[RagingKileak]

Hello all,

I know some of you have been awaiting my review of the Porsche Boxster S and certainly, noone who loves cars could fail to appreciate some of the pics which as always, have been taken by my mate Ant Pearson, so here you go!!

The Quest

As many of you know, I've looked into a lot of cars. Some which would be a compromise between sports and everyday use, some of which were just plain silly, and fewer still which were perhaps just unrealistic for what I needed. After running the 135i and the E36 M3 in parallel for a while, I realised that having two cars wasn't neccesarily a massive headache, especially if I cleared the garage of junk.

With that in mind, I began searching for either a Boxster S, a Z4M or a VX220 for the weekends, whilst a secondary plan was hatched to sell the 135i and buy something sensible. In particular, because I was offerred a new job midway through the buying process and because a loan I've carried since I was 18 has finally ended, I was able to stretch my budget a little from the very base spec Boxsters I had been looking at to some around the 30k mark.

Equivalent (or sometimes better, not withstanding the archaic E46 Sat Nav) spec Z4M's could be had for around 20k, so the argument against the Boxster was strong, especially considering the Z4M is probably the more characterful performer.

This all changed though when I saw this car for sale at Porsche Centre Chester:



Featuring everything I could want and more (Ceramic Brakes being a very unlikely to achieve option on a Boxster) except the later 3.4 litre engine, I just had to go take a look.

The Dealer

Having experienced a certain level of disinterest from Porsche Centre Leeds on two seperate occasions, I must admit that I wasn't expecting much from PC Chester, but having brokered a strong PX for the M3 and a nice raft of extras I went to see the car and, all being well, finalise a deal.

Upon arrival, it was clear the car needed some paint across most of the nosecone. I didn't think it was too bad, but James (the salesman) had picked it up and wanted it right.... On the other hand, I thought the front tyres were badly worn/cracked and although legal, not up to the standard I expected. Some haggling followed, and Jon (the business manager) threw in a years tax and offerred to fit new tyres if I supplied them, as http://www.mytyres.co.uk were cheaper than Porsches own cost price (allegedly) so things were going nicely. All in, it was a pleasure to buy from James/Jon and I am promised they will keep me informed of any early 997 Turbo's which land following the first six months of my Finance deal (when it becomes easier to get out of) so that will be a nice call when it happens!!

The reason I added a 'Dealer' section is because of what followed when the car went wrong. Firstly, the car wouldn't start - turning over, but not firing. Research suggests it is a common fault, and Porsche Assist were all too happy to recover my car to PC Leeds who duly fixed and valeted the car overnight, replacing the battery which wasn't holding charge under warranty.

Excellent I thought. Until the following week when the clutch started to feel spongy and crap. I dropped the car in at Leeds who kindly gave me a lift home. Only a short morning later and they had the car in bits, at which point I was informed 'Well Sir, you were right about the clutch and we're also going to have to change the flywheel, but we can do that under warranty. It's good news really, because it's only going to be £1500 + VAT.'

I was shocked to say the least.... Changing a battery under warranty but not a Clutch (which I am convinced was damaged by the dodgy flywheel) when the customer has only had the car for 6 weeks and a thousand miles!! Anyway, a few calls to Porsche Centre Chester later and they had authorised for Leeds to send them the bill - meaning the car was fixed for free.

I can't really knock anyone for the work done, or the fairly high level of professionalism throughout, but I can say categorically that if I could swap the bricks, mortar and staff that make up the two dealerships across the pennies so that Chester was in Leeds and vice versa, I most certainly would. They were reassuring and solid throughout, seeming to be totally in control and with a clear goal to retain me as a customer, which is a feeling I have never had from Leeds even when I wanted to buy a car on two seperate occasions.

The Car

The most interesting part right? Well nearly, after pics!!

The Porsche Boxster S is a car which I think, grows on you with time. It's certainly nowhere near as lairy or as exciting as the Z4M, but what it lacks in power, it makes up for in sheer capability.

