Hello everyone. This is Mina, the administrator of “Welcome Home, PORSCHE.” This project, Porsche Owners File, was born from readers’ requests to share the authentic voices of various Porsche owners. The 13th installment features a purchase, options, and driving review of the 718 Boxster GTS (PDK) from “Micchan.”

〘Owner Information〙
・Featured car: 718 Boxster GTS (PDK)
・Pen name: Micchan
・Residence: Kanagawa Prefecture
・Previous cars:
Nissan 130 Fairlady Z 2/2 → Nissan 130 Fairlady Z 2-seater → Toyota Crown → Suzuki Wagon R Wide → Toyota Noah → Mercedes-Benz C-Class Station Wagon → Mercedes-Benz E-Class Station Wagon
【Current Cars】
① Mercedes-Benz E-Class Station Wagon 220 Avantgarde
② 718 Boxster GTS PDK
・Message to readers: I purchased the 718 Boxster GTS as a second car, and it’s a fun car to drive. It’s a car that’s easy to drive around town and perfect even for women.

1) How I Decided to Buy

I had set a goal to “own a Porsche by age 50,” and since this year I turned 50, I was able to achieve that goal successfully.

Also, since I wanted a second car, I chose the Boxster—a sports car with a mid-engine layout that’s a bit cheeky. Plus, it’s an open-top car, so there are many ways to enjoy it, and I’m very satisfied.

I considered buying new, but the waiting period from order to delivery was long, and since I have a personality that can’t stand waiting, I decided to look for a used car and buy if the right one came along.

I also considered base and S grades, but when I came across this GTS and saw the car, I decided immediately. It was well over my planned budget, but I convinced myself it was worth it because it has high asset value.

2) Options / Specifications

・Body color: Carrara White Metallic
・Interior: Bordeaux Red
・Entry & Drive system
・GT Sports Steering Wheel
・Light Design Package
・Vehicle Theft Protection System
・Automatic Air Conditioning
・Seat Heaters
・Seat Ventilation
・Smoker’s Package
・Floor Mats
・Black Aluminum Black Interior
・Passenger Footwell Sledge Net
・No Alcantara

One reason I liked the GTS is because it comes with so many options.

3) From Order to Delivery

The car was at a Porsche Center in Kansai. I took a day off to visit and check it out, and decided on the spot. I placed the order then, and the wait was filled with excitement—I spent every day watching Porsche videos on YOUTUBE and online. The delivery took about just under a month.

4) Porsche Performance Impressions

① Engine

Many say “It has to be the 981’s six-cylinder,” but I love the deep, rough, somewhat uneven sound of this four-cylinder and its outstanding acceleration.

② PDK

The PDK shifts responsively, and switching to Sport or Sport Plus mode offers different driving pleasures. The blipping on downshifts with the paddle shifters feels great, so I highly recommend the Sports Chrono Package for anyone considering a Porsche purchase.

③ Handling / Brakes

As expected from Porsche, the “cornering” and “stopping” are amazing. It makes you feel like your driving skills have improved. You can enjoy winding roads even without high speeds.

④ Fuel Economy

I tend to drive at relatively high revs, so my fuel economy is a bit poor… but for normal driving, I think it’s a fuel-efficient car.

⑤ Ride Comfort and Feel

It’s stress-free both in town and on winding roads. Being a sports car, the suspension is firm, but it’s excellent for both “quick trips” and “serious driving.” On the highway, unless you select Sport or Sport Plus mode to stiffen the suspension, there’s no harshness.

Plus, it grips the road like it’s glued on, delivering the true sports car driving experience.

⑥ Family Reaction

They say, “So cool!” Although they ride in the passenger seat and don’t drive, they still say it’s fun. The open-top feeling makes familiar places look different, and they seem to enjoy it.

⑦ Favorite Points

The compact two-seater, silhouette, tire width, looks, and of course Porsche’s superb driving performance make it the perfect second car.

5) Must-Have Option When Buying a Porsche

The Sports Chrono Package. I recommend it because it lets you choose from four modes, making it feel like you’re driving four different cars. The analog stopwatch is a nice touch, too.

【Normal Mode】… Quiet sound, lower revs, and shift control optimized for fuel efficiency.
【Sport Mode】… Slightly higher revs, sport exhaust ON with louder sound, and shift control close to Normal mode for upshifts. You can enjoy sporty driving around town and on winding roads.
【Sport Plus Mode】… Truly Spartan. Higher revs, aggressive acceleration, and engine braking on downshifts. The suspension stiffens for circuit-like driving. This mode also enables launch control, though I haven’t tried it yet!
【Personal Mode】… Customizable settings.

Since the GTS comes standard with sport exhaust and PASM (suspension), you can tailor it to your preferences.

6) Points of Concern

If I had to say, I’d like the car’s height to look a bit lower with a front lip spoiler or something.

Also, I want to try turning off PTV someday, but I’m too scared! Thanks to this PTV traction control, the car turns sharply. The precision of PTV even makes me mistakenly think my driving has improved.

7) Overall Rating

5 out of 5 stars! The reason is probably the ease of use and drivability. You don’t have to worry like with a supercar, you can go shopping, enjoy winding roads, and even circuit driving. This versatility is what the Porsche brand is all about, and I’ve heard it’s the “Philosophy of Dr. Porsche.”

8) What Does Porsche Mean to You?

Porsche is,

From a dream to a car I enjoy myself.

〘Blog Administrator’s Thoughts〙
Reading Micchan’s report, I felt their great satisfaction with the 718 Boxster GTS, which made me happy. Porsche is a sports car, but it’s “sporty” while also “practical for daily use,” which is a huge appeal. I personally like a firmer ride, so I found many points in Micchan’s report that resonated with me. Thank you very much, Micchan!