Porsche 981 Boxster after 18 mths & 15,000 km - Problems, Costs, Likes & Dislikes

[@peterfritzphoto]

Discount code @ porschemaster.com for USD$30 off your order: PM2023

[@Ray-pj1eh]

Fantastic review. So clear. Straight to the point. Great balance between information and detail. Loved it.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thanks a lot, Ray. I'm hoping to do more reviews like this. I just got my hands on a gorgeous Macan S about an hour ago, so looking forward to a weekend filled with driving and filming!

[@camdcam]

This is the gold standard of how to do a review - get straight into it. Can't stand the other channels who spend ages telling you what they're going to tell you and then spend ages dragging out a simple message as long as possible. Love your work Peter, keep it up!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thanks, Cam! I’m the same - I hate it when people waste my time. I dunno when I’m gonna die, but I’m sure it’ll be sooner than I want!

[@hamidq9547]

This is a fantastic video, full of useful information. I am also 55 and have been so lucky to have driven Porsches for 30 years now starting with a 911 SC Targa. The ownership journey has included Boxsters, Caymans, 911s, Cayennes and a single 944. I loved them all. I currently own a 2013 Cayenne GTS, a 2008 997 Turbo and a year old 718 GT4 RS. I have owned other cars alongside these but really Porsche are a cut above! What I love about this video is that you have encapsulated all that I have learned over the years about running these cars in one place. The balance of using Porsche main dealers and specialists, finding good local people who can provide things like tyres and batteries and searching out OEM parts to save money. I hope you continue to enjoy your journey with these magnificent cars!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thank you so much for your generous comment. I'm very grateful, and loved hearing about your own Porsche ownership experience.

[@chanjasonsk]

Hi - had a question for you. How much less rigid/stiff is the boxster vs cayman in general? I have a clk convertible and the flex is noticeable.. do you favor one over another?

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@chanjasonsk I had a CLK430 a while back. The Boxster is in a different league as it was designed from the outset to be a convertible. You’ll struggle to notice any difference in torsional stiffness between the Boxster and Cayman.

[@hamidq9547]

@@chanjasonsk I can’t give you a definitive answer due to the gaps in ownership between Boxsters and Cayman. The Cayman will logically be stiffer, however I can say that when I owned the Boxsters, I didn’t notice any undue flexing in road use.

[@paulziegler8505]

One of the best car reviews I've seen. A true owner's story about his car. I owned a 2000 Boxster for 4 years and sold it in 2016. Missed that car a lot so a month ago I bought a 2001 Boxster S with the Porsche performance exhaust. The car is a dream to drive and with the sound of that flat six, I believe, like this video says the car will only become more valuable as time goes on. With the advent of EV's and the car manufactures changing over to more eco friendly machines (by government mandate), the golden age of true sports cars is going away. Hang on to these gems!

[@peterfritzphoto]

That’s very generous, Paul - thank you!

[@swerwerindiewind7334]

I bought a 2013 white boxster 2.7 with 73000km 2 weeks ago. I’m 55 and also decided what hell! Cheers from Cape Town!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Wow - we’re like identical twins!!

[@jimmyliew7994]

Can't wait for my 2014 cayman 2.7 in next week soon..getting it

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@jimmyliew7994 good for you, Jimmy!

[@steveallen3335]

Great job Peter, straight up honest review of a top quality car. 2.7 981 is the hidden and often overlooked Porsche. Flat 6 sound on these is amazing.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Many thanks, Steve.

[@ReaganHuff-j4p]

Bought a 2013 Boxster S 2 months ago with Porsche CPO. Your videos helped me decide. Thank you because I’ve loved every minute of owning it. My son and I also took a 2 day drive up the east coast of Florida and had a great time with plenty of room for our stuff.

[@peterfritzphoto]

That's wonderful to hear!

[@chanjasonsk]

Are prices stable or dropping? Seems like not as much as SUVs 😂

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@chanjasonsk I think they’re dropping a little - at least in Australia.

[@alfredoloyola8626]

Hi Peter, I really hope you see this. My name is Alfredo and I'm from Peru. Yes, that country in the other side. Bumped into your 981 Boxster video few months ago and got instantly hooked. Like you, I've always wanted a Porsche, but a 911 was (and will be) unattainable to me, actually any Porsche until I saw that video of yours. You have no idea how helpful it has been. I'm a proud driver of a BMW m140i, with a nice 6-cylinder B58. I've been searching for Boxsters in my country, and finally found one, a white Boxster S 2014, with 30 thousand Kms. I've test-driven it (first Porsche I've ever driven) and just got mad. But I'm just experiencing what you are mentioning in the video, the concerns of what the ownership could actually entail. There have been 4 owners of the car so far, I'd be the 5th, all services made in the main Porsche dealership here, but still not sure on what things to look or be careful about. I'm 36 yo, proud father of 6 years daughter. I have the financials to make the move, but being a 10 year old car I'm just not sure. I know you can't tell me what to do, and you have already said a lot of good things about the 981 in your videos, but just looking for any extra specific tip you make have on this. I will really appreciate it, as I do with all your videos. Thank you for the time you invest to get such quality. And thanks for the extra views on life you add into them. I feel you try to speak to people like me out there, and here I am listening. Anyway thanks again and all the best.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thank you, Alfredo. The 981 series Boxsters and Caymans are renowned for their reliability, so providing the car has been serviced on schedule, I’d have no concerns. Make sure you get a qualified third party to perform a pre-purchase inspection of the car before committing, and if it all comes up okay, buy without fear. They’re a brilliant car, and actually 95% 911, anyway (literally, by part number). Thanks for the kind words, mate. 👍

[@Alex-tc5kh]

Car Wizard has good Boxster videos from the same side of the world no Australian accents

[@s10lucky]

Great Video Peter. I’m over 4 years in now on my 981 and it still makes me smile when i open the garage door. ❤

[@peterfritzphoto]

Same here!

