Calling for input on new 987 purchase

[z12358]

You will make the largest mistake if you don't get the 3.4L S engine. That "option" will affect the car the most in terms of performance, no matter how/where you drive it. The near 300hp and 3.4L bring you into 996/997 power territory in a mid-engine roadster for $30k less than a 997 convertible! If you have ONE option to pick, choose this one.

I too didn't plan to drive fast, and didn't think I would go to the track (DE). Allow yourself to change your mind after you get to know the car better and start enjoying it to the latest drop. The PCA community is also very inviting.

Keep it simple on everything else. The standard 18" S wheels are great. No need for 19" on your roads. No need for PASM. No need for full leather. No need for xenons. No need for hardtop. It's a toy joy-car and 90% of time you will be driving it with the top down. The soft-top is plenty insulated for highway jaunts and for rain.

Get the Bose. I have it and I can hear it -- it also adds a nice bass. Though you'll drive without music 90% of the time, so no big deal if you don't get it. Get the windstop -- it helps. Get heated seats -- to increase the number of top-down rides, especially in Canada. The windstoop and the heated seats will also keep the lady happy (hair not messed up, and butt warm) which will allow for enjoying the car together more often -- hence, a toy for everyone. I think all these come in a preferred package.

Get white or yellow color (if you don't like black) and avoid paying extra for metallic. They all look gorgeous.

With discounts, the car described above can be had new for mid $50k (US) -- the best deal in the roadster universe, bar none.

Hope this helped.

Z.

[jinijazz]

This thread is turning into "must-have" options or "S vs Base".

If it's all about "must-have",
Forget 18/19, 17 is fine. Forget Bose, Xenon, Full Leather, PASM. Forget S too.
There is no such a thing like "must-have".
Base Boxster with no options is the best value.

If it is about "recommendations",
No doubt I'd get PASM & Sport Chrono over 19".

I just saw eslai's post below, very good reviewer on options.
Check out his other thread about options too.