Have a 2014 981 Boxster S here in Aus with PDK. (previously had a 986s Manual). Have tracked it and agree with comment that car is waay more capable that I am. Don't spend money on Suspension or Engine upgrades. They are fabulous cars and anyone that tells you that a Boxster is not a real Porsche has never driven a Boxster. Have driven a 4.0l 982 (718) and it's faster but the 3.4 sounds better. Have also driven some 911's and yes they are better but not by as much as the price differential suggests.
Really a great review. Thanks. Best I've read / seen. I have a 2022 GTS 4.0 / 6spd that just arrived in the States. Should take possession soon. Your comments mean a lot to us. Terrific job.
Wow! That sounds like a great car! 80 HP more than the 981 S and a steering rack with greater feel. And the 6 speed. That should be a ball. I really appreciate your comments too. Can't wait to share the exhaust sound with folks. It's intense.
I love your clarity and your professional way of delivering that clarity and enthusiasm wrapped in a paradigm of intelligent experience! Unfortunately your advice has gotten me closer to dropping $80,000 to 100,000!
Back in the day i had a black stick shift 2006 boxster S with the tan interior. Loved the car and the way it handled, it was my second car and i drove and used it as a weekend cruiser to go for a drive with the missus. About a year ago i traded it in and got a 2015 Boxster GTS, manual shift. The GTS comes std with all the goodies such as sport exhaust, sport chrono and pasm. The sound from the 981 is invigorating, hearing the engine pops and bangs with the auto blip on downshifts is so addictive. Like you mention, it is not a super fast car, but it feels fast and handles so beautiful and predictable. I loved your video and really liked your enthusiasm about the car. Good luck and hope you get the dent problem resolved soon. I know it would kill me if someone would hit the car, it would spoil the ownership.
Dent is fixed!!! Video to come once the whole things wraps up. Also, the aftermarket exhaust video will come soon too! 😳 It's loud... and kind of awesome.
Only an engineer/detective would be able to analyze and articulate his experience such profoundly, let alone finding the who hit the car, from sizing a dent!
I have a near identical ownership experience to yourself. I've driven a 987 manual base 2.9 Boxster since June 2020. For the money I genuinely can't think of a better car in almost every area. The connectivity on every journey is just something that needs to be experienced and I'd highly recommend any considering one to just go for it. Thanks for the review and a Happy St Patricks Day everyone!
I am considering one and plan on going for it...just can't decide which model to buy. I know I want PDK, I cant afford a GT4RS ...I'd love a sub20k mileage 981 GTS. 987, 981 cant decide though leaning toward the 981...718 4.0 with PDK is 6 figures (OUCH) Is the 981 GTS that much better than the S ? Do the 2009-2012 PDK Cayman & Boxter transmissions equal 2013-2016s models ?
@@softhotty That sounds like a really healthy budget. I'm actually buying a 981 tomorrow! I have loved the 987 but I think the 981 will be a great upgrade. If I were you at that level of budget definitely go through the main Porsche dealer network. You'll pay a little more but the standard and warranty will be great. My opinion I genuinely thing the best car for your money is a good low mileage 981 S. Hope that helps, let me know how you get on
I had a Black 2014 Boxster S manual, and I LOVED IT. Turned heads, and handled like it was telepathic! I took it on several rally drives, including one from Denver to California and it was flawless. NO mechanical issues whatsoever, even while going through Death Valley, where it was 118 degrees! I also did Tail of the Dragon, and that was a blast, but I was there during the day when it’s crowded. It went to the top of Pike’s Peak, which is hands down THE scariest road I have ever driven, and where you’re 14,000 feet above sea level at the top. HP probably was cut to a third at the top, but you really don’t want to go fast anyway. The only very small fault I can come up with is that it needs more power. Not much, maybe 50 more hp, and it would be perfect. I traded it on for a 2016 Z06, and while I adore the Z, I do sometimes miss the Boxster. The Boxster was like a ballerina; the Z is more like a linebacker. Great video, and thank you for bringing back some great memories for me!
