I've owned 3 Miatas (still have 2 of them for the track) an S2000 and the Boxster S. I really liked the S2000 and don't have much bad to say about it. I thought the build quality was excellent and I've always thought the "lack of torque" issue was way over blown at least for the 2004-later cars. You did have to ring it out to get the most out of it, but the same can be said for Boxsters in my opinion. For me, the S2000 shifter is the best I've owned, better than the Miata and a lot better than the Boxster S even with the factory sport shifter.

The one thing I didn't like about the S2000 was the car tendencies. A Miata is extremely well balanced and can be driven up to the limits of the car pretty easy. When it starts to slide the car "wants" to come back into shape, it's very confidence building. I find the Boxster S to me much the same, very balanced, very easy to push the car hard and feel good about it.

The S2000 on the other hand tends to have a bit of oversteer build into it which turns into snap-oversteer in a heartbeat if you aren't paying attention and pre-2006 cars don't have traction control as an option. Driving an S2000 reminds me a lot more of driving a 911 (as far as tendencies go) than driving a Miata or Boxster. That's probably part of the charm for some because with the S2000 (as well as the 911), they will flat go in the hands of a capable driver. I have a bunch of track experience, etc, but even with that I still feel more comfortable in the Boxster S and Miata. Different strokes.

Stephen, I just bought an 03 Boxster S, 6 spd, cruise, PSM, Windstop, 14,400 miles for $27K. The car was in show room condition inside and out. I actually think I could have negotiated a better deal but thought the price was fair. So I think you can get a pretty good low mileage Boxster for your price range. Shop around for the right car with the colors and options you want - and buy an "S".

Oh and to keep this thread on track - I didn't have a Miata, but have had a 1967 and a 1968 Triumph GT6 and I still own a 1980 Triumph TR8.

Dave S.

Thanks for you thoughts guys. It's hard to tell how a car is to live with in just a few test drives. Dave, I would love an S type, but I thought it might be tough to do on my budget. A base would be easier to find in good condition? Am I the only one that likes the 986 interior better? I like the 987 exterior though.
Steve

I would go with a Base. I would rather have a nicer car with less HP, than stretch my budget and get something in bad condition. Unless you're autocrossing, or racing the Base has plenty of power for daily driving and you'll still be faster than 90% of the cars on the road.

I also like the 986 interior better (although I'm biased). The pre-'03's don't have cup holders but overall I think it flows better. I feel like a lot of the stuff in the 987 is tacked on so Porsche could say it's the new model. The 986 was designed in the image of the 550 Spyder, the 987 strays from that idea, so it can be "new."
Just my opinion. :cheers: