To 'S' or not to 'S'

[trube78]

Last year (late-January/early Feb) I went on the hunt for a replacement for my 01 Guards Red non-S. I initially started out looking for an 04 S ideally the special edition model. I found both a special edition S and a non special edition S at the same dealer and travelled the 2 hours for some shopping. While there I spotted a new 06 non S nicely equipped with full warranty less than 200mi on the clock and the price was less than the 04 S and 04 special edition S. CPO was already done so no bargaining there. Dealer wanted/needed to move the 06 so I got a great deal.

What did I gain?
1. Full Warranty.
2. 987 Improvements, interior, trunks, etc.
3. New tires/brakes/clutch/RMS/top/etc.
4. Better gas mileage.

What did I lose?
1. 6 speed.
2. about 15 - 25 Hp
3. 30 ft-lbs
4. dings, chips, scratches from the PO.
5. 10-25K of potential PO abuse.
6. Crappy replacement tires.

I can sing the pluses and minuses of each of these gains and losses. It will depend on what you plan on spending and getting a 986 S is probably a better bet than a 986 (although I loved my 01). An 05 987 vs. an 02/03 986 S may be a whole different story. Drive em all; research on porscheusa, edmunds, kellys; then make the right choice for you.

Yes I would love a 987 S but it is hard to find one that is appropriately equipped (I do not like too many gadgets that are overpriced and drive up the cost) without ordering one which usually precludes a great deal. But again it would take a really nice 04 986 S special edition to make me think twice about my decision.

Final note: 05 and 06 S's are not showing up used too much yet. But .... a large number of Boxster leave their first owner at the 2.5-4 year point (fear of no warranty, kids, 3-year lease, who knows?) For 05/06 987's, we are there so expect more to become available start showing up on the lot.

Hope this helps.
ATB,
Tom

PS My wife still drives a 2002 -- 986 non-S she wants a Cayman S but I don't want to finance a new police building.

[larryshomework]

My .02

I went through the same decision dilemma. For me, I wanted the power/suspension of the S but preferred the styling of the base (black gauges, single exhaust tip, black vs. silver trim pieces).

In the end, I found a low mileage garage queen base (02/Seal Gray/Black/sport pkg) at a good price and went for it.

I love the car but do wish it had more power below 3-3.5k rpms. Above that, the power is adequate. Otherwise, the car is a blast.

I can't see trading it for an S since I know I have a good one.

However, I'm thinking about moving to the Cayman (I have another convertible already). Unfortunately, I'm back to the same decision - base or S. I really can't afford the S now so I'm wondering if a base 987 Cayman will give me close to a 986 S feel. Crap - it never ends