Low Optioned 2001 Base
 

About a month ago I picked up a 2001 Boxster base 5MT. It's great, 41k miles and almost zero options, which I think is hilarious.

CO2 (obviously)
498 Without rear model designation
502 Production in Valmet Finland

And thats it. It came with a hard top, which the PO had bought and horrible, peeling chrome 18" wheels.

Its really more of a second car for my wife, who hates driving our Miata since it became poorly prepped for STR autocross; i.e. coilovers, A/C removed, etc.

Congratulations on the purchase! Hopefully you will really enjoy the car even if it's mostly for your wife. How do you like it so far compared to the Miata?

The Boxster is much more civilized than the Miata: power top, (partially) power seats, etc. So for cruising I find it better with a solid feel.

But I love Miatas: handling and light weight are tough to beat. Plus it is such a basic car that I have no fear doing work on it myself - replaced radiator, changed suspension, removed A/C, drilled out and upgraded front sway bar mounting brackets, upgraded muffler,... And autocrossing a $5000 Miata is so fun, particularly beating big money cars.

But the more I drive the Boxster, the more I'm tempted to get some RE-71R tires and give it a go. :)

Its interesting hearing your perspective so far. I was originally considering a Miata but had always liked Porsche! I only had the money and space for one and so far I am happy. I've only owned my Boxster for 1 week but have already put 1,000 miles on it. I have some routine maintenance to take care of but I'm hoping it will be relatively cheap and free of problems. Obviously the miata would have been cheaper to own but my heart says I made the right decision :)

I was torn between an NC Miata and Boxster. For slight initial price difference, went for the Boxster. As Mr Flat Six said, my heart tells me that I did the right thing. I enjoy working on cars and race a 944 so Boxster doesn't scare me. Prices for parts aren't that much higher than "normal" cars.

Had my 986 for three weeks now and haven't regretted it for a second. Just wish it would stop raining so much so I can drive it more!

Me too! We've finally had a break in the "atmospheric river" so the boxster has been stretching its legs.