actually what i'm planning to do, looking to buy in the January February timeframe.

also, is it ok to buy a high mileage boxster to save cash, or go with the lowest mileage possible. being that my first car was high mileage and still kicking i think it only goes as far as how well it was maintaned.

Every car is a gamble IMO, you just never know. Personally, I prefer lower milage cars because there is generally less wear and tear. A well maintained high milage car can be a good deal though. When I was looking, I drove high and low milage cars but the one that I purchased had 64K and I knew after the first 1/2 mile that it was the one. It was very well maintained and just felt different from all of the others. In over a year of ownership, there have been no surprises.

[QUOTEalso, is it ok to buy a high mileage boxster to save cash, or go with the lowest mileage possible. being that my first car was high mileage and still kicking i think it only goes as far as how well it was maintaned.[/QUOTE]

Like I stated earlier in this thread, if you buy an older car to save money, you'll soon find out that you will need to spend all the savings on repairs for old parts that just fall apart due to age... and the car is still not worth a dime more on resale.

It's best to buy the very youngest S model you can find with the lowest miles. You'd be surprised what you'll find if you keep hunting and pull the trigger when there's snow on the ground. Boxster prices are simply WILDLY different around the country no matter what time of year, but it's expecially good for buyers in winter months when top down isn't possible.

It good to see that you are not in a hurry to buy. I bought my 2001 Box base with 30k miles and 2 years later I have 40k miles. I prefer lower miles because the accessories have less wear and tear on them.

What I have done so far in the 2 years as a must maintain:

CV joints renovated
Replace belt tensioner
Oil changes

Everything else has been optional like
Install Ims guardian
Replace accessory belt while in there.

Once the car gets up around 80K miles there is a greater chance of needing :
water pump
AOS
Engine mounts
Mind you these kind of items can go anytime.
Also convertible top motor/mechanism
Air cond.
There are obviously other things that can go wrong.
You can't go wrong buying 101 Projects for your Porsche Boxster by Wayne Dempsey - no more than $30 from Pelican Parts. Even if you do basic jobs yourself it will pay for itself in no time.

^ I would be less concerned with year than actual mileage.

97-99's are essentially the same car. 2000 - 2004's are essentially the same car as well. 2005-2008 is the same. 2009-2011 same car.

Look for the lowest mileage within each category but not too low. It should be logging at least ~3K miles per year with evidence that fluids were changed on regular schedule. On the other hand, If the car has more than 60-70K miles and expensive things (if including labor) haven't been changed like: the clutch/ims/rms, shocks/control arms, water pump/coolant tank, rotors/brakes,etc. you'll be shelling out over $1,000-$2,000 a piece for each of these. And its not at all uncommon to have many of these needing to be done at once or very near each other. Just like that you could have multiple repairs that account for nearly 30% of the car's purchase price. There is no getting "a deal" on a high mileage Porsche.
While very low mileage Porsches are a potential risk.

Well I checked autotrader and pretty much any boxster over 100k is worth less than my current car. Only low mileage boxsters, eve n 97s, are only shy or over 10k. Hopefully by next year prices go down, atleast some more cash for the "just incase" scenario. Really want a S with glass rear window.

^ Autotrader, and those broker sites are always on the high side. If you follow the different Porsche sites in the forum classifieds you'll generally get a lower asking price since there's no commission and they want a quick sale to get into a newer Porsche. Even better, those cars are enthusisat owned meaning they know that the car needs more than just an oil change. And odds are the car will have upgrades (the good kind) since few enthusiasts can ressist the urge to modify their cars, like the $1200 switch from plastic to aftermarket glass rear window.

now that you mentioned the classified section, i'm more at ease now. more than likely will be getting my boxster next year off this website.... if i was impulsive i would buy the guys boxster with the 996 swap

I'm late but I recently went from an 04 RX8 to a 03 Boxster S and I freakin love the Boxster S. It's got 92k miles on it though, run's great though. I've owned it for a month now and I daily drive it, gas mileage is good (that's coming from the 16mpg that i got out of the RX8). Also I just turned 24 but I have amazing credit, hell I couldv'e went and bought an EVO MR but I fell in love with the Boxster S when I drove it. Also got the car fax and the two owners before had the car well taken care of at local dealerships. Transmission was replaced before and a few other things, I have that stupid seat belt buckle crap going on though that's pissing me off and that window issue where it closes at the wrong times but I've gotten used to it. Overall though, so far it's been a good car, but from what I read earlier up there I agree that it's a hit or miss. I drove my RX8 for 2 years everyday and those cars are known for engine failure around 60k miles, mine had 110k and still ran freakin amazing until that stupid white girl T-boned me with her stupid hyundai. Hit or miss on every car though. I think the car is a good buy, but if you don't have the money to spend on it then don't get it. I'm making payments on mine but I think it's worth it. I love my Boxster S! :)

Sounds like you are unwavering on your desire to buy a Boxster S and at least you have the good sense to buy one that's 10 years old to avoid the bulk of the depreciation hit. They are actually a good value at that age and you can get a good bang for your buck.

If you love the car, get one, just be smart about it and don't be in a hurry - find the right car. If it turns out to be more maintenance than it's worth, sell it and get another car. Follow your dream, just don't get swamped in debt to do it.