John1454

When did they switch to the round headlights? I thought it was 2005, but in searching I find 2005 models with both style of headlights.


(I don't want to answer my own question, but I am assuming it was a middle of the year change?)

jcnesq

With the introduction of the 997 model in 2005 MY, but Turbos and I believe initially C4S's were continued as 996 versions until later in the cycle.

eljeffo64

All 997's have round headlights. The others are 996's.

wetstuff

I call the 996's - Boxster headlamps; I can't tell the diff in a passing car 'till I see if it has a side vent or not .. then get double confooz'd when a turbo goes by.

Thank the gods for round.

John1454

I am glad I asked... I thought the 997 started in 2004

All 2004 models have the boxster headlights. But there are 2005 models with the boxster headlights and 2005 models with the round headlights. But after seeing your responses and looking at the cars on autotrader that were confusing me again -- I am assuming that they kept the 996 body style alive for the cabriolet during 2005?

2005 Coupe with round: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...0&cardist=1649

2005 Cab with boxster:http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...0&cardist=1081

The reason I ask is that I am just starting to shop (I probably will not make a purchase for a couple years -- so I guess you could say I am in the planning stage) and I do not know why, but the round headlights look so much better than the boxster headlights in my opinion.

wetstuff

Keep your eyes open for a cherry '05-S. Price should be static in a couple of years ..and there's plenty of garage queens that are in perfect condition. You'll just have to resist the temptation to buying something less than perfect because you might have to get on a plane. Also, make sure it has a goodie list that is pretty full. Options don't provide much return to the original purchaser.

Round looks better because the basic 911 shape is simple - the Boxster lamps were busy.

John1454

yeah... I have been surprised at the prices I have found -- I think I will be able to find a good car for less than I originally thought. I plan to buy it with no loan, so I still need to save a bit more. I definitely do not mind getting on a plane to bring one home. The temptation will be to buy a cheaper car and get it sooner. My current car is an A4 Audi and it just won't die... if it would die I could "justify" getting a Porsche earlier.

Soulteacher

Welcome on board! Cherish those planning stages... there's nothing quite like starting to plan for your first pcar... at least that's my perception... buying the second one just wasn't the same anymore. But that's just me and my pursuit-oriented personality traits....

Ucube

That's incorrect, only the 1999-2001 996s have the Boxster headlights. All 2002-on 996s have the Turbo headlights. The 2005-on 997s have the round headlights. Keep in mind the model year doesn't correspond with calendar year. The 2005 model year 997 was released in calendar year 2004.

John1454

Okay, so the very early ones had the actual Boxster lights and then there was a period of turbo (what I was calling the Boxster because I guess they are similar)? But in 2005 there are some with the turbo headlights and some with the round. I was wrong to call them Boxster, but I still don't understand which versions in 2005 had the round and which versions did not. Unless there are some 996's that have a 2005 model year???

Thanks everyone for your input.

Ucube

Yes, I believe the 996 Turbo, C4S, Targa, and GT2/3 had a 2005 model year (non-Boxster headlights), alongside the new 997 C2 and C2S (round headlights). However, as far as I know, there were no 2005 model year for the 996 non-Turbo Cab.

Nugget

The difference between the "boxster" headlights and the "turbo" headlights is subtle and probably not compelling to anyone who is trying to avoid any "non-round" headlights on their 911. For comparison, though...

Here's a Boxster (986):


Here's a 911 "boxster" style (996):


Here's a 911 "turbo" style (996):


And here's when they fixed it (997):

jcnesq

That's about right, but there may have been some 996 cabs sold with a 2005 model year.

I'd definitely lean to a 997 version car in the price range you are looking in - I think there are definite improvements and they will hold value a little better.

John1454

I think that is what confused me because the white Cab in the autotrader link above says it is 2005.


Nugget thanks for the very clear examples of the differences!