Opinions welcome (little 986 conent)

[roundel325]

I feel that so much of the 911's beauty is in the iconic window lines, which look an awkward mess in the cabriolet. I'd keep the boxster for top down pleasure and add a carrera if you must scratch the 911 itch. Also, if you are the type who likes to stretch a cars legs at the track, you'll have trouble with a cab. Most tracks won't allow it due to it's active-type rollover protection.

[husker boxster]

Everyone with knowledge says the 996s are bottoming out in value, so now is the time to buy. I assume the 911 is the same as the Boxster in getting a glass rear window in 03? That and a glove box make an 03 more desirable than earlier models. Based on #s I've seen, the car you're looking at is a steal. You could drive it for a couple of yrs and still sell it for that price.

That being said, the 911 is a different animal than a Boxster. I've only owned one 911 - it was my Wheeler Dealer car from last yr (an 01 Cab w/ 25K mi). I only drove it a few hundred mi and didn't drive it aggressive enough to discover its handling extremes, but I did notice differences in the limited time I drove it. To me, the best way to describe the difference is the Boxster is a sports car and the 911 is a GT cruiser. I had to really watch my speed in the 911 because it was too easy to be driving 15 over the limit. You didn't get the sensation of speed in the 911 like you do in a Boxster.

I've never had a desire to own a 911. I love the 987 platform. The only 911 I would like to own is a 997 GT3, but that's not happening, so I'll stick to my two cars. But it sounds like you've found a great car at a great price and it would be an opportunity for you to scratch an itch.