The perfect 986...

[particlewave]

Wouldn't change a thing.
2.5 is plenty for me and I'm a fan of stock, for the most part. Any more engine or performance would just get me into trouble.

[j.fro]

My car with a 3.8L DFI engine massaged to 415HP.
GT3 power with drivabilility in a 2600# car. I bet I'd get close to 40mpg driving to and from AX events! And those pesky vettes and Subi STI's wouldn't know what hit 'em!

[milliemax]

Originally Posted by particlewave

Wouldn't change a thing.
2.5 is plenty for me and I'm a fan of stock, for the most part. Any more engine or performance would just get me into trouble.

Particle, Me too !!! All original ALL records SWEET !!!

[southernstar]

I too am happy with my 2000 2.7 and have no desire for (and on the street, no use for) additional power. Frankly, for me it was a toss-up between a 2000 base and a 2003/2004 base. 2000 was the first year for the 2.7, but also the last year for the mechanical front trunk release and properly positioned HVAC controls (I despise the relocation behind the shifter that came in 2001 to permit flimsy cupholders). The 2003 does have more power, a glove box (which I seldom use in any car) and a glass rear window, but the latter added weight up high where it isn't needed, and had re-designed bumpers that IMO detract from the clean, flowing lines of the original design.

Having said that, all 986's are incredible cars and it is somewhat akin to talking about the perfect wife - the perfect 986 is the one you already have. The one that you still love looking at, and which still excites you even after all these years. The one that brings a smile to your face each and every day. The one that you were and are still in love with, flaws and all.

B

[Dave S.]

For me the ideal Boxster was the 2003 Boxster S. Color: Seal Grey exterior, light grey interior. Manual Transmission, Heated seats, wind deflector.

The 2003 because it had a glass rear window and my last few converibles had plastic which was always a pain to keep clean without scratching. I liked that it also had a glove box and a little more power,and since it was the first year that had those things, it had the lowest initial purchase cost, sales tax and insurance rate for the car that met those requirements. I wanted heated seats since my last sportscar, which was built in 1980, didn't have them and many of our summer drives take us to high elevations where the temperatures could be in the 30's. I didn't care about the stereo after reading on how disappointed everyone was with the factory set up because I knew I would replace anything it came with. And I didn't want a black car exterior or interior because the hot Colorado sun can burn you when you sit on a black seat after parking the car with the top down and I live on a gravel road so the car is nearly always dirty and it looks terrible on black. The first time I saw the Seal Grey car I knew it was the color for me. And of course it had to have a manual transmission to connect the driver more with the total experience of driving it. The wind deflector was for my wife who appreciates a quieter cabin when driving with the top down.

I looked for a year to find the ideal car for me and luckily I was able to get it.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by southernstar

I too am happy with my 2000 2.7 and have no desire for (and on the street, no use for) additional power. Frankly, for me it was a toss-up between a 2000 base and a 2003/2004 base. 2000 was the first year for the 2.7, but also the last year for the mechanical front trunk release and properly positioned HVAC controls (I despise the relocation behind the shifter that came in 2001 to permit flimsy cupholders). The 2003 does have more power, a glove box (which I seldom use in any car) and a glass rear window, but the latter added weight up high where it isn't needed, and had re-designed bumpers that IMO detract from the clean, flowing lines of the original design.

Having said that, all 986's are incredible cars and it is somewhat akin to talking about the perfect wife - the perfect 986 is the one you already have. The one that you still love looking at, and which still excites you even after all these years. The one that brings a smile to your face each and every day. The one that you were and are still in love with, flaws and all.

B

To keep my post shorter I did not elaborate on my reasons for choosing a 2000 S, but the bold quotes above are some but maybe the most important is the best position for the digital speed readout with is crucial for me since the analog speedo is useless in LA traffic. Lightest weight is always good too!

[Perfectlap]

Boxster Spyder.

Get in. Turn the key. All done.

No IMS garbage to deal with. on the right tires and suspension you've got enough power to outlap a 997 GT3 at Laguna Seca (with zero engine mods).
No 981 electronic steering and that other crap nobody asked for.

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by milliemax

Particle, Me too !!! All original ALL records SWEET !!!

Don't mess with perfection!
Also have full records AND original sticker. Very clean!

[milliemax]

Originally Posted by particlewave

Don't mess with perfection!
Also have full records AND original sticker. Very clean!

Original sticker ? WOW !!! " Now you are TALKING " !!!!!!! Nice package to pass on when your are ready. "Pass on" not just sell..... Mine is just like yours, Would you or any family member like another one ???? I am looking at a Fiat 500 l 1972 mint. Maybe I will be left alone when go on an errand. It only has 2 cylinders and 2 horsepower.

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by milliemax

Original sticker ? WOW !!! " Now you are TALKING " !!!!!!! Nice package to pass on when your are ready. "Pass on" not just sell..... Mine is just like yours, Would you or any family member like another one ???? I am looking at a Fiat 500 l 1972 mint. Maybe I will be left alone when go on an errand. It only has 2 cylinders and 2 horsepower.

I wish I could afford to! I'm really loving my Box lately!
My daily driver has been out of commission for a while. Put about 800 miles on the Boxster in the last month and love it more everyday!

[Cloudsurfer]

I'm rather enjoying my 03 with 3.8L power

One thing I will say though, is that adding an LSD to these cars is a MASSIVE improvement, all by itself.

[southernstar]

BYprodriver, I forgot that 2000 was also the last year before they moved the digitial speed readout from the tach to the window under the unreadable analogue speedometer; as you say, its a far more practical arrangment as one glance at one gauge gives accurate speed and rpm readings.

Brad