[@Milan-fl4uk]

I’m saving up for a boxster this Spring I love these updates thank you 🙌🏼

[@peterfritzphoto]

Good for you! Glad you like them. 👍

[@fire3500]

Another great video Peter, keep ‘em coming. Always a bright spot in the week, and I appreciate the care and detail you put into your channel. :)

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thanks, Ian!

[@pkolodziejek]

I have tackled these headlights myself by replacing the lenses, heat gun and clip remover tool did the job wasnt easy I must say but it is doable

[@peterfritzphoto]

You're a better man than me.

[@jonyu9333]

You are a good boxster YT review channel. It isn’t a coincidence when every video is engaging and informative. Tq

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thanks, Jon!

[@kenrichards5699]

Common theme here. I'm 57 and purchased a 997.1 Carerra S manual coupe about 9 months ago, also paying cash. I should have done it years ago. No regrets!

[@peterfritzphoto]

That's the spirit! And what a perfect car that is. The 997 will never age.

[@machohogan]

Hope you’re enjoying your car.

[@Mark-nu3ej]

Thank you for the best review I've seen to date!! I'm looking to buy a 981 Boxster S and this certainly helped a lot. You have a new subscriber and I'm looking forward to watching your other videos and following your journey 👍

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thank you, Mark - means a lot!

[@markwest9447]

5 stars for the video. I own a 2014 Nissan 370z. It's truly amazing. Some of the Porsche dealers make you feel like they are doing you a favor...More importantly, use your Porsche in Good Health...

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thanks, Mark. The 350Z was my dream car for a long time, and the Z32 was one of the best handling sports cars ever. I imagine the 370 is better than both of them.

[@CarsFromOz]

What a great video! Informative, entertaining and with no time-wasting waffle.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thanks, James. I'm too old to waste time!

[@CarsFromOz]

At 57, so am I! @@peterfritzphoto

[@Hakucho64]

Thanks for the very thorough and genuine review (purchasing mistakes and all). I had to Google "NVH levels" (noise, vibration, and harshness), but every day is learning day, right!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thank you, Andrew. And sorry, yes, I shouldn’t use acronyms without expanding them. I sometimes forget. Thanks a lot for watching. 👍

[@iainmcglynn833]

Excellent presentation making perfect sense I’ve had three , 2 986 and a 987 3.2 3.2 and 3.4 Epic in twisty Scottish roads 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👌 Thanks Iain

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thanks, Iain. I'd love to drive in Scotland. Watching Clarkson, May, and Hammond drive there has guaranteed it as a bucket list destination!

[@toluwole]

Thank you for the thorough retrospective. I’ve love how you’ve really made that Boxster your own.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thank you. And thanks for watching.

[@baptistejouffroy8618]

Thanks for the video. I used to have a 911 997 but I sold it and would like to acquire a Boxster 981. We have the same watch and hopefully soon the same car. All the best.

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@baptistejouffroy8618 Haha! Brothers from different mothers!

[@huntGRN]

Great video. Your motivation to get the car needs to be said more often. You've worked hard and need to enjoy life. Good on you.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thank you, Travis!

[@jerryholder6999]

thanks for the chat. I have a 981, and have had a 944, 997, and a Cayman. I agree with just about everything you've addressed here --tho, I don't think I wanna mess with my suspension. Unfortunately, I drank the Koolaid on the PDK. Should have went with the manual. But otherwise, very rewarding car.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thanks, Jerry. I still lust after a 944. I loved that car.

[@efejoao]

Thank you very much for your opinions and insights. Really appreciate the clarity and honesty. My rationale is very similar to yours and I don't want to wait until I am 50-60 to get it. I am forcing myself to get one now that I am turning 40 and I intend to keep it.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Good on you, mate.

[@daraghmorrissey]

great video - thinking of buying a similar model - maybe a little newer - I'll line up specialists and do some up front planning on maintenance.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thanks, Daragh.

[@BobC59]

Beautiful car. PIcked up a 981 Cayman S last year and am deliriously happy with it (sold an S2000, and an NB Miata before that). I totally get you: Life is short. After 55, its a lot shorter. I'm 64, so I jumped ahead and got a Cayman S ;) Thanks for the chock-a-block full video. Cheers and happy motoring!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thanks a lot, Bob! I'm very tempted to get a Cayman next time around. I LOVE the look of the 981/718 version.

[@nerdtalker2]

As a huge boxster fan and porsche enthusiast your review is fantastic. The PCM carplay mod is pretty simple FYI, I've done it to many 991 and 981 I've owned, and a 958TT, same exact mod. It's down to a science now and there are many clones, they all work similarly. You get to retain the normal PCM look and feel and get CarPlay at the same time, best of both worlds.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Many thanks. Yes, I might bite the bullet and get it done at some point.

[@nerdtalker2]

@@peterfritzphoto There's a version now that just has the one add-in board as well, no piggyback external box, and built in wireless carplay. Those seem to be the best one now. But I've tried joyeauto, some aliexpress clones, and the UK nmautomotive based kits which are all piggy back based cheaper models and they all are very reliable. Honestly the PCM3.x mod/add-in board system is more reliable than my PCM6 based 992 car which drops wireless carplay and/or crashes daily.

