I'm talking from an engineering perspective. It's simpler (the S2), the engine is far superior in my opinion, on Porsche you seem to get fairly common RMS, IMS and bore score issues depending on the variant engines ( they are all a nightmare to resolve )

Anyway, each to our own opinion, Porsche have an iffy reliability record is my view, yours maybe different.

Regardless I'm sure it's a great car and you are enjoying it and Chris might which is the key here

 

Build quality is build quality? Porsche build quality is superior. That's like saying a Dacia has better built quality than a Merc; it's simply untrue. Ease of repair is not build quality. From an engineering perspective - whose? The designer, the assembly engineer, or the workshop technician? Sounds like you're viewing it from the third choice. Quite an ambiguous thing to state, nonetheless.

I wouldn't compare the F20 to the later 3.4 (maybe the 2.7/2.9 would be sort of comparable). I would go as far to say comparing a 987 to an S2000 is just folly. They are totally different sports car formulas. The S2000 is an absolute riot of perfect balance (that's why I got another one), whereas the Porsche is about refinement, and much more of an everyday car. Personally, I wouldn't part with either.

We're on an S2000 forum so of course the consensus is going to be the S2000 is the right choice. I say it depends on what you want and what your goals are. There is no right car; there is only the right car for you.

On the 987.1, yes, it does have some dreaded reliability issues, although bore scoring is unique to the 987.1 3.4. The 987.2 does not have any of those issues and is rock solid. This is why I recommended the 987.2 - it may be more expensive upfront but the total cost of ownership (purchase price, minus maintenance, plus resell price) is significantly less. It sounds like you have spent time reading horror stories on the Internet rather than talking to actual owners, in my opinion.

OP should try each car and discover what fits their bill. If you want to try the holy grail of 987s, I have one and I'm happy to assist.
​​​​​

 

Sorry you have missed my point. I'm sure an Audi has soft touch plastics which some will equate as build quality. I didnt mean that.

Anyway let's agree we have polar different requirements and so different views rather than arguing the toss. You like em, whether I do or don't is irrelevant to you.

 

Well, step one complete. Just been to Amore Autos to look at a couple of T350Ts. Only got to sit in them (manky weather out), and started one up.

Mark, the guy who runs the place is a lovely guy. Sounds like he basically started a club, got some storage and workshop space, then people started to ask him to sell theirs for them and now it's effectively a private club with a tame pro mechanic and a bit of a 'help each other' atmosphere, which is nice.

The car itself - things that are similar and things very different to the S, as expected. General size and 'feel' of sitting in it is vaguely similar, although the higher transmission tunnel and low roof line mean you feel a little more 'in it'.

Gear change, when cold, feels not dissimilar to the S (engine off), maybe slightly longer throw. Quite a narrow pedal box, and bottom-hinged pedals. Would need narrow shoes for driving! Very long throw on clutch and throttle. Clutch is heavier than the S but not daft. A very pronounced 'cam over' feeling to it.

Apparently the heater and air con vents are separate, so you have to shut one set whilst you open the other set!

 

Both cars had a lot of customisation, one had had a complete body-off restoration. Not uncommon for these, apparently. Certainly easily DIY-able, fairly simple beasts. Dry sump and effectively a race engine, apparently, so history is key.

Boot size isn't bad, although the targa panels sit in there when removed, so logistics could become awkward! Apparently Tamoras are far cheaper despite being effectively the same car (don't look as good though!). They didn't have a Tamora there, sadly.

After chatting to Mark about what I was after, he was very genuine and said that it's a big decision to swap the S and buy something else. Said he wasn't sure I'd get what I was after from a TVR (basically cos he said I wouldn't be overawed by the straight line power, having supercharged the S2000 etc). Definitely worth a test drive though.

I did mention the Vantage and he laughed & dinner said I'd be bored in 5 minutes!

So, an interesting visit and a good start to my market exploration!

 

I don't think I missed your point at all. You didn't mean build quality by the sounds of it... I apologise if you interpreted my eagerness to discuss as argumentative. Happy motoring.

OP, sounds like you're on the right path! Keep trying different cars and you'll eventually find the one that speaks to you.

 

They used to stink of fibreglass. Is that still the case?

 

Not that I noticed.

 

I think Jason does refer to the tech on tap from our 2 litre forged engine - that can almost keep pace with a 3.2. The fact it's super reliable, reinforced and can be moulded/tuned to suit. It's a one off yes. It's an all time great that finally got noticed
987's by far have a nicer interior (as long as the interior switchgear buttons haven't worn,which they commonly do) , look classy and are ageing well (debatable as just said)
..986 not so much, they are as bloaty & ugly, and odd as 944s. However, it's the Germans service costs and parts replacement which are unnecessarily expensive. All in defence of the badge of course Porsche would say - buy any Porsche, expect dickhead costs. It's daft. Cheap Porsche should be cheap service, including suspension, brakes etc which are obviously made of platinum! But it isn't cheap. Far from it.
You will know- but probably alot more goes wrong (and gets very expensive) with porkers , than Japanese cars, which are more simple. Theres more tech. More tech, when it's early out of R&D means more problems. Ignoring the bore score and IMS , because the majority was resolved. Sorry, actually the bore score did continue for many other models including 911s. Poor production without doubt on Porsches part will scaremonger on the web. 2004-2009 were Porsches worst years for these issues, but still a relatively small amount were/are affected. Still.. it's definitely a few hundred cars. They bolloxed up the engine for half a decade on a number of models. I've also spent alot of time finding out about it.

Having said all this , I wouldn't discount a 987 or 718. Or even an excellent earlier 911. It can still be ragged to be enjoyed if you are trying to slip out of it's comfier personality. I just know that being in company of others that have hammered their Porsche on track, things go wrong, sensors scream "ouch".. whereas Honda, hour after hour, like my S, and friends Type R, just keep going relentlessly. I think it's down to that forging process in Suzuka.
I'm on the fence. I drive my S as a daily and give no shits about the Porsche interior. But I appreciate Boxsters on the road, and tip my hat in respect. Except 986 and that horrid 944/924.
Chris I still think you should get into a Tamora and give us a review.
​​​​​

 

I fancied a Tiv when I was younger. It's basically that caterham with a more exotic engine isn't it?

Years ago someone on here had one and loved it but then another the wiring was a mess so I think quality comes into play, will it leave you on the A456 layby covered in oil?

If not then it's a tempting thing..I think I would go for a Caterhamish or Lotus but I hankered after a Tamora once..

I'm enjoying Chris putting the legwork in tbh

Good luck dude!