Considering a 1997 Boxter

[jcb986]

Remember, 97" was first production year. Lots of engine problems, under powered, lacking in all respects compared to a 2000 and up model. Drive an S model and you will never consider a base model...a world of difference.

[pothole]

Originally Posted by jcb986

Remember, 97" was first production year. Lots of engine problems, under powered, lacking in all respects compared to a 2000 and up model. Drive an S model and you will never consider a base model...a world of difference.

The power thing is subjective (although the power to weight ratio of early 2.5s is barely worse than the 2.7s and it has lower gearing to boot - I've driven 2.5s and 2.7s back to back and the difference is marginal. Actually I've driven a 2.5 back to back and side by side with a gen 2 2.9, too, and the difference was surprisingly small, but that's another story).

But the lots of engine problems thing is a bizarre myth that's built up. Any existing 2.5s remaining are about as solid as these cars get, engine wise. Which isn't hugely solid.

[RandallNeighbour]

Originally Posted by jcb986

Remember, 97" was first production year. Lots of engine problems, under powered, lacking in all respects compared to a 2000 and up model. Drive an S model and you will never consider a base model...a world of difference.

+1 on this and I own a 97. Buy an 03 S or younger S. The 97s are both underpowered and the subframe is not strong enough like the 98s and up.

Additionally, my car was not nicknamed by the former owner of this forum "the black hole for dead presidents" for nothing! A 97 will need a LOT of suspension, cooling, and other parts replaced due to age, regardless of mileage unless the previous owner has been dumping a grand a year into the car in the last three years and has receipts to prove it.

And last, $11,000 is easily $3,000 too much for any 97 IMNSHO.

I never tire of stating that the cheapest Porsche you find and purchase will be the most expensive car you've ever owned. Check my web site for details that prove this statement.

[BTEMY]

So here is my take on it. I have both base 97 with a low vin number actually manufactured in Stuttgart with current 138,xxx miles on all original drive train and clutch and 2001 S. The power differences are significant, however believe it or not I have more fun in my 97. The car is lightest among all the Boxsters and you will feel that difference between the 97 and S model.

So if you compare these on the twisty roads, the 97 feels a lot more fun. It handles better, it brakes well (you can upgrade the fronts to 996 or S brakes). The lower gearing is a lot of fun on the back roads as well

Also I suggest you get a hardtop, its a great investment, they are only going up in price each year. I remember when you could get one for $600 during winter month, now even during summer they are over 1K


Also taking into consideration this is a low miles, one owner car I would suggest you grab it.

my .02 cents