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@nerdtalker2 Thanks for all that. So which one would you recommend I buy?

[@zerma6]

@@nerdtalker2interested too what’s your final recommandation ?

[@ThePot80]

Stunningly detailed, precise and honest appraisal, Peter. Thank you.👏👏👏

[@peterfritzphoto]

Many thanks.

[@christianpratt]

A great video Peter - nicely put together, lots of useful information and detail, and nothing held back. Hope you're enjoying the car even more, four months on!

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@christianpratt Thanks, Christian. Yes, I sure am, especially since I replaced those horrible Eibach springs with Ohlins coilovers just yesterday! 😉

[@christianpratt]

@@peterfritzphoto Oh wow! Look forward to hearing more in a new video. 👍

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@christianpratt There's a whole story around getting these onto the car. It took months longer than hoped.

[@derekstephens8340]

I really appreciate your honesty in this video. Still on track to purchase my 981GTS by September this year. Nothing wrong with my Infinite G37 convertible sapphire Blue which still turns heads I just have always wanted a PORSCHE!!! Thx again. Free Agent From Washington DC

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thanks, Derek. Life is short!

[@derekstephens8340]

Indeed my Friend. YOLO…. No do overs!

[@shanefanon]

Thanks. After 3 years owning my inexpensive Honda CRZ 2013 model I finally put money into it... yep, that's right ... New tires ! Every other coin was spent on petro and the once a year oil and filter change. Oh ... for a fwd vehicle it also handles really well.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Yep - they’re a good thing!

[@jigglerish]

Shockworks in Vic can do a custom coilover suspension set up for you. They have done a few lately for the Porsche range

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thanks for the tip. I've already ordered Bilstein coilovers, which should arrive in May.

[@jigglerish]

@@peterfritzphoto if you have to reuse the standard top hats and bump stops, ask the shop who is installing them to measure if the bump stop needs to be trimmed to allow the shock full up and down motion. I have had two sets of bilstein coilovers and they always need a trim. Otherwise they sit on he bump stop at normal ride height and ride like poo

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@jigglerish Another valuable tip - thank you!

[@stockbridgebeagle]

Love the interesting insights Peter - clearly independent minded thinking about Porsches! (I am 50 and just bought Cayman GTS 4.0 - my wife refuses to get in, but any of my three sons love to!). Ha ha. Enjoying your videos!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Haha - good stuff, Rhys! Did you see the one I did with the red Cayman GTS 4.0?

[@Daniel-yx5zu]

I love your reviews Peter and your enthusiasm about the Porsche brand. You're straight to the point and provide lots of useful information. I am due to pick up a 2024 Cayman S in white in 4 weeks so can't wait and I'm from Vic. I was intrigued with the amount you saved on tyre and disc changes - I will definitely look into when the time comes. Are you able to provide the details of the mobile tyre service that replaced your tyres? Keep up the good work Peter!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thanks a lot, Daniel, and congratulations! Maybe we should do a video/photo shoot with the two of them sometime. As for all the other stuff, here's an answer I gave to another viewer: The tyres were from tyroola.com.au. The installer was mobiletyreshop.com.au (organised through Tyroola). I purchased the brakes from runautoparts.com.au, and had them installed by Pedders in Campbellfield. They've done work on three of my cars, including a custom offroad suspension system for a Nissan Elgrand - highly recommended. Thanks for watching, Daniel. 🙂

[@Daniel-yx5zu]

Awesome and thank you for the useful information and resources. I’ve never done anything like it but yes we should consider a video/photo shoot.

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@Daniel-yx5zu No problem, Daniel. Re doing a photo shoot, it's food for thought - once you're settled in with the car and all that - and I reckon it would make for a beautiful bunch of video clips - especially car-to-car. I reckon a dusk shot of two white mid-engined Porsches would be fabulous, too. Plus, I'll print up a nice momento for you. Perhaps in the autumn or winter months.

[@rodneylw10]

Thank you for sharing. I could not help but laugh with you subtracting the costs of things to make your cost list. I have done that. My father used to say, "no, no, no, you cannot say it didn't really need it but I got it done and didn't count it." He told me that what I believe it needed and spent the money to change all count on the cost factor- sum of all the parts make it what it is now, thinking.

[@vmax4575]

Nice review and good information. I purchased a 2006 Boxster S (987) with manual transmission. It has been the most enjoyable vehicle I’ve driven. Since purchasing it, 6 years ago, I’ve put 47,000 miles on it (living in the Midwest, it’s only a summer driver). Parts and service is more slightly more expensive than the usual vehicles but Porsches are very reliable and fairly easy to do maintenance on, if you have confidence and the correct tooling. More smiles per miles.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thx for watching. 👍🦘

[@dennisling6004]

Great changes. Done similar changes to my car. Changed the blinker lights to a strobe. My car is the same as yours.?

[@adamwalker8483]

Great video. I'm having second thoughts buying one now.

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@adamwalker8483 Why?

[@machohogan]

“Why did I buy it”….. wow, you nailed exactly what I want one.

[@canozdervisoglu]

Such a great review. Objective, direct to the point, no BS. Great job keep it up.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thank you.

[@UnlicensedPharmaciszt]

It's actually really easy to add a CarPlay module to the original head unit. It took me about 2 hours and the module cost about $250 USD. I did it to mine 981S 7 years ago and it was the only mod it has, absolutely worth the money and effort.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thank you, mate.

