purchase choice - 2003 S or 2005 2.7? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

sloancarr · 04-12-2007, 06:39 AM

As soon as I sell my current vehicle, I'm ready to purchase my long awaited Boxster. As this could happen relatively soon, I'm going to be faced with a tough choice - a 2003 S, or 2005 2.7

For better or worse, it will be used primarially for city driving, with relatively little opportunity to really 'stretch its legs', so I'm thinking that the newer design, lower miles, warranty etc. of the 2005 might be a better bet, but I thought I should get opinions from the aficianados here. Thoughts?

(I'll only be considering pampered, low-mileage vehicles in either case - and find that they are at similar price points)

djomlas · 04-12-2007, 06:59 AM

get the newer model, they should be in the same range power wise and money wise, but the newer one is a more refined maching, and just simply newer...althoug some people do prefer the 986 styling over the 987 like my father...
good luck with your decision, and let us know how things work out

unklekraker · 04-12-2007, 07:00 AM

IMHO..my choice would be the 2003 S...why? because when i was in your situation, my choice was 99' w/ 47k miles or 01 S w/ 55k miles and a price difference of 6k...I should have gone to more HP.

If you want HP = 03' S
If you want newer w/ warranty = 05 Base and just buy an "S" badge at Pep Boys

Perfectlap · 04-12-2007, 07:10 AM

Well I look at it this way if your are going to go 986S look for the best deal you can find. Lowest miles and lowest price. I see no major reason to point you toward a 2003 vs. a 2000, 2001 or 2002. There's even some data that the 2000-2002 seem to be the least prone to break downs. Rather than concetration on year, Instead try to find one with a CPO. Why? well a guy on Rennlist just got a free of charge rebuilt engine from his local Porsche dealer after going in with his 02 in for a new throw out bearing. Since it was CPO they found a leaky RMS, dug deeper and found the engine needed to come out. No charge. With out the CPO they would have just told the guy he had an RMS and told him to have a nice day.

I've driven the 987 2.7 and I don't really see anything other than a marginal difference in all driving aspects. Kind of reminds of the 996 GT3 owners who feel the 997 GT3 comes at a significant price increase without a significant trade up in measureable performance. One guy I know spent a boat load on his 996 GT3, spent a boat load on top end modifications and predicts it will be a full year before there is a 997 GT3 than can go faster than his 996 GT3. Now he's talking about GT2 because he's convinced a naturally apsirated 911 can't be made significantly faster anymore while the price is creeping into full blown exotic territory.

The 987 3.4 well that sounds like a Boxster I would consider trading in my 986S for. Or a RUF supercharged CaymanS.

At the end of the day for its a question of will a $20-25K CPO 986S tip give you the same enjoyment as $10-$20K more 987 tip? THe bean counter in me says it will and you will lose less money during the depreciation of both.

p.s.
if you go with 987 get rid of those MR2 side intakes in favor of the Cayman intakes.

sloancarr · 04-12-2007, 07:30 AM

I'm thankful and impressed that I am already getting such thoughtful feedback on my inquiry. This may serve to instantly discredit me (I hope not) but I will admit that I was focused on the '03 S because of reliability ratings / owner reported feedback published in a major national consumer magazine that claims the 03' is significantly 'better' than '02 or '04 as far as quality / expense of major repairs. The sample size they used to compile the ratings is not published with the data, but they do have many vehicles they don't publish on because they recognize the sample size was/is too small for the 'rating' to be significant. (So I was somewhat inclined to put at least some faith in these 'ratings'.

I'm prepared to spend as much as $35k (perhaps even a little bit more for the 'perfect' car), so I think I will have some good options. I tend to keep cars for a long time, so I'm not overly concerned about the immediate resale prospects. I think I'd like to have the Bose system (I like it in my current car) but am not sure what other options are considered key. Because of traffic here, and because I'd like for my wife to be able to enjoy the car too, I would prefer TipTronic (I know - another strike against me). Other suggestions are welcome .....

unklekraker · 04-12-2007, 07:41 AM

Hey, Sloan..I have a TIP Tranny too and i love it...on twisties, the only thing I worry about is downshifting it as long as it's in sports mode (M)..for 35k that you are willing to spend, you will get alot of option just be patience....

i don't know much about options when it comes to performance but here's what I'm going to look at:
Litronic
Bose system
Upgraded Front & Rear Bumper w/ side skirts
18" wheels

Perfectlap · 04-12-2007, 08:43 AM

If you are going to keep the car a while I would wait and see if a 987S comes on the radar. Very few naturally aspirated Porsches given their overall production over the years have had more than 250 HP, an in a roadster its almost unheard of for Porsche.
Given the slumping Boxster sales I don't think its entirely out of the question that Porsche pulls the plug on the Boxster in the future, making those (280-300hp) 3.2 and 3.4 987s rare birds within the 1 million+ production of Porsche sports cars.
I might opt for the smaller 18" wheels if you will driving within the city allot thoug..
19" tires are not cheap...

