Which boxster to buy
 

Looking for input on which boxster to buy. I'm looking at 1997-2002 any input would be appreciated. Thanks

I've always heard buy the newest one you can afford. But really, it all comes down to finding one that has been well taken care of, has service records and has the options you like. A few years either way probably won't make that big a difference.
There were not a lot of changes to these cars over the years, but the S model certainly has the bigger engine, but my base still has more than enough power for me.

Curious why you stopped at 2002?

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/ctd/4967749622.html

03 and 04 are still first gen, but have the glass window. No Boxster chop required!

Seal Grey = Yes

Is that a 30-pack of Keystone Light? = Noooooo


http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1429973383.jpg

03 and up has an upgraded engine.

If I were shopping for a new Boxster I would look long and hard for a nice 2004 Boxster S Special Edition with a manual transmission. They added some very nice and special features to that one. I would have to change out the trail pipe though.

Special Edition Boxster® S Celebrates 50 Years of the 550 Spyder

http://cvluxurycars.com/images/DSC_0006_005.JPG

We need more info about you.
Would you like to buy it 'as new', or fix a few things to get to know your new car?
Do you know a good shop to do a PPI
If you buy it, then suddenly find it needs $2000 in repairs will you be okay?
Do you like fixing stuff/have a suitable garage and tools to DIY?
Do you use tires or tyres on your cars?
What year was your mother born?
What is you favorite color?
What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?

2003 :dance:


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I've never looked at the interior of that car before. Black gauges and no compartments under the radio makes the interior look unfinished.

http://press.porsche.com/products/pr...n/P04_0116.jpg

I have to agree that it looks bare without the usual piece there. Here is another 2004 SE interior with the piece there.

http://cvluxurycars.com/images/dsc_0034_006.jpg

full leather makes the interior very luxurious .

Nice, that looks proper, except the black gauges.

Don't listen to those guys trying to push you to an 03-04. They think that cars are all about glove boxes, cup holders, and spiffy trim. Want a real driver's car? Get a nicely kept 1998 or 1999 model.
Here you go:
Porsche Boxster
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1430012399.jpg

I'm serious. Call now. Go.

Curious 788F350 why you would recommend that car over the one I posted? The one I posted is newer with less miles and only $900 more.

porsche boxster convertible 5sp rag top

http://i62.tinypic.com/2e2q837.jpg

1. Hardtop
2. My '01 is prettier, but somehow my '99 is just more fun on a date.
3. The choice of beer:
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1430014575.jpg

One that has been well taken care of.

Dash and door panels on the 98 is too plasticy I like the later models better when it comes to the interior. My 2001 was nice but for some reason does not have the torque of the 98.

What? You don't like Keystone Beer?

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/BOP5PBIghhc/hqdefault.jpg

Coors Light man?

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z...oors-paint.jpg

I'd go with a 2000 2.7L Boxster - least likely to fail. They had solved a lot of the earlier issues and hadn't changed parts that brought new failures in the later models. Plus it's a turn of the century car.:cheers::cheers:

I love how we recommend cars based on the "least likely to fail" scenario. Really people?

When and if my 1997 ever fails I have backup plan "C7". :D:D:D

2000-2002 S...

more power than 96-99 2.5 engine, useful for highway merging and car passing
3.2 S engine has stronger cylinder walls than 00-04 2.7 engines
certain lifter failures more commonly seen in 03-04 engines
preferably an 00-02 S that has had its IMSB already replaced
go with dual row IMSB over single row, longer bearing life.
but only way to tell if a 00-04 is dual row is by dropping Trans, usually when I MS is replaced
look in the forums before heading to ebay and autotrader type sites.
Buying an enthusiast owned car is superior over a car with an unclear past.


But if you can swing it financially get a 2009 987. uses the most current engine architecture.

03- 04 imho :) I always try get the last of the model year and lowest km with best records. I prefer buying private you can get more of a feel on how the po cared for the car. My wife loves the 03-04's :P
or you could always go 987 or 981
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1430064597.jpg
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1430064703.jpg
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1430064721.jpghttp://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1430064780.jpg
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Thanks for all the great opinions. Please keep them coming. With the Porsche's you own what kind of problems have you found.

The most common problems are probably the AOS and water pump failing, gas cap seal cracking from age. Some have had issues with the coolant tank.

A well maintained and driven car seem to be less likely to have a catastrophic engine failure. In other words, if you find a low mile garage queen, make sure it had the IMSB replaced/upgraded or add that fix to the cost of the car.

What did you decide ???