[KevinH1990]

I bought my 2000 base with 30,000 miles on it - but that was 7 years ago. I had a series of problems with it right after I bought it. I had to replace the Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF) and then had a problem with the fuel system that made the car hard to start after fueling. There was also a leaking oil filler tube and then an oxygen sensor failed. Now that I drive it about 8,000 miles per year it seems to have fewer problems. I don't know whether my experience is typical or just a run of bad luck, but there does seem to be some basis to believe that Boxsters have fewer problems when driven regularly. At 32k, you are due for a plug change and some other maintenance items. Since the car doesn't have records you will probably need to do the 30k service to bring the car up to date.

Overall, I really like my 2000. I've done a few upgrades that have made it even nicer. The plastic rear window in the top is the major downside of an 00-02 car vs. the 03/04 cars. I replaced my top with one off of an 04 and the difference is significant. On the plus side, an 00 is likely to have a dual row Intermediate Main Shaft (IMS) bearing which may make a major engine failure less likely. It is also easier to upgrade the audio system on an earlier car than it is on the 03/04 cars.

RawleyD makes a good point about the car not being an S. There are many days I wish I had held out for an S, but the market at the time was $10k higher for an S. Also, if you are going to drive the car frequently, you will be in traffic. I don't use most of my car's potential most of the time, so the lower power when compared to the S may not be as important as you think. The non-S appears to get better fuel economy.

Good luck with the choice you make.