How much of a difference is there in 2nd hand 987 vs 2nd hand 987S these days?

z12358 · 04-12-2007, 09:04 AM

There have been cases where brand new base 987 (low options) have been picked up for sub $40k. Consider picking up a new 07 or 06 base 987 from remaining stock at a northern-based dealer this winter, if you're not in a huge hurry. Within a year, you should expect to see used 05 987S (without too many options) also go for sub $40k. I would get a base 987 (vs 986S), and get a 987S if possible. The 987 is a major re-design of many components (not just the engine) after learning the do's and don'ts on the 986. Either way, you won't go wrong. Good luck and keep us posted.
Z.

threpwood · 04-16-2007, 01:32 AM

2003 S low milage vs 2005 2.7 medium to high milage --> 2003 S
2003 S medium to high milage vs 2005 2.7 low milage --> 2005 2.7
2003 S low milage vs 2005 2.7 low milage --> 2003 S
2003 S high milage vs 2005 2.7 high milage --> 2005 2.7

IMO

Quote:

Originally Posted by sloancarr

As soon as I sell my current vehicle, I'm ready to purchase my long awaited Boxster. As this could happen relatively soon, I'm going to be faced with a tough choice - a 2003 S, or 2005 2.7

For better or worse, it will be used primarially for city driving, with relatively little opportunity to really 'stretch its legs', so I'm thinking that the newer design, lower miles, warranty etc. of the 2005 might be a better bet, but I thought I should get opinions from the aficianados here. Thoughts?

(I'll only be considering pampered, low-mileage vehicles in either case - and find that they are at similar price points)

jderiansf · 04-16-2007, 06:32 AM

Although its my first post, I'll put my $.02

I just went through this same thought process. I was originally looking for the same cars as you. An early S was my pre-drive favorite.

When I finally got around to driving a couple of cars, the 987 base was way more composed and comfortable for a daily driver. I like performance as much as anyone, but the difference made me feel much more confident in pushing the better composed car, vs. the more raw early S. Plus as you have stated, and many others, its still under warranty and its newer etc. etc.

The 10 hp difference, I couldn't feel, as the car is quick enough for me (for now). To top it off, the dealer found me an '05 base, super low miles (break in miles) w/ the options that I wanted, and a few I didn't(!) at a great price (mid 30's).

I jumped at it, and haven't looked back. These past three weeks the only problem I've had is that my face hurts from smiling so damn much

Jason

Sloan · 02-12-2008, 02:01 PM

Well, this purchase has not happened as quickly as I would have liked (notice the age of my inital post) but I just ordered my 'blank check' today, and will be shopping in earnest starting this weekend.

As it stands, I am leaning to the 2003 S, though the comments by djomlas and jderiansf still weigh on my mind. The one I am focused on now has 20,500 miles, Tip., Speed Yellow (matching belts - nice touch), Bose, 18" Turbo Twist wheels, and 4 new tires (subject of another post) but lacks PSM.

I thought that perhaps the delay / wait would have brought a 987 S in to range (willing to spend $35k+ for the right car), but from what I've seen, they are both hard to come by on the used market, and still very pricy ($40k and over).

Anyone want to add any final thoughts before I head out with check in hand?

drburton · 02-12-2008, 03:15 PM

You aren't really defining how much above $35k you will go for a 987S. I think a low mileage S could be had for $40k even, maybe even $39k. Keep in mind, with the 987 you have at least a year of warranty left and the newer styling.

mikefocke · 02-12-2008, 04:19 PM

So stick or TIP?

How long are you going to keep it? Is resale important? And how does it influence the choice of color? (Resale differs by up to 20%!!!)

Are you willing to travel for the car (its still cold up north and deals are better when the streets are covered with white stuff that isn't sand)?

