I'm considering a Boxster...

[Alienz]

Hi everyone I'm new to this forum. I've been doing research on my next car (which I will buy during December) and I have narrowed my choices down to either an Audi TT, Z3 coupe or a Boxster. I'm leaning more towards the boxster cuz it's a Porsche. A TT is more practical where I live (upstate NY) where the winter is very cold and we get a lot of snow. I read some of the threads regarding driving a Boxster in during tough whether and I have some questions for the guys who drive it during tough winter:

1) Is it absolutely neccesary to have a hardtop or is it just a "plus"?

2) Do you need 16" wheels or will 17" do with snow tires?

I found really good Boxsters for attractive prices e.g. a 1997 with less than 30k miles for $21900 (not a salvage). Doesn't the soft top have a defroster? I saw pics of a Boxster on ebay with a galss window in the rear which has a defroster. I'm not sure if they defrosters on soft tops came on later models or you can install an aftermarket one. Your comments are very much appreciated.

Alienz