Boxster shopping
 

I've decided I'm in the market for a Boxster. Before I had kids I drove various convertible American sports cars, and after test driving a couple Boxsters, I've never had more fun in a car before. It'll be a third car for the family; basically something for me to have some fun in when I have some free time.

I'd like to spend under $25G, but that's not a firm budget. If there's a good argument to spend $40G, I could do that. I'd like to spend less than more, obviously, since this is just a fun car for me. I don't plan on tracking or autocrossing it.

Which model would the hive mind recommend, and which options would you not do without? I've been looking 987.2's and 981s, primarily, but I'm not really stuck on anything. Is the S model worth the extra money? I live in Houston, TX, so ventilated seats are on my "highly desire" list.

The 981 S with PDK, PASM and PSE that I drove really blew my skirt up. So did a 987.2 base with a 6-speed and no PASM or PSE, though.

Looking forward to opinions. Thanks!

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I think the both the base versions of the 987.2 and the 981 are exceptionally fun cars. The smaller engines are super revy and so fun to drive. That being said, for the price of the base 981 you can probably get into an S version of the 987.2, with it's exceptional hydraulic steering, X73 sport suspension and sublime MT. The perfect, canyon carver, city ripper, 3rd car for the family.

So here's an option I'd like opinions on.
https://dallas.craigslist.org/mdf/ct...704220231.html
It's a 2005 base boxster with 120k miles. Has had the IMS replaced, and is in good mechanical shape. 2 owners. Good maintenance provenance.
Decent car to take a chance on given a clean PPI?
This seems like the best "budget" buy that I've found. Otherwise, I think it's a 981 S in my future... not many 987.2's on the market.
thx

Looks like a decent deal, but that's sort of an odd ball color combination......no offense to anyone who has that color :)

To me, it's more of the interior color that's a deal killer. While shopping in between my 997 and 981S, I test drove a very similar car (same mileage and year). Although fun to drive, I couldn't get over the sea of beige inside. If it was a black interior, I'd definitely consider it a contender.

Thanks!
Believe it or not, I actually like the beige.

987.2 would get my vote for best bang-for-buck. Should be able to pick up an S for under $30K....

I believe that's Carmine Red. It was on my list of colors I liked on the Boxster. Not sure I like the black-out treatments as much, but those are easily returned to stock. IMHO... I like it, and the car appears to be in nice shape.

Damn, that's a fine looking car for $50K.

If you want a stick I would go base 981 pdk go S. The gearing in the S kills it for me much more fun to row the gears in the base.

Background: Have a 2015 (981) Boxster GTS, 6MT, dark blue metallic/black, 20" chrome wheels. After the test drive, came back to the dealer and bought it on the spot. It was that much fun.

Opionion(s) in no particular order of importance:

PDK vs MT: Either one is great. If I were going to use Boxster as a daily driver, I'd favor PDK. MT with auto-rev matching (not too proud to admit that I'm no good at heel-toe shifting) is fun but if you want it, you'll need to have Sport Chrono option.

PSE: What sold me on the car. I call it the "rooster" button, as in you get attention when it's engaged. Weird thing is, I've heard PSE on a Cayenne, 911, and Boxster Cayman and my reaction has varied from "Wow!" (Boxster) to "Did you push the button?" (Cayenne). Highly subjective of course and if you want even more exhaust sound, there are as many aftermarket exhaust options as you've got money to spend.

PASM vs X73: If you're going to use the car as a fun weekend road-therapy vehicle and have not plans to track/auto-cross, I'd recommend PASM. In normal mode, a 981 is a pretty good highway cruiser; in sport/sport + mode the suspension stiffens considerably. That's great for aggressive driving; not so great if you don't want to feel every expansion joint on the road.

Ventilated seats: Wish I had them. In Houston, you'll really want them.

Interior: Personally, I can't stand Alcantara, more specifically the way it wears to become a hard plastic. I get that it's great for keeping you in your seat when your on the track. Personally, I'm glad mine's all leather as I just like the feel. YMMV. My fave interior color is "Burnt Amber" which is more of an orange than beige. Lighter color interiors are a lot more comfortable than black on a sunny day.

That car you posted about on craigslist has what I think is a nice color option. If you've got the cash, I think it'd be neat to pick it up and do a 3.8L engine swap into it with an aftermarket exhaust (probably $20-$25K).

Thank you DrBillyD!