I've had 2 Boxsters. A '99 with 201HP and a '01 with 245. I see no difference in the fun factor.

If I were buying today, I'd definitely buy a base 987 over a 986 just for the hundreds of little improvements they made between models.

Some points of advice...drive several...don't fall in love with one (there are hundreds for sale today)..and get a PPI.

Some additional thoughts here
would apply to buying either.

Get to work, you've missed months of fun since your initial posting.

husker boxster · 02-12-2008, 04:59 PM

Here's a sharp one in Jax that's been for sale for a few months. Might be able to talk the owner into selling for $37. You didn't mention trading anything in. If not, you can look at private owner sales. They generally have to take less because most people want to trade something, so to entice buyers they have to price their cars for less.

Good luck with your search.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=235726990

renzop · 02-14-2008, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sloan

Well, this purchase has not happened as quickly as I would have liked (notice the age of my inital post) but I just ordered my 'blank check' today, and will be shopping in earnest starting this weekend.

As it stands, I am leaning to the 2003 S, though the comments by djomlas and jderiansf still weigh on my mind. The one I am focused on now has 20,500 miles, Tip., Speed Yellow (matching belts - nice touch), Bose, 18" Turbo Twist wheels, and 4 new tires (subject of another post) but lacks PSM.

I thought that perhaps the delay / wait would have brought a 987 S in to range (willing to spend $35k+ for the right car), but from what I've seen, they are both hard to come by on the used market, and still very pricy ($40k and over).

Anyone want to add any final thoughts before I head out with check in hand?

There is a great Boxster 2005 base with a pile of options on cars.com. 9K miles. The seller is a kinda high-end dealer. I spoke to him on the phone and he seems cool and reliable. The seller in in VA but the car is in a garage in FL.

If I hadn't just ordered an '08 I would have bought this car. It's listed for 38.5K but its been there for a while so you might be able to do better.

I am unrelated to the seller or owner and have no stake in the sale. Here are details from cars.com:

Selling Points: "Seal Grey" Metallic with black interior, Adaptive Sport Seats, 18" Boxster 'S' wheels, Sport pacakge with 6-speed and PASM, Bi-xenon lights, Sport shifter, Sound Package Plus, climate control, coco mats. Factory Warranty until March 2010 or 50,000 miles. Always garaged. Original M.S.R.P.: $57,570. Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, DC and Dulles International Airport.
About the Seller
David Olimpi
540-729-0354 (Daytime)
540-687-3777 (Evening)
Vehicle Location: Middleburg, VA

Good luck,
Alan

fatmike · 02-14-2008, 03:34 PM

Sloan -- I sent you a PM. My car isn't a Tip though.

I wonder if Tiptronic changes the "market dynamics" on the Boxster S. You gotta think that most of the cars built are 6 speed. That said, I wonder if a private seller who has a Tiptronic to sell would be "frustrated" because every potential buyer gets bummed out because its not a 6 speed?

Anyway, keep the faith. You'll find that car, and if you end up if with a 986S or a 987 its all good.

Mike

\

dan.oneufer · 03-09-2012, 03:24 PM

I just went through the exercise you are describing. I chose the 03 S for a few reasons. This is may be incredibly silly, but the S sounded better from inside the car at acceleration...I mean way better! The handling seemed more crisp than in any of the non-S versions. Plus, in my area the S seems to be an easier car to sell. Either way you can't go too wrong.

greenandtan · 04-12-2012, 08:15 AM

Dark Teal, NICE. (Any car with a little green in it, my feeling!)

NoGaBiker · 04-12-2012, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan.oneufer

I just went through the exercise you are describing. I chose the 03 S for a few reasons. This is may be incredibly silly, but the S sounded better from inside the car at acceleration...I mean way better! The handling seemed more crisp than in any of the non-S versions. Plus, in my area the S seems to be an easier car to sell. Either way you can't go too wrong.

Since we are resurrecting decades old threads I'll add my two cents.

I faced the same dilemma, only with new cars, in February 2005. The 987 had just come out and I had been waiting to see if I liked it better. My dealer had one 986s left over, well-optioned and in Guards Red, for the same price as a 987 2.7. I drove both repeatedly for a week, decided on the S.

Luckily, at that same time my search for an 04 SE 550 yielded a two- month old model with 192 miles on the clock for less than either of the others (plus private party sale in GA means no 7% tax). So that's what I ended up with. Torque, baby. That's why the S feels so much better.