Best year?

[Giller]

Lots of changes over the years from 97 - 04, what are the pros/cons of the different years and what would people say is the "best" model year?

[steved0x]

I like 2000 S, bigger engine, improvements over 97-99, dual row ims. Also because that is the one I have I really want a 2004 Anniversary edition, if I had gotten that, then it would be the best

[SJEFFB986]

97-99 is pure, raw, no frills boxster (base model). And they have the dual row ims which was more robust than years 2000-2005. My 99 loves to rev and be tossed around. 125k plus miles and no problem. Original IMS. 2000-2005 boxsters went to the smaller single row IMS and these are more prone to failure. Research online. Best years are 2007-2008. Less IMS failures. Of course 2009 and up they eliminated the IMS all together.

[j.fro]

Not patial or anything...
2000
Dual row IMS. Digi speedo in center. Cable hood and trunk. 18" wheels OK. 3.2 + light weight. Fewer electronic driver nannies. Right spot in depreciation curve.

[particlewave]

This should be fun.

[steved0x]

Originally Posted by j.fro

Not patial or anything...
2000
Dual row IMS. Digi speedo in center. Cable hood and trunk. 18" wheels OK. 3.2 + light weight. Fewer electronic driver nannies. Right spot in depreciation curve.

I forgot about those, speedo in the center really like.

[Jamesp]

2003 S - updated engine, great 0 - 60 time, and I own one.

[golonaus]

99
last of raw boxters.

[BIGJake111]

Has to be something without a glove box. It'd be hard for me to decide between a 2.5 or a 2000 S. The S gets bigger wheels and is usually optioned more to the spec that a boxster deserves to be with aluminum and such but is E-Gas. But speedo belongs in the center and there shouldn't be a glove box. As long as those are checked and the car has a dual row ims it's a go for me.

After that it's just if you want the S with larger wheels and a more highway grunt, or a 2.5 for a more Miata, loves to rev, toss around. Only thing these cars need is the glass top of the later cars.

[particlewave]

18's were an option on base models from '98 up.

Of course, my vote is '99
Dual row IMS, center speedo, 18" wheels, upgraded chassis structure, no e-gas, better looking top (no center bow), excellent gas mileage, decent power, and raw feel.

[thstone]

Originally Posted by Jamesp

2003 S - updated engine, great 0 - 60 time, and I own one.

+1. If I didn't have to use an early 2.5L for racing, I'd want a 2003 S.

[Joe B]

Originally Posted by BIGJake111

Has to be something without a glove box.

What exactly is wrong with a glove compartment? How about a reason to support your wise pronouncement ? My 2003 S (the best year by far) has one and I like it. I suppose you don't like cruise control either .

[KRAM36]

Originally Posted by j.fro

Not patial or anything...
2000
Dual row IMS. Digi speedo in center. Cable hood and trunk. 18" wheels OK. 3.2 + light weight. Fewer electronic driver nannies. Right spot in depreciation curve.

I have a 2003 S. I wish it had the digi speedo in the center (looking at a HUD to fix this) and the dual row IMS. However the changes made to the oil protection tubes as a component part of the valve lifter housing and sealed to the cylinder head cover with formed oil seal rings made to the 2003+ models is a big plus to me.

With the cluster change I'm told the digital part is more reliable. The 2003+ models have a glass rear window with defroster. My car has no electronic driver nannies either, except ABS. 2003+ models Porsche also got rid of the amber in the front and rear lights, which looks much better to me personally.

In my book the 2003+ models is where Porsche stepped up the 986 game.


.

[ryoder986]

99 would get my vote. But I'm a little bias

[Fintro11]

03 or 04 for 986

Last years of production are always the best

[Gelbster]

This may give a different perspective. For the same money as an M96 , I would prefer a well repaired 'salvage' later model.YEMV.
http://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/544270-996-vs-997-but-then-which-997-a.html

[KRAM36]

I like the 986 body style. If mine got totaled I would get another one.

[kk2002s]

Kind of thread I like - No Bias
Digital Speedo in the middle - Nice idea except you need to look at the GPS if you want to know how fast you're actually going
02 S has computer display in the middle so that is much more useful - at least to me
Probably 02 S is the worst - Of course - That is what I have

[RedTele58]

Well - I own 3 '99's, a 2000 base, a 2001S and a 2002S.

I guess the '99's get my vote by pure strength of numbers. The S model cars only come out on occasion. I drive one of the '99's almost every day.

[brjak]

I'm voting for my 97 Base, Have only had it short time. But, seems very robust. 90K on it.