how many of you guys owned miata before graduating to boxster?

[QuickSilver]

"How was the S2000 to live with on a daily basis?"

Steve:

The lack of torque at low RPMs was always a detractor. If you drove it like you just stole it, the car was great and alot of fun. It's not fun missing the 1-2 or 2-3 shift at redline which happened occasionally for me. I always thought that the differential ratio was not the best for a six-speed. Also the 4-5 synchro in the tranny started to get balky at around 12k miles...weird. I think the S2k engine is nearly bullet-proof.

The value of all three used cars is excellent provided they are well maintained.

[stephen wilson]

Does the Honda have a rev. limiter? I thought it could use a lower first gear for "stoplight performance", of course that would make 1st unusable other than starts. Is it possible to find a good condition, reliable Boxter for under $25K?

[mookarma]

Originally Posted by stephen wilson

Does the Honda have a rev. limiter? I thought it could use a lower first gear for "stoplight performance", of course that would make 1st unusable other than starts. Is it possible to find a good condition, reliable Boxter for under $25K?

If you are able to look hard and be patient you should be able to find a 987 Boxster for around $25k in this market.

[stephen wilson]

Yeah, I guess It'll just take allot of legwork. Pricing is crazy, I've seen seemingly identicle '03 S models, one listed at $35K, the other at $25K!

[Dave S.]

Originally Posted by stephen wilson

Does the Honda have a rev. limiter? I thought it could use a lower first gear for "stoplight performance", of course that would make 1st unusable other than starts. Is it possible to find a good condition, reliable Boxter for under $25K?

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.

[stephen wilson]

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

[rick3000]

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.