Pike's Peak! Very Rod Millen of you. Have you kept the Z06 largely stock? I know the C6 Z06 had an aluminum chassis. Yes, the Boxster S does need more power. That new 718 Spyder has 100 hp more; Cayman GT4 RS has 200 more! Glad you liked the video. The aftermarket exhaust is insane. Working on a great way to record the sound to properly share.
@@autofocuscarsvids719 thanks for responding! I’ve done a few mods to the Z06; an intake and tune, and some interior cosmetic mods. The drive by wire on modern cars as we know is notorious for lag in the throttle pedal response, so I bought a Pedal Commander to sharpen it. WOW, what a difference! It literally feels like you instantly got another 50 HP, not kidding,lol! I mean you just MASSAGE the throttle, and you’re gone, lol! At this point I have no idea how fast it is, because I can’t go full throttle, or it just spins the tires, even in 4th, Lol! Might have to dial it back some. It’s a manual, so it’s a little bit of a unicorn, and if I can trade up to a C8, I’ll do that, before the bubble bursts. Thanks again for responding, and looking forward to the next video!
Great video! As I’ve often told people, Porsche, there is no other - when they’re running and when they’re not trying to break your heart, or your wallet.
I have a 987 S with a design tec sports exhaust, 20 inch wheels with spacers making the wheels wider than stock, your roads are in much better condition than ours in the UK! Ours are full of pot holes and councils no longer repair them! Damage to wheels and tyres are common, stone chips to the paintwork are an unavoidable issue. Your car looks brilliant, hope it’s fixed now. Your vid is so full of tech it’s brilliant!👍🇬🇧
Thank you!!! The report on the B roads makes worry for folks with 20 inch rims out there. We're lucky to have some great hill country/wine country near my city, so those roads abound in my neck of the woods. How have the wider wheels done with turn-in? I remember Janko Lindh saying his wider rims really improved his Boxster Spyer in his RU-vid videos.
a genuinely interesting and helpful video, thanks Doug. I'm looking to move from a jaguar f type to a 981 boxster s and you've covered pretty much everything i was wondering about. brilliant video
When I drove an F Type, which I only did for a test drive, I felt like the car was insulating and the loud exhaust was from someone else's car. The 981 feels very mechanical to me -- it's kind of a noisy car but in a way where you hear a transmission or an intake sound or the exhaust and it just feels like you're involved in the car. How have you liked your F Type? Beautiful car; quick; great sounding; and pretty comfortable. The X factor in the 981 is the mid-engine layout and the great view out of the front
@@autofocuscarsvids719 i've had many lotus and a cayman S previously and in the lotus there was a lot of noise, you felt very engaged with the car as you heard intake noise, exhaust, road noise etc you could feel what the car was doing. the cayman had very little of that, it was fast, perfect handling but not engaging i never felt like i got us around a corner, it was all the car, there was little drama with it. where as sometimes in the lotus i felt like i got around the corner despite the back end kicking out with no traction control. both did the same job but the lotus exige s in particular was far more fun, far more noise and far more entertainment. the f type was a swap from an evora which like the cayman was great but not as noisy or visceral as the exige s. the jag is capable like the cayman was and can be just as almost un-invasive while driving but at the flick of a switch it can be full of noise and drama and slipping rear tyres and i love it for that but i've put almost 70000 miles on mine since i bought it and i feel like a change, the problem is what to change to, i looked at a ferrari california T because i want a convertible but i just don't think i fit in a ferrari. all the cars i've had in the past 2 decades have been sort of eye catching but in a way that people love. i live in Scotland and the lotus and jag although English cars are loved here and i can park my car in some of the most deprived areas and all people do is take photos of them or ask questions about them, same with the cayman, there was no jealousy or anything like that as porsche is a brand that just seems to be adored. ferrari however, i can't see me taking that to a deprived area and not having to call the fire department and ok i can take my wifes car on surveys but i want a car i can use and i can enjoy which is why i'm back to porsche again after a long absence. the jag is 2 cars, it's sensible and understated but also loud and in your face and i think or hope that the 981S can be the same - sensible when i'm just going about my business and a bit mad when i feel like ripping up some twisties and putting the top down. that's what i'm hoping for and that's what your video showed me, it's been a long time since i have been excited about buying a car and i'm glad i found your video as most reviews are "hi i have this car for the day/weekend" it takes time to know a car, the community around it - i loved you swapping wheels because the guy brought them for you anyway. years ago when my lotus broke down i posted on a forum asking for help and saying i was going to work on the car at the weekend and posted my address - 22 cars turned up to help, it was like a car show in my street, the local kids loved it. folk i didn't know took things off their cars and put them on mine to diagnose the issue, it was awesome and that sort of thing makes you love a brand and want to be part of it - a video of a review on a car driven for 2 days doesn't show that, your review did and i'm now actively hunting my boxster s in a large part because of your video.
