[SD987]

I'm thinking of an eventual replacement for my 2000 Boxster and coming up with few choices. Topping my list are the Porsche 996, BMW M3, and Acura NSX.

I'd agree with your assessment of the 996 cab's looks and my personal feelings on the car are that it suffers from the same drawbacks as the 986, everything about the car's design and engineering is inherently ten years old, which does not make it a bad car...just dated.

I hope you're not talking about an e36 BMW M3 convertible, because the 240 hp U.S. version of that car is an insult to the M division. The e46 M3 convertible is nice, just not a great performer due to chopping off the roof and adding three hundred pounds. If you get one, you should wait until the new M3 comes out next year to wait for the depreciation on the e46. I disagree about the looks and find it one of the more menacing convertibles around and more masculine than most roadsters. Four seats is also nice...

On the NSX, you'll want the 97 version or later due to the 3.2 engine upgrade but would suggest 2002 or newer because of the upgrades that went in that year (xenons, body kit, etc.). Make sure you call your insurance company first on this one, as the aluminum body makes them expensive to repair and insure. Maintenance is Porsche-dealer expensive as well, and you'll probably want to get service at a Honda/Acura dealer rather than an independent. This car chews through expensive tires even faster than a Boxster.

I've driven most of the late-model convertibles out there, and if you can live with the styling I'd recommend a new Z4M. Best standard kit, most powerful in class, free maintenance for 4/50 and they're not exactly selling like hotcakes so prices are good. The 3.2 engine on some of the earlier M3s were not exactly trouble free, but by now they've been ironed out. You might also want to wait on the next generation 325/330 convertible as it looks to be a stunner and the engine in the 330 coupe is a 300ft. lbs/ 300 hp ass-kicker from all accounts.