Critical Options
 

If you were buying your first boxter what would be the most important options you would be looking for......... Thanks!

(a little option overwhelmed)

New, or used?


TRawls

Buying used the trade off is a newer car vs. lower miles. I picked low miles, and haven't regretted it. In terms of options the car is perfect stock, everything else is just nice to have. I wouldn't even consider traction control an essential option (except door speakers, you need those).

It all depends on what you want/need. If you have to ask, you probably don't need it. :cheers:

If you plan to drive it in 50F weather with the top down, heated seats are highly recommended.

Fixed. :D

Wind Blocker. Can be added afterward purchase but its pricey.

I also like upgraded stereo with either DSP or Bose.

Heated seats!

Litronics for the pretty eyes.

Heated seats for those cold morning drives with the top down.

Honestly, the only "critical" thing I'd want is a glass back window. Earlier models have a plastic rear window. I'm fine with everything else.

If buying used, I would look for a well equipped 03 or 04. This model came with some nice standard upgrades, glass convertible window, rear diffuser, new front spoiler, glove box….and on and on. Stay away from an 05, this was the new model update and it had a lot of bugs…06 and up are fine.

My 03 came with Aero Rockers, Carrera Light wheels, Bose sound system, heated seats and love them all!!

If new...as much as you can afford!!! :)

Hey he said option not model year! :p

Yeah get 03-04 and avoid the 05.

My critical options were:
S Model
03 or 04 for the glass back window, glove box, better looking headlights and tail lights
Heated Seats
Color that you find attractive ( for me it was Seal Grey with a light grey interior)
Windstop
18 inch wheels

I wanted a Bose Stereo, but I bought a car with the lowest end stereo, not even door speakers. I didn't think this was as critical because this is easy to overcome with good aftermarket equipment. Having an entirely new stereo system installed in it this week that will probably sound better than the Bose anyway.

PSM - Wasn't sure if I really wanted this, but was a bonus on the car I bought. Makes me feel safer on slick roads now.

The ones listed in my sig.

It's not an "option" per se, but if I if walked into a dealership the salesperson would be wasting his time showing anything that did not have a manual transmission.

If you're looking at an early 97-99 Boxster, then I think the important options are the larger wheel/tire combo (I have the 17" 205/255 tire package on mine), and a manual transmission (why drive a sports car without?).

Everything else is just gravy, but my car came with the Sport Package (single cd player, windscreen, 17" wheel option), plus traction control. I wouldn't have minded heated seats, but I've survived without them so far.

Personally, if I were buying a new car, I would probably go with exactly the same setup. Manual transmission, 1 size larger tire/wheel package, windscreen, and 1 step up radio. Maybe have them throw in heated seats.

BC.

For a 987:

1) Windstop
2) Heated Seats
3) Sport Chrono
4) Manual Trans

All 987s have PSM (Porsche Stability Management) which is also critical to consider if you are looking at the 986s too.

Lots of "nice things to have" but very few are critical.

For my part must have options are ('09 base and S):

*Sports Bucket Seats
*Bi-Xenon Headlights with Dynamic Cornering Lights
*Porsche Windstop (Deflector)
*PASM
*Limited Slip Rear Differential Lock
*18" wheels (base)


Somewhat less so options:

*Sport shifter
*Sport Exhaust System
*Sport Chrono Package Plus

Nice to haves:

*Seat Ventilation
*Automatic Climate Control
*Bose Surround Sound System
*PCM 3.0 including Extended Navigation

As far as selecting an S or base model I'd take a serious look at the base unit. It's about $10K cheaper. That allows for a longer options list. Of course, there's a performance difference between them that you'll need to reconcile. I have an '04S that, to me, is a real performer. It seems that today's 987 base model is roughly equal to my '04S. At these price points it's weird saying this... the '09 base car is an excellent Porsche value @ $47K. In real world driving I'm sure the base car will deliver as many smiles per gallon as the S. Having said that...if price isn't an issue get the S.

Note: My 2004 S was had a starting sticker price of $52K.


Good luck

Here's what I bought when I ordered my Boxster last year:

PASM [Critical to me]
Sport Chrono [Critical to me]
Sport 3 spoke wheel [Critical to me - can't stand Y wheel]
windstop [Wish I hadn't wasted my money - never use it]
18" wheels [Nice to have but should have gone with 17" and bought aftermarkets]
Model Designation Delete [Hey, its the only free option!]

Options that are worthwhile that I did not order but might have if I was not so cheap:
Heated Seats
BiXenon headlights
Sport Buckets - the real ones because they weigh 22lbs less than stock

Options that are a waste (IMHO):
Full leather
Any of the wood, alcantera or aluminium trim
Aero pieces
PSE
Any radio options
PCM
Adaptive Seats
Auto climate control - its a 2 seat convertible for gosh sakes
Extra cost colors - They make you pay extra for paint?????
Tiptronic or PDK - unless I had lots of stop and go driving to do
Porsche Crests on anything - I will not pay to advertise for Porsche
Floor mats - aftermarket is cheaper and better quality
Wheel spacers - after market is cheaper if you must
Auto dim mirrors - how lazy are you?
Rain sensor - how lazy are you?
Hard top - get a Cayman

Personally, windstop (top is NEVER up), maybe a wheel pkg.

A Sports Car is supposed to be minimalist, not some Luxo-cruiser!

I would skip ALL the rest and get one of these Best Option

Best bang for the buck... and it's 'portable' !

:cheers:

I never keep the windstop or the screens in my car. They are most effective when the top is down and the windows are up. I will NEVER drive the car like hat, so they don't do much good.

If I were buying an early Boxster, it would be the 18" wheels.

Later 986s, S version.

Anything newer than that, I don't know.