987.2 feedback / concerns. Possible DD.
 

this thread got me looking around ( https://dorkiphus.net/porsche/showthread.php?t=40143 ) and as someone pointed out, I was nearly at 987.2 price level (for high mileage examples at least).

So.. I went looking. Seems like a 987.2 base (ie, 2.9l) may fit if I search hard. Given their age (up to 10 years old) any feedback on the reliability, particularly of the 2.9 non DFI engine? Most folks seemed to have bought an S version so I am a little curious.

Given the expected role/use (see thread above) I am not really searching for an S and feel a base would be fine. My commute is approx 30 miles, 20 of which are highway cruising. Mornings traffic free, PMs some times up to 2 hours to get home :(

PDK maintenance concerns?
Do these engines develop bore scoring like I read on the 987.2S/911 motors?

I had a 2000 boxster and of course worried about the plastic rear window, seemingly endless MAF issues (on line any way), IMS, RMS etc. It seems like the .2 cars are much improved in many ways vs my older example.

TIA.

I'll say up-front that my sample size is 1 and it isn't my car, but a good friend has a 987.2 2.9, and his has been trouble-free for the ~3 years he's owned it. Part of his rationale for buying it was that the 987.2 non-DFI 2.9 seems (in this car's maintenance records and online) to be a very solid engine. Moreso even than the DFI versions of the 9A1.

Again, this is anecdotal, but his experience to date and the absence of "common problem" threads make me think it would be a good choice.

Two questions:

1) What is the current budget?

2) I may be mistaken so please correct me if I am wrong but I recall one of the reasons that you sold your last Boxster was that the driving dynamic lacked a bit of excitement when compared to your prior air cooled cars, 914/911 etc. What has changed since then?

I drive my 987.1 CS 100 miles/day, 5 days a week and love it. I bought it with 74k on it, so there were a couple of things that needed to be addressed - tie rods, horn, rear CV boots...things that wear out with time & mileage. Outside of that, they're great cars and the second gen version that you're looking at are even more reliable with the DFI motors. Hard to go wrong, as they're probably the best value around right now. Go for it!

I have a 2009 Base Cayman with the 2.9 non-DFI engine. There are no IMS bearings in the motor, so that is a non-issue.

The car has ~71K when I got it in October, and I am around 73k now. It needed brakes when I got it, and I added a modern radio and speakers to replace the badly deteriorated base stereo. I will get Dallas to redo my steering wheel, and I will likely upgrade to the R style suspension when the stock suspension goes.

While this is a great car, they are still 10 years old. But, other than maintenance items, they all seem to be very solid. I am sure that if you get a well taken care of car, with a good PPI, you should have a good, reliable car to use as a daily or a toy, as you wish.

As I have learned here, the 09 base cars are apparently difficult to find, as they were somewhat rare when new, and tend to make excellent track cars, too.

I have a six speed, so I cannot give any input on the PDK. As long as you do your legwork beforehand, once you can find a car, you should have a good car with few issues past maintenance to worry about.

Elric42

1) While there always seems to be some budget "creep" its sub $20k. Closer to 15K ideally, but that may push a .2 out of reach. I'd consider a late .1 car and given its use, it would be a tip or pdk. Can't stomach(leg?) up to 2 hours of stop and go with a clutch anymore.

2) You are correct. Guess I've changed. Plus, in the past there was only room for one Porsche. I cant sell the 914 (family decree), so this car doesn't need to press all the same buttons. And any Porsche would be more engaging to daily than my current souless appliance (2008 Lexus ES350).

Excellent - IMHO the juice is worth the squeeze stepping up to a 987.2 with PDK, even if that results in a well maintained car with higher mileage. That may give you the opportunity to add an X73 suspension, which will significantly enhance the fun factor ;)

One other thing to consider, I think they changed the oil pump in the 2010 987.2S and beyond. I don’t know if this applies to the base 987.2 but some research is in order if considering a 2009.

A final thought, I recently purchased an aftermarket “Fidelity” warranty for my 997.2. Wasn’t cheap but gave me an additional 6 years and 60,000 miles of bumper to bumper coverage. All depends on how much you value peace of mind.

GLWYS, enjoy the hunt.

And fuel pumps

Good thread, I'm looking at them too. Is the fuel pump issue still a thing? Lasted this long so it must be good? Or just pressing your luck?

Aftermarket pumps arent cheap but not that bad, good option?

Another sample size of 1 here...

'11 987.2 base with a PDK, turned 70K miles last week. I bought it last June with 65K, decent records from that owner (4 years), and I've managed to put 5K on it in 6+ months. I don't drive the car every day, but I do drive it to work 2-3 times a week, and it gets most weekend mileage.

It's a solid daily driver, very usable, and comfortable considering how "true sports car" it is. The PDK just works, even if it is the very "pedestrian" tuned PDK. My car is probably due for a PDK fluid change (which means a new pan, as it's not re-usable), shocks/struts, and top mounts. I get an occasional oil smell, so I've probably got a small valve cover gasket leak. All pretty normal, reasonable stuff on a car of this age. I paid $20k for it, and at the time, was the least expensive '11 Boxster under 100K miles on Autotrader.

My plan is to take care of the maintenance issues and keep it for another year or so. I'll keep semi-DDing the car until then unless I change my mind. (I reserve the right to do that at a moment's notice...).