purchase choice - 2003 S or 2005 2.7?

[jderiansf]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[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.



.

[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

[renzop]

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]

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




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