If used - what year?
 

I know - an 05 demo... but I can't afford it. We keep cars long enough to give them to our kids, so we need the one's that are fully evolved, or have gotten past some engineering flaw. (my daughter got our 300TE wagon and is just about ready to flip 200,000)

So a couple of question's I hope you have time for:

Is there a turning point in the production...

Is the S any more to maintain...

What's the Touring Package...(adds a lot)

Was that Burgundy only done in early years...

I appreciate any thoughts you may have. This is for my wife who never really lusted after a car 'till she saw the flanks of the Bxtr.

Thanks.

Jim
Salisbury Maryland

Here's what I know, and I just went through a similar evaluation:

2000 increased the base engine to 2.7 (from 2.5). A few extra HP generally thought of as worth it. This is also a year where reliability ratings are pretty good.

2001 added a roof liner (noise and elements insulation) and a few other small things that wouldn't sway a purchase of this year over the 2000. You may be able to find one of these with some factory warranty left on it for piece-of-mind.

2003 added a glass rear window. This is a worthwhile addition, but it's a pretty new model year.

You can find a low mileage (35k or under) 2000 or 2001 in excellent condition for between $27,000 and $30,000 without having to make too many compromises.

Others on the site will know more details, but these are highlights.

I have a 2000 S and I dont think it would cost any more to maintain. The engines are pretty similar, except for dispacement. The trannies are different, but the trannies dont require maintenance. Brakes are bigger on the S, but im not sure if pads will be more (most likely will). I am certain the calipers and rotors would cost more, but the power would be worth it.

Purchased a 2000 S in June. Not the best example thus the low price of 27K with 56K miles. A lot of nice options which was typical for 1st year S model. I set my sites on an S because the car is so much more than the standard model. Have not regretted it for a moment. If you like to drive even moderately hard, go for an S if possible. Repair costs should be equal and IMHO an S will not have been driven as hard long term since in most areas, you will have your license yanked if your use the S to its full pontential very often (vs driving the poop out of a std model)
Henry Jay

Thanks guys... I'd probably go for the standard model vs. S, as I don't really care about driving fast any more. It's not as if my hormones are reversing - I have been kitesurfing for three seasons..just...

The interesting thing about this car - there are soooo many options that it's like a custom-build. That's cool! I bought an ML-320 in Canada and they had only three basic grades - then it was on to the floor mats.

One more question: Is the factory warranty both time and mileage limited? The great thing about this car is that you guys don't use them much..

One other place to see some interesting stuff, albeit for only early years is: http://www.986faq.com/1-0/default.asp

Thanks again.

Jim

wetstuff : if you want to know more indepth about each year, flat-6.net has a break down for the different boxster (any any other porsche too)
Boxsters : http://www.flat-6.net/forum/showcargroup.php?do=model&cat=24