To buy a newer year or a lower mileage boxster: That is the question ;)

[GoddamSkippy]

Im looking to upgrade from my '94 miata to a boxster. After looking at the cars for sale on both craigslist and ebay i notice that prices vary wildly between year and mileage. im looking for a pre 2006 and the cost isnt worth it for me in a newer boxster. So, im asking this forum's advise - is it more important to get a newer boxster with high mileage (50-80k not more than that) or get a newer car?? are there a lot of changes between model years in this car (i know the 2005- up is a major redesign)? thank you all.

[ekam]

http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/mikesporscheboxsterwebpages

Read "tips on buying a boxster".

http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/modelyeardifferences

This is a good page for reference.

Buy one with less mileage is a higher priority for most, but try to avoid anything older than '03 since it has a glass rear window starting that year.

[GoddamSkippy]

Originally Posted by ekam

http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/mikesporscheboxsterwebpages

Read "tips on buying a boxster".

http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/modelyeardifferences

This is a good page for reference.

Buy one with less mileage is a higher priority for most, but try to avoid anything older than '03 since it has a glass rear window starting that year.

Thank you for the info!! so it looks like its between a 2003 and a 2005 (i dont see any significant differences between the 2003 and 2004). im guessing the price difference between these is 14k vs 24k? is it worth it to go for the 2005? does anyone have any opinions and has been in both cars? thanks

[RandallNeighbour]

Buy the newest boxster S you can afford and ensure it has factory warranty on it.

I highly discourage anyone from buying a boxster with a) the smaller engine and b) no warranty on it and c) with mileage exceeding 50k....

The suspension, wheel bearings, sensors, and other expensive bits of the car wear out in the 50k+ mileage area and this car is NOT like any Japanese or domestic brand you've owned before.

With that said, buy an older, higher mileage boxster at your own risk, knowing you will probably fork over $2k a year for the first couple of years for maintenance if you find a good indy mechanic and buy the parts cheap from Sunset Porsche in Oregon. Double that amount per year if you're foolish enough to take it to a stealership.

... I'm glad I don't have strong opinions about this, huh?

[jmatta]

I think it also depends on how the car will be driven; daily or weekend driver?
Will it be street driven only or do you autocross/track days?

I bought a 2002 S three years ago with 8200 miles on the clock. I could have bought a newer, but higher mileage car, but chose this for the low miles and S options (larger motor, big brakes, all important to me). The car now has 15k miles and has been flawless, requiring only oil changes. Even the rear plastic window is in like new condition.

If this is to be your daily driver, I would seek a car with a warranty, as problems do occur and they are expensive to fix.

[fragdude]

ditto on forking over a significant amount for the first couple years. Many people figure they are going to sell their car almost a year before the actually sell it. Because of this they don't really care too much about the maintenance or how they drive it. I know i forked over quite a bit when I bought mine and still have some small things to fix....

But, I highly suggest the best S you can find/afford.

Good luck, should be easier pickings right now with the car market in its current state and it being December. Don't be afraid to haggle!

[GoddamSkippy]

Thanks for the info guys. I have a cadillac CTS which i'll be changing into my daily driver, especially for the winter. the boxster will probably be my "Nice Day" car and maybe the car to drive when traveling to see family in DC/boston from ny in the spring/summer/fall. Im guessing that prices for "S" cars is closer to stock cars when looking at used cars. What should I expect to spend on an 03 S? im guessing that they wouldnt have a warranty but i guess i can get an aftermarket one.