When I bought my 986S I was actually shopping for a 996.
I got so worked up after reading all of the horror stories of the engines that I decided to dip my foot in the pool and buy the Boxster S as a starter.
The purchase price of my car was $14K CAN versus @ $25K for a decent 996. It already had a new short block engine installed, so the risks were minimized in my mind. My wife said my "thifty gene" took over lol - but I had those extra funds left over from my P-car budget "just in case".
At times I think I settled and should have went for what I really wanted.
What I want to say is, DON'T SETTLE. Get what you want.
Don't get me wrong, the Boxster has really grown on me, but its simply not a 996/997 is it?
That'll be my next P-car, no doubt.
Go for it good sir!