[@isotechimages.9130]

As you said at the start of video we don't know when it will end for us and l hope this speed machine does not end things any earlier for you., enjoy it looks sweet..

[@peterfritzphoto]

Haha!! Good point! However, I was probably more likely to die on a motorcycle, but that was one of the things I sold to buy this, and I have no plans to buy one again. 😄

[@jaguppal187]

such a good review, thanks from the UK!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thank you, Jag!

[@TroySwezey]

Seventy-four-THOUSAND views as of 2024.11.14. Amazing, Peter. Well done.

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@TroySwezey Thanks, old boy.

[@claudiuvasadi]

thorough video, great work. I'm currently doing researching about 981's and 991/992's. thank you for the insights 👍

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thanks, Claudiu.

[@squashum778]

Yep, I did the throttle response kit, my 987.2 is now the way it always should have been.

[@alternatr]

Excellent video, Peter! Thoroughly enjoying your videos. I am in the market for a 981 Cayman/Boxster at the moment for my 25th birthday coming up in August (as you say: life is short) and this has helped me on my search for the perfect one (although the market drop has also been helpful!). Greetings from Brisvegas, QLD!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Good for you, mate. Enjoy!

[@kornkid8600]

981 is ultra reliable. 104k miles on mine with not a single electrical or mechanical issue. Headliner and door panels had issues but that's it.

[@peterfritzphoto]

That’s great to hear!

[@Orehia]

Great info, Thanks for sharing. glad to have found your channel. I own a white cayenne s 2009 and look forward to my convertible purchase.This info helps.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thanks, Orehia.

[@motopolak]

Thank you for this video. I've seen a few of your previous ones with your Miata and this one sealed the deal with a subscription 🙂 I'm in the market for something new, and it's either the 4th Miata or my 1st Porsche (as it has always been a bucket list item for me).... after much research I settled on a 981 Boxster so I can still get the top-down experience, and they look amazing but knowing the maintenance costs is still difficult for me to swallow as my primary experience has been essentially maintenance-free from Mazda & Toyota land. Still need to mull it over, but I appreciate your wealth of info here breaking everything down!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Many thanks for the kind words. They’re a very robust car, and there are specialists throughout the world who can work on them easily.

[@arca5200]

Really happy for you man. Have to live while you are here. P.S. Personally, I would have gone for the manual tho.

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@arca5200 Yeah, I’ve had enough of manuals for now. That said, once I get in the hills, I shift this manually, anyway. The 7-speed PDK is kind of the best of both worlds. 👍

[@wilparedes2505]

Excellent excellent review. Straight to the point with the information everyone needs to know up front

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thanks a lot, Wil.

[@kirkgrannell2978]

Hi Peter, great video, the detail is really useful. Sometimes you learn from the Eibach springs and anti roll bar. And if you don't try you wouldn't know. Well done. Kirk in Scotland 987.2 boxster with upgrades.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Many thanks, Kirk.

[@stevelyon2288]

Miss very much my 2000 986S, have a 914 2.0 to put on the road....

[@FrederickRH1]

Peter, another great video. If you recall I have the same spec, color everything in a 2014 model. I have had several Porsches and this is my favorite by far. I am senior to you by many years and this car is my week -end psychiatrist. His nickname by my children is Freud. Keep the videos coming, very well done.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Haha - love that name!

[@FrederickRH1]

FYI, I just switched from Pirelli P Zero to Michelin Pilots, a bit stiffer compound than the Pirrelli without any noticeable loss of cornering or ride quality. @@peterfritzphoto

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@FrederickRH1 Thanks for that. I had them on my ND MX5, and they transformed the car.

[@ConquerDriving]

Thank you for the info, the steering wheel is definitely a good idea. I think the combustion Boxster and Cayman may continue for some time alongside the electric variants. In a similar way the Panamera is still sold alongside the Taycan.

[@peterfritzphoto]

I heard they’ll stop taking orders for ICE Boxsters and Caymans a bit later this year, but this morning I read they’ll keep the ICE models going for a couple of years during the transition. Good news. 👍

[@ConquerDriving]

@@peterfritzphoto if you look at the Panamera sales they're not far off the Taycan. So the combustion models still seem to be selling well. In the UK around 40% of people can't charge from home. So it will be intersting to see how things change.

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@ConquerDrivingYes, there are definitely issues with electric vehicles and the infrastructure (and space) required to charge them. I think EV ownership for me is a long way off.

[@Sanmiguelforever]

Great video mate. What year would you recommend? What year is the car you just reviewed??

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@Sanmiguelforever Thanks, Alezandro. Mine is a 2013. I’d highly recommend any Boxster from 2009 onwards, but specifically the 981 series (2012-2016). 👍

[@Sanmiguelforever]

@ thank you ! Im have 2 choices in mind. Lotus emira but i love porche. Isn’t this one you have the engine in the middle?? Hard to work on ?

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@Sanmiguelforever It's mid-engined, yes. But it's actually easier to work on than some front-engined cars. Take a look at this guy's channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGa9XoSOgcmmg9Esi=w193ck6hpircFMU5

[@HiKelvin]

Awesome video! Thanks for your hard work. Hopefully I'll get a porsche soon in a few years. Enjoy your ride Peter!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thanks, Kelvin!

