purchase choice - 2003 S or 2005 2.7?

[z12358]

...or just PM edwin about his red cutie :
FS: 2004 Boxster S, 11,300 miles...MINT
Z.

[sloancarr]

As helpful as all of the replies have been, I'm perhaps more confused than ever about what to do. Naturally, I LOVE the 987S, and that would be my first choice, but they are not within the existing budget. While I'm not in a big hurry (summer here is so warm / too warm), I'm not going to 'hold my breath' waiting for the 987S to go sub-$40k, because, as I mentioned, I am looking for a pampered, low-miles car, and I don't see a 987S fitting that description going sub $40k any time real soon. Realistically, I still see it as a choice between 986 S and a 'base' 987.

Let me try to ask it this way to add a new dynamic to the discussion - what were the most important / most appreciated improvements/changes in the 987 (other than exterior styling and power?) As suggested by unklekraker, the security of a warranty and having the new design are quite attractive - and it was also observed that there were many subtle refinements/upgrades incorporated in to the 987. On the other hand, being able to get an S with all of the 'goodies' keeps the 986 in the running .... the difficulty in these choices is why I posted here in the first place, knowing that this community of owners and enthusiasts would help me think this through armed with more information. To give a little bit more insight in to my current thinking, the appeal of the 986 S is not as much about the little bit of extra power / displacement (though that's certainly good) as it is knowing that I'd be getting a vehicle with more of the options that I would like to have. I am already a little bit concerned that if I tried to get a 987 in my price range that it would be too 'stripped down', and that I'd be frustrated by that.

P.S. As suggested by z12358 I did take a look at edwin's '04 S - beautiful, but: 1) red is not my first choice; 2) I'm assuming it's not TipTronic and; 3) I'm not yet ready to buy today (obvious, since I can't even decide which model/year I want yet) - I figure it will be at least another month before I've been able to clean up / fix up and sell the current ride.

P.P.S. - Thank you to all who are taking the time to help me with this - it is appreciated.

[aBsOlUt]

The question is if you prefer more speed or better looks (subjective although I do prefer the 987 looks).

I am more of a speed guy and in this case I would get S (I current own an 04 986S). Not that the 987 base wont suffice but after sometime driving it might actually cause regrets - after you get used to the style I mean.

Most important factor also is not exterior looks as they look very similar. The interior redesign is what I Love in the new 987 models.

Up to you, whatever you do though you are buying one of the best cars in the world.

[unklekraker]

hey sloan, sounds like you are having a major dilemna..ease up brotha!
Patience is the key

qoute taken on sloan;s post:
I am already a little bit concerned that if I tried to get a 987 in my price range that it would be too 'stripped down', and that I'd be frustrated by that.

-you are so right on this one
A big point on having the most option on the Boxster that you are buying are: "YOu could stay away from slippery slopes of Mod's or being bitten by mod' bugs"

Good Luck, my friend for your quest
keep us posted!

[z12358]

You're complicating things too much. If the market is telling you that both choices are priced similarly, then that's your answer in terms of generally perceived value. You won't get much more than that from this forum. You need to do some testing and answering work on your own to make your own PERSONAL decision that will reflect your PERSONAL preferences. Go to a dealer that has an 986S in inventory, and test drive it with the 987 back to back. See if the new 987 interior catches your eye. See if the kick from the 986S 3.2 liters matters to you more than the less fancy interior. Take your time, look at different color combos of both cars and let it sink in. Then follow your heart and pull the trigger. You can't do wrong.
Z.

[mtch]

Another consideration might be the low-mid range torque. While the base 987 has hp numbers that approach those of the 986S, it torque curve is not a broad, with its the smaller displacement. I have not driven a tip, but in most cars, auto trannys can magnify frustrations caused the lack of torque. I am not refering to standing starts, where an auto can be useful, but moving through city traffic and passing can be frustrating in a car with lower torque output and the inability to instantly select your desired gear.

[boko]

I can't comment about the US but here in the UK the reality of the market and public perception starts to kick in. I should start by saying that I recently chose an 03 3.2S with 16k miles. Mint condition although a few too many previous owners.

The main reason for choosing the car was because it was from a local performance/prestige garage. it was the right colour inside/out, it had low mileage, it was right on budget, came with a 1yr warranty, and it was an "S".

But lets get public perception out of the way. Everyone including me wanted an "S" and it doesn't matter that the standard 987 is near on performance. It is emotional, and the first question anybody asks. "Did you get an S".

The market prices higher mileage very low spec cars with 17" wheels that look poor on a 987 at a few £k more. Yes it will be 2yrs younger, the interior is so much better and performance isn't much different to a 986S, however to my eye the cars just don't look desirable enough. That is why they seem good value. A 987S is £7k more and in the slow depreciating world of the Boxster that is a gulf.

So in conclusion. I think if you find the standard spec 987 desirable and you can ignore everyone asking why you didn't buy an S (Including yourself) then it is a far better buying proposition vs an 03 986 S.

[sloancarr]

While I have not yet had the chance to follow the excellent suggestion of z12358 of a back-to-back test drive, I've been influenced a bit both by feedback here (and particularly the most recent comments from mtch about better low/mid-range tourque in the S) and what I'm finding in the local marketplace. I'm also just not that impressed with the 'new' interior look for, as I think I've seen mentioned elsewhere, while I understand why it is viewed by many as a big improvement, to me it makes it look more like the interior of the G35 coupe that I considered and rejected long ago.

I now have my eye on a particular '04 S 50th Anniversary 550 Spyder Limited Edition with under 10k miles (w/ Tip, Bose, PSM, etc.). Current car to the shop on Tuesday for pre-sale maint. items - and I am going to get in touch with seller of the '04 to arrange a look. If anyone has thoughts about that Anniversary edition car, it would be great. Thanks. (P.S. - I would post a link to the prospective car, but I have not yet looked to see if that is permitted by the forum rules ....)