Best Model Years To Buy?
 

Newbie here. Post #2.

I'm in the market for an early Boxster with low mileage (under 50k). Just a weekend fun car for 8 months a year. Probably won't drive it more than 2-3,000 miles a year. Definitely want an S. Hoping to spend under $15k. I've been doing some reading up and research and I'm generally familiar with the year-to-year changes. Also familiarized myself with the whole IMS issue.

But my question is this: considering the year-to-year changes and cost, are there certain years that tend to be more desireable than others? My initial conclusion was that MYs 2003 and 2004 were probably best. They have the glass rear window, glove box, more HP than earlier models, other enhancements, etc. Of course, the 2000-2004 models have the worst IMSB issue. But I can buy one where it's been changed, or for $3,000 I get the clutch/RMS/IMSB done, and it's problem solved.

The '97 - '99 are out since I want an S.

The early 987.1's might be an option too. Even though the IMSB is much less of an issue for those, it could still happen, and there's no preemptive fix.

I drove a 2002 Base with 80k, and wasn't too impressed. Just this past weekend I drove a 2006 S with 50k and liked it, but it was over my budget ($21k).

So again, considering cost and upgrades, which are the best MYs for me to target?

Thanks.

You answered your own questions.

You did a great job on research and understanding the pro's and con's of the various models. Well done!

Unlikely you will find a 987 worth buying for under 15k unless you get really lucky, and doubtful that low mileage. And, believe it or not finding a really good S of any year might be difficult with that low of mileage under 15k. They are out there though, just need to be patient. Mine is an 02 S bought with 56k for 12k two years ago. Overall very clean, no significant issues, a few upgrades.

When I was shopping for my Box S in 2003 I did not want PSM, Porsche Stability Management. So I bought a 2000 S as PSM was not an option until 2001 if I remember correctly.

Yeah, I'm kinda prepared that if it's going to be a 987.1, I'm probably looking at at least $20k. That's one reason why I've been leaning toward the '03/'04 MYs.

Is it your opinion that the '03/'04 MYs tend to be more, or the most, desireable for the early Boxsters?

You are on the right track....
 

....The ‘03/‘04 cars have a glass rear window, a glove box, and improvements to engine bay cooling, sturdier coolant overflow tank, etc.

The switchgear has a nicer finish, and the overall quality of the interior went up a notch.

They also got new front and rear fascias with Can-Am style downforce whiskers up front and a nice rear lower apron.

They also eliminated the “scrambled egg” yellow turn signals.

The radio does NOT require a security code, and you have electronic micro switches that open the Frunk and Trunk.

PORSCHE learned a lot over the years and with the competition from the SLK, Z4, Vette, et al, they stepped the Boxster’s game up in 2003.

If she’s just a weekend toy, I’d find any year that fit your budget and felt right.

If you really want to use her for vacations and commuting, get an ‘03/‘04.

Good luck

Thank you for that info. Those last two sentences are something worth thinking about for me. Maybe you're right, as a weekend toy, maybe I don't need all the upgrades that came with the later MYs.

Curious . . . what is that?

Thanks for asking!

The Porsche Owners Club (POC, mostly in California) and the Porsche Club of America (PCA, nationwide) offer Porsche owners the opportunity to take their street cars onto race tracks around the country.

At a track day, also known as a High Performance Drivers Education (HPDE) event or Drivers Education (DE) for short, the host organization will provide instructors to ride along with you to teach you the basics of track driving and answer any questions that you might have through the day. I instruct at these types of events.

Once you become proficient at general track driving, you might want to compete for lap times against other cars. This is called a Time Trial (TT). Some org's who host TT's also provide instructors to help drivers perfect the preferred driving line, improve cornering techniques, and help you get the best time possible. I also instruct at these types of events.

I also have POC, PCA, and NASA (National Auto Sport Association) racing licenses where I race wheel-to-wheel (open racing and who ever finishes first wins) in the Spec Boxster class. This is generally known as amateur or club racing. This class uses the 97-99 2.5L Boxster as the basis for a production based race car.

My race car story can be found here: http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-racing-forum/46070-spec-boxster-build.html

Anyone can (and should) take their Porsche to the track and learn some great performance driving techniques using their street car. Its incredible fun!

The only problem with tracking your car is that it’s quite addictive! Then it’s the slippery slope. :cool:

And thank you for that explanation !!

Yes, when I finally buy my Porsche, I may very well want to do that. I understand the basics of driving through the apex, "straightening out the turns", braking, downshifting, but I'm sure I can still learn quite a lot.

Stay tuned, we may well be talking again. You can probably count on it.

I hope you like gummy, sticky interior panels because that's what the later model 986s have. Check it out...

You're gonna have to explain what you mean by "gummy, sticky"

Search for "soft touch interior flaking" or "peeling" or "sticky". The later models have a "soft touch" finish on many of the plastic parts (door armrests, center console, etc.). It is a kind of rubbery coating used on many cars in that era, not just Porsche. It breaks down after 10-15 years and can get sticky and peels or scratches off easily.

Nasty stuff.

Is there a fix or treatment for it, other than replacing panels/parts?

Peeling? yes! Give any 986/996 interior piece an angry look and the piece will scratch!

The only sticky parts I experienced in my 10 years of 986 ownership was the radio knobs.

Give it time. ;)
My son has the same crap in his car. I'm getting really tired of stripping and painting it.

What is your preferred method of stripping it? I am almost considering a media blast of some sort....it comes off but...

I really haven't found any easy method, but plain water and a green scrub pad seems to work best on the loose stuff. I'll break down and use 1000 grit wet sanding for the more stubborn bits.
Chemicals are risky because a lot of the parts on his Volvo are ABS and will be damaged or even melted by chemicals (especially acetone...that will dissolve the plastic fairly quickly).

