Should I buy 2003 S or 2005 (986 or 987)?

[Sloan]

You saw that I was pretty quick to vote for the older "S" over the base 2005, but the new choice you pose is not as easy.

The only option that I really, really wanted that I did not get was PSM. I did get the 18" rims (flawless) and the BOSE system. I consider the PSM to be very desirable, but that's all from what I've read - in the time I've had my car and tried some mildly spirited driving, (including some typical South Florida heavy downpours)I have yet to experience any event that would have passed the PSM threshold, and I've even tried to test the limits - but the car just insists on sticking! So, so far I'm not so sorry for having 'compromised' and purchased w/o PSM, but from what I hear, all it takes is that ONE time, and you wish you had it.

I think you will hear from others on this board (or may have already read) that mileage is not such a big deal. They have more experience with these cars than I do for sure, but I could never fully grasp or buy in to the 'mileage is not important' argument, and that's why I purchased a low-mileage car. While I plan to keep the car for a long time, and resale value was not a consideration in my purchase, those 'outside' the Porsche world typically still think lower mileage is better.

The Porsche CPO is big - as I understand it, that's not just an aftermarket warranty that buys you the right to fight with them over claim denials - that's actual security - and quite valuable. That may be hard to pass up, and you may hear that it makes up for the mileage difference (I would not dare to say).

So, like I said, your second question is harder than the first. Let me ask you this - which one looks better to you - inside and out? Both will be excellent cars, so sometimes you need to be less analytical and more instinct driven ....

Final factors - you can upgrade rims, but can't add PSM to the '04. You can buy a warranty for the '03, but it will not be Porsche CPO.

Any other differences you can tell us about to help you choose? Links to ads / photos?

[Topless]

Both are great cars. 03 S is my personal favorite Boxster so that is what I would choose. All of the good stuff, none of the bad.

[rahlstrom]

Originally Posted by Sloan

Any other differences you can tell us about to help you choose? Links to ads / photos?

First, thanks for the very thoughtful reply. Here are the finer details:

The '03 is owned by a 2nd owner Porsche fanatic with all service records and a regular schedule of detailing and oil changes. It is black on black which is my favorite color combination. It is also in great shape with very minor exterior flaws.

The '04 is a two owner car but it doesn't come with service records. The interior is gray and the exterior is a very dark gray, almost with a bluish hue. I like the color of this one but I love the black on black.

So '04 with no records but backed up by Porsche, '03 with records but I'm on my own. Esthetically I would go hands down with the '03 and if that was the car with 56K miles and under Porsche warranty it would probably already be in my garage!