PSM - What year did it became optional?
 

I have been thinking of getting a Boxster. I currently have a 1996 M-edition miata, with 54k miles on it. The Miata is great, but it does not have the latest safety equipment. What year did the electronic stability control (Porsche Stability Management) become an option? And how can I tell if a car is equipped with PSM?

The PSM and side impact air bags are standard on the 987, but I can't afford a 987.

PSM became an option for model year 2001. Before that traction control was an option. There is a button on the dash to the left of the radio if the car has the option.

I would certainly look for a car that has PSM or TC (traction control). I have a 97 with TC and my buddy had a 2001 without. He lost the rear end on a left hand turn in the dry and totalled his car. I told him to buy a model with the extra safety feature. He now has a 02 with PSM :)

If you want to know if the car is equiped just look for the top left button. There are three black buttons on the left and three on the right. The non equiped ones do not have the option of turning the TC or PSM off via the button.