03-04 S or 05-06 base boxster?

[Perfectlap]

I think the 03-04's were heaviest Boxsters ever built. I don't think that will result in too big a difference in the throttle dept but something to consider.

As a general rule they say to avoid the first run fo a re-design until its had a proper shake down. Those 04 and 05's haven't seen big miles in big numbers but they're getting there. I'd say wait until your budget gets a little bigger and go for an 06-07 987 S. Unless someone on here can point you towards a flaw. Definitely swap out the IMS with LN unit before you spend a dime on anything else.

But on looks I still prefer the fried egg headlights which were actually raced right from the Boxster/Carrera parts bin.

[Highlow]

All I can really say is this:

Drive both and make your decision.

The 987(new model) is much much much more refined than the older 986 model. The 987 is a luxury sports car while the 986 is a straight sports car, its rough, relatively fast, sexy, and is a pure drivers car.

It should be noted however that I have only driven a 987 PDK and a 986 6-speed, so that is where my comparison comes from.

[jacabean]

i would skip 05 and 06 S models and try and get the 07 08 S with the 3.4 i am also seeing 09 base models with the 2.9 255 h.p. and PDK in the low 40k range , still up there but something to consider . no I.M.S to deal with.

[Banana S]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

I think the 03-04's were heaviest Boxsters ever built.

... Source?

[Johnny Danger]

I am partial to the "S" model when it comes to any iteration of the boxster. Putting IMS issues aside, I think that any low mileage, well kept 986 or 987 "S" would prove to be an exciting vehicle for anyone to own. If your the type who likes to modify/upgrade their vehicle, then there are plenty of early "S" models going for shy money out there that can easily be "tuned" to meet or exceed their counterparts.