Interested in a couple different 986's - advice needed

[Scooter986]

I am definitely not new to the Porsche scene, as I have owned 6 different Porsches in the past (2-914, 3-911, and 1-986). I've owned a 2003 Seal Grey S with tip, but it just didn't do it for me. I think it was the tip. Now, I am looking at getting another 986. I would like to get some advice/opinions on these two different cars:

2001 standard white ext/blue int with 30,000 miles. PSM, 17" wheels, Kumhos, heated seats, 6 disc CD, no M030. Car is perfect in and out. Local to Seattle area. Asking $24,000.

2002 S speed yellow ext/black int with 88,000 miles. No PSM, 18" sport design wheels, heated seats, 6 disc CD, no M030. Car is nice, but not perfect. Originally a CA car, now in Oregon. Asking $21,000.

Looking for input on PSM or not, S or not, mileage differences, color, importance of condition, etc.

I've also considered a 2000 BMW Z3 M Roadster; any input would on this car would be great as well.

Thanks in advance.

[FrayAdjacent]

I'd say if you didn't go with another S, you might be a little disappointed in the engine performance, although a car with less miles might be more appealing.

Will it be a daily driver? If so, I'd go with the lower mileage car. Weekend or fun/track car? Get the S. (of course, if either one you choose passes a PPI)


I have driven a Z4 (not the M), and it was fun, and pretty quick. Handled very well, and I liked the way the brakes felt. I bring up this car, because it's notably more stiff than the Z3. Test driving one couldn't hurt, tho.

As for the PSM, my Boxster doesn't have it, and I haven't driven one that does, so I couldn't comment. Might come into the decision depending on your intended use of the vehicle.

[Boxtaboy]

There is a guy on this board who is selling a 2001 S manual with only 54K miles in the classified section, and for only around $20K. With the money you save, fly out to the east, and drive the car home while taking a nice road trip at the same time.

$24K for a base 01 is too much. JMHO.

[Scooter986]

I will use the car as a daily driver and spirited drives on the weekend. During the summer months I will take the car on longer spirited drives on over night weekends. PSM may be nice in the wet Northwest, but I am not sure if it is necessary.

I've driven a 2.3 Z3 and a 2.5 Z4, but not the M roadster. What is appealing about the Z3/Z4 is that I don't think I would modify a BMW as much as I would a 986 (i.e., headlights, brake lights, suspension, etc.) I consider myself a Porsche guy, so a switch to a BMW would be difficult, but not impossible.

[2000SoCalBoxsterS]

If you've had an S then you have to buy another S. Forget the Z3, if you must do the BMW go with the Z4. But a Boxster S is your better choice. As to price, you have to shop around and see what the market is. I checked all the major car websites and had a really good idea of what value was before I bought my 2000 S.

[Scooter986]

I've researched quite a bit on price. I've seen prices all over the spectrum, but it really comes down to condition. At the end of the day, you get what you pay for most of the time. Once in a while you will come across the deal of the century.

The 2002 S I mentioned above seems to be a good price, but I am not sure about a 986 with 88,000 miles. Of course a PPI is a must, but still, 88,000 is high for a 986. However, it could go well beyond 200,000 if properly maintained...no one knows.

Anybody an absolute firm believer in PSM? Or is the 986 just so darn balanced that PSM is unnecessary?

I've always liked speed yellow and white is nice on a 986.

[funster]

I have a 2002 S and Psm, and I think it's great. You can tujrn it off by pushing a button, and if you are on anything slippery its great.