[saaber]

Originally Posted by Lucky

While shopping for my Boxster, I drove as many as I could including 986, 986S, 987, & 987S. The two "S" models were great. The base model 987 was very close behind the 986S in terms of feel and performance.

There are two main reasons why I prefer the S models -- torque and the 6sp. The 6sp tranny shifts much nicer than the 5sp (in my opinion). The torque for the larger engines in the S models is very obvious and makes for a much more responsive throttle in typical driving.

Buy the S.

Best advice I can offer is to drive as many cars as you can. Even if they aren't ones you think you may buy. Use dealers for this, since they often have several different years, models, and equipment levels in stock. You'll quickly learn to tell what a Boxster should feel like. Then when you find the perfect one (in terms of color, equipment, etc.) you will be able to feel right away if the car is at top health (in terms of engine, tranny, suspension, shifting feel, etc.).

In my shopping, I found 30k mile cars that felt like crap and 60k cars that ran and rode much better. I ended up buying a 92k mile car that felt absolutely perfect (and had only 25k on a replacement engine).

Pcar - this is good advice on all points especially about the feel of the car. Don't forget the pre purchase inspection as others have probably already said.