Starting My Boxster Research

[Slate 01]

You'll love a base unit, too. S is nice but don't get overly hung up on the S as a must or you will be totally dissatisfied. I think small peni$ types MUST have an S in order to feel adequate, lol (or maybe not). Read some reviews, there are many years and both base and S units get rave reviews from all sorts of experts.

[Timco]

Originally Posted by Slate 01

You'll love a base unit, too. S is nice but don't get overly hung up on the S as a must or you will be totally dissatisfied. I think small peni$ types MUST have an S in order to feel adequate, lol (or maybe not). Read some reviews, there are many years and both base and S units get rave reviews from all sorts of experts.

Small peni$ checking in!

I'd never own a base after owning an S.

[AP328]

Originally Posted by Slate 01

You'll love a base unit, too. S is nice but don't get overly hung up on the S as a must or you will be totally dissatisfied. I think small peni$ types MUST have an S in order to feel adequate, lol (or maybe not). Read some reviews, there are many years and both base and S units get rave reviews from all sorts of experts.

They both make great cars, it just depends on what a buyer is looking for. I have had my '99 since new and it is lots of fun to drive, and despite having several cars that are much more powerful, my Boxster doesn't ever disappoint.

[rfuerst911sc]

Check out to see if there is a local PCA chapter in your area, this would be a great place to meet people with Boxsters/Caymans and also cars for sale. It's also a good resource to find out what shops owners in your area are using for service/PPI's. While I focused on an S version you really want to find the cleanest you can within your budget either base or S . They all have the potential for IMS issues up through model year 2008 I believe, the 2009 ( I think ) eliminated the IMS shaft. Find the cleanest you can find, hopefully with good service records/history and get a PPI preferably from an independent shop that knows these cars. While I haven't picked up my 2002 S yet I'm sure it will be a pleasurable ownership for many years to come. Good luck.

[BigShow]

@rfuerst911sc: There is a local PCA, both of my Porsche owning friends belong, one is very active the other not so much. I may join before I own, though I imagine that its going to be tough keeping up on road trips in my Avalanche

[RawleyD]

Originally Posted by Slate 01

You'll love a base unit, too. S is nice but don't get overly hung up on the S as a must or you will be totally dissatisfied. I think small peni$ types MUST have an S in order to feel adequate, lol (or maybe not). Read some reviews, there are many years and both base and S units get rave reviews from all sorts of experts.

The 'S' seems to have better resale value, and has better brakes, better torque... the most sports car available for the price. Has nothing to do with my penis, thanks

[recycledsixtie]

I just have to weigh in on this S Box versus non. First off think about what you want it for.
-Are you going to track it, autocross etc? Different classifications for engine size tracking etc.
-An S would be harder to rein in meaning that you have speed limits that can be more easily reached in an S at a faster rate. How much power do you need? For example in terms of fun it is more fun to drive a Miata in a lower speed environment because it is harder to exceed the speed limits and you can rev the engine like crazy. On the same principle that is why I have a 2001 Box base. It would get better mpg than an S and has sufficient power for me. However as the above says an S would have better resale.

Higher mileage examples means more wear and tear. I bought my Box with 30k miles and now has 40k miles. So I have not replaced much of anything. I have added the IMS Guardian, had the CV joints done, new accessory belt, tires, coolant change etc.

Read the thread on this forum 'thinking of buying a Boxster'.

What options do you want? Manual trans. or tiptronic?
Heated seats? etc etc

Ask for receipts for work done/parts purchased.

Dont buy the first one you look at. Try several different cars. Do not be in a hurry.
Get a PPI done on the one you like(indy shop did mine). Watch out for this. Before you start the car, turn the key on without starting the engine and make sure all warning lights light up especially the CEL one. On starting the engine make sure all these lights go off. Basic stuff. Oil leaks are not good. Make sure convert. top goes up and down and the air. cond. works.

Patience is key. Do lots of reading on this forum. Knowledge = $$$$$ saved.
Cheers, Guy.
And yes it is the most fun car I have owned.

[BigShow]

@RawleyD & Timco: There are upsides and down sides to everything. More power, better brakes, better resale, all good upsides. Are there down sides to an S, are part like brakes and shocks more expensive. Is the IMS issue more or less likely on the larger engine, does anyone really know any way?

[Timco]

Originally Posted by BigShow

@RawleyD & Timco: There are upsides and down sides to everything. More power, better brakes, better resale, all good upsides. Are there down sides to an S, are part like brakes and shocks more expensive. Is the IMS issue more or less likely on the larger engine, does anyone really know any way?

Oh, I can see both sides. Extra $ on consumables is barely noticed unless it's driven hard or track. Too many benefits to pass on for me, and this one is immaculate.

The small penis thing however, is a real bummer. Searched Pelican but no parts for that. Maybe Porsche design and the $800 cuff links will help.....

[BigShow]

There's a 2002 S in town with a reasonable list price. I may check it out next Friday.