'97 base with 41k miles or '99 packed with 87k?

[quarch]

which one should I buy?

- car 1
Oct. 1997
41k miles
base model (no door speakers, no windshield, no nothing)
tiptro

- car 2
Jun 1999
87k miles
full options (xenon, full black leather, 3 spike streeing, windshield, bose system ect)
tiptro
+ engine just rebuilt
+ new transmission

the difference in price is around 2G...

how imporant is the mileage? both car have been serviced regularly by same dealer, both had only 1 owner.

How expensive is to replace the gauges' trim, tiptro knob and door handles? the '99 one come with nasty looking ones (looks something between wood veneer and leopard skin... brrrr)?

thanks,
--
enrico

[Brucelee]

Assume that everything you replace will be expensive and that EBAY will generally be little help to you. The aftermarket even less so.

I would pass on both cars and find something newer and nicer.

Plenty to choose from on the used Box side.

Good luck.

[quarch]

OK, there's always something newer and nicer somewhere...
I have been shopping for boxsters for over 6 months, and trust me it's already surprising to find cars with a service history around here.
I'm not saying it all comes down to these two cars, but let's say that both kinda fall within what I'm looking for
If you had to make a decision between these two cars, which one would it be?

BTW, I'm not in the US, the market here is quite different... (UAE), probably better but choice is limited.

--
enrico

[Brucelee]

Porsche does not rebuild engines

What is the full story on the "rebuild?"

Why would a car with 87K and a full service history need a full drivetrain replacement?

Do you have a LARGE budget for repairs?

Old Boxes are expensive after you buy them!

[quarch]

I don't know the exact extent of the works that where done on the '99 and why they where done, but I can find out... the thing is that those works being done they shouldn't be a problem in the near future (though nothing is certain ).

My concern is about overall mileage: is 87k just too much for these cars and they start to fall apart? Or is age a far greater concern? I'm also a Jag owner and jags cope with mileage much better than time passing...

Costly repairs are an issue affecting both old and new cars as loss in value pays for the warranty and beyond well in advance. A sound used car is to me a better deal, unless someone is looking for the very latest gadgets and updates, which I'm not.

I'd agree that a '03 S with 35k would be great... but that's simply out of my reach $$$
and that would need maintainance anyway...

[Brucelee]

Honestly, I would not touch either of these cars. Too risky!

[redman12]

Originally Posted by Brucelee

Honestly, I would not touch either of these cars. Too risky!

I would do the samething if I'm in that situation. Just be patient finding a good box.