Thinking of buying a used Boxster, which one is the wiser choice?
 

Which one is the wiser choice? and why? Thx!

1) 2001 Base, manual, 61k miles = $10,500

2) 2002 S, auto, 37k miles = $14,000

3) 2003 Base, auto, 77k miles = $12,000

4) 2005 Base, manual, 101k miles = $15,000

5) 2004 S, manual, 36k miles = $18,000

6) 2006 S, auto, 50k miles = $24,500 (hardtop, HID, rear parking sensor & BOSE)

IMO wait for a Boxster S, manual but if you are picking from one above then my pick is # 2) 2002 S, auto, 37k miles = $14,000

# 2 if you had to pick from the above list. I have a 2003 S with a Tiptronic and it is great. 2003 is the first year with the glass window in the soft top. Something to consider.

You want the S.

Thinking of buying a used Boxster, which one is the wiser choice?
 

I'd stay clear of the 100k on unless the price is cheaper. There's no way I'd buy an automatic unless you need to eat your breakfast or put makeup on in your car. I'd get the base model out of those options, but make sure it's mechanically sound. If you don't know how to drive stick or like to fuss with your hair in the mirror, get low mileage S.
More importantly, find a model first that is your favorite color ....my biggest regret is not buying a silver with red interior, or maybe that light seal green... My black is a POS to keep clean, and heats up to 200 degrees in the sun, making washing it a challenge. Keep shopping until you find the one. It's worth the wait and maybe a little extra cash if need be.
Second, make sure it's mechanically sound, documented, and well cared for. A lot of posers buy them and drive them like an appliance, without taking the time to are for them properly. I'm always shocked by the number of new Porsche going through auto care washes. Don't buy some else's problems.

05 Base has as many horsepower as the 02 S. It all depends on what other options it has.

1) You're wrong, but I'll grant you they're getting close.

2) It's not all about HP. I'm certain if you super imposed the torque curve of the 2.7 over that of the 3.2 on a graph, it'd be pretty clear which car would be more fun to drive...

Also, I respectfully say that all stock Boxsters are under powered, it's just that the S's from year to year are less so...

Choose wisely which might mean being patient. Find one that is well cared for meaning routine maintenance has been done. Then once you find one in that has been maintained and is in the color you want, go get a PPI(pre-purchase inspection) from a shop that knows Porsche's. There are lots of good Boxsters out there but there are also a lot that are not so good. There are no "cheap" Boxsters.

I would go for the 01 manual, the mileage is not bad and the price is decent. If you are looking for performance the 01 base would out perform the auto 3.2 and be a lot more fun to drive. The 05 base would out perform them all but the price and mileage is the downside.

Thanks for the replies so far, and found the 5th option;

5) 2004 S, manual, 36k miles = $18,000

Go see if you can negotiate it down. My 2001 S was listed at $18,500. Final price was $13,750. Again though, decide on the color/options that you want, find a good example, get a PPI and then negotiate. Just my .02 cents.

One more

6) 2006 S, auto, 50k miles = $24,500 (hardtop, HID, rear parking sensor & BOSE)

Make sure you get one with the options you want - auto trans/tiptronic vs. manual.
Try both. Heated seats? I like lower mileage cars. Try several cars and of course a PPI(prepurchase in inspection) before you commit or walk. Do not be in a hurry. It is a buyer's market.Receipts for work done helps.Accident damage?

My biggest regret was not saving up the extra cash for the Boxster S as recommended in the Video below.

Porsche boxter fifth gear - YouTube

That one had the dreaded broken "B" on the rear badging.

Just make sure that it's speed yellow !

Well spotted Bruce.

for 18k, get Paul's 3.6 Boxster

I'm sensitive to that since mine had it too, but not anymore:D I just fixed it a couple of weeks ago!

Mine needs replacing as well.
Did you do it yourself?