Which one?

[lonoscurse]

I've narrowed my search down to two Boxsters. They are significantly different, except in price. So, I need some advice:

Option 1 - 1998 Base model with 115k miles. Great service history, IMS and Clutch replaced, no significant issues. Have to ship this one.

Option 2 - 2003 S model with 130k miles. Good service history, nothing replaced (IMS, Clutch, etc.). Local

Both of them are good color combinations and both ride great. I just can't determine whether the items that have been replaced make up for the base vs. S, etc.

Any advice would be welcomed, and I fully understand that it is just an opinion.

Both have had PPI with no issues found.

[JayG]

IMHO, I would go for the 03 S
More power
Better brakes
Much newer
Better interior

A high quality shipper is not cheap, so that is an added cost, could be a significant part of replacing the clutch and IMS
At 130K, it is very likely the clutch has been replaced

What is the asking price on both?
when was the clutch and IMS replaced on the 98 base?
You should note that some of the replacement IMSB are not lifetime and from their manufacturer are service items that need to be replace at IIRC 30k or 40k miles (don't remember)

Get a PPI in any case

[78F350]

Here's some rambling opinions and no real help:

Both of them are good color combinations and both ride great.

Have you driven both, or at least driven a pre-2000 base and local '03 S?

I have often thought of getting an S, but I really enjoy my base '99 and '01. I plan to purchase another '98 or '99 (to rebuild) next. For my street driving purposes, the power and braking are fine. I don't think of the S model as a 'overpowered car', but for me more power makes me drive more stupid. I can embarrass myself enough in a base while I look just as sexy and get better gas mileage.

Enough about me... what do YOU like. Either one could bust a rod bolt or have a lifter seize the first day you drive it, or they could be fine for 200k more miles. Buy the one that you feel more of a connection with driving it, or looking back over your shoulder as you walk away.

Bottom line may be that the S is more car for the money. Over a few years the clutch/IMS cost will balance in the normal maintenance and the S will still be 5 years newer.

[Coffinhunter]

I am biased, as I have an '03 S. But that is the one I would go with. More power, better braking, glass rear window, glove box (seems stupid but I am glad I have it).

[Qmulus]

That would be a no brainer for me, the '03 S. There are so many updates that is is hard to list them. Body, engine, suspension, brakes, transmission, interior, top, etc.