I've never got out of this (or any other) Boxster feeling exhilerated or grinning because I barely survived an insane slide round some forgotten road in the Dales like I used to in the 350Z or when I test drove the Z4. Instead, I smile as I climb into the Boxster, safe in the knowledge that it is quietly confident, rather than overtly brash.

It seems to me that Boxster drivers think they know something noone else does. I used to feel that they were underpowered and a little bit ugly, with very little to attract me aside from the badge, but I couldn't have been more wrong. The Boxster is more than fast enough even despite its relatively modest power (especially with the top down) and the flat, poised handling it displays into corners is more than enough to bring it right up the arse of heavier, less well balanced vehicles as I have often found when out for a blast.

Every component feels designed to facilitate rapid movement. Comparing it to a 911 or similar for pace would be stupid, being as both are outright sportscars, but there is no doubt that the Boxster is far more capable than far more powerful 'compromise' or 'normal' road cars. The 135i and 335d I've had before were capable of intense, eye watering bursts of speed, but both roll and wallow like a drunken hippo in comparison to the Porsche, featuring none of the Boxsters ability to brake for, turn into, balance on the throttle throughout and accelerate out of corners.

Of course, such compromise cars undoubtedly have their place - the Boxster for example is an absolute pig in traffic, with a clutch so heavy it is either 'on' or 'off' and incredibly hard to use in first gear. Porsches 'Porsche Communication Management' (PCM) 2.6 (as fitted between about 2005 - 2009) would probably be better off called 'Porsche lack of communication management' as it features a sim card slot for your phone (mental) and a pretty basic nav system to say the least.

My car features Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as part of the 'Sports Chrono' package. As always, this is the kind of option people want (though they don't know why) and which causes disagreement between journalists the world over. PASM itself means the car is 10mm lower than standard, but also features electronic damping by Bilstein (similar to E92Fan's PSS10 setup) which automatically adjusts between 6 stiffness settings depending on how hard the driver is making progress. Many say it makes progress to jittery for UK roads, which I can agree with, but on a smooth Yorkshire A road, it most certainly makes a wonderful handling experience even better, especially when manually overridden to its hardest setting. This can be achieved either via the PASM - Sport button, or by the cars outright Sport mode.

Like in the E46 M3, the Sport mode sharpens up throttle response, but in the Porsche it does a number of other things which include engaging PASM to its hardest setting, limiting stability management interference, removing the soft rev limiter and also enabling a handy lap timing gizmo which even works out how many 'laps' remain in the car before refuelling... Could be handy at the Ring I think!!!

Another option worth noting on the Boxster S (as already mentioned) is the £5500 Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB.) At around 5kg per corner lighter than standard and with huge 6 piston calipers, these things really help the car feel surefooted and by god, can they stop. Someone on here mentioned that they find Porsche brakes woolly and I think I understand that, but I think now I am used to them it's certainly not the case with the PCCB setup at all. Instead, to the contrary I have recently had a couple of emergency stops to make after which I felt physically sick due to the insane rate at which the car came to a standstill.... I often brake for red lights and wind up 50 or 60 yards short, such is the capacity for stopping. In fact, the only problem with the PCCB kit is the constant squealing, which once warm, is relentless and annoying with the top down - embarassing even!!

All in all, despite some minor flaws, I love how the Porsche feels like every component is designed to work in unison towards a single goal. There is no body roll whatsoever and scuttle shake only really appears due to poor roads rather than because the car is being twisted by the driver. The engine is so lively and feels much larger than it is, with what feels like a lot more torque than the quoted figure and an exhaust note which, with the top up, is so, so sweet and when down, is carried away nicely so that conversation is still possible.

For me, I can sum the Boxster S up nicely by an experience I had only the other day, with Ant as a passenger just before he took the photos you see below. We were pressing on near Otley Chevin when we came upon a beautiful white Nissan GT-R behind a queue of traffic. The noise it made was intense and ominous, especially when he dropped a cog and moved out to overtake. I did the same, and as we both passed three cars on the left side of the road, he was moving away at a good car length per second easily - as I had no doubt he would.

