Why do I need an S and what year

[sd_boxster]

Back to what I think is the crux of the matter - S versus Non-S on a tight budget - I'd still go with a CPO non-S instead of a private-party S.

If you're going to take your Boxster to the drag strip, it won't matter anyway. If you're going to take it to the autocross, buy the S (it'll be faster and you'll be voiding your warranty anyway if the dealer finds out the car was tracked). If you want an awesome car with the peace of mind that you won't be on the hook for 12 grand if your motor grenades 6 months from now, buy the CPO non-S.

My other coupe is a 96 C4 with an LT1. My Corvette Jedi mechanic and I have tinkered to the point where it's now making 350+ HP at the wheels, I've gutted some weight out of it to bring it close to the 986's weight, and with the Dana 44 3.73 rear end, it is a rocket. At the drag strip, hooking up is a challenge, and if I don't back off on the 1-2 shift, I'll waste a second or two doing a second burnout. But the Boxster, even with roughly half the WHP, is a much more fun car, and I drive it more agressively than I do the Vette because it is more capable and predictable.

So anyway, I ramble. You won't want to kill yourself 6 months from now if you buy a non-S instead of an S, but if you are the proud owner of a rolling chassis six months from now because you bought Tom Slick's ragged-out S... well... :ah: