purchase choice - 2003 S or 2005 2.7?

[fatmike]

This might be unpopular -- but its true -- $35K is too much to spend for any except the most exceptional 986S's (like a special edition). For that money, I'm buying an 987 in a heartbeat.

If you go the 986S route (I did), buy one that is flawless, low miles and minty in the mid 20's. And, get it inspected by an expert before you buy.



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[hjkim550]

Sloan,

I have to agree with Fatmike. I just recently went through the same dilemma that you are going through right now. I had to choose between 05 987 vs. 04 986S Silver Anniversary Edition. I test drove endless number of Boxsters.... there are a lot of choices out there.... do not be hasty, do not get smitten with the one ride.

I could not tell the difference in feel (straight line acceleration) between the standard 987 and 986S. However, the 986S was meticulously maintained with low miles (28 K) and felt so much better.... crisper turn in with the ease of the short-shifter. In the end, I chose the 2004 986S Silver Anniversary, it is nice and low to the ground and the spacers fill out the fenders.

I was able to haggle down to 33.5K from the initial price of 37.9K. The seller was easily agreeable.... so I always wonder if I should have pushed for a lesser price?

Anyways... in one short summer I have pushed the Boxster to 31K and cannot stop smiling

I am a newbie but IMHO.... get a carfax history, PPI (a must from someone you trust) then go with your instincts. No matter what you choose, it is going to be a good one. Most importantly, have fun with your new ride

[Sloan]

In answer to the questions: it will be a daily driver, but really just for fun, as my "commute" is about four blocks if I take the car at all. I will likely keep the car for 6-8 years - and it will be pampered and garage kept, with covered parking when I do drive to work. Color does matter: Speed Yellow or silver being first choices, would consider grey or red - others are out. As far as how far over $35k - not much, perhaps $37.5 for the 'perfect' car, but that's it - I need to leave some margin for tax, tags, title, etc..

I would much prefer Tiptronic, but will consider manual - traffic here can be terrible, and after having had an automatic for the first time with my present vehicle, I will admit that it has been a pleasure.

If you see how long I've been looking, you'll know I'm NOT rushing this, but I'll admit my patience is growing thin - as mikefocke observed, I've missed almost a YEAR of fun since I started this search. I will look outside the immediate area, but not countrywide.

Why (as of last night when I posted) was I leaning towards the 986S? Since I want Tip., I think the extra torque of the larger motor will be appreciated, I slightly prefer the styling of the 986S, all the 'goodies' that come with the S, and, as boko mentioned long ago, I will always be asked, "did you get the 'S'" ... (and in my heart, I worry that if I don't, I'll regret it.

[peakpro]

Not to sound negative but I am having a hell of a time getting close to any of the recommended price ranges for cars mentioned in this thread.

I have been looking mostly at CPO'd cars from dealers. But my recent experience with three dealers suggest that the price ranges people are giving for 986s and 987 are not obtainable. At least not from a dealer. WHen I suggest to them that their prices are too high and make a counter offer they give me a line that they are having a great month and that is the best they can do. In a couple of cases I am looking at cars that have been on their lots at least 4-5 months!

When I check out privite sellers on online sites I find very few in my area. And those that I find also have the cars listed at high prices. Mid 30's for 03-04 986s.

Ideas?

[Sloan]

I agree with you peakpro, and wonder when mikefocke says there are "hundreds for sale", where he is looking. In a literal sense he may be correct, but add in my year restrictions, color choices, price & milegage preferences, and there are only a handful. The link provided by husker boxster is the first sub-$40k 987S I recall seeing, and that is from a private seller. While I'm o.k. with that in theory, in practice, interest rates are much higher when making a private purchase, and I'm already pre-approved at a great rate for a purchase from a dealer - over the life of the financing, the rate difference comes close to equalizing the higher initial price when buying from a dealer, and some would argue there is some greater peace of mind with a dealer purchase, particularly if I could find a CPO (which does not seem likely).

987 prices are much (much!) higher - another reason the 2003 or 2004 S is looking so appealing.

[fatmike]

I paid $10K under your "target" for my 986S. 11K miles. Litronics, PSM, rain sensing wipers, rear compartment, windstops, etc. Flawless exterior, barely even a mark on the skid plate underneath...

Private seller w/tail-end of a warranty.

Keep looking.






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[racer_d]

Don't rush your purchase. Take your time. Test drive as many local ones as you can. Even if you don't intend on buying, it will allow you to filter out 1) Options you don't like or need - like maybe you really do like/want sport seats, or 18" wheels, or HIDs or... 2) Lets you see how Boxster owners maintain their cars (some do it well, some not so well) 3) Lets you see what wears out (interior wise) on the car 4) Will let you see how different models/options make the cars perform.

From recollection,
2005 2.7 has 240-245hp
2003 S has 258 hp

Thats only a 13-18hp difference.. Not much. Yes, the 3.2S should have more torque, which is nice, and it may weigh 100lbs or so less, but since you don't intend on tracking the car, the actual, "real world" performance difference may be immaterial.

You may also find, in your testing, that the interior of one model is preferred over the other which could sway your purchase.

As mentioned, yes, there are litterally hundreds of Boxsters on the market. Remember, more than 200,000 have been built and about 1/2 have come to the us. Sure, you may struggle to find a particular year, but the search can be nearly as much fun as the acqusition.

Be adventurous. Once you decide on the Model/year you want, look outside just South Florida, or Florida.. maybe the perfect one is sitting in Arizona, or Colorado. Traveling to buy a "new" car can be quite fun too.

Not to rain on all "550 Anniversary" fans, but it seems to me, over the years, the only Porsches that seem to "gain in value" in 20 years are those who have a genuine performance advantage vs the regular model.. and usually have a lighterweight (ie RSA, Clubsport, RS type models).

At this point in time, I would not buy ANY boxster with thoughts of value appreciation.