@@autofocuscarsvids719 oh and the soft top care, same on the lotus elise. total pain and like you i ended up using a roller and just decanting the liquid into a container and rolling it on. tbh i had totally forgotten about that until you mentioned it, it made me laugh tbh as i kept getting sprayed in the face with the stuff at the start and it sounds like the same happened to you lol
I have a 2010 Base 987.2 with full SOUL two way exhaust, Softronics ECU map and Numerics shifter/cables. Purchased in 2013 CPO with 27K miles and today have 135K miles. New shocks, clutch, several sets of tires, one transcontinental and one 1/2 continental trip and several smaller mods/updates but basically stock later. Love the car, most basic maintenance items are DIY or independent repair shop. Best car I’ve ever owned…fun, fun, fun and did I mention lots of fun.
I have a 2013 981 Boxster S manual. I’ve owned my for ~ 9 months and put 6,000 miles on it. I spent over 1-year looking for a 981 with manual transmission and during that search the price increased about $5k. I purchased my car from a Porsche Dealership and it is a CPO car. I have not had any maintenance problems so no use of the CPO warranty. I put on PPF track package similar to what you put on your car and similar pricing for Expel. I just did the cleaning and protection of the top. I used Chemical Guys product and did it in side my garage. No problem applying it. I have no desire to change to sports exhaust. I put on a wireless backup camera system which required its own monitor which I mounted on a magnetic cell phone mount; works OK. I agree the seats are hard but I have the same 14-way seats in my 2015 Cayenne and also on our 2018 Macan so when road tripping we do notice the diminished comfort on ALL these cars. I really enjoy the car and will be taking my wife on a 2500 mile trip through Colorado in May. This is a bucket list item owning this car and going through the back mountain roads of Colorado. 👍
I'm thinking of getting that kind of backup camera for my normal car and doing a comparison. Enjoy the long trip. Such a stellar car. Would love to know how it feels on hills in high altitude. On the backroads at any altitude it will surely be a blast.
This was a wonderful video. You look and act like a sophisticated adult who admits that he is not a professional racer -- just a real guy who wants to learn how to fully enjoy this great car! You also taught me several things I did not know, including annual waterproofing of the roof and the benefits of the 981 engine. Well-done!
Thank you so much! Glad you learned some things too. When I make a video I try to ask myself what I have wanted to know but haven't seen covered fully elsewhere. I'm still trying to get the right situation for waterproofing that danged top! LOL
I test drove a 2013 Boxter S today that I am thinking about purchasing. 34,448 miles. Manual trans. $44,000. The other possibility is a 2018 Cayman S. Also manual. 37,000 miles. $60,000. I have never driven a 718, so I have no basis for comparison, but I like the idea of the older 981 for easier re-sale if I don't like it. I'm thinking that after this year, since they will stop making either Boxter or Cayman in manual, it will be more desirable to an enthusiast looking for the non-turbo six cylinder manual.This will be a second "fun" car, as I already have a 2024 Macan Base for family use. What are your thoughts? Thanks very much!@@autofocuscarsvids719
Excellent videos about a subject very dear to me. I love that you went after the perp in your car’s damage and hope you get/received reduced value compensation. But, I enjoyed the whole video. Very informative and engaging.
