Which Boxster S would be a better purchase in the long run?

[BIGJake111]

2003 has a few more horsepower... but i would not buy an S with that many miles, not because it wont run great with that many but because you can buy one with 60-80k for 13k or so easy... which is what i recommend... wait and see if you can find a middle ground car... if you are to avoid any years avoid 2001 and 2002... the 2000 has the safer bearing... and the 2003 has a glass rear window and a few more horsepower *you can find earlier cars with a glass window upgrade*

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by BIGJake111

2003 has a few more horsepower....

yes but the 03-04's were also the heaviest 986's. And the power bump was not huge.

glass top is nice, but you can have this upgraded in some areas for as little as $900.
And the upgrade of a newer top makes the whole car look newer.
After 11 years that glass top might start looking a little worn.

Overall, I think 1997-1999 is essentially the same car, 2000 - 2004 same car, 2005-2008 same car, 2009-2011 same car.
I would concentrate on mileage in each category, a good amount per year, say at least 2,500 miles, is ideal.
Once mileage crosses over ~60K miles some big expenses will be on the way if you intend to keep it more than a couple of years.

[BIGJake111]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

yes but the 03-04's were also the heaviest 986's. And the power bump was not huge.

where does the extra weight come in.... for me personally i prefer the 2.5s and the 2000s but yeah where is the weight from?

[nobrakes]

The most important item that the 03 has that the 00 doesnt is the cupholder.........

[Timco]

Originally Posted by nobrakes

The most important item that the 03 has that the 00 doesnt is the cupholder.........

Glove box?

[BIGJake111]

Originally Posted by nobrakes

The most important item that the 03 has that the 00 doesnt is the cupholder.........

My PO was such an American she had them added to the 99 haha which is honestly a pain because now the air con is down in the lowest slot of the console... making me have to look further down and navigate my hand around the shifter to adjust it.

[woodsman]

After decades of Japanese vehicle ownership, I have decided that Germans make the 'best' cars but that they age much quicker. Buy the newest possible.

[BruceH]

Originally Posted by BIGJake111

My PO was such an American she had them added to the 99 haha which is honestly a pain because now the air con is down in the lowest slot of the console... making me have to look further down and navigate my hand around the shifter to adjust it.

Take the cup holders out and put in an iPad mini! Then get the ultimate cup holders(BMW Cup Holders, Porsche Cup Holders, Ultimate Cup Holder - Cupholders / Drink Holders for BMW 3 5 7 Series, Boxster 911 Z4 Mercedes Audi NSX other fine cars.). With the top down, who needs the climate controller

[BIGJake111]

Originally Posted by BruceH

With the top down, who needs the climate controller

when your boxster is tripple black in south carolina summer... it doesnt matter how fast you go or if the top is down or not... you need the air con haha

[jb92563]

Originally Posted by BIGJake111

2003 has a few more horsepower... but i would not buy an S with that many miles, not because it wont run great with that many but because you can buy one with 60-80k for 13k or so easy... which is what i recommend... wait and see if you can find a middle ground car... if you are to avoid any years avoid 2001 and 2002... the 2000 has the safer bearing... and the 2003 has a glass rear window and a few more horsepower *you can find earlier cars with a glass window upgrade*

Actually my 2001 S has Dual row IMS and the 2000-2001 S has the beefier 3.2l engine with thicker more robust Cylinder walls so its actually a good thing, however part way through 2001 the S started getting single row IMS bearings as well so you virtually have to go by serial numbers to see which you get.

2002 on is a heavier car so, compromises everywhere.

I think its a dead heat for either option of the 2001 S or the 2003 S.


My 2001 S has 71k miles now and no issues at all and I drive the crap out of it at every opportunity and its the dailly driver and Auto-X machine as well.

[recycledsixtie]

Let's put it this way. If I was going to buy a roadster for engine longevity then I would buy a Miata. If I was going to buy a roadster for fun and more safety then the Boxster is the better vehicle. Of course just my opinion.
G.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by jb92563

Actually my 2001 S has Dual row IMS and the 2000-2001 S has the beefier 3.2l engine with thicker more robust Cylinder walls so its actually a good thing, however part way through 2001 the S started getting single row IMS bearings as well so you virtually have to go by serial numbers to see which you get.

2002 on is a heavier car so, compromises everywhere.
I think its a dead heat for either option of the 2001 S or the 2003 S.


My 2001 S has 71k miles now and no issues at all and I drive the crap out of it at every opportunity and its the dailly driver and Auto-X machine as well.

2000-2002 3.2 cases are identical, 2003up cases were redesigned for improved AOS & reduced crankcase pressure. No change of cylinder wall thickness!

[BIGJake111]

i thought 2000 was the year with some being dual some being single.. thanks for the information