The road opened up into a long downhill straight which dips over a bridge at the bottom and then back up before a series of turns. The GT-R driver, clearly new to his semi-supercar was firstly unable to follow up his ambition on the downhill straight, then afraid of the dip at the bottom, and lastly very afraid of carrying any speed whatsoever into the corners. My Porsche, two up and half as powerful was stuck to his arse like a tiny ladybird throughout the whole sequence before finally, the road opened up going into Harrogate and he was able to flex his muscles.

I'm not saying the Boxster is anywhere near as all conquering as the GT-R, in fact I loved following the big Nissan and the sound - omg the sound - but I am pleased and proud to say that the Porsche does carry enough confidence, enough capability that it CAN hang with the big boys if driven properly.

I think what all Boxster S drivers know that noone else realises, is that the car they drive will always be underestimated. That people will always ask 'couldn't you afford a 911' and that there will always be a £10k hot hatch with a hundred horsepower more, but they don't care.... Probably because when it really comes down to it, as the sun is setting over beautiful countryside on a warm evening, there are few cars which offer such pure, uncluttered driver focussed enjoyment as the Boxster S.

Matt

The Pics

Yes, I do go on and on... check out these pics courtesy as I said before of my mate Ant, who by the way, is a cracking wedding photographer and also good for occasional photoshoots of just about anything!!

http://www.antpearson.co.uk/Porsche%20Boxster%20S/#1

[peterg1965]

What a write up!! I could have been there instead of the Z4 but the OPC at Bolton were not a good place to deal with. Your 'S' looks absolutely stunning, Guards Red is quite rare in modern Porsches I think and the spec in yours is outstanding, was it a demo car? In my search I never came across a Boxster (or Cayman) with PCCB. Those 19" alloys (Sport designs?) are my favourite too, and another expensive option I think.

Great car, hope I am as satisfied with my new Z4.

[willhollin]

Great review Matt.

Damn you look sexy behind the wheel!

[beemerbird]

Bloody hell, that's the review to end all reviews I reckon..............very comprehensive Matt.

Am surprised by what you have said about your experience of Porsche Centre Leeds tbh as all my dealings with them have been fine and no complaints.

Glad you're enjoying the Boxster and I agree, they handle very well for a soft top. Quite some achievement imo.

My Cayman S clutch wasn't heavy so they must have altered things by then perhaps.

You not tuning it now then?

[Oli]

Fantastic review, and loving the wheels, really suit the car.

[Steve A]

Great review, but its still a birds car

[Snooky]

Nice review Matt. Glad you are enjoying the new motor!

[pjs]

Good review and pics, and surely a unique boxster with that spec. Looks value at £27k. Is it a keeper though, given it makes your daily ride a compromise?

[JLR1969]

Nice review Matt, car looks great.

[RagingKileak]

Originally Posted by pjs

Good review and pics, and surely a unique boxster with that spec. Looks value at £27k. Is it a keeper though, given it makes your daily ride a compromise?

Thanks for all the comments guys.... I've just agreed a deal for a 310 bhp Golf GTI Edition 30 with DSG and a Quaiffe diff as my daily drive. I reckon between them, I've got it covered for now!!

I got a good deal on the Porsche I think... Considering the PX on the M3, tax, driving experience etc, I was happy... Clutch + flywheel was a bonus too really!!

Only time will tell, but for now it feels rather good to me - the colour, PCCB's and wheels set it apart from others I think... Maybe just coz I own it, but so few with what I class as 'interesting' spec around, I couldn't miss this!!!

Helen Leeds weren't terrible so I've tried to be fair... They were just generally indifferent I guess!

Matt

[Shadow]

Great review - but I can't help wondering what those brakes will cost to service. Aren't ceramics hugely expensive?

[RagingKileak]

Originally Posted by Shadow

Great review - but I can't help wondering what those brakes will cost to service. Aren't ceramics hugely expensive?

