986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners - View Single Post - 03 S vs. 05 base ? (helping out a potential Boxster owner :-) )

northern986 · 11-12-2009, 04:05 PM

First of all, Hi to everyone here, as this is my first post

Well, ever since I had the luxury of borrowing an 02 Boxster for a week 2 years ago
, thanks to my dear friend who went out of country for a week and needed
a ride to/from the airport, I had experienced how this roadster would
enhance my life dearly.

Financially it didn't work at the time, but now things are lining up a bit better
so I am in the market for one (and my first Porsche to boot).

I have been looking at 2003 S, as it's the latest of the great 986 with all the enhancements.

At the time I didn't consider 987 at all, as they were too new and too $$. However, now days I found examples of 05 base model in the same price range as a well-optioned 03 S.

I prefer 987's exterior over the 986's, but like 986's interior design better.
Performance and driving dynamics should be fairly comparable in numbers, at least on paper.

I was advised to buy the latest Porsche I can afford, and I am leaning towards getting the 987 base.

Any owners out there who were in the similar situations and found good reasons for choosing a 986 S over 987 base ( or vice versa) ?

Thanks in advance for any comments.

11-12-2009, 04:05 PM	#1
northern986 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Seattle Posts: 7	03 S vs. 05 base ? (helping out a potential Boxster owner :-) ) First of all, Hi to everyone here, as this is my first post Well, ever since I had the luxury of borrowing an 02 Boxster for a week 2 years ago , thanks to my dear friend who went out of country for a week and needed a ride to/from the airport, I had experienced how this roadster would enhance my life dearly. Financially it didn't work at the time, but now things are lining up a bit better so I am in the market for one (and my first Porsche to boot). I have been looking at 2003 S, as it's the latest of the great 986 with all the enhancements. At the time I didn't consider 987 at all, as they were too new and too $$. However, now days I found examples of 05 base model in the same price range as a well-optioned 03 S. I prefer 987's exterior over the 986's, but like 986's interior design better. Performance and driving dynamics should be fairly comparable in numbers, at least on paper. I was advised to buy the latest Porsche I can afford, and I am leaning towards getting the 987 base. Any owners out there who were in the similar situations and found good reasons for choosing a 986 S over 987 base ( or vice versa) ? Thanks in advance for any comments.