Awesome car and great overview. I have a model 3 for 5.5 years and always liked how these cars looked and wanted to get some more info on how they are over time, very helpful!
Very interesting and enjoyable review. I have a Cayman GTS 4.0, and after taking it to an PCA HPDE at the track, also found it to be a total blast. I like driving my Porsche fast on winding country roads, it’s a blast too.
Thanks for the video. I have 2015 S with PDK. I always park away from the crowded area of the parking lot. Extra walk and helps me achieve 10,000 steps per day. Haha. I recently got Softronic tune and I love it. Definitely feel the increased power even at the lower rpm range and up top, oh boy, much difference. I had a Golf GTI with IS38 turbo making close to 400 bhp and when I test drove this Boxster I was bit disappointed but now the acceleration is almost as the Golf at least on top. I sold the Golf and got the Boxster to be more civilized driver than look to race Hemi’s and 5.0 Mustangs and I am very happy with the car. I had the maintenance recently at a dealership and told the rep my car is tuned and not to revert the cpu. He understood and when it was done the report says there are no issues what so ever with the car. I made the right choice not to get an aftermarket exhaust from reading your replies.
Very cool to hear. Yes, I'd be thinking of the Softronic tune too. If subtle is the goal, then the factory Porsche Sports Exhaust is surely a better bet. The aftermarket exhaust is growing on me, but I'm a little crazy, maybe. LOL
I watched your review to help me decide which to buy: Boxter vs Cayman, 987.2 vs 981, 5 spd vs pdk. Good narration. Good cadence. Good info. Muchas gracias.
What a car!!! Which color combo did you get? It's up nearly 100 hp over mine and I'm told the front suspension and streering feel are far better too. Enjoy!!! Such a great car
@@autofocuscarsvids719 GT Silver with all black interior. Even more unique as most of the 25 editions are red interior. It sounds amazing and accelerates with purpose. I’m still in the break in period.
Love the car! Beautiful. I have to say though that I will always choose a manual transmission over any type of auto. I just prefer the interaction of man and machine and the fun factor is much higher to me. I've driven the Tail of the Dragon several times and I think it's actually better for cars than motorcycles. When I drove it I was able to go much faster than the bikes, all they did was slow me down, and that was in my Corolla! I enjoyed all of the other roads in the area too. I've been wanting to get back out there and spend a couple of weeks exploring more roads. I had a trip planned in 2020 and then Covid messed that up.
Interesting! I had a GR Corolla for 5 months. I too had hoped to take it to the Dragon. It was a blast. Filmed a bunch of content and it's all stuck in editing but it's coming. Yes, if the biker is just a regular driver then they aren't skilled enough to tear up the Tail of the Dragon but I think a sport big with a solid driver would outrun a car with a similarly competent driver. Maybe not.
@@autofocuscarsvids719 I've been behind many bikes in my 2 trip to the Dragon and I didn't have anyone on any sport bike pull away from me in my 2009 Corolla S Turbo 5MT. Granted, I've done a lot to that car and it handle really well. I don't know the ability of the bikes that were always slowing me down but slowing me down they did, by the dozens. Looking forward to seeing your videos.
@@jimsgaragetoys that's great! I haven't hit those roads this year. But I'll keep your input in mind. Rather than a motorcycle road, I wonder if it is a great small car road. I wonder if a 911 turbo would feel bound up by the tightness but a Miata would fit wonderfully
@@autofocuscarsvids719 I would agree that it's a tight enough road that any car that handles well would be a lot of fun. Cars with a lot of power aren't able to use all of their power along most of the road. While a 911 Turbo would be a blast, a nice Miata would be a hoot too!
Very good video and excellent content. I don’t agree with you on everything (eg I have a 2013 manual), but it’s not about 100% agreement. I can respect where you’re coming from on your ownership experience. Keep up the good work!
