Opinion on boxster
 

I am undecided on 2 cars I am considering the first is a 2003 boxster with the ims and rms and water pump done.it has around 63000 mile and has good service records automatic
The 2 nd one is a 2008 boxster with 94000 mile stick shift no ims or service records both cars are 18500 asking I like both but am I better buying the 2008 or the 2003 with the ims done.what is your opinion

well, they are 2 different models. 986 vs 987

1st...how are your knees? I'm getting older and the tiptronic does have it's advantages.
2nd....who does the work on your cars. you or mechanic. Doing a clutch isnt hard but is labor intensive.

If I was spending your money...I would go with the 987. I prefer a car with miles then one without....regardless of history. I also do most of my own work and think the IMS is just blown way out of proportion. Sure it happened but not to the point where I would care if a car had it done or not.

In my opinion any 986 that has less then 80k miles on it at this point in it's life is more of a parts replacement money pit then a car I would want to own.

The 2008 should have the M97 engine with the larger non replaceable IMS bearing. It does not have the failure rate of the M96 engines.

Tires condition and date? Brand etc?
Both keys?
All systems work and you have tested things like the key fobs, roof.hood, etc?
Will either permit a PPS? Have access to a good P-car mechanic who does PPSs?
Roof condition?
Good service records meaning what was done for the last 8 visits?
Looked at either on a rack?
Driven either?

Yes drove both,the 2003 has service records the 2008 is at a dealer no records but the car looks new,both tops work and look great

The 2003 is over priced. I would buy the newest one you can afford unless you want an early Boxster. There is much to be said for the simplicity of the early years.