Compare the costs to insure.

I own a 97 base and a 02 s. I would absolutely recommend the s because of the acceleration and the 6 speed. After owning the base for several years I drove the s on a whim and had to have one. My base rarely gets driven these days.

Thanks guys I appreciate all the comments.

I do have to clarify...

What my associate said about the base vs S and speeding tickets...
I think he was referring to fact that the S is louder and feels the road more so you are more concise of your speed and less likely of getting a ticket.

It sounds like I should get out and do some test driving.
But It sounds like I should be looking at the S.
(Not that I will track it but I do like the idea of more speed out of the corner.)

So would you say that if I have to drop a model year (to fit the budget) I should still go for the S...?

Please let me know what you think.

Cheers!

Basic info 90s cars are all 2.5 liter engines.

2000 is the introduction of the S with a 3.2 and the base from 2000 on is a 2.7

Some improvements were made in 2000 then again in 2003.

The newer 03 and 04 cars could be worth getting as a base model over an older base.

The 90s cars are best value for money if you ask me.

And the specific year 2000 s is considered one of the most reliable. Best engine and best ims bearing in one package.

So say to drop from 2002 to 2001 from a base to an S would be worth it however the cars are not really priced in that manner.
With the same relative number of miles.
90s cars go for around 8 to 10k
2000 to 2002 base cars go for 10 to 11
2000 to 2002 s cars are kinda all over the place. Could be 10 could be 16
Then the 03 and 04 cars are usually mid teens for bases and higher teens for S cars.

There are advantages to the S, but if you are buying a 15 year old Porsche there are more important things to consider.

My suggestion is to buy the best Boxster you can find in your price range and don't worry about if it is an S or not.

When you say more important things to consider!
What are you referring to?

I'm hoping to alleviate any mistakes if possible.

Thanks

Just chiming in :

Last week I swapped out my 2001 base for a 2006 S.

First, very difficult to do. I truly loved my 'mistress' the 2001. Oriental red, beautiful car, wonderful daily driver. 175,000 miles.

The 2006 S is incredible. The same, but so different in the subtle ways you know your lover. Refined cockpit, sculpting on the body, and the 3.2 engine sings with more passion.

Prices are coming down on the 987's, and the S models drive with more enthusiasm with the power out of the corners and the brakes going in. The brakes really are much improved.

Not that I ever tell my girl to stop.

03 or 04 S. Save up.