Talk me into it guys!

[Gibson67]

Hi all

First time poster so go easy on me! Not an owner yet, more a lurker for the time been. I’m looking at buying a weekend/occasional driver with a budget of around £6500. I’d love a Boxster 986, but what with IMS issue and increasing prices, I’m seriously considering an E85.

I’ve owned a BMW before a E92 coupe, which I can honestly say was the most reliable car I’ve owned. I’m hoping my budget would get me a 3.0, but after a few reads, I’d also consider a 2.5..I know a few of you will say the 3.0 is the way to go, is there a big driving experience between the two?

I’m guessing the engine is pretty reliable, but was wondering how even early ones fair with rust? Were they galvanised? I’ve heard the hood motor can rust due to blocked drainage holes, is the fix a relatively easy fix. Any other things to consider would be most welcome.

Cheers

Nige

 

[enuff_zed]

Welcome aboard,
If you peruse the forum you will find all your fears are unfounded or easily rectified.
Wifey has a 2.5i and loves it. Perfectly adequate for the roads in Norfolk anyway.
Where are you located? Maybe someone could give you a demo before you commit?

Edit: And surely it should be Gibson 617 :wink:

 

[Ole gits rule]

Hello and welcome, go but a 2.5si which is pretty quick enough from my understanding, it will be a great weekend toy to own

Good luck with the search

 

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome to the forum Nige.

The roof motor issues generally arise because BMW located them where they get drowned in water from the roof drains. There are a few people on here who can often revive dying ones then relocate them into the boot out of harm's way for sensible money.

Early models had the M54 engine that came as a 2.2i, 2.5i or 3.0i. As they all have the same engine running costs are the same, so a 3.0i has to be the way to go. :lol:

There was a facelift in 2006 and facelifts got the later N52 engine as used in early E9* models in 2.5i, 2.5Si or 3.0Si flavours. Again running costs are much the same for all 3, but you might struggle to find a 3.0Si in budget. Facelifts came in SE or Sport trim and Sport models all had the very desirable M-Sport seats as standard, although they were an option on the SE. A 2.5Si is rated at 218PS so close to the earlier 3.0i that was 231PS - just avoid the facelift 2.5i as it's only 177PS!

I've not read any horror stories about rust but front and rear wings are both bolted on so can be swapped fairly easily anyway. Rear brake pipes can also suffer from corrosion just in front of the passenger side rear wheel.

Good luck finding the right one.

 

[groovy_hippy]

For £6.5k I’d be looking for a Zed over a Boxster. There are some damn good 6-pot Zeds out there for that money, but Boxsters I’m not so sure. We’ve got a 3.0si Zed and a 987 Boxster S (hers and his respectively). The Boxster eats pound notes and the Zed isn’t quite so hungry. But really not far off in the ‘real world fun’ stakes!

 

[Miltonjohn]

Do it, I'm a newbie here as well & just purchased the 2007 2.5si & after one weekend in, I'm hooked. Its an absolute beauty & I'm sure there are more out there. I had your budget as well. You will not regret it I'm sure.

 

[skmattwell]

Purchased my 2.5 a few months ago and have no regrets. Although many say it's a no brainer to get the 3.0 due to it being very similar in running costs, they forget that they are still more expensive to buy in the first place. Everyone told me to get a 3 litre despite having a £3k budget!

Having said that I've definitely seen 3.0's within your budget, not that I think you'd notice a real difference on the roads. I would however avoid anything less than 2.5 as they are 4 cylinders rather than 6.

 

[mr.tourette]

Purchased my 2.5 a few months ago and have no regrets. Although many say it's a no brainer to get the 3.0 due to it being very similar in running costs, they forget that they are still more expensive to buy in the first place. Everyone told me to get a 3 litre despite having a £3k budget!

Having said that I've definitely seen 3.0's within your budget, not that I think you'd notice a real difference on the roads. I would however avoid anything less than 2.5 as they are 4 cylinders rather than 6.

Not quite true.. the 2.2i pre facelift is also a 6

 

[buzyg]

Welcome on board. More fun more space and less worries than a boxster. Go for it. :wink:

 

[Haggisman]

Buzyg + 1. I would aim for a 3.0 Ltr but the 2.5 is still a sweet motor. Before I bought the Z I considered a Boxster but for the reasons others have mentioned go for the Z.

 

[enuff_zed]

Welcome on board. More fun more space and less worries than a boxster. Go for it. :wink:

And with a Z4 you can tell which way it is facing.

 

[futureZ4buyer]

You'll smile every time you finish your drive.
After that you'll look at it and admire it for about 5 minutes and then turn your head to look at it again as you walk away.
2.2, 2.5, 3.0, just get a 6 pot

 

[Dbrs]

New member myself and new owner, bought my 3.0 zed a few weeks ago and absolutely love it. My only gripe is the electronic steering on mine is 'notchy' even after adjusting the ring by a few mm, common problem which I didn't know about!!
Plenty out there but definitely test drive before you buy

 

[Roberltd2]

Do it, I'm a newbie here as well & just purchased the 2007 2.5si & after one weekend in, I'm hooked. Its an absolute beauty & I'm sure there are more out there. I had your budget as well. You will not regret it I'm sure.

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