[@julianjennings4638]

Focal bolt in replacement speakers are a must! The Bilstein suspension upgrades are expensive but they keep the "feel" and make it sharper. Have a look at Mantai racing upgrades (think i spelt it wrong)

[@peterfritzphoto]

Oooh, interesting! Thank you.

[@clumsybanana1075]

I really enjoyed all of the info. I was wondering how your boxster compared to the mini cooper?

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@clumsybanana1075 Thank you. The Mini Cooper is very darty by comparison. And the build quality - particularly inside - isn’t a patch on the Boxster. They’re very different machines.

[@clumsybanana1075]

@peterfritzphoto thanks. I was thinking about switching from a mini to a boxster, but was unsure if the boxster would be just a fun as driving the mini.

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@clumsybanana1075 It'll definitely feel bigger, but more stable and secure, too. Try one if you get a chance!

[@clumsybanana1075]

@@peterfritzphoto thank you for your advice! It is very helpful.

[@julianjennings4638]

Great presentation. Thank you. Enjoy the ride.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thank you, Julian!

[@The888Redlich]

Your videos are great Peter. FYI my mates are happy with their Bilstein B16 on 981 & 718 Boxters & Caymans, as I have been on an earlier car. My 981 Cayman S has X73 option & happy with that. If changing I would go quality coilovers or stay stock after similar experience to you. I have converted stock audio to carplay, not too expensive & works fine, have coded stop/start to keep last setting, & dashboard lighting on at all time as I hard to read the tach w lights off. Keep doing enjoyable & helpful videos & always keep driving, cheers Gary

[@peterfritzphoto]

Wow - thanks for that info, Gary - I really appreciate it!

[@Toni62R]

Great Review! - I like the 981 too - and, of course, the Ferrari F355 ...

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thanks, Toni. Yes, the 355 remains one of my all-time favourite-looking (and sounding) Italian sports cars. I’d love to drive one someday.

[@Marc0Bece]

I'm 32 for now, coming up on 33 soon, and I've been looking at getting a used Macan Turbo or a Boxter. I really want the auto so my wife can drive it in an emergency. But I want a manual and I can just teach her to drive it - in case of emergencies. But after watching your other video about this car, I'm leaning more toward a Boxter or Cayman. Thanks for your content Peter.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thanks, Marco. If you buy a post-2009 Boxster or Cayman PDK, you’ll have the best of both worlds with that transmission. I often drive mine in manual shift mode, and it’s glorious!

[@blondsiteofthelife]

Hi Peter cool video. Regarding the Apple Car Play just wait. It will come from Porsche once 981 becomes Porsche Classic. Just like they did for the 987 gen. I have 981 2.7 myself and love it. Greeting from Stuttgart, Germany!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Good point, Jakub. Danke! 👍

[@robertgregory1927]

Great review, miss my 2014 981. I now drive a 2022 992, fantastic car but service charges are brutal but you have to pay to play!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Hi Robert. Have you investigated the use of an independent? I did at first, but decided I'd pony up the cost of using Porsche for scheduled services, but use independent sources for other items like tyres, brakes, suspension, etc.

[@robertgregory1927]

@@peterfritzphoto I had in the past for my 981 but use dealer for my 992. I miss my 981 so much that I’m actually on the configurator now looking at stuff!

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@robertgregory1927LOL.

[@shughes911]

Great informative video ! Thx👍👍 I think if u you went with Bilstien b8s you would have liked it! My mechanic recommended not to go lower than an 1inch with rhe eibach springs. I’ll be going with this setup on my 997 soon..

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thank you. I actually ended up ordering B16 coilovers. Just waiting for them to arrive. 👍

[@shughes911]

@@peterfritzphoto oh cool! I think it drops 1.2 inches with that set up.

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@shughes911 There’s a fair bit of adjustment, so I might raise it a tad from where it is now, and set the damping a little on the softer side.

[@shughes911]

@@peterfritzphoto great idea! Definitely keep us posted on how it goes👍👍

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@shughes911 Indeed, I will.

[@floridahummer]

had my stroke at 53, never expected that, enjoy your car you earned it.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Oh, sh*t - I hope you’re okay now.

[@RobJackson-c3c]

Thanks Peter, love the videos, I need to replace my battery. You mentioned $200 odd for one. I couldn’t find one for under $435. Which battery did you get please. Many Thanks Rob

[@peterfritzphoto]

It's a Delkor 59096 - 912 CCA | 12V | 90Ah | 160 RC

[@RobJackson-c3c]

Thanks Peter, much appreciated.

[@robru]

Hi Peter, can I just check you said $188 for wiper blades?!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Correctimondo.

[@formatogrande397]

great video, thoughtful honest and factual.....keep makin em Pete😃

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thank you.

[@timmybikester2309]

Very interesting and not one mention of bore scoring which is refreshing lol. Love the wheels and front bumper but not sure about the spoiler. Each to their own.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thanks, Timmy. Bore scoring hasn't been an issue since 2009. The car's spoiler is factory stock.

[@peterADL]

Nice and honest review. I’m now thinking what items in my life I can sell to find enough for the 981 GTS 😂

[@peterfritzphoto]

Haha! That’s the spirit!

[@Sto950]

I have same model, same year in manual. 56,000 miles. Thought drive belt started slipping this week, bought a new one to get replaced this morning. Mechanic rang to say belt was fine but the engine had sheared the bolt on the lower tensioner, says it's a common fail. Thankfully he was able to get it out and we replaced with a high tensile stainless steel bolt. If that bolt wasn't removeable then it's a new rear engine casing. Hope this is useful and you might want to look at this as an really cheap preventative move. If you want on Twitter or email I can send you the pics.

