Intro + Question About 986 vs 987 Interior

[My_Name_is_Dan]

PerfectLap - Appreciate the detailed and informative response. It will add to my ever increasing understanding of these cars. The bit about buying a car with the IMS upgrade after a few thousand miles is good info.

As far as swinging an 09 or later model… Yes, I can swing it. There is an 09 within an hour of me with 11K miles for $35K, but at that price point I can spend another $15K and get within spitting distance of a used one with a CPO warranty. I sat in a new one this weekend and couldn't justify the expense. Tough decision for a 3rd vehicle that will be for entertainment purposes only.

[JayG]

Originally Posted by My_Name_is_Dan

PerfectLap - Appreciate the detailed and informative response. It will add to my ever increasing understanding of these cars. The bit about buying a car with the IMS upgrade after a few thousand miles is good info.

As far as swinging an 09 or later model… Yes, I can swing it. There is an 09 within an hour of me with 11K miles for $35K, but at that price point I can spend another $15K and get within spitting distance of a used one with a CPO warranty. I sat in a new one this weekend and couldn't justify the expense. Tough decision for a 3rd vehicle that will be for entertainment purposes only.

If that's the case, find a good clean 03-04 S between 40 and 70K miles.
You want one that is not a garage queen and has actually been driven. Very low mileage cars that have just sat in a garage a lot usually need all the fluids changed, new tires, some of the rubber bits will have dried out, etc. One that was driven and serviced should require less immediate service. Not a bad idea to do an oil change right away either, and that is a very easy DIY

Also if possible service records

You should be able to find one under $20k and then with the money you saved, have the IMSB replaced if that makes you feel better and have the clutch done at the same time as you need to pull the tranny to get to the IMSB

[papasmurf]

of it more than the 986. Most early 986's tend to have really spartan interiors unless the owner went crazy during the build process or it was upgraded over the years. I highly recommend the sport/design (option P69) interior option on the 986 as it gives you painted parts in the interior to break up the monochromatic look, a "diamond weave" vinyl for the dash and door panels, and the sport seats which are a hit or miss depending on your height & size. Most 987 interiors tend to be on the boring side (along with the exteriors....way too many grey cars out there) but you can find some with painted interior pieces, belts. stitching and consoles which goes a long way to make it feel more sporty.

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by JayG

If that's the case, find a good clean 03-04 S between 40 and 70K miles.
You want one that is not a garage queen and has actually been driven. Very low mileage cars that have just sat in a garage a lot usually need all the fluids changed, new tires, some of the rubber bits will have dried out, etc. One that was driven and serviced should require less immediate service. Not a bad idea to do an oil change right away either, and that is a very easy DIY

Also if possible service records

You should be able to find one under $20k and then with the money you saved, have the IMSB replaced if that makes you feel better and have the clutch done at the same time as you need to pull the tranny to get to the IMSB

I disagree Sir! With a 00-02 S model you've largely eliminated D-chunk failure (but also true of 03-04), have a chance at landing a dual row IMS (mostly early 2000 S cars) which means much better IMSB longevity....single row bearings in 03-04 cars should be replaced every 50K miles (from what has been posted here unless you're eliminating the IMS altogether with LN Solution) and you've also eliminated specific lifter issues more prevalent in the 2003-2004 3-chain engines... plus you get a market discount in 00-02 S model over a 03-04 S of similar mileage that looks and drives likes its nearly the same car. Sure 03-04 has a glass window but that can be added to 00-02 cars in the aftermarket and a new top makes any 11 year old car look newer.

[kk2002s]

Can only speak from a 986 perspective, though I do think the 987 looks better (IMO)
I was lucky my 986 has the full leather interior and I have always been confused by comments of how cheap the 986 interior looks. I will admit the plastic bits (Arm rests, center console) do show their age (A spray painting would solve that)
$$$ - The 986 S in the 50k miles range might be the best driving car for the money - I'm biased

I think it comes down to driving both models

Good Luck

PS: That BWM was a pretty car. I have a thing for M3's. I could be persuaded to change from my boxster to an early 2000's M3 in that special Blue