purchase choice - 2003 S or 2005 2.7?

[mtch]

Another consideration might be the low-mid range torque. While the base 987 has hp numbers that approach those of the 986S, it torque curve is not a broad, with its the smaller displacement. I have not driven a tip, but in most cars, auto trannys can magnify frustrations caused the lack of torque. I am not refering to standing starts, where an auto can be useful, but moving through city traffic and passing can be frustrating in a car with lower torque output and the inability to instantly select your desired gear.

[boko]

I can't comment about the US but here in the UK the reality of the market and public perception starts to kick in. I should start by saying that I recently chose an 03 3.2S with 16k miles. Mint condition although a few too many previous owners.

The main reason for choosing the car was because it was from a local performance/prestige garage. it was the right colour inside/out, it had low mileage, it was right on budget, came with a 1yr warranty, and it was an "S".

But lets get public perception out of the way. Everyone including me wanted an "S" and it doesn't matter that the standard 987 is near on performance. It is emotional, and the first question anybody asks. "Did you get an S".

The market prices higher mileage very low spec cars with 17" wheels that look poor on a 987 at a few £k more. Yes it will be 2yrs younger, the interior is so much better and performance isn't much different to a 986S, however to my eye the cars just don't look desirable enough. That is why they seem good value. A 987S is £7k more and in the slow depreciating world of the Boxster that is a gulf.

So in conclusion. I think if you find the standard spec 987 desirable and you can ignore everyone asking why you didn't buy an S (Including yourself) then it is a far better buying proposition vs an 03 986 S.

[sloancarr]

While I have not yet had the chance to follow the excellent suggestion of z12358 of a back-to-back test drive, I've been influenced a bit both by feedback here (and particularly the most recent comments from mtch about better low/mid-range tourque in the S) and what I'm finding in the local marketplace. I'm also just not that impressed with the 'new' interior look for, as I think I've seen mentioned elsewhere, while I understand why it is viewed by many as a big improvement, to me it makes it look more like the interior of the G35 coupe that I considered and rejected long ago.

I now have my eye on a particular '04 S 50th Anniversary 550 Spyder Limited Edition with under 10k miles (w/ Tip, Bose, PSM, etc.). Current car to the shop on Tuesday for pre-sale maint. items - and I am going to get in touch with seller of the '04 to arrange a look. If anyone has thoughts about that Anniversary edition car, it would be great. Thanks. (P.S. - I would post a link to the prospective car, but I have not yet looked to see if that is permitted by the forum rules ....)

[mikefocke]

I own a 986S and have owned a 986 base. Both with TIP as I was driving in dense city traffic to and from work. Not my only car, just my preferred car.

The 1999 base had 201 HP, the 2001 S has 252. Significant difference? Not in any normal driving. I'm sure there is a measurable difference, but either car exceeded my driving ability (and in my youth, I used to race on some pretty demanding tracks).

I've also owned a 914 that must have had around 100HP and I could have as much fun in it as in the S. Ditto the little Alfa 1300CC. All these roadsters gave the open air fun feel.

Is there a difference..sure there is. But I drove the Alfa 1300 at over 100 MPH and was amazed how smooth it was getting there. I still remember the time I went to pass a big truck and looked down at my speedo as I completed the pass and read triple digits. You don't have to have a big engine.

I've only driven the base 987 a couple of blocks. The comfort improvement in the seats and in the seat placement relative to the roll bar (my torso is tall) were significant. I just felt that it handled crisper (it was a base stick) and was a significant improvement all around. I preferred the look of the 986 but the difference wasn't that much and it is a personal preference.

Now to me, I wouldn't spend the $20k it would cost me to upgrade (I'm not rich). But if I were buying at the same price, I'd take the 987 base with reasonable equipment (heated seats, etc) over a 987 with more options (because some of those options became standard on the 987).

The 987 base has more HP than either of my other 3 cars. I think it would get you there.

Buy the choice is yours ... go drive them both. Either will be a fun car.

[Grizzly]

Originally Posted by sloancarr

I now have my eye on a particular '04 S 50th Anniversary 550 Spyder Limited Edition with under 10k miles (w/ Tip, Bose, PSM, etc.). If anyone has thoughts about that Anniversary edition car, it would be great. Thanks.

If any Boxster is going to hold its value over the long term, it will certainly be the 50th Anniversary car. Though not exceedingly rare (1953 of them were produced), it is a desirable model, which will eventually be sought by collectors. It has a number of exclusive features to include the color combination and wheel option, making it immediately recognizable on the street. In my eyes at least, the Limited Edition 986s is a better choice than a base 987. Even if you're not interested in its collectability, the decelerated depreciation should be of interest. Plus they're so friggin' cool.

[pierre shags]

"If you go with 987 get rid of those MR2 side intakes in favor of the Cayman intakes."

I think this would look sharp (although I don't know what an MR2 is) but the dealership clerk said they would not fit directly, but perhaps could be modified to fit.

Have you seen this done? Porsche or aftermarket?
Thanks (although now I think my car less than perfect for the first time).

I chose a 987 because I figured Porsche would improve everything on a new model. I wanted better reliability, reduced maintainence, better performance. Can't find the article that convinced me, or I would share it, sorry.

A big surprize was how great the bi-zenon lights are: stronger, brighter light by 300% (a guess, not science), and the sides of the road are illumened, not just the road ahead. A real safety feature and worth the cost.

[super66]

Originally Posted by pierre shags

"If you go with 987 get rid of those MR2 side intakes in favor of the Cayman intakes."

I think this would look sharp (although I don't know what an MR2 is) but the dealership clerk said they would not fit directly, but perhaps could be modified to fit.

Have you seen this done? Porsche or aftermarket?
Thanks (although now I think my car less than perfect for the first time).

Here you go Pierre....simple mod and it requires you to change the boxster insert to a cayman insert....really easy, getting the vents off is another story....

btw.....987, better styling in my opinion, much better interior in my opinion and I test drove an 05 G35 and I don't recall it looking anything like my 987.....