[@peterfritzphoto]

That’s very generous of you- thank you. I can see the bolt you’re referring to in Jeff’s excellent video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHaThHlqaNahh7ssi=9TjspUrBU1sAfT0m

[@Sto950]

@@peterfritzphoto Good stuff!

[@dralibeshara]

For the degradation of the cover, I used a heatgun very carefully and it reduced the the bad looks. The sound of the exhaust gets better when in sports mode and it bubbles a bit

[@peterfritzphoto]

Ali - are you talking about the headlight covers?

[@s.c.1972]

Great review and a nice Boxster. Hope you continue to enjoy it until you upgrade to the 4.0!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thank you!

[@mylesferguson]

Hi Peter, Just watching your video, and suggest a couple of tips for you. Members of an authorized Porsche club receive discounts from Porsche dealers for servicing, parts and merchandise, and genuine Porsche parts have a 2 year warranty. Also, "OEM" does not mean "genuine". Your membership card also works at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Regards, from Perth

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thank you, Myles - much appreciated. After 10 Benzes, where I often purchased OEM parts from the likes of Bosch, Bilstein, and Mann that were identical to genuine bar the 3-pointed star, I understand the distinction between OEM and genuine parts. The CTEK battery charger is a case in point, where the identical Porsche-branded ‘genuine’ item is triple the price. Madness.

[@PadraigOConnell]

Harry would be proud … Great job …. Superb detail… 👍🏼👍🏼

[@peterfritzphoto]

Haha! Thanks, Padraig.

[@lazyhoundracing9621]

Great video. Thank you for your time.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheVeganTravelShow]

It never ceases to amaze me how disappointed people are when replacing just the springs. To optimize the ride feel and steering response to your liking, the only option worth having for a car like this is adjustable coil-overs. I would suggest considering either Ohlins or Bilstein. I personally had Ohlins installed on my Evo 7 and was very pleased with the quality.

[@peterfritzphoto]

It was a dumb move, I know. I installed coilovers on my ND MX5, and they were brilliant. I now have Bilstein coilovers on order, and expect to have them on the car in May.

[@indikabamunuarachchi8684]

If you still use your factory infotainment system (pcm), take a backup its hard drive. Replacing a new ssd hard drive is much cheaper than the complete pcm.

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@indikabamunuarachchi8684 I don’t use the Jukebox/SSD feature, so I assume a backup isn’t required?

[@indikabamunuarachchi8684]

@@peterfritzphoto HD has PCM operating data stored in it. Mine (981 Cayman S but same PCM as yours) the HD failed after winter parking. When that happens, you will notice that your PCM will restart every 5~10mins by itself. It was too late for me to take a backup of my own, luckily, a guy from a forum gave me a backup from his Macan. I was worried a bit at the beginning because I thought it was going to show the Macan logo on my PCM but it didn't. Original PCM HD was an old spinning HD but I did put a Samsung SSD into it. I'm not sure whether it did increase PCM startup time or not, but it worked. In case if you have to, swapping the HD is not difficult.

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@indikabamunuarachchi8684 Thanks so much for this, Indika. I'll do this ASAP. I appreciate you taking the time.

[@wernerdanler2742]

That's one of the few cars I've seen in white that I liked the look of. Of course, any Porsche in any color is a good-looking car. Nice review. I wonder if you could find someone or at least a product to treat that top and maybe even put a dye on it?

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thank you, Werner. And thanks also for the tip - great idea!

[@grahamhunter4996]

Brill , thinckin of getting one when I retire .had 944s and 968 .love the sound of a cold start.❤

[@peterfritzphoto]

I love it, too. The 944S was a brilliant car. It’s so rare to see one on the road anymore.

[@addzy85]

Great video, very informative. Can you share where you got your Porsche brake components? I drive a Macan, and the dealer charge huge $ and dealers have just had a price hike, 50% increase on inspection service, so I’m assuming brake parts and install will also suffer from an increase too…

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thanks, mate. I got them from runautoparts.com.au.

[@MrOvershoot]

In early 202 I bought a late 2013 981S with pretty much every option ticked, I also arrived from an MX5 and was 55 at the time! Still got it and had a brilliant 2 month road trip round the UK in 2022. Didn't get as much use out of it last year as the summer was a bit of a washout. Really enjoyed your videos and funnily enough I was looking at 911's first but find the Boxster just suits me better?

[@peterfritzphoto]

Seems we have a bit in common, Nigel. I would LOVE to do a two-month road trip right now! My dad asked me yesterday if I still wanted a 911, and my honest answer was no. I’d love a 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 or a 25th anniversary, but my lust for the 911 has diminished greatly over the last year.

[@MrOvershoot]

@@peterfritzphoto I was lucky as redundancy and a very good payout for 31 years service gave me the ability to not give a shit about money for a few years. You are also my body double according to my girlfriend 😂 I also 100% agree with you about life being very short and just bloody enjoy it while you can.

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@MrOvershoot That’s a great way to live. The not giving a shit about money thing; not the body double thing…

[@MrOvershoot]

@@peterfritzphoto Hey don't knock the body double bit 🙂 She loves me and your wife obviously does you too 🙂 Keep just being you and all will be good.

