986 reconsidered 2003 "S"

[dghii]

Try again? The guy posted today.

[jcslocum]

Thats a good looking car with the right list of maintenance items.

[mfm22]

found an interesting listing - saw it a while ago and dismissed it

called on it - pretty close , asked a few details - When seller said he bought it new-
I was interested - one owner car
went out to see it last night it appeared to be clean & straight . Quick drive revealed nothing but smooth shifts
It is not an S but I can deal with that ... don't want to get too excited - he has another potential buyer looking on Sunday . I will not buy anything without the ppi so need to wait till at least Monday - If ! it's still for sale

[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.

[dghii]

I've owned a base and an S at the same time. When I'd drive the base for a few day, it was a blast and I never felt that I was missing anything. The car revs freely and sounds great.

Transitioning back into my S, I was always surprised just how much more refined, effortless it felt.

Given the little difference in price anymore between the two, I'd only want the S as my primary fun car. That being said, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a base car if I came across a really good deal.

[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

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by 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?

I thought the 2nd gear synchro issue only applied to the 6 speed. I've never heard of the issue on the 5 speed.

I'd call the biggest disadvantage of the "S" the ticking time bomb that is the single row IMSB.

[Giller]

Originally Posted by particlewave

Ummmmm...no. Keep dreaming

I think I like this new PW guy.

[78F350]

Base? S Model?
They both have some common problems that the OP is going to have to figure out:
Which tyres are best?
What is the best oil?
How to increase power without spending a lot of money?
Is the IMSB really worth all the hype?
Is it safe to buy really cheap aftermarket parts for the cooling system?
What is the best way to delete cats?


Maybe we can let the whole "S vs non-S" rest, or dig up an old thread to finally find the truth.
https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3A986forum.com%2Bbase%2Bvs%2BS&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8#q=site:986forum.com+base+vs+S

https://www.google.com/search?q=boxster+S+vs+non-S&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by Giller

I think I like this new PW guy.

I'm bored and feeling feisty!


Hopefully, no one is taking me too seriously.