The perfect 986...

[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.