Porsche Boxster Spyder And Cayman GT4 Are Used Gems

Since the GT4 is slightly more common than the Spyder, it's slightly less expensive on the used market. Neither of these cars has plummeted in price, but both offer thousands in savings compared to the new 718 models. We foundused Cayman GT4prices starting under $75,000. That's about $25,000 less than a new model before factoring in pricey Porsche options. As for the Boxster Spyder, the least expensive example we found was just under $90,000, representing around a $10,000 savings over a new one with zero options.

The Porsche option prices are what's important to remember here, as either car can shoot up to around over $140,000 with the addition of a few extras. Those looking for even more savings should look at the 987-generation Boxster Spyder and Cayman R, both of which can be found for less than $60,000 and deliver an excellent driving experience.

Both the Spyder and GT4 use a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine that was taken from the 991-gen 911 Carrera S. Though it was de-tuned to produce 385 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, this was the first time Porsche had ever given a Boxster or Cayman similar performance to a 911. Both came exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, with long gearing that helped ensure the 911's dominance. With 0-60 mpg times of 4.3 seconds for the Spyder and 4.2 seconds for the GT4, they should feel quick enough for most drivers.

These cars were lighter than their standard counterparts and utilized other performance goodies such as upgraded brakes from the 991 GT3, a limited-slip differential, torque vectoring, a lower ride height, and active suspension. They could also be ordered without air conditioning, and the Spyder dropped the Boxster's electric soft top in favor of a lighter manual unit.

These cars were all about weight savings, so Porsche allowed customers to remove the air conditioning and radio if they wanted. The A/C and radio delete cars will likely draw a premium for collectors in the future, but the absence of either will likely be more of a nuisance than a benefit for someone looking to use these as a daily driver. Cabins will also look slightly different depending on how the original owner optioned the car. We suggest finding one with the optional sport bucket seats, but they do draw a premium on the used market.

Aside from having less sound-deadening materials and fabric pulleys instead of door handles, the Spyder and GT4 aren't tremendously less comfortable than their standard counterparts. They even retain the two trunk layout, meaning they can handle a weekly trip to the grocery store.

Porsche has taken the shine off the 981 Boxster Spyder and Cayman GT4 ever since it introduced the new models with the 4.0-liter flat-six engine. The new cars improve upon the formula set by these cars, but we aren't sure that the larger engine is worth tens of thousands more than the outgoing models. With 911 GT3 prices still sticking at insane levels, the GT4 and Spyder offer the best overall value for specialty Porsche cars. Someone can buy one, drive and track it, and still sell it without taking a huge loss.