2003 Boxster S or 2005 Boxster?

[super66]

I would think when buying used you would want the newest lowest mileage (watch out for garage queen though) car you can find....

18 horses and 30 lbs of torque? there are chips that make that up for 600 bucks...not tested but they say it will happen personally I love the 987 and remember thinking wow, this interior doesn't look as bad as I remember it....I didn't know there was a redesign...

so as most have commented

-newer
-close in power
-warranty
-and because I have one
- better interior/exterior

imo just better

[xclusivecar]

The interior of the 987 is beautiful compared to a 986. The exterior though...I dont know. The 987 has been "pancaked" a bit. Its lost some of the beautiful curves the 986 has.

Try not to compare the performance numbers of these cars. Instead compare how they feel to you. Many say the base 987 has a pretty sweet feel to it.

The 986 has already depreciated and has flattened out. Once the cars are in the very low $20,000 range they stay there. The 987 will come down $15,000 in a few years...lost money.

If only they built the 987 interior into the 986 body...OMG! HEAVEN!

[Adam]

Originally Posted by super66

18 horses and 30 lbs of torque? there are chips that make that up for 600 bucks...not tested but they say it will happen

LOL, wouldn't hold your breath on that one.

[986Roadster]

well i actually prefer the 986 interior over the 987. i like the basic look to it. i'm not interested in the over done look. i want it to look as close to a race car as possible. not looking for a mercedes interior. all the technology i'm not interested in. just need a radio, cup holders and, a/c.

[MartinJ]

My little story.

1. Started my Boxster acquisition mission looking for an 03 S.
2. Drove some but none of them had the right options so I kept looking.
3. On advice of a BMW mechanic, I drove a used 05 Base, decided to find a used 05 with the right options - I prefered the new interior and liked the idea of a longer warrantee.
4. Dealer called they had an 06 S with all the right options - drove it
5. Found myself inexplicably writting a large check.

Drove home in the 06 S permagin all the way.

Frankly they are all nice cars. Look for either a Base 05 or an 03 S with the options and color you want, buy it and drive it!

[z12358]

base 987, hands down.

[aren040]

Well, since I have a base 987 I would say that but there are things to consider. Some people like the exterior of the 986 and some the 987. Find out which one you like better. Keep in mind that you will probably spend some money on the 986 to clear the headlights and this and that. You know, the normal stuff people do to their 986 when they get them. The 987 seems to have the better interior. Find out if this is important to you.

The most important thing is to drive them both. You can quote figures all you want but numbers on a piece of paper dont mean anything to you when you are out enjoying the car. I was very surprised that the base 987 has some go to it.

Also take into account mileage and the dreaded RMS failure issues that these cars have.

-aren

[mylamb]

Kan-O-Z,

It is definitely funny reading these posts - everyone is right. We're going to recommend the generation that we purchased. LOL! So, my suggestion is the '03 S.

No one can really question that the 987 is superior aesthetically and dynamically, but I guess it just depends on why you're buying the car. 986's are by no means HOMELY, and the S versions deliver A LOT. If you can swing a 2005 987 S, then please do so, but if your price range puts you closer to the base model, then I don't think I would do it. Here are the 986 advantages that I see:

* Slightly more HP
* 30 lb/ft more torque
* Six gears instead of 5 (although you can get a 6 speed base 987 but they're rare.) Those first 2 gears are super short on the 986 S
* Carrera's brakes
* 3.2 liters vs. 2.7

I back2backed a 2002 S & a 2006 base in the same day. I test drove a 2002 S for 30 minutes & took it over to a Porsche dealership for a PPI. While I was waiting, they tried to put me into one of their cars instead, a 2006 base. Sorry, but aside from looks & better balance (once again, 986's aren't exactly Buick's in the handling arena) it was definitely lack luster. Those bullet points make for a better day to day driver, a more fun driver, and I would assume a better track car. I haven't tracked it yet - first event for me will be in May 07.

You should be able to grab a very good warranty on a 2003, especially if you get it from a Porsche dealership. If it's not CPO, then they'll probably try to offer you a warranty by a company called Easy Care (very good warranty & very familiar with RMS). IMHO I could not buy a Porsche that didn't feel quick & ballsy. The marque is special & their heritage is impressive but I need the whole package. I went with "seat-o-the-pants" feel over looks, build quality, and newness. But please, test drive them back 2 back if you can. It's your money! You may find that you don't really care about the performance difference, and the improved looks, balance & piece of mind (fewer RMS issues) of the 987 may win you over. Definitely nothing wrong with buying a car for these reasons. Either way... you will be getting a great car!