I'm on my second 981. This one is a GTS. They are great cars. I use it as a road trip car. It's fast, handles well. It's everything a sports car should be. It does everything a sports car should and does it well. Tale of the Dragon is cool. As you said it's a better motorcycle road. The Cherahola Skyway is an excellent drive. But on a sunny day with the top down, the Blue Ridge Parkway is probably the nicest drive. Weekdays are best. Especially on Tail of The Dragon.
Thanks for sharing all the great details on your first year, I've bought the same Ragg Topp product for install in spring on my 981BS, will try to avoid the issues you ran into, looking forward to hearing your experience with the new exhaust, whether there is droning and how quiet it is with valve closed compared to stock, my wife hated my loud exhausts in past cars, so I'm stock for now but would love to be able to flip a switch when she isn't with me and enjoy more sound as long as it doesn't drone when she's with me.
I'm going to put a special focus on capturing audio that is reflective of the reality. I imagine valves closed is louder than Porsche Sports Exhaust with the valves open. Stay tuned!!
Great review. I have a Cayman GTS 4.0 on the way and will be my first Porsche. My last fun car was a 2000 Civic Si when I was 21 about 22 years ago. I am on the fences with PPF and maybe I will do bumper and rocker panel. The whole just was quoted at $9500 in my area. Crazy you caught the guy who hit your car.
Did you look into paintless dent repair? Check out some videos on it. It is amazing what they can do, even with bigger damage than you might expect. It isn’t just for hail damage.
Got a 2006 boxster s tipo and no regrets. not enough roads in length to really get it revving, but topdown, sunny 12 month's its,warm even when raining, and you wanna go slow in Hawaii!!!! So much fun, same feeling, smiling, driving, and the bikinis,! are so UNNECESSARILY distracting and is a safety issue! Both views coming and going!!!! Aloha! Driving safely in PARADISE.
I really enjoyed your report!! I am extremely interested in purchasing my dream car........a Porsche! Now, a Carrera or Boxster S/GTS I'm not sure. If 911, it would definitely have to be a few years old for $ sake but we'll see. I don't see many video's on people after...ie 1, 2, 3, etc years or 10,000, 20,000, 30,000 klm/miles and that is exactly what I'd like to watch.
if you are going to continue to do track days a suspension upgrade is a good idea as you will be able to drive at a much quicker pace with upgraded suspension (its like running around a corner in dress shoes vs track shoes) the only negative is you will wear out tires quicker. Enjoy!!!
Thanks for the video!!! going to sell my rs3 look alike s3 that is stage 2 full bolt on with 65k miles on it and get a 981 Boxster and throw exhaust and tune and airbag suspension/ wheels and a Atlanta custom wrap wrap on it! these cars are really nice! might go with the cayman but most likely goin with the Boxster. getting a gt4 front bumper and rear diffuser immediately! keep these vids coming!
if you're coming from a modded up S3, you probably want to go with the Boxster S. I have the exhaust. I'm interested in the tune. When it comes to suspension, you may know just what you want. What I continue to consider is either the X73 Porsche suspension or something like Ohlins Road and Track with different sway bars, a bump steer kit and adjustable toe links. That set up is more than the X73 by a lot, but coilovers sound very cool to me. A great wrap would be cool too! I saw a guy tracking his 997 with a chalk wrap that was 2 years old and still looked like well-done paint. If I ever upgrade to a Boxster GTS, I might have to get the GT4 or Spyder front end because I don't really like the 718 GTS front end as much as the 981's. Thanks. Exhaust video to come!!!
