986 reconsidered 2003 "S"

[DrCactus]

Sounds like you already have a bad taste in your mouth about the car...that there tells me to RUN FAST.... as these cars are Joy Toys. Something that brings Joy to you when driving and if down the line your toy breaks down the Joy of driving it over-powers the money factor or time spent fixing it. If the Joy factor drops below then it's time to SELL. That's my 2.7 cents ... lol

[rczap]

I would like to put my 3.2 cents worth in. I recently bought a 2002 "S" for $5900. I was desperate to keep up with my buddy who was buying 911's like nobody's business. We were going to Porsche gatherings and I was a passenger. I couldn't afford a 911, thought about a 928, but decided on this Boxster. 195k miles are on it. the body and paint is in damn good shape. The interior is close to perfect. The car had a CEL on, I had a scan tool so I checked it out. Bank 1 Cam Pos Sensor. I looked the car over myself and did not want to spend the money on a PPI. I went ahead and bought the car. Now I have replaced both Cam Pos Sensors, because after replacing the first I got a code for the other side. That didn't go away so I was past my ability and took it to a reputable local shop. $3k later the car is fine, runs like a bat outta hell and I was able to get it registered. I think I understand what the O.P. is worrying about. This is a really cool car, I want it, but what happens if it ends up needing all this work that I cant really afford? These cars are total luxuries, I understand why some people say you need to have plenty of cash in your pocket ready to spend. These things are German engineered, that means they were able to put a lot of stuff(technical term) in a small space. It is hard to get to, took my mechanic 10 hours to replace the Cam Adjustment Solenoid. So now I am 9k into it and I am ok with that. If something more spectacular happens well then, I may have to get a loan to buy that 3.6, because that would make this car even more awesome! I am not getting rid of it.

[tommydorsey]

I saw this right after I bought a 2000 for my wife. Looks pretty nice to me... ON this forum, 'orangeman', it's in Syracuse, don't know where you are in NY. More miles, but a lot of work done.

http://986forum.com/forums/boxsters-sale-wanted/63261-well-sorted-2001-boxster-s-black-tan-black-manual-ims-clutch-done-%2Aupdated%2A-%2410-500-a.html

[mfm22]

Thanks for the opinions & understanding. I'm moving on , expanding my horizons & looking out of state

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by DrCactus

Sounds like you already have a bad taste in your mouth about the car...that there tells me to RUN FAST.... as these cars are Joy Toys. Something that brings Joy to you when driving and if down the line your toy breaks down the Joy of driving it over-powers the money factor or time spent fixing it. If the Joy factor drops below then it's time to SELL. That's my 2.7 cents ... lol

Well said !

[peterbrown77]

You'll never regret buying an S... though the reverse may be true.

[Anker]

Originally Posted by peterbrown77

You'll never regret buying an S... though the reverse may be true.

Couldn't agree more!

Anker

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by peterbrown77

You'll never regret buying an S... though the reverse may be true.

Unless you enjoy things like proper gearing.

Don't be a dick, Peter.

[Giller]

Originally Posted by peterbrown77

You'll never regret buying an S... though the reverse may be true.

False. I had a base 986, now have a base 987. Next one will be a 981 base. The extra HP of the S isn't worth the extra coin IMO. I have no issues passing anyone in this thing, or merging into traffic or any other issues. It's NEVER left me wanting more.

[peterbrown77]

It's more than just power. More gears, better suspension, bigger brakes, bigger tires, better exhaust note - for negligibly more money. I've driven both as well, and was surprised how different it was on a country road. The base 986 leaned more, was softer, and definitely had less grunt. I'm not certain but I think the S rides lower too.

[jb92563]

I test drove a 99 base model and was hooked, and shortly after an 01 S and there was an impressive difference that made me limit my search to only S's after that test drive.

Now that I removed the 2nd cats on my S and added after market exhaust, the engine response is lightning fast and the acceleration has noticeably improved.

Every time I get in the car and take off it immediately feels like RACE CAR in its fast engine response and acceleration. So if you like the base an S will give you even more enjoyment and big grins.

Gotta love the extra robust parts and the awesome brakes of an S as well. Perhaps is a bit more durable due to some stronger parts such as the axles and some engine internals?

I'm sure we all grin no matter what version of Boxster we drive.

[peterbrown77]

I don't know that I would call any 986 'robust' hahaha. Two disadvantages (maybe 3) of the S are: The center radiator is easily damaged by steep driveways and the part is $200+ (and you have to remove the front clip to replace it). Also, the 6-speed driveshafts exit the transaxle at a higher plane than the 5. This puts a much greater angle to the driveshaft versus the wheel, and eats the boots faster.

Perhaps the 2nd gear synchro issue is more prevalant in 6 speeds?

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by jb92563

Perhaps is a bit more durable due to some stronger parts such as the axles and some engine internals?

Ummmmm...no. Keep dreaming