[@s3048161]

thanks for the video Peter, wondering if you could share the name of brake specialist and mobile tire installer, Porsche doncaster quoted similar figure on brakes and tires for my 991.2 during last service and i told them i'll get it done else where.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Sure thing - the tyres were from tyroola.com.au. The installer was mobiletyreshop.com.au (organised through Tyroola). I purchased the brakes from runautoparts.com.au, and had them installed by Pedders in Campbellfield. They've done work on three of my cars, including a custom offroad suspension system for a Nissan Elgrand - highly recommended.

[@s3048161]

Thanks Peter, much appreciated@@peterfritzphoto

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@s3048161 Happy to help.

[@rigilchrist]

We both went from the same model of MX-5 to the same model (and year!) of Boxster. I love the car too. I also replaced the rear diffuser with a perspex one from eBay. I also bought the grilles. I did add a circuit board to the PCM to provide CarPlay (and Android Auto). It wasn't difficult and I love having the modern display of Google maps. You can plan a journey on your phone or PC and when you get in the car, the route is on the screen. Well worth it, IMO. The mod also provides an input for a reversing camera, which I bought but have not yet fitted. The view when reversing is poor, as you say, but the 2013 PCM cannot support a camera - this feature was added to the PCM 3.0 in 2014.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Brothers from other mothers. And continents! Thanks for the tip, Bob. I’m tempted, but I’m always paranoid about pulling stuff out of dashboards. Irrational, I know.

[@Davidanz]

hello, my body shop swapped easily just the lenses of headlights for 60 euros (+110$ the lensens cost...) they are brand new now!

[@peterfritzphoto]

That’s brilliant. How did they remove the old lenses?

[@Davidanz]

@@peterfritzphoto honestly I dont know exactly, but for sure he used an heat gun to start

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@Davidanz Well, you scored a bargain, that’s for sure. 👍

[@SnapFacts-h3z]

I recently got a base model as well in China. I put around 3000km into the drive now, and I say it is worth it

[@peterfritzphoto]

Wonderful! Thanks for watching. 👍

[@jameskelly972]

A great review, no b.s. from an owner who clearly loves cars.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Many thanks, James.

[@jeremyhoffmann2909]

Yet another great informative video Peter - Thanks!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Many thanks, Jeremy!

[@dieterjoseph8569]

You dont want to pony up money for apple carplay…. But Eibach springs and roll bar?? 😊 GREAT video btw

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@dieterjoseph8569 It’s not the cost of CarPlay that bothers me, but rather opening the system and adding stuff to it. As for the stupid Eibachs, they’ve been replaced by Ohlins coilovers, as I should have done in the first place.

[@r1pperuk]

Very nice looking example....im looking for one similar.

[@peterfritzphoto]

You won't be disappointed.

[@matshagstrom9839]

Great video. Thank you. While listening to how much you spent on the car I kept thinking why didn't he just buy a better/newer car in the first place? That is a lot it of money you spent. I have a white 981 Cayman. It has black 911 wheels and a black Porsche decal with stripe along the bottom of the door. I had the wheels repainted which was money well spent. The combo of quality black wheels with the black Porsche logo door decal and black air intakes really makes my car look good. I typically don't brag about my stuff but when I saw this car for the first time I knew I would buy it. The car came from independent dealer. (I suppose my car is a Cayman R clone). That's who put on it the wheels and decal making the car really look exceptional for not that much more money. Be well

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thanks, Mats. A few reasons: almost everything I did was discretionary (suspension, transmission service, tyres, strut brace, etc). Only a small portion of what I spent was on rectifications (like the new battery and alarm module). The rest of the items were scheduled servicing and free items (like the steering wheel). As for the headlights, it’s common across all of them. And finally, when you buy used, your choices are limited. This colour/trans/options combo was exactly what I wanted.

[@keithad6485]

I owned a 1980s 911SC for five years, bought it when it was 18 years old. Mileage 140,000. Did 80,000 miles while I owned it. Except for standard servicing costs, only had two repairs - fuel pump replaced. And starter solenoid switch sometimes did not work when the engine was at operating temperature. Starter removed, and solenoid disassembled and cleaned, which corrected the problem. Total non service costs for 5 years - $300. Wonder if modern Porches are similar in longevity of components. Loved every minute of my time with my 911. From a Porsche 911 fan Down Under.

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@keithad6485 That’s a cool story. Thanks, Keith.

[@keithad6485]

@@peterfritzphoto Thanks Peter. I had made up my mind to buy a '78 or later 911 (vastly superior aluminium crank case and power brakes standard) with cash in the bank when I was twenty. At thirty no hope of buying my 911. At the age of 37, opportunity to manufacture for Defence came along. The driving motivation for setting up my Defence engineering business was my frustration at not owning a 911! I later learned frustration with each person's financial situation is the usual reason people start their own businesses! Sure was with me. I could have bought the 911SC from net profit from the first Defence contract. But decided to wait a bit and grow the business. Three years later, I said to myself, this is the year I buy my 911. June that year in my ealry 40s, I was the very proud owner of a red 911 with whale tail and chin spoiler. My mates accused me of having a mid life crisis, I said to them, I always wanted a 911. Gave up trying to convince them otherwise and I said to them, its my mid life crisis and I'm gonna enjoy it! And I did! Got 911 up to 190km/h on Calder straight with the Vic Porsche Club! Wasn't game to run out of brake distance at the end of the straight so did not get to 200. Though in other scenarios, had it above 200 and it felt so solid on the road even at those speeds. Braking was phenominal, at 160km/h hard on the brakes and pulled up no fade, and hands off the steering wheel, pulled up straight! Porsche know how to build cars properly! I will own another aircooled 911 probably a 993 (the last of the aircoolers) but currently have other projects with higher priority such as my new manufacturing business, but owning a 911 again is not the burning aim it was when I was younger (I have achieved that dream). BTW - have a new car project. VW made a car from 2002 - 2016 but did not import them into Australia. VW Phaeton, more luxurious than Mercedes S class. Only found out about them 3 weeks ago! I am looking at importing one of these Phaetons. There are apparently 2 known in Australia. Some came with W12 motor 6.0L! With my new manufacturing business, I am currently researching the feasibility of making a road registered copy of the Thales Hawkei - the new Aussie Army armoured 'landrover'. Gonna take some time to complete the research cos need to know estimated max total cost before making the decision to go ahead. Currently, I estimate a figure of max $150K using existing commercially available drive train components. I expect it will be a lot less, but do know with projects like this one, there is always some blow out in the cost and likelihood of delays. Engineering alone to get it ADR'd is over $15,000. The real Hawkei made in Benidgo, cost the tax payer about $1 Million each. This comment is getting a little long winded so will end my comment here. Thanks for reading my novelette length comment.

