Good options for a '05 S?

[Adam]

The improvements on the new 987 are dually noted..however it seems all the performance perameters can be met with a 986 S that is correctly equiped with the right aftermarket parts. Put bilstein PSS9's on a 986 and it will handle every bit as good as a 987. Throw on a good set of headers and cats with some slight intake mods and the 986 S owner will have about 280hp. Unless someone absolutely has to have the new interior(or the newest of anything for that matter) it still makes more sense from a economical standpoint to buy a new untitled 04 S for around 45k-50k and spend roughly 5k more for the mods I mentioned.

[eslai]

That's the argument for buying any used car though. You can always look to the aftermarket.

Seeing as how I've played in that realm quite deeply before though, I can say that the aftermarket can also suck. Sure, you could throw nice suspension work at the 986, but it won't ride as nice as the 987 with PASM. You can throw on headers and hi-flow cats and pop in a looser air filter, but then you've got a louder car with a completely different torque curve than a 987, one that may also potentially fail smog tests (California is harsh).

Then there are those that just don't want to even come close to messing with their cars.

But you're talking about finding a new, untitled '04 986. In that case, why would you want to buy it and pump it up to $50,000-$55,000 with mods when the base 987S starts at $51,000? Does it really make sense for someone to take the resale hit on a purchase like that?

One of the things that people care the most about (as far as cars are concerned) is how their car looks. If someone has fallen in love with the 987 body style, I doubt there's much that can be said to convince them to buy a 986 instead, eh?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by eslai

But you're talking about finding a new, untitled '04 986. In that case, why would you want to buy it and pump it up to $50,000-$55,000 with mods when the base 987S starts at $51,000? Does it really make sense for someone to take the resale hit on a purchase like that?

One of the things that people care the most about (as far as cars are concerned) is how their car looks. If someone has fallen in love with the 987 body style, I doubt there's much that can be said to convince them to buy a 986 instead, eh?

I know what you mean...and I'm not saying one way is any better than the other. I'm just telling the other members of the board there is more than one way to crack an egg. Emmisions are important to some people in some states but I could care less about emmisions here in rural IL. Yes, you are right about not being able to recoup the cost of the mods put on the car....but you are taking a depreciation hit as well for every mile you put on the 987 and for every minute that goes by. In a couple years your car will be worth about 10k less than what you bought it for. And not to split hairs, but I'm pretty sure a 987 S starts at about 53k not 51k....on top of that the majority of 987 S's out there sticker at close to 60k not 50k.

[Brucelee]

" In a couple years your car will be worth about 10k less than what you bought it for."

Likely a bit higher on the depreciation estimate.

[Adam]

Yes definately. I was being on the conservative side.

[JDanger]

Yeah, after doing some research it doesn't look difficult to find 2004 Boxster S's with 5k miles or less at $10k or more below sticker. Even if I have to ship the car from San Diego to Boston (or better yet, fly out and drive it back) to get the configuration I want, I'd come out way ahead. I think based on that I'm going to wait until at least next winter to see how the 2005's depreciation shakes out. So I guess I'll talk to you guys again then. One last question: does anyone happen to know if that all-important Sport button (with the chrono pod) can be added at the dealership? It's similar to putting a new computer chip in the car, right? Thanks again.

[eslai]

Originally Posted by JDanger

One last question: does anyone happen to know if that all-important Sport button (with the chrono pod) can be added at the dealership? It's similar to putting a new computer chip in the car, right? Thanks again.

Not a bad idea at all to wait for a little while and buy a little used! As for adding the sport chrono option after-the-fact, don't even bother. It'll cost more than it's worth--just find one with the sport chrono--it won't be hard!

[eslai]

Originally Posted by Adam

I know what you mean...and I'm not saying one way is any better than the other. I'm just telling the other members of the board there is more than one way to crack an egg. Emmisions are important to some people in some states but I could care less about emmisions here in rural IL. Yes, you are right about not being able to recoup the cost of the mods put on the car....but you are taking a depreciation hit as well for every mile you put on the 987 and for every minute that goes by. In a couple years your car will be worth about 10k less than what you bought it for. And not to split hairs, but I'm pretty sure a 987 S starts at about 53k not 51k....on top of that the majority of 987 S's out there sticker at close to 60k not 50k.

Oh you're right, sorry, $53,000 or so. But my main point is, if you buy a new '04, you're taking a two-model-year depreciation hit immediately, then pumping it up with mods. I'd rather just buy the 987.

Most of the 987's out there sticker at close to 70k, actually--that's why I ended up ordering one...and yeah, it came out close to 60. Still, for that, versus a modified '04? Well, I'd take the former, definitely!