Observations on 987 S Ownership at Almost One Year
Well almost going on one year of 987S ownership and wanted to share a few observations:
1. The car has operated flawlessly and I look forward to getting behind the wheel every opportunity I have.
2. The dealership service also has been first rate and I have had a variety of other cars to compare it to (Lexus, BMW, MBZ, etc.). Of course I have only had one oil change, so not much experience on this front, but was pleased at the number of times the dealer has called me to inquire how my ownership is going.
3. The reaction by other people (what others think of the car), has been extremely mixed.... ranging from praise to comments such as an "overpriced Miata", a "chick car", "not really a Porsche". Even my 16-year old recorded a television episode of "Two and Half Men", where Charlie's brother Alan buys a 986, and the entire show had puns about it being a woman's car. In short, the Boxster has an image problem in the U.S. Fortunately both the U.S. and International automotive press continue to pile on praise for the car, which is quite understandable as they actually drive the car rather than pre-judge it.
4. Expensive options that I actually use: Sport Chrono - I tend to enjoy driving the car in sport mode with PASM in the regular mode. There were some roads where PASM in sport mode did come in handy, and I enjoyed having it. Keep in mind I have owned numerous S2000's and an '06 Elise with a sport suspension, and find that the Boxster even with PASM in the sport mode was smoother, more compliant, and far more composed.
5. In conclusion, the Boxster has been the perfect Roadster. It comes at a high price, but it is worth it.
6. Next car, a Lotus Elise SC? I'm not sure if I can go back, as the Boxster ruins you for all other cars. I was also amazed that the Boxster S beat the Elise SC on the Nordschleife. My conclusion on the Elise vs. Boxster is that the Elise is a great toy, but not a great car, whereas the Boxster is great in both departments.
vincesf
1. The car has operated flawlessly and I look forward to getting behind the wheel every opportunity I have.
2. The dealership service also has been first rate and I have had a variety of other cars to compare it to (Lexus, BMW, MBZ, etc.). Of course I have only had one oil change, so not much experience on this front, but was pleased at the number of times the dealer has called me to inquire how my ownership is going.
3. The reaction by other people (what others think of the car), has been extremely mixed.... ranging from praise to comments such as an "overpriced Miata", a "chick car", "not really a Porsche". Even my 16-year old recorded a television episode of "Two and Half Men", where Charlie's brother Alan buys a 986, and the entire show had puns about it being a woman's car. In short, the Boxster has an image problem in the U.S. Fortunately both the U.S. and International automotive press continue to pile on praise for the car, which is quite understandable as they actually drive the car rather than pre-judge it.
4. Expensive options that I actually use: Sport Chrono - I tend to enjoy driving the car in sport mode with PASM in the regular mode. There were some roads where PASM in sport mode did come in handy, and I enjoyed having it. Keep in mind I have owned numerous S2000's and an '06 Elise with a sport suspension, and find that the Boxster even with PASM in the sport mode was smoother, more compliant, and far more composed.
5. In conclusion, the Boxster has been the perfect Roadster. It comes at a high price, but it is worth it.
6. Next car, a Lotus Elise SC? I'm not sure if I can go back, as the Boxster ruins you for all other cars. I was also amazed that the Boxster S beat the Elise SC on the Nordschleife. My conclusion on the Elise vs. Boxster is that the Elise is a great toy, but not a great car, whereas the Boxster is great in both departments.
vincesf
Very happy for you 
