987 or 986S?

[Perfectlap]

That's allot of commuting for the 986S and its not exactly easy on the wallet when you get to the pump. at $2.70 a gallon here I'm spending about $45 a tank and getting about 300 miles.

I'd make that S2000 a bit more than just an outside option. Its every bit as good as the BoxsterS in my opinion, well as long as you go with a 2005. The suspension was reworked and greatly improved. Bullet proof reliability with low maintenance.
But its no Porsche.

p.s.
aftermarket glass tops are available to work with all Boxsters. About $1000 installed.

[NNH]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

That's allot of commuting for the 986S and its not exactly easy on the wallet when you get to the pump. at $2.70 a gallon here I'm spending about $45 a tank and getting about 300 miles.

I'd make that S2000 a bit more than just an outside option. Its every bit as good as the BoxsterS in my opinion, well as long as you go with a 2005. The suspension was reworked and greatly improved. Bullet proof reliability with low maintenance.
But its no Porsche.

p.s.
aftermarket glass tops are available to work with all Boxsters. About $1000 installed.

Thanks for making those good points, but since I'm a British expat in LA, any time gas costs less than $6 I see it as a bargain! Also, my current car is a bit of a drinker too, so it won't make a lot of difference.
Budget rents 987s and S2000s here in LA, so I'm thinking of spending a few days commuting in each to see how I like them. I've had a test drive in an S2000, but a few days on the 405 will really let me know what the cars are like!
Quite a few people are suggesting that a ~2000 986S is the way to go. Do they still behave themselves day to day, or are they getting to that scary age where they start to make odd noises and make you wonder if you'll get to work?
Thanks again to everyone who has made all these useful suggestions!