2002 S model - hands down the absolute best Boxster to buy

I recently bought some used dash cupholders for my 99 and they had the nicked up, scratches, and gummy soft touch finish. I found several articles and videos describing how to remove it. The two approaches I considered were soaking in hot detergent water and lightly scrubbing with a scotch Brite green pad or using rubbing alcohol and scrubbing. I tried the detergent scrub and it worked for me. Took my time and scrubbed with very little force and removed the finish without scratching the plastic.

When looking at Boxsters to buy i couldn't figure out why the interiors of pampered vehicles were often so badly nicked up and then later realized why. Soft touch paint probably seemed like a great idea at the time but clearly doesn't wear well...

Yeah, I forgot to mention the soap. I use Dawn (use #1034 :D).

Are you saying that with a "wink", because you have one, or do you think the '02 is more desireable than '03/'04?

By 2003 the 986 was getting a bit long in the tooth. The glass rear window, glove box, and extra few HP were marginal improvements while the 3 chain engine is just a change in my view and the single row IMSB is less reliable. Since sales were down by then, many dealers ordered them with fewer options and then the 550 SE came along in 2004 to spice things up in its last year. You may have an easier time finding a 2002 or earlier and it may have more options than a 2003 or 2004 you find now will have unless it is a 2004 550 SE. When I bought my 2003 S new in September 2003, there were lots of dealers in the NY/NJ metro area that still had unsold new 2002 Boxsters for sale at $10,000 below their window sticker prices in the mid $50's to low $60's - but they all had Savannah Beige interiors if they had an exterior color I wanted, and I wanted a black interior, plus I wanted the glass rear window as I previously owned 3 different convertibles with plastic rear windows. Finding a new 2003 that had an acceptable color combination and my must have options of heated seats, cruise control and PSM narrowed it down to very few new 2003 cars available.

But the '00 - '02 also had the single row IMSB. And since I want an S, the '97 - '99 are out.

OK, I'll keep that in mind on the '02 or earlier.

Sounds like you're saying that a 2004 550 SE would also be a good choice if I can find one. There are very few around. I saw one advertised on the PCA website recently, but it's no longer there, and I assume it was sold. I think they were asking $20k.

Here:
 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2003-Porsche-Boxster-Boxster-S/323561254320?hash=item4b55c0edb0:g:9SQAAOSws~pb9JX d:rk:3:pf:1&vxp=mtr



Don't over think it.

If you buy a 2000-2002 S I think it's impossible to know if the IMSB is single or dual row without pulling the transmission, clutch and flywheel unless someone else already has and documented what is in there or already upgraded it and provides the documentation for that. I think it really comes down to what model year car you find in your search that you really like. There will likely be 00-02 cars that have updated the plastic window top to a glass window top and ones from 00-04 that have had an upgraded aftermarket IMSB installed. Part of the fun is the hunt for your car, enjoy it!

I thought it's only the 2000's that could have been the earlier double row or the "newer" single row. Not the '01's or '02's. Is that not correct?

The two '01s that I've had apart both had dual row bearings. '02s I'm a little more doubtful.

That’s probably right, I know one of those years was a crap shoot.

Did not know that. I thought 2000 was the transition year to the new bearing, and only a handful of the early 2000's used up the leftover inventory of double row bearings.

But what you're telling me is good news for me. That means I might find a '00 or '01 S with the double row bearing. (Of course, I might also find one with the LN replacement)

Wink as 2002 might be one of the most vulnerable. Mine has for the most part been very dependable. With 103k mile I have taken it on many multi thousand mile camping road trips and it performed flawlessly

Original IMSB, or have you replaced it?

I just replaced the IMS in my 2000 S and it was a double row... I also have a glass windowed hood from a 2003.
I would buy an early car if I was doing it again over the newer cars

Original IMSB,clutch and RMS.

You're one of the winners !

Honestly, focusing on the IMS is probably not the best choice. Should it be part of the discussion? Sure, but not necessarily a deal killer. The odds are stacked WAY higher it will never be an issue than it will be an issue. If you can find one with it done, good. But don’t necessarily walk away from a good car just because it hasn’t been done. If you have a thorough PPI done and it comes out good then you are way ahead of the game. There are plenty of other things on these aging cars to consider, again not deal killers, but things to be aware of. The search for the ‘one’ is half the fun. Good luck!

I agree! I'm just speaking from my experience but I've seen more engine problems with the 2000 and 2003+ than the other years. 2000 loves to crack heads and 03+ drop valves. I've also seen a lot of sludge build up on the 3 chain motors. I've never heard anyone else say that , but that's what I've come across. Every year has it pros and cons. I'd focus on the car and not the year. I also think you should be open to a 97-04 base. The only 986 I suggest not buying is the base 97-02 with the tiptronic. S and 03+ tiptronics came with larger cooling tubes and that seems to really help with their durability.

If we move forward a notch, what are people’s experience with the 987 cars? 2005-08. Apart from the apparently more reliable but more difficult to change IMS.

I have 62K mi on my LE and 59K mi on my CSS. They live entirely different lives. My LE is a fair weather car that I drive from early spring to late fall, and it sits for 3 mo of winter. My CSS dons a set of snows and is my "winter beater", gets some daily driving during nice weather season, collects trophies at car shows, and does 2-4 DEs / yr. I bought my LE new 11 yrs ago next mo and bought the CSS used 6 yrs ago next mo. She was 3 yrs old and had 7400 mi. So I've had them most of their lives. I change oil between 4-5K mi. Both have had water pump failures, but that's it.