2008 Boxster S vs Base

[Tucker2]

The S has more grunt in the low end. That's the most obvious thing about daily driving. I don't track either of my cars...so someone else needs to fill that in. From 4K+ I really can't tell much difference between my S and Base. I recently test drove an '06 CS, and '12 CR. The '06 CS was nice but nothing I would miss. The '12 CR was fantastic. A very very nice and fast car. Both my cars felt slow and heavy compared to the '12 CR.

If you can afford it....get the S. But, you'll have 98% of the same fun in the Base...so don't stress to much. Buy the nicer (condition/service records etc etc) car overall.

[jacabean]

there is a significant difference between the models not just the motor , which is worth the 3 to 4 grand alone . The S has way better brakes , 6 speed , upgraded suspension and are usually better optioned . 07 , 08 have the 3.4 which makes it the best performer of the mk1 987 cars. if you are going to do a base model go 09 or newer your just a hair below that price range anyway .

[husker boxster]

And don't think you can buy a base and then mod it to open up the HP. These are not small block Chevies. Pretty much what you buy is what you get. If you're satisfied with the performance of the base, then fine. If you think you can buy a base and add headers, mufflers, intake plenums, etc and match an S, you'll easily spend $3-4K and gain maybe 15HP. You'll still be short of an S and spent the money to buy one.

[Perfectlap]

Keep saving for a 2009S. That puts you at the lowest entry cost for the 2nd newest generation of S model Boxsters.

Or if you plan to put lots of miles on the car, get a 986S with low miles (30-50K) and serviceable IMS bearing (2000-2004).
But if you plan to run it only a couple of times a month then all S model years should be fine.

S model cars have better resale and the extra oomph is very handy for highway merging and passing. These days regular cars have a lot more power and their drivers are a lot less civil then in the past. Some people say that motorists sometimes see a Porsche and want to try block it from passing or merging in front of them because they have some point to prove. Maybe they do that to all cars now, who knows.

[Wantsasportscar]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I modified my search: 2008 Boxster S and two 2010 Boxster base (one Tiptronic). The S does have a deeper sound to the engine. Variety is.....

[Jinx]

I have a 2003 "base" Boxster.
It has 17 inch wheels and ABS
And cruise control that's it.
I think the option was called
The sports package on the order form.
I recently enjoyed a Car Control Clinic.
The car really surprised me in
A very good way. I am not sure what
The S could have added to the fun I had
Doing the event.

Bill and Jinx

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by Wantsasportscar

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I modified my search: 2008 Boxster S and two 2010 Boxster base (one Tiptronic). The S does have a deeper sound to the engine. Variety is.....

bear in mind that if you are looking at holding the Boxster long term, and the mileage is already high, 2005-2008 Boxsters have an IMS bearing that can not replaced without removing the engine. While Porsche used a far, far less problematic IMS bearing in these cars, no sealed bearing was meant for indefinite service. It hasn't been an issue up to now, but then again only a small % of those cars have reached high mileage so far. If you put light mileage on these cars, and they are low mileage, not an issue at all. All depends on how you intend to use the car and for how long.
But the bigger point is that unless the market is offering a STEEP discount for 2005-2008 Boxsters (and Carreras) over a 2009 with similar mileage, then the 9A1 engine in the 2009 is the better option net.