981 BOXSTER S
The differences of opinion between professionals approaching the Porsche scene from different angles (sales, service and insurance) is what we set out to discover when canvassing the individuals we spoke to during the course of creating this issue of 911 & Porsche World. What we hadn’t anticipated was an almost unanimous vote of confidence in one particular model. With this in mind, it’s safe to assume the car in question, the 981 Boxster S, offers one of the best entry points to Porsche ownership.
“You only have to look back at the past five years to see the 981 Boxster S has treated its owners very well,” observes Rob Langley, founder of Chichester-based Porsche sales centre, Harbour Cars. He goes on to offer sound advice regarding any Porsche purchase. “When it comes to buying a Stuttgart crested car, you should think less about what it will cost to buy and more about how much you’ll lose during your time as owner. That’s the real cost of owning a Porsche. In this regard, an S-badged 981, whether Boxster or Cayman, is an excellent place to keep your cash safe. And, of course, these cars are brilliantly usable for everyday driving.”
He’s not alone in his review of the 981 S twins. “If you can afford to do so, ignore the 987 Boxster and dive straight into a 981 Boxster S,” smiles Ninemeister’s Peter Robinson. “We’ve yet to see an issue with the S model’s direct injection 3.4-litre flat-six, which is reassuring, not least when you consider the fact this particular Porsche is now more than a decade old. These are hugely reliable, brilliantly competent cars and come with a choice of a sixspeed manual or seven-speed PDK transmission.” Close to 310bhp and 266lb-ft torque is on offer, as is top speed of 173mph.
“I’d opt for a Pdk-equipped 981 Boxster S,” Peter continues. “This configuration is excellent, not only for spirited backroad blasts, but also for everyday driving, should the car be used as a commuter. The engine sounds brilliant, too. Certainly, it’s better sounding than the later 718, which produces a comparatively dull noise, even with its exhaust valves open. If your money can go further, the 320bhp 981 Cayman GTS is the best all-rounder in the 981 range, but it’s a rare model and owners seldom want to sell up.”
911 Virgin’s Tom Harris offers a word of warning. “Many 981s will be covered by Porsche Extended Warranty, but this doesn’t mean you’re looking at a good car, regardless of what the paperwork says,” he stresses. “The cost of 981 S ownership is at the top end of where many buyers find themselves able to reach in Porsche’s legacy model range, but not all owners are then able to do justice to the maintenance regime these cars demand. They’re new enough to look great, but their quality can easily be diluted, especially with Porsche recommending service intervals of two years, affording less conscientious owners who don’t plan to keep their Porsche for the long-term the excuse to not bother taking proper care of their car. It’s important to remember, however, not all owners are this carefree. And, if you buy from a reputable dealer known for only selling cars of quality, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.” ●