To 'S' or not to 'S'

[Lil bastard]

There is not a World of Difference between the 'S' and base cars. That is, the 'S' doesn't blow the base car away.

The concept car and the 1st 4 years production (55,604 units) were all base cars. If these were not up to snuff, Porsche would never have even gotten to produce the 'S'.

Stay in gear a little longer, and you have the 'S' until you reach the stratosphere on the tach anyway.

Since '00, Porsche Boxster production has been 50/50 Base/'S', so there is a satisfied market with the Base.

If you gotta have the most, go for the 'S'. The Brakes are better but the Base's brakes are more than adequate for street and occaisional track driving, the 'S' brakes are pretty much overkill. Interior appointments are better (to some). More power up top, but how often do you live there?

There is more power/torque, but the point is moot in everyday driving.

Whichever you choose, be prepared to still be blown away by 5.0 stangs, WRXs, and Vettes (not to mention the wave of Aftermarket massaged Civics, Integras, etc.). Neither of the Boxster itinerations are gonna be Pinks winners when compared to some of the other offerings out there.

At the end of the day, you're buying a singular car. Buy the one which is in the best shape for the least $$, but then, don't look back. And don't buy until you can do this.

Is the 'S' better? Yes. Is it worth the price differential? Only you can say. Drive several of both models and then decide.

If you're swayed by what others think, then game over - go for the 'S'. But, if you're looking for the most bang for your buck in a Boxster, then it's up to the individual car. A ********************ty 'S' (and there's lots of them out there) will make for a much poorer Porsche experience than a well sorted Base model.

But, research the H*ll out of the car to insure that the Boxster, any Boxster, is actually the right car for you. It isn't the right car for everyone which helps explain the flood of used ones (both Base and 'S') which are constantly on the market - these cars are not generally kept longterm. You may actually be happier with a Vette, Stang or other import, again, only you can decide.

And, take your time. The one thing the world is not short of is used Boxsters. Good Luck!