so here's an update -
i located a certified, pre-owned 05 330ci with the Mperformance pkg, 6sp/red with black alcantra and carbon fiber interior and only 13000 miles (never titled - was a dealer rep car) for $38,900 at a dealer in Newport Beach. After a couple of hours of haggling, the offered me $38K for the Box and $10k for the beetle (which I didn't have with me - in other words, sight unseen). These are the numbers I walked onto the lot wanting and if my research is correct, the price on the 330ci with a 100000 mile warranty is pretty damn good and believe it or not, it was a nice car - not a boxster, but a damn nice car.
So, $38K is KBB for the Box (and vs what i bought it for - that's not bad depreciation!) and leaves me some nice equity, especially since i owe $14k on the VW and $10k, as hard as it was to get them to agree (especially not even seeing the car) is a pretty good trade in amt - again, that arrangement is what i told myself walking in, is the only way i would agree to part with the Box.
but, i haven't committed yet

. although this deal would easily help me part with the VW and having a shiny, fast red bimmer (with four seats) makes for some good individual as well as family fun, i haven't come to terms yet with the real possibility of parting with the porsche (my first porsche, which was a virgin porshe - something i'm pretty proud of).
i told the dealership i'd let them know my decision sunday before they close - thankfully, my wife who wants the VW gone, doesn't want me to part with my porsche, but does want me to quickly go from two cars, to one. however, when she read 986Jim's post about his difficulty selling a beetle, i think she started to like the idea of a red 330ci in the garage
anyone else out there hate having to make decisions like this?????

if i could only fast forward to see if and when i'd sell the vw if ran an ad in the autotrader - damnit that inability to see the future
appreciate all the continued points of view - keep em coming. and razr - welcome - good luck finding "the one" - where are you doing your residency and in what?