Upgrade 01 2.7L to 03 S? What do you guys think?

[nastyboxster]

I was in the same boat as you last year. I had an 00 2.7 and went to 00 3.2S. after 1 year with the 2.7. However, it only cost me $6K Cdn for the difference because I didn't go up in years. If you want to go up in performance without spending a lot of money, then option 4 would be to move up to low mile S in the same year.

Biggest benefit of the 03 is the glass window, which doesn't affect me all that much since I don't drive much in the rain.

[socratic]

You guys are GREAT. Wonderful feedback from across the spectrum of choices. And frankly you are ALL correct in your respective perspectives

It is a tough choice.

I found out today that it's a bit expensive to go from an an 00 2.7 to an 03 S due to the increase to go from a 2.7 to a 3.2 within a model year and then to increase 2 model years. It got a quote of about $16,000 (just a rough figure) to make the jump. The dealer (not a Porsche dealer) was commenting that I should consider going all the way to a used 2005, which should be very close in performance he said for "only" another $7000 (that is a total of $23,000). He was saying that there aren't a lot of off-lease 03 S models, which contradicts some of what I have read off of this forum by those like BruceLee who know. [I'm under the impression there are lots of off-lease 03 S models available].

A couple of more thoughts:

The biggest cost of the modifications in Option 2 is the Supercharger. If I skip that, I'd cut $8000 off of Option 2. But sadly the supercharger's additional oomph would be the most thrilling part too!

Another factor is that 95% of the time I would not notice or use the difference between the 2.7 and the 3.2 because I drive the Boxster as my everyday car (except when it rains). So that means 95% of the time it's normal commuting, stop and go traffic, going to work, going to the supermarket, etc. Whereas for some of you where it's your "fun" car or track car, and thus everytime you take it out you're really enjoying the extra power. So why not stick with my 01 2.7 [this is the MNBoxster recommendation].

NastyBoxster's plan (simply go to an S in the same model year) is quite appealing, especially if I can score one like his (low miles, Litronics). Some things I would miss (versus going 03) are the glass rear window and a glove compartment. But the biggest thing I would miss would be no warranty and no option to add an extended warranty. My 01 has been quite good so far. The only wierdo thing was the combo of worn out serpentine belt pulleys and a worn shaft on the alternator (both now fixed). There is also the threat of an RMS leak due to observed wetness near the RMS seal but so far no oil drips after the oil change on the white plastic I laid out underneath the car. After some research I'm no longer worried about the RMS issue. Since I'm at 43,000 miles, I'm probably due for a clutch at some point and I'll just pop in a new RMS when the clutch is done. So the worry of buying an out-of-warranty 01 S is that I'm buying someone else's problems whereas I've gotten a year and bit's history on my car and know that it's fine (knock wood).

[Adam]

A TPC supercharger is good for what..around 60hp gain max? That barely more than a 258hp 03 S. Plus, you get a reliable 258hp with the S compared to a not as reliable 265ish hp 2.7L. I think the logical decision is the 03 S or stick with what you have. You have some expensive maintance coming your way with a MY 2000 S so I don't think that would be the better choice over an 03. Also, you don't get the features on the 00 like vario plus and glass window.

[smith12895]

Originally Posted by socratic

Another factor is that 95% of the time I would not notice or use the difference between the 2.7 and the 3.2 because I drive the Boxster as my everyday car (except when it rains). So that means 95% of the time it's normal commuting, stop and go traffic, going to work, going to the supermarket, etc. Whereas for some of you where it's your "fun" car or track car, and thus everytime you take it out you're really enjoying the extra power. So why not stick with my 01 2.7 [this is the MNBoxster recommendation].

Actually I think you would notice the difference. In stop and go or slow moving traffic the extra torque of the 3.2 could mean less shifting back and forth between gears.

just a thought

[Brucelee]

There were 14 2003 S models sold at auction last week just through the Manheim auctions. Assume maybe double that for the nation. As the Spring and Summer progress, more will flow.

Moreover, on Auto Trader.com, there are about 268 2003 Boxsters for sale across the country.

I think the supply is there if you really want a 2003. Expect to pay around $35-40 depending on the car.

Good luck.

[ACD]

I've got the hots for a Boxster, and having driven my Dad's 986 many times, I thought, a nice few year old CPO would be perfect for me, however dealers are selling '03 an '04s for in the high 30s and 40s...at that point why bother? Pick up a new one for a bit more.

To me, an '01 or '02 is great deal while the '03 and '04 seem over priced when compared to the value of owning a never driven '05, '06 or '07.

Aesthetically, the 987 is far superior. It's a cleaner design outside and the interior really puts to shame the 986 which looked like it was made with 70's technology.

I would go lease a new Boxster since you seem to like change. If you were going to keep the car for 7-10 years I'd say buy the '03 or '04 and love it. Other than that, save your money and feel blessed to own such a great car.