Boxster S owner to be

[Conza]

Hi all, I'm Conza, I have a Golf V GTI and I'm looking to get a Boxster / S!

I drove an '03 Black Boxster S the other day. Loved the sound of the Boxer engine, handling was of course perfect, and I really liked the open driving experience - sunny day, sun glasses on driving into the sun was really nice.

I prefer to S for the larger 255 rear tyres (The GTI has similar torque but only 225 plus being FWD means its difficult to launch it without wheel spin), I think the power jump would be more noticable, I also like the third intake in the front - oh and 6 speed gearbox.

I've mostly been looking at '03 & '04 cars, but I really want to know from people who own '00 to '02 S cars if they feel they're missing out on much?

Would greatly expand my search if I didn't mind losing the glovebox, cup holders *goes to Porsche Data Book* oh of course the newer headlights (it appears these could be retro-fitted if you were that fussed? I'm not), 8bhp (both cars) or 5NM of torque (S only), re-worked roof?

Scared of the early 2.5 cars for RMS issues, but would consider the last of the standard Boxsters, I think 228bhp is probably enough, it seems where I'm from either '03/'04 cars demand a solid premium.

And with regards to IMS, is the only way to know that it's been done to ask the mechanic who worked on it? Or can a Porsche specialist spot it (and hopefully, without having to take the engine out :S ? )

Looking forward to purchasing a Boxster in the next couple of months and being part of this forum.