I was originally looking for a 2001-2002 S and have come across multiple Anniversary Editions. To those that have had a "normal" S and then the power upgrade and / or a 06 Boxster- is there a real appreciable difference. I almost bought the anniversary edition when it came out but didn't. Any thoughts on pricing and value of the upgrades.


thanks. Really jonesing for a convertible but at this price point ( see below) I would consider a 911 or Maserati Spyder for the extra power and size. Any other thoughts about these choices.


Thanks

ScottS
2002C4S (Fixed Head)



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

 

I have not had a 987, but the anniversary edition 986 basically upgrades the intake air box similar to an Evo airbox on a 986 but without the sound. The difference is minimal. I wouldn't buy an anniversary edition for the power since the very comprehensive set of options probably makes it heavier. If you like the color/options, then that is a different story.

I recently drove a Cayman. To me, acceleration-wise, a Cayman S is not much different than a 986S with some typical performance upgrades and put on a diet (i.e. ditch the spare tire, lightweight battery/seats/wheels, etc.). The Cayman S is geared taller in the first 2 gears so that also makes it not feel as strong (again protecting the 911). Many others felt the Cayman S was indistinguishable from 987 S power-wise.

Power aside, the 987 and Cayman in completely stock form handle better than the 986. The handling is much more refined. The most notable difference with the Cayman is the torsional rigidity. 987 Boxsters and Caymen are really fun, tossable cars out-of-the-box. Architecturally, they are the same as the 986 Boxsters, and you can modify an early 986 to similar handling levels as the 987, but the 987 is hard to improve upon handling-wise.

With the price of a new Cayman or 987, you are right to consider other high-end sports convertibles. I would try to opt for a mid-engine layout if possible since the mid-engine handling is really, really something (at least to me). A friend of mine has a F360 Spyder (mid engine), and while the acceleration is much better than my Boxster S, my Boxster S (not stock) will easily out-handle his. The Ferrari is sure a looker and always draws a crowd. On the other hand, I take my Boxster everywhere--to work, to the grocery store, to Home Depot, etc. Taking the Ferrari somewhere (or perhaps a Maserati) is more of an event. You just can't jump into a Ferrari and take it to Home Depot. Driving it is whole point of enjoying it and getting your smiles/$ out of it which is what I like about my Porsche.

Good luck...

P.S. If you don't mind the plastic window, early 986 S are dirt cheap. If you are really into performance, I would recommend an early Boxster and spend the approx $10K net to drop in a 911 engine. There are a few places putting in 3.8Ls. If you want completely factory stock and really fun car, a used 987S is probably your best bet for fun/$ since the suspension (opt for PASM) and brakes are nearly perfect. I think the price of used 987 S will drop when the 2007s come out with 3.4L stock.

 

I am in a somewhat similar boat...looking at '03-'04 986S. I want to stay between $35-40K and under 10K miles, and preferably under 5K. This will be a third car for warm weather use only.

Initially I was very interested in the Anniversay Edition and I considered the very car you linked to. The problem I see with the Anniv. Edition is premium pricing (i.e. high 40's) for very low mileage examples (under 5K miles). The higher mileage ones seem to lose their cache and fall more closely in line with "regualr 986S's. There was one at Automax in Massachusetts for $39K that had 26,XXX which I considered to be "well worn." Right price, but not really what I was looking for in terms of how it was cared for (and still probably $5K more than a regular 986S with similar miles).

The idea of having a (sort of) "collector's car" really appealed to me given that I don't expect to put on all that many miles each year. But in the end, I am not sure that the 550 really merits that kind of status, and while I like the options, they do not really appeal to me that much more (if at all) than a 986s spec'd in the right way. The extra bump in HP is de minimis and unnoticeable (to me). So, in the end, paying a 20% (or so) premium does not really seem to make sense for my purposes.

Also, for what it's worth, vitually everyone I spoke to about the Anniv. Edition agreed that getting the black interior (as opposed to brown) would significantly de-value the car. I happen to prefer the brown.