The Boxster or the Boxster S?

[mikefocke]

Owned both a 2.5 base and a 3.2 S. No difference in the enjoyment factor or maintenance once purchased.

Lots depends on what you expect. As my prior sports car ownership was 1.3 and 1.6 cars, the 2.5 was more than enough for me.

The 3.2 is tough on CV joints. Also some prefer the transmission ratios of the 5 speed. If you are thinking TIP, the downshift can be triggered with the switches on the 3.2 without moving the lever to manual mode. Not so on the 2.5 TIP.

[Giller]

All depends on what you are looking for. Look at your driving habits - what is this car being bought for. I enjoy some great cruising in the summer - but certainly don't do any 'hardcore' driving or tracking - so for me, I'd rather save the money and get the newest Boxster I could afford (I went with a 987.2 - if I'd needed an S, I would have had to settle for a 987.1)
Drive them and see what fits. You do get some extra goodies with the S - but are those goodies any good to you?