Gearing in 5 speed Boxster (non-S)

[racer_d]

Its not always the gearing that is the issue, but the HP and TQ curves too. Having a car that goes 60+ in second gear is fine.. but if you need at least 3500-4000 rpm to make it "go" then city driving isn't much fun (for example i draw on my 2.0l WRX experience. A fantastic motor/drivetrain but really only "useable" or "fun" above 3700rpm. As such, traffic lights were annoying)

Also consider the driving you will do, non-commuting. Will it be nice long highway cruises? Mountain drives? Scenic coasts.. Stop and go toll roads?

I guess what I am saying is that compromises are everywhere. YOU need to decide what you will compromise. A 986 is a fantastic car. Perfectly useable as a daily driver. I used mine 2-3 days a week commuting to work. Car was fine.

Did you test drive a tip or are you simply excluding them on principle? I too was hesitant to like the tip.. but after 3-4 drives in tips, I have grown to appreciate them more.