[husker boxster]

I own 2 08 Ss and driven an 09 base extensively. Here is my opinion:

1st, avoid an 05 unless the IMS has already been changed or it is need of a clutch so you'll be in the IMS area to know which you have (older or newer design). Otherwise you're driving an unknown - maybe it will be OK, maybe it won't.

2nd, an 06-07 S will have 285hp while the 08 S has 295. A base 09-12 Box has 255hp. As was mentioned earlier, a base 987.2 does NOT have Direct Fuel Injection.

Now for the comparo. For 85% of normal usage, you won't notice the 30-40 hp difference. Granted, most of my mileage (1500 mi) in the 09 was interstate vs city driving, but it has plenty of power. Where you'll feel the difference would be on the track. Neither an 08S or an 09 base are stoplight drag race cars. If not having the extra hp will be a constant glitch in your ownership of a 987.2 base, then buy a 987.1S, as there's no easy way to add extra hp to a Porsche. The 09 I have is a 6spd manual, so I can't comment on how a PDK performs.

In typical Porsche fashion, they make the base model of the new version almost as good as the previous model's S version. It becomes an age old debate - last yr's S vs this yr's base. The big difference between the 987.1 vs the 987.2 is the lack of IMS. The Gen III IMS used in the 06-08 model yrs is virtually not a problem (1% failure), but not having one in the 987.2 results in 0% failure. There aren't a lot of 987.2 models around to test, so suggesting you go to your local dealer to test drive one isn't easy. But the best way to know is to drive one of each. I have and I don't see a glaring difference between them. YMMV depending on what your needs are.