First Boxster help me choose.....
 

#1
2006 base model 77k color is red with black interior black top. leather manual seats heated. 5 speed manual. 2 owner car clean title no accidents but i would consider it a little rough... nothing major. needs tires, new discs, interior is fair, base radio (aweful). a few nicks and dings runs good but just needs some TLC.... no mauals etc....price $15,900

This car I have driven 2 times and inspected it in person and would get a proper PPI.


#2
2005 Boxster s 44k Midnight blue / blue top Grey interior. Full leather option, bi-xenon headlights, heated seats, 19" carrera wheels, bose sound 6 speen manual. 1 owner car carfax show service done 2 times per year since ownership at the dealer. most service records, original window sticker, records indicate tranny replaced at 38k under warranty. a few minor dings etc.... looks very clean and well kept. $21,900

This car is 4.5 hours away and would be bought sight unseen. The sale would be based on the info I have and the records I have seen copies of. I can also speak to the dealer where the car was serviced for it's life. The original owner is deceased and his widow sold the car to the local dealer.

I like to buy distressed things and fix them up (then make them distressed again). I am not a long-time Boxster guy, but got in pretty deep about a year ago. That said, I would still easily pick #2.

Basics:
#1 Higher miles with 2x the wear and worse cosmetics. Was not owned by an anal Porsche-phile. Low cost to get in, high cost to get right. If you DIY, you can buy couple thousand in parts and really get to know your car better. The $6K that you are saving over #2 has been 'driven off' of #1 and it is still a lesser optioned base model. Unknown maintenance history (Original water pump and motor oil?)

#2 Cared for and documented, manuals have not been lost. Practically 1/2 the miles and only 1 model year older. Well Factory optioned and S.

I have not studied the 05-06 well enough to know the particular flaws of each year, but I'd guess that #1 is a lot closer to exhibiting them.

Good luck and post pics when you can. :cheers:

Welcome!

Is this a trick question?

#2 by a mile.

I'd go with car #2 and try to negotiate a better price. I added heated seats and litronic (986 version of bi-xenon) headlights to my car and they are nice options to have if you drive in cold weather or at night.

While I enjoyed doing the upgrades, it would have been nice to have the options from the start. The 987 looks better in blue than in red although that is a matter of taste.

#2 is a good car but they are asking a bit much.

You'd get some serious bang for your buck with a low mileage 04 S for about 16k.

I usually can't justify the loss of rawness in the 987 until you can get an 09 or newer.

If you are really lucky you could find a 550 edition 986 and save yourself of future depreciation.

I'll take door #2.

#2 is a better buy..
33K less miles at, say, 20 cents/miles is worth $6,600 right off the top. Beter options too.

It you can afford it, #2.

Fewer miles. Only 1 year older. S model. 6-speed trans.

Please get an independent PPI! Don't trust the seller, even a dealer.

Learn from this guy: http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/58008-new-owner-2001-boxster-s.html

#2 hands down.the extra $6k is worth every penny.

So, it's a slow night at work with low ceilings and thunderstorms. Too much time to browse the web:
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1437542697.jpg
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1437542708.jpg
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1437542717.jpg
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1437542730.jpg

Yet, I feel it would be rude to actually link the sale. :D

Certainly 2 is the much better car in many ways, even though the book value is closer to $16,000.
#1 could cost close to the difference in price just on the things it likely needs right out of the gate.
Personal taste, but the blue with blue top is gorgeous and more unusual.

#3 Can you drive an automatic?
2006 Porsche Boxster Convertible

My thoughts exactly! #2, well cared for, decent miles, and an S. Negotiate the price down, it's a dealer so there is room:cheers:

Not a big automatic fan but that is a lot of car for the money! Geez there are great deals out there.

Not a big automatic fan.

I walked away from number 2. Offered the dealer 19,900 wired to him today and pick up this weekend. Subject to inspection from me and my mechanic on Saturday. They only wanted to move 1k.

Good news is there will be others.

This car should never been made in automatic!

First of all, it's not an automatic, it's a tiptronic. There is a difference. And it's a really good gear box. Of course then the PDK came along and blew my mind......

ok adding option #3

2006 boxster s 88k (1 owner car dealer maintained according to carfax)
seal Grey metallic
Bose sound
PASM
Bi-xenon
Sport chrono pkg

$19,000

mileage is kinda high for me.

I just did a 300 mile autotrader search and there just are not any 987s for under 20 that do not have a lot of miles for an only 10 year old Porsche. Much less an S. I'd say get an S for sure but I currently can't justify the 10 grand price hike not to mention higher miles on 987 S cars.

I'd really suggest driving an 04 or 03 S. You can find them with extremely low miles for 15-20.

Fully optioned low miles 986 S at end of life cycle is a much better buy them a basic high mileage 987.

being 6'2" i don't like the pre 2005 boxsters. My head hits the roll bar with the seat adjusted how I like it.

Going to look at this one today...

2004 Porsche Boxster S with 986 Speedster Humps. Red with Golden brown interior. 30,800 miles. Great condition and babied. 6 Speed Manual transmission, Xenon headlights, , 258-hp mid-mount, 3.2-liter H-6 - S package trim. Equipped with Soft-Top Convertible, AM-FM Radio with CD Player, Power Windows & Mirrors, Cruise Control, Speed Dependent Spoiler, Red Calipers, 17" Carerra 5 Spoke Wheels. No accidents. Very clean. Have CarFax for Vehicle.