About to buy a boxster! Help!

[Wintermute]

To expand on Randall's comments, your best bet is to get as late a model as you can afford. This might mean you forgo the S, but the benefits are pretty great going from a 2000 S to a 2003 base. Also they redesigned the interior (for the better) in 2001, replacing the ugly 4-spoke steering wheel with the more elegant 3-spoke.

2000 Model changes:
· Addition of the S model, with a 3.2 liter engine pushing 250hp
. Upgraded base model froma 2.5 liter to 2.7 liter, increasing power to 217hp

2001 Model changes:
· Porsche Stability Management antiskid system optional
· Revised gauges
· New standard electric front and rear trunk releases
· Softer rollbar coverings
· LED "orientation lights" in door pulls, ignition switch and center console
· Ignition key allows remote access to both trunks.
· Self-dimming inside/outside mirrors packaged with rain-sensing wipers optional
· Change to 3-spoke steering wheel with Porsche crest

2002 Model changes:
· In-dash cupholder in place of a clip-on
· In-trunk emergency release.

2003 Model changes:
· Base engine gained 11 horsepower to 228 and S engine gained 8 to 258.
· A heated glass rear window replaced plastic in the convertible top.
· Both models got modified front air intakes, body-color vs. black side scoops, and "smoked" plastic turn-signal lenses.
· Climate controls are relocated and the first dashboard glovebox is added.
· Redesigned rear air spoiler
· Side intakes louvers brought out to flush with the body and painted to match
· Gray/white turn signals replace yellow/orange
· Revised console between seats

In retrospect, I wish I had bought a 2003, but then again the changes made weren't phenomenal and I have no qualms with anything on my 2002. Only thing I would like is the glass rear window.