I test drove a 2011 Boxster Spyder yesterday that I'm strongly considering making a move on, but it's not at a Porsche dealership and the salesman is not a Porsche brand specialist, so I'm having to do my own research here:

1) Carbon Fiber Sport Bucket Seats - Is it true the seat backs do not recline? I saw the pull strap on the seat back to release the seat back forward, but it seems there's no way to adjust the tilt when it goes back in place.

2) iPhone Music Connectivity - The car has Bluetooth but I'm assuming this is for phone calls only? If I want to play music from my iPhone, can I use the auxiliary jack in the center console armrest compartment? The car has the CDR-30 audio system with option code 870 (Universal Audio Interface).

3) Valve Ticking - I noticed a slight ticking noise on startup from the engine bay that sounded like valve ticking. It was cold, and the car has been sitting a couple of weeks. After the test drive at idle, the noise was greatly reduced but not gone. Is this normal? Oil change was done two weeks ago.

4) Why does the car have a button for raising and lowering the spoiler? This car only comes with fixed rear wing.

5) Automatic Climate Control (option code 573) - May be a dumb question, but does this mean the car has heat AND A/C? I tested the heat but not A/C...

That's it for now, thanks in advance for any pointers!

 

First off and to address item 3, I would suggest you take the car to a Porsche dealer or a trusted independent Porsche mechanic and get a Pre-Purchase Inspection done. It will cost a few hundred bucks, but worth much more in terms of peace of mind and anything substantial that is discovered. Especially since the car is out of warranty. The good news is that you don't have the IMS bearing issue to worry about!

1) Can't help you on that one.
2) Not familiar with the CDR 30, but I would presume if you have option 870, then you will be able to interface your phone/ipod with the radio. My 2016 GTS has the Universal Audio Interface and provides USB and phono plug connectivity to the audio system. The audio system will also connect to my phone via bluetooth for phone functions, web radio, and playing music.
3) See above
4) Dumb! Are you sure it is a spoiler button. Could it be for something else like sport exhaust, PSM or PASM? The Germans are pretty good about not including buttons if the option isn't there.
5) Looking at the hardcover book that Porsche sent me in 2010 "The New Boxster Spyder Unleashed", I see option code 573 as Climate Control and as an extra cost option. I would presume that the car does have AC. Look for some climate control buttons for AC Off or AC Max or something with a snow flake to indicate AC.

Good luck. Cool cars (except maybe for the dumb top design - hope you live in a sunny environment!).

 

1. They do not recline - fixed back
2. Will need UBS cable to interface with your phone for music
3. May have been dry from sitting. Some valve noise is normal. Don't buy without taking it to a Porsche dealer for a pre purchase inspection, just to be sure.
4. Just carry over from the other Boxter and Boster S where this is a feature.
5. You need to verify if it has AC -some came without, if spec'd that way. Go to 1:00 of first link and 2:40 of the second video below and you will see this car was "w/o" AC. It was an option - so you need to be sure it was spec'd with it, if you want to have it.

link: https://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=m...+boxter+spyder

link: https://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=m...+boxter+spyder

 

I owned a 2011 Boxster Spyder and loved it. One of the best driving Porsche's made. Took a few weeks to use to the Sport Bucket Seats. They only move forward and back. Cannot adjust up and down or recline. Once you get use to them they are great especially in the corners. What color is the one you are considering? Mine was Basalt Black Metallic with Carrera Red Leather Interior. Let us know what you decide.

 

Thanks guys, I went under contract on the Spyder last week and am picking it up tomorrow! Excited to see what this car is all about!

 

Looking forward to seeing some pix. Enjoy your permagrin!

 

Please post pictures when you get it. You are going to love it.

 

Will do, driving it back to Atlanta from Memphis tomorrow so we'll see how the first road trip goes. I'm not sure my back is ready for a 5-hour road trip with those erect seats but I'm 35 so hopefully can handle it! At least I'll be used to them after this trip!