Advice Needed on Buying a Boxster HELP PLEASE

[t2-bxtrs]

Welcome aboard ! It's good that you're asking all the right questions now, than after..
i can only speak about my experience owning my first Boxster... and more or less what applies to shopping for a newer used car, would also apply in your own research.
As people would all recommend PPI/PPI/PPI, but that you do ,only after it has passed your own inspection, visual (leaks and obvious signs of neglect) or mechanical ,accident ,test drive,history,options, color, etc.. i understand you've had a few quality automobiles, you must have a good feel of eliminating the bad ones.
in my case i test drove about 6 or 8 Boxsters starting from model year 2000 S , a couple of 2003' S, and i just fell in love with it and really took my time to learn more about them.
If you are worried about expensive repairs, i would not consider a Boxster older than a 2003S, aside from desirable improvements ( rear glass/glove compartment/h.p etc) to name a few.. The money you think you would save buying an older one, might end up costing you more and a lot of buyer remorse..
I ended up finding my 04S at Intersport Auto in Tyson's Corner in Dec 2007,while visiting my sister in VA. and coincidentally meeting a family friend ,the Sales Mgr (Kiko Cordero) who suggested i take it for a PPI if i so wish to, but after my test drive, put it up on the lift, inspected for signs of damage, leak or abuse etc..with one year left on the factory warranty, i trusted my instincts and went for it.. NO PPI !
Be careful with PPI's done, if you are present and can see what they do, checking for redlines, RMS/IMs issues etc.. it's fine, otherwise PPI is no guarantee, you still have to use your own judgment.. I may have been lucky....

And let me tell you, i have never been so completely satisfied with this purchase, and till this day, do my own maintenance, brake fluid replaced/ oil changes (once a year no matter what mileage) a set of new PS2's and just detailing, this 04S is in like new condition..
Save up for it and buy the latest model yr/lower mileage you can afford and just enjoy the experience.. you won't regret it..... good luck !