97-2001: What are the MUST HAVE options?

[QporscheQ]

I would highly recommend the 18" wheels, or at least plan on putting them on later. IMO it make the car look $20K more expensive and way sleeker.

[Brucelee]

Ditto on the 18s. It is MUCH cheaper to buy the car with them on than after.

[RandallNeighbour]

My 02 cents' worth:

The traction control on my car is quite helpful, especially in slick weather (fresh rain over oil-laden asphault when it's been 90 degrees out that day)

The upgraded stereo system is a must in my mind. If it has no door speakers, keep looking the upgrade path without them is very, VERY expensive and you'll wish you had found one with more speakers.

Get an S. I have a 2.5 non-S and wish I had held out for the 2000 S I dreamed about.

Tip or Non-tip for me meant the difference between me enjoying the car and my wife driving it FAR more than I and ignoring my demands to keep it out of grocery store parking lots. She has no passion for cars and could not care less if they're abused in parking lots. So no Tiptronic for me

More than anything that's been shared, what you must look for in a used Boxster is a car that has been cared for throughout its life. Mine was neglected and while I snagged it for 15k, it's taken 6k to get it in shape, including a transmission swap. So, my bottom line is this:

Buy a Boxster S with some factory warranty on it and find a good independent Porsche repair facility to fine-tooth comb over the car and pick at every flaw it has before you buy it. Then take it back to the sales person and tell them to fix everything on your list and you'll buy it. Basically, force Porsche to repair and replace anything wrong with the car before you buy it, and then take it back as often as you possibly can to drain the life out of that warranty. Oh yeah, not to scare you off, but if you're offered a warranty the dealership sells you for the years and miles after the factory warranty expires, seriously consider it. You'll probaby be glad you did.

[BuffaloBoxster]

My 2 cents:

1) The windstop is a must.
2) I would have really looked a bit harder for heated seats if I had known what I know now. They will extend the amount of top-down time you'll get.
3) If you are an audio afficionado, none of the stereo systems will thrill you IMHO, so I would not pay extra for any of them. Aftermarket is the only way to go I think. But the uplevel system with the door speakers gets you ready for the upgrade.
4) At least 17" rims if you're not buying an S.

[Adam]

Litronics are a very desirable option as well and one to definately look for.

[Perfectlap]

the price difference between a new S and the standard engine is big.
In the used car market the difference is not so big.

Its really the only way to go, When I was searching I never looked at anything but an S.

aside from that my must have's were:

1-Silver paint & Red interior (classic Porsche)
2-6 six manual ( I hate the very notion of paddle shifters and tip tronic, it has ruined motorsports).
3-Not sure if the brakes on the S are different than the standard, if so
that's another must have.
4-Litronics, I really don't understand why this wasn't a standard option. A car name like Porsche should never leave the factory with lesser lights than a Honda.
5-Factory windblocker and the rool hoop screens (way too expensive new)
The upgraded stereo, with the windblocker its perhaps the best top down audio experience ever.
6-Wheels are a personal choice. I like BBS so I wasn't getting around that upgraded.

But the best option is LOW MILEAGE. My 2000 S came with 10,000 miles.

[IceBox]

Jeannot, I didn't say you can't get it that way, only that the porsche gods would get you if you did...hmnnnn.

[Adam]

If getting a TIP is a bad idea on a boxster S, what do you think of all those 911 turbos floating around with tips. It's crazy how many there are.

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by Adam

If getting a TIP is a bad idea on a boxster S, what do you think of all those 911 turbos floating around with tips. It's crazy how many there are.

Well I don't see tip tronic shifting as any different than a car with paddle shifters like the Ferraris. In those Italians you can switch to full auto gearbox which seems to be the future unfortunately.

But as for "watered down" Porsches, they have to sell cars. Which means people who have allot of $$$$ and know very little about driving or racing hisotories will buy their mid life crisis Porsche. And the 911 interiors reflect that plush Lexus taste of the majority of Porsche owners.
Doctors and Lawyers who want to pick up young girls think they will do a better job at that if they are driving in 911 Turbo CABRIOLET. Even though they will be sucessful at picking up the girls they will have to do it looking ridiculus. But I guess I would pick the girls too