purchase choice - 2003 S or 2005 2.7?

[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.