So I have the same color car (non S) and mine has the orange interior accents.. Great Video - My ask is - what are you doing for backup Camera . I am looking to install one as well. Thanks Again
Enjoyed the video, thanks! I your you get the debt sorted OK. I've used the Porsche aerosol on the roof 3 times over the past 8 years and have been really pleased with it. Masking tape and clingfilm makes it really easy to prepare. Inside works fine but wear a decent mask. Hope that helps. 😀
Cling wrap is a really good idea. That would be so easy to stick to the glass and anywhere else I need to protect. Tape to hold it down, sure, but at least it has some ability to adhere on its own. Cool!!! I've got a garage now, so I think we can do open door but still protected from the wind. I will be doing a re-do video with the best tips applied... and maybe it's a homerun this time!! Thanks
@@autofocuscarsvids719 My pleasure. I mask the edges up first with low tack frog tape. Yellow or green. I find the clip of a pen lid good for ensuring the tape goes down between the fabric and the rubber seal / plastic parts. I fold the tape over so the sticky side is showing and then start walking around the car with the roll of clingfilm. Then I connect the film amd tape without gaps then fold the tape down so that the roof is fully exposed. Works well for the rear window too. I have some photos somewhere but can't see an option to attach them.
Thanks for the video, mine is a 2015 Boxster S, considering a exhaust replacement. Interested to get your opinion after install in regards to drone at highway speeds.
You've really hit on something. The engine itself in stock form makes a distinct noise at 2000 RPM under load. I do not think it is a flaw in my exhaust that we see that come to the fore with my aftermarket exhaust. I'm still adjusting to it. I will figure out how to record (decibel meter, etc.) to share it. But I can say for certain that -- unless you are selling to an enthusiast -- putting the stock exhaust back on and then selling the aftermarket exhaust on a forum is a better bet than trying to sell the car with the aftermarket exhaust still on it. I'll have a lot to say. It's wonderful at times. I'm seeing how natural it is to avoid it's faults, which are closely related to its virtues. LOL
@@autofocuscarsvids719 one of the things I consider is how fast I will drive on the street, loud exhausts tend to draw more attention from law enforcement. In the canyons loud exhausts bounce off walls and again draw more attention. My son had a BMW Z4 with a M package his exhaust was loud enough for the driver to hear the pops and crackling but not loud enough to draw attention. Fine line to walk on , Last night the road was clear in a section without any on-ramps, took the 981 flat out top down, with traffic in my area that was a rare occurrence. My German blood demands it, a touch of the autobahn. I make it a point whenever I drive it to at least see triple digits on every drive. Enjoy your car.
unfortunately that door card is going to come loose again in about 3 years, when your car was made the regulations changed and Porsche was not allowed to use a certain ingredient in the glue, as a result the glue last for about 3-5 years and no longer holds. I just had the same problem on my 2013 911 991 and had a permanent fix in the aftermarket... Porsche offered to pay 50% for replacement of 2 door panels at $3k per panel, I had it fixed for a less then $600
I've gone hat and trench coat in this Porsche Whodunnit Mystery video -- of who hit my car and didn't leave a note -- ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bByFbKnc1sI.html
I used sport. Sport plus would be better but as a new track driver my inputs were not so smooth and sport plus would have given me more power at possibly the wrong times. LOL. Next time :)
No. It doesn't have that. Upgraded head units exist (as do cheap kits as I understand it) but I haven't looked into adding it so far. Not sure CarPlay existed in 2014
I'll need to read about that and look into it. Since my car had 17,000 miles on it when I got it, I'm certain it hadn't been changed. I've got maintenance soon. Thanks, for the tip!
I think you are right. Maybe it was just a video of a 981 with Fabspeed exhaust that was from Texas. Thanks for pointing it out. If I'm in Phili, I'd love to swing by and see them
@@autofocuscarsvids719 They host several gatherings a year with guided tours through the sales/design/manufacturing depts in the building and do some dyno exhibition pulls of some exotic with their exhaust.
Thumbnail.... No place for a Boxy. A Cayman would be better 😉 Can't get my head around that photo. You don't spin the best handling Porsche ever, to end up in the sand trap 🤓
Believe it or not, that is a gravel parking lot (big rocks, like duck egg-sized) at a state park near a trout stream. I drive fast to the river but then have to creep along around 5 mph to get to the actual river to go fly fishing.
HAHAHA! Thank you for the feedback. My whodunnit video on how I caught the guy who hit my car and didn't leave a note -- people said the music was too loud. Maybe you'd like that one better. It's shorter and walks you through the case. Enjoy your Boxster S!
