97-2001: What are the MUST HAVE options?

[socratic]

I'm looking to get my first Boxster (and thus am glad I came across this site).

What are the indispensible options on the Boxster for someone living in the rainy but mild Pacific Northwest?

I am seeing ads for "fully optioned" cars, but am not sure what came as standard equipment during the 97 to 2001 model years.

Tiptronic: should I be paying more for an automatic? I would want the Boxster to be a stick, but that would rule out my wife driving not (not an altogether bad thing mind you...). But are there any disadvantages to an automatic?

Is air conditioning standard? I don't think I could live without it.

[IceBox]

Aside from purists poo-pooing the presence of an auto in a Porsche (there Is a certain sacriledge to that) and slightly slower quarter-mile and lap times, there are really no disadvantages to the tiptronic. For city driving, with it's congestion and slow movement, it may even be preferable. It all depends on you. To me, rowing through the gears is essential, but then I like to get the car out to the track. As to the A.C. I believe it's standard as is leather, cd stereo, power windows, and the other luxo 'options'. The only option I'm aware of is the Sport Package, which has a better sound system. And of course, the S, which is a faster version of the Boxster. But you can't have a Tip in an S, or the Porsche gods may well smite thee. Check the FAQ and do a search on buying a used Box. And newer is better. The engine displacement was increased in 2000-01 to 2.7 ltrs in the standard Boxster, which delivers the hp needed to make the car competitive. And whatever bugs exist in a new model are ironed out year-on-year so with each years' iteration, improvements are made. Which is not to say a '97 is a bad choice. But newer IS better. Whatever you do, make sure you're informed, and the Boxster you bring home will give you perma-grin. Maintenence is not cheap, but neither is it cost-prohibitive, nor are there any serious defects or issues. The tops can be problematic, but thus far I'v e not encountered any problems. Furthermore, I accept that, like all things, nothing is perfect. Likie I said, get as much info as you can, and you won't be sorry.

[aglsteven]

Must have options - no such thing, but here's a few that I would seriously look for:

1. The base sound system only has speakers in the dash. I have the Porsche Sound system in my '98, which includes an amp and speakers in the doors, and even then, the sound quality is only average. best of all go for the Bose system on the newer models.
2. Cruise if you are going to be travelling longer distances in straight lines - happens a lot in Oz (and at very slow speeds as well)
3. The wind-guard behind the seats. This puts a mesh in the rollover bar and a clear screen between them. I'm not sure if this is standard in the US -- just make sure you have it.

Other than that, there are loads of opportunities for after market, but it is always cheaper to pick up factory options already in a second hand car. The original owner never gets back his money on those.

Now, don't dawdle and get a Boxster - I guarantee you will not regret it!

[Jeannot]

Hmmh. I believe you CAN have a tip in an S, as a saw some.
Automatics "a la tiptro" are a pure sacrilege in a Porsche IMHO.
It is slow, uses more fuel, castrates the engine and removes 50% of the driving experience this wonderful car provides.
I live to match the revs, heel and toe, exit the curve nicely and properly, because this is what this car is about....and while the tiptro is easier in the traffic, it is a TOTAL pain on mountain roads...
Some people will tell you go for the manual mode on the tiptro when driving mountain roads...but it's a joke. It's no Maserati cambiocorse, no BMW SMG II, no AUDI DSG. It's AWFUL !!!!
My $0.02

[wetstuff]

You'll save about the same $3K the first buyer paid for more the Tip. ($6K net loss...) My wife, luckily for me, would not have an automatic in 'her' Porsche.

Outside of P-dealers, most car dealers don't have a clue what is on the car. They only see that it's on the lot for 60+ days and want to make it GO AWAY - or are Crak-happy with Saudi pricing. "There is virtually no price difference between a stripper (later years have Leather, Air, etc...almost all have 'Sport Package') and a well loaded car". I quote myself because I took the time to find this out. You can save about $5-8K by buying a std vs. S. (a base 2002 w/low miles in St Louis sold for $24k in Dec)

One of the options I like, that may be handy out by you, is the Auto-dimming mirrors that come with 'rain sensor'. It's like a silent, third passenger who's only job is to turn the wipers on when the windshield is wet. ....it's strange to have it change the frequency as needed rather than the typical metronome settings. Cool bit.

The search can be fun too.


Jim

[Brucelee]

As a dealer, I would answer you this way on a used Porsche"

The S is preferable, for your own use and resale. More torque in everday driving is appreciated, the gas mileage is close to being a wash.

The Tip is actually a fine trans, this is certainly a personal preference issue. Tips are very easy to sell on a used Box. You will likely pay about a grand more on a used Tip, don't pay any more. Blue books says so.

The sport package is a nice option, which brings with it the upgraded stereo, cruise, rear package shelf and the wind deflector kit. These are all useful things and the SP should pretty much be on any used car. In other words, you should DEDUCT about a grand if it is not. BTW- if you have the package shelf, you can tuck speakers back there!!!!!!!!

The rest of the options get more rare, the more common ones being 18" wheels, Sports Touring package etc.

Hope that helps.

And GOOD LUCK!