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@keithad6485 You're clearly an interesting man, Keith. I was just thinking about the Phaeton a couple of months back myself! A quick search reveals bargain prices in the US, so hopefully you can snare a RHD one from a suitable market. The last iteration of the car looks gorgeous. The 993s are also beautiful. A little pricier, though... The Hawkei is a tough looking machine, that's for sure. You have plenty of exciting things to keep you occupied. Happy to read your novelettes whenever you feel compelled.

[@keithad6485]

@@peterfritzphoto Thank you for your compliment Peter - just following my passions! If you are connected in any way to the Defence industry, you can request an invite to Land Forces Expo at Melbourne Exhibition Centre Sep 11-13 this year. As far as I know, this is the first Defence Expo to take place in Melb. Entry is free. It is likely I will have a booth there displaying my products. Making a decision this week.

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@keithad6485 I'd love to attend, but sadly, I'm not connected to defence in any capacity.

[@jeffbrassard1268]

Purchased a CPO 2015 Base Boxster with 16,400 miles in June of 2018 for my wife. The vehicle now has 45,500 miles after almost 6 years of ownership and daily driving this has been hands down the best car we have ever owned. The only service cost has been oil changes, brakes, tires and a battery. The Boxster is a joy to drive. I don’t see us ever selling the car.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Wonderful! Thanks for chiming in, Jeff.

[@ikigai47]

I saw a video today where a British youtuber talked about getting an apple carplay headunit from AliExpress for his 987 Cayman that is flawless in looks and functionality, and was 1/10th the cost of what Porsche charges to upgrade your headunit to carplay compatible. So not very expensive and easy to install.

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@ikigai47 Indeed. I saw one of those units in a 981 Cayman recently.

[@ikigai47]

@@peterfritzphoto - Cool, hopefully you get one, would be a nice upgrade

[@andrewgiblin3468]

I always find prices in Oz insane, in Canada same car from almost no mileage to still far less than this one 35-64K CAD, and our currencies are pretty much on par. Excellent review though congrats!!

[@larryowens3704]

Oh come on, Cad35k for a 981 in Canada? Impossible unless it’s in the junk yard. A beat 987 maybe.

[@peterfritzphoto]

We do pay a lot for cars over here.

[@foxlake6750]

I’m in Canada and it’s hard to find a 981 under $50,000 Cdn ($37K US), maybe if it was a high mileage and a salvage title. Our Boxster/Cayman/911s tend to be lower mileage, since most owners put them away over the winter. My 987.2 S (2011), new from the dealer has 40,000 kms, 24,000 miles….mainly a weekend car.

[@93455Driver]

Great video, life is not a practice session! At the moment I have just one car that has to do everything, so usually go for hatchbacks, have a GR Corolla (awesome 3 cylinder engine, trick AWD, manual) but would love to own a sports car again and a used Boxster is top of my list. This would mean having two cars, but a small less precious hybrid to take the bad winter weather, commuting, the door dings at my employer's parking lot, etc., would be a good cure for my car OCD issues. Couple of questions, did you consider the older Boxster with the hydraulic steering rather an EPS? The 4 cylinder 718's are less desirable but am thinking Porsche rarely gets it wrong, did you consider a 4 cylinder 718? Is the difference between the S and base Boxster versions a big deal? The new ND3 is intriguing, sounds like they have addressed the "darty" steering and the LSD, but as you say not a very practical car and would like a car that my wife also enjoys (which means good ride qualities). A used BMW M2 Competition with a DCT is also under consideration, an easier car to get fixed in the US, great inline 6, but I think I would still wonder about the Boxster.

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@93455Driver I considered the 987 for a while, but I much preferred the size, look, and interior of the 981. I didn’t want the four because I wanted the flat-six experience. If I get another, it will likely still be the six (GTS 4.0). I drove the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, and even though the engine had more grunt, it surprised me that the difference wasn’t more substantial. The base 981 engine is fabulous - especially with Sport Chrono and the sports exhaust.

[@93455Driver]

@@peterfritzphoto Peter thanks for the response, good points. You can only go so fast (legally) on a road and so not really worried about having the maximum ponies (plus I am no great hot shoe either), so like the idea of the base engine especially if I get to use more of the available rev range more of the time. The used base 718s here in the US are tempting, think I would miss the flat six sound though.

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@93455Driver The sound is glooorious!

[@TheWhooah]

Always great content Peter 👌

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thx, JB.