purchase choice - 2003 S or 2005 2.7?

[sloancarr]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[z12358]

...or just PM edwin about his red cutie :
http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10618
Z.

[sloancarr]

As helpful as all of the replies have been, I'm perhaps more confused than ever about what to do. Naturally, I LOVE the 987S, and that would be my first choice, but they are not within the existing budget. While I'm not in a big hurry (summer here is so warm / too warm), I'm not going to 'hold my breath' waiting for the 987S to go sub-$40k, because, as I mentioned, I am looking for a pampered, low-miles car, and I don't see a 987S fitting that description going sub $40k any time real soon. Realistically, I still see it as a choice between 986 S and a 'base' 987.

Let me try to ask it this way to add a new dynamic to the discussion - what were the most important / most appreciated improvements/changes in the 987 (other than exterior styling and power?) As suggested by unklekraker, the security of a warranty and having the new design are quite attractive - and it was also observed that there were many subtle refinements/upgrades incorporated in to the 987. On the other hand, being able to get an S with all of the 'goodies' keeps the 986 in the running .... the difficulty in these choices is why I posted here in the first place, knowing that this community of owners and enthusiasts would help me think this through armed with more information. To give a little bit more insight in to my current thinking, the appeal of the 986 S is not as much about the little bit of extra power / displacement (though that's certainly good) as it is knowing that I'd be getting a vehicle with more of the options that I would like to have. I am already a little bit concerned that if I tried to get a 987 in my price range that it would be too 'stripped down', and that I'd be frustrated by that.

P.S. As suggested by z12358 I did take a look at edwin's '04 S - beautiful, but: 1) red is not my first choice; 2) I'm assuming it's not TipTronic and; 3) I'm not yet ready to buy today (obvious, since I can't even decide which model/year I want yet) - I figure it will be at least another month before I've been able to clean up / fix up and sell the current ride.

P.P.S. - Thank you to all who are taking the time to help me with this - it is appreciated.

[aBsOlUt]

The question is if you prefer more speed or better looks (subjective although I do prefer the 987 looks).

I am more of a speed guy and in this case I would get S (I current own an 04 986S). Not that the 987 base wont suffice but after sometime driving it might actually cause regrets - after you get used to the style I mean.

Most important factor also is not exterior looks as they look very similar. The interior redesign is what I Love in the new 987 models.

Up to you, whatever you do though you are buying one of the best cars in the world.

[unklekraker]

hey sloan, sounds like you are having a major dilemna..ease up brotha!
Patience is the key

qoute taken on sloan;s post:
I am already a little bit concerned that if I tried to get a 987 in my price range that it would be too 'stripped down', and that I'd be frustrated by that.

-you are so right on this one
A big point on having the most option on the Boxster that you are buying are: "YOu could stay away from slippery slopes of Mod's or being bitten by mod' bugs"

Good Luck, my friend for your quest
keep us posted!