Probably... But I was buying a Porsche, so I just ya know, thought bollocks to it!

Matt

[willhollin]

Originally Posted by RagingKileak

Thanks for all the comments guys.... I've just agreed a deal for a 310 bhp Golf GTI Edition 30 with DSG and a Quaiffe diff as my daily drive. I reckon between them, I've got it covered for now!!

Should be interesting with the Quaife. Does this mean torque steer will be reduced?

[RagingKileak]

Originally Posted by willhollin

Should be interesting with the Quaife. Does this mean torque steer will be reduced?

In theory.... IIRC the RevoKnuckle in the new Focus RS is just a form of LSD and is rumoured to reduce it vastly.

310 bhp isn't too crazy anyway, though I'm sure it will be fun!!

Matt

[Dave_3]

Originally Posted by RagingKileak

In theory.... IIRC the RevoKnuckle in the new Focus RS is just a form of LSD and is rumoured to reduce it vastly.

Matt

The revoknuckle is basically a re-design of the lower arm, to reduce king-pin angle - giving a pivot point that isn't constrained by the typical Macpherson strut layout. The RS also has an updated/refined Quafie LSD.

Pretty sure a Golf with >300 PS will be "lively"

D.

[Steve A]

Ive been in a remapped ed30 and by fuck it was very fast. Nice Fleet.

[scottc]

Originally Posted by Shadow

Great review - but I can't help wondering what those brakes will cost to service. Aren't ceramics hugely expensive?

Really nice car mate and a great spec. My clutch on my Cayman was really light so not sure how they have set yours up, might be worth mentioning to you dealer.

As for the ceramics yes they are bloody expensive, my brother in-law works for Porsche and has replaced quite a few. They discs will last for a long time (unless they are damaged) but the pads will need replacing more often, the pads are not bad in terms of price but if I remember correctly it's around £2500 a disc but you can replace one at a time you dont have to replace both. Some people actually put normal disc and pads on and and then put them back on when you sell it.

Enjoy your car mate and great photos

[zltm089]

Good stuff!!! Reviews on here are of excellent quality these days!!!!!!...pics r really good...

not really into red tho...

[rogerxp]

Looks good Matt

[RagingKileak]

Originally Posted by Dave_3

The revoknuckle is basically a re-design of the lower arm, to reduce king-pin angle - giving a pivot point that isn't constrained by the typical Macpherson strut layout. The RS also has an updated/refined Quafie LSD.

Pretty sure a Golf with >300 PS will be "lively"

D.

Cheers Dave, a little knowledge can be dangerous in the wrong hands - I genuinely thought RevoKnuckle referred to the whole 'drivetrain' really, rather than the suspension.

One thing I have noticed with the PASM/Sports Chrono is that automotive journalists rarely seek to ratify what they are saying. I would say less than 50% of all reviews I've read actually got the detail for PASM right and even fewer knew that the SPORT button did things like remove the soft limiter.

Groundbreaking? No... But is it the 'complete was of time' that most call it... Not quite!!

Anyway, the ED30 is a cracking car too. It will be hard to shift my GTI because I've owned it for so little time and people will wonder, but the bizarre thing is that I am selling it BECAUSE I am so impressed with it.

I'm sure the RS is a different beast, but the 310 bhp ED30 is SO MUCH quicker than the Wolf Racing Focus 330 I had a couple of years ago... DSG and Quaiffe might be helping, so not an entirely fair comparison, but the Golf does 'calm, quiet and relaxing' much better than the Focus too.

Horses for course, the ST was a FANTASTIC car for very good money. An ED30 at the time would have been £20000 in stock trim vs the £16500 I paid for a 1 owner Focus ST with all the WR330 mods and only 8000 miles on the clock.

Thanks for all the continued comments guys. I will post up about the Golf(s) in due course and I am sure that myself, Helen and so on are only encouraged to be arsed writing posts like this because of the continued support of the community when we do.

Regards
Matt