I agree with topless, in many situations, having more power is awesome. However, I still think driving a base Boxster is a lot of fun. Especially since you get to drive the engine hard and listen to it in the upper RPM range again and again. Both the S and the base are great cars, getting seat time in any 986 is a gift for any car enthusiast's bucket list. I liked my 986 fine, I do love the Spyder even more, it's like a pissed off 986 that lifts weights and takes steroids. As for cash, I paid a good sum for the pleasure of seeing a Spyder in the garage. I don't regret it one bit, it is the newest Porsche I have ever purchased and even though it required some tightening, like a digital antenna versus cable, it's well worth watching reruns on 22 channels instead of a 100, would make the same concessions again in a minute.

03 S or newer is my recommendation. 90k miles is too much though. Wheel bearings and suspension parts will need to be replaced in 10k miles or immediately.

Lsg5cxoj PM me . I have a very nice 99 for you to look at. Garage kept since new. All records. I live at the beach near Emerald Isle.

I have a 2002-1/2 S. The "and a half" is important because my car has litronic (xenon) headlights and PSM which were introduced mid year. PSM is the Porsche traction control, and I wouldn't buy a Boxster without it. The litronic headlights are very good - a "must have" for me. My car has an aftermarket glass rear window. The 2003 introduced the OEM glass rear window.

I have heated seats and use them, you may not. Definitely get the wind deflectors, they are a must have (and expensive to buy later).

I also have the shelf behind the driver. I use it a lot since the car doesn't have a proper glove box. Don't overlook storage.

Good luck.




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I looked at 10 Boxsters, all around $10K, all within a three hour drive from home. It wasn't the year I was particularly after, but price. I found the nicest $10K car I could find. In the end, I ended up paying slightly more, in order to get a nice car in black. Of all the colors I looked at, I really liked the black. Ended up being a 5-speed '99 w/ 65K miles.

mine (2001) has PSM as well (UK spec) and i agree with you it does make a difference.

Lsg5cxoj, PM for you. Sorry this is late. 99 Still in garage, covered