own right and every bit deserving of the Porsche badge and heritage. I think you’ve bagged yourself a super one there. And the car itself couldn’t have asked for a better owner for its next episode too! Already getting on top of those tasks (with more to come) shows commitment to the cause. Personally I’d stick a private plate on it, some 18’s with some proper Porkie N rated rubber (although I can understand why you’re wavering) and a good detail and then enjoy! Please keep us posted with all the ups and downs (hopefully very few). In the meantime, drive it as much as you can and stay safe!
That is one stunning car, especially for the price! Love that colour too. I am yet to sample a Porsche driving experience. I’m sure when I do it will be epic. Congratulations! Inspires me to pull the M5 out from hibernation. Might do so if it’s looking sunny tomorrow.
Wow, it looks fantastic. So pleased it's more than lived up to initial expectations. You've really got stuck into sorting it early too...I'd have driven around all day eating flies with a big Cheshire cat grin on my face.
When I had the 328i vert I used a Renovo 3 stage product for the fabric roof. 1. Cleaner...mine took 3 cleans before the green algae stopped coming out even though the roof wasn't green 2. Brush on black fabric paint 3. Sealant Did a great job and the roof almost looked new
Love that porker and seems a great price for what on the face of it looks like a well looked after example. I also love the wheels as fitted currently. Just suits it perfectly - less is more in this case?
Been out for a drive today, didn't really need to go anywhere, but fancied a trip out. Getting braver with the car now, once warmed up I took it to 6K revs a few times. What a noise! Utterly addictive. 2nd, 3rd gear pulls are brilliant, the noise builds to 4.5K and then howls between 5K and 6, feels like the car comes alive at this point. Love it. And again, not reaching any daft speeds at all, even though it feels like I'm breaking the sound barrier. A few other jobs today: - treated the seats to a decent clean and feed, they feel lovely now, far softer and more supple. - bought a new can of tyre gunk, the original Porsche one has a use by of 2011 - set the correct tyre pressures. Had 35 up front, should be 30, had 34 rear, should be 37 - fitted a new phone holder, took a long USB C from the centre arm rest under the trim along the tunnel, under the steering wheel dash and up the A pillar rubber trim Nice and tidy. As it stands I am not going to upgrade the HU to a CarPlay one, going to run the car with CDs, FM radio and use the phone for Google Maps if needed. Keeping it original is the plan for now. Mrs W took the car for a spin around the block, she bloomin' well gave it the beans as she pulled away! Came back with a big grin on her face. As much as she (occasionally) moans about speed and cornering, she used to be the original girl-racer, had an MGB-GT, a Spitfire GT6 and even an RS Turbo Escort. I feel I may have to hide the keys..... Found few other little jobs that will need doing, definitely keeping me entertained.
What a lovely update! Always great when the other halves enjoy an acquisition too. My ex wife hated every single car I bought. Almost feel she behaved that way on purpose; the snidy, looking down the nose, belligerent approach to everything I bought. Whereas my Wife absolutely indulges me. That came to a head with the 911. All she knew initially was it was my dream and that was enough for her - as soon as I arrived home with it, her whole attitude turned up to 11 and she now loves it too. She doesn’t enjoy driving it as she’s a bit scared of it but loves being taken out in it. Continue enjoying tinkering and journeys just because. Would be great once Spring is upon us if you could take it on a work trip over my way for a bit of a compare and contrast!
I think we've all been there, usually not restricted to motoring related concerns either ! Lindisfarne have a song, "Can't do right for doing wrong" - thankfully those days are behind us now.
The Boxster looks fantastic, glad you are enjoying it. I can concur with everything you have said re the driving feel of a Porsche and being able to have fun at sensible speeds. Wishing you many happy hours of driving and tinkering. Keep the updates coming. Happy to try and help if I can with any Porsche related questions / suppliers of bit although it sounds like you have already found many of the good supplier out there.
Took the car to Kettering today, a work trip. Not what I bought the car for, but felt that a longer drive "shakedown" was needed.... Usual M6/A14 and back, I was impressed with the car to be fair. Wouldn't fancy driving it to the south of France or such, but it was surprisingly comfortable for the 60 mile each way journey. Even managed a reasonable 35mpg for the journey, happy with that, especially so considering I did a few 2nd/3rd gear pulls. When I got back home the postie had left a nice pile of presents for me, a few jobs to do over the weekend. This "cheap" Porsche malarkey is going to cost me a fortune I reckon.... - New wheel bolts to replace the rusty ones - 7mm front and 15mm rear spacers - New petrol cap as the current one has a broken cable - New pollen filter (the EASIEST filter in the world to change!) - Front grill protectors from ZunSport I have some wheel centre caps, AG soft top cleaning kit, LED lights for the boot/frunk and a key fob coming this week. Also a trip to the local OPC, ordered a pair of drain hole filters and a key release tool as the one from the fuse box is missing. They are also going to make and fit a new set of dealership number plates, only £24. As the car was delivered to this dealership, I feel that is only right. Some goodies: A cheeky lunch stop on the M6, the AA van was a bit ominous, thankfully that was dealing with a Tesla, not my Boxster:
Correct, the bolts came with the spacers, slightly longer for the 7mm and longer for the 15mm. This set up is a very conservative one, I've seen plenty with 15mm up front and 20mm rear, bit much for me. Also, needed to be Porsche specific bolts, they have what can only be described as a floating collar.
Two more deliveries today, I’m going to have a busy weekend fitting all this! Two LED lights for the boot/frunk and a used exhaust tip. Really pleased with this one, second hand from a BoXa.net forum member, looks like he has cleaned it to an almost new condition. And the best part? It was only £30! Bargain.
Fitted the LED lights, the new fuel cap and the pollen/cabin filter this afternoon. A few small jobs, but they all make a difference. Booked the car in to the local dealer on Friday, two new number plates from the original supplying dealer, also gets rid of the horrible 3D plates. Picking up a few small parts as well.
