lawguy

First of all...thanks to all for your help, thoughts and comments in my initial post about my considerations between a 2002 Boxster S and a 2007 BMW M Roadster.

I finally drove the S today (well, not an '02, but an '06), as well as the '07 M Roadster, and honestly...it wasnt even close. I LOVED THE BOXSTER!!! It was elegant, smooth, sporty and fast! I loved the look, the feel and everything about it. I drove it first, and about 30 minutes later, drove the M Roadster, and after 5 minutes behind the wheel, I took the M Roadster back to the dealer. The decision was that easy, and I'm a long time BMW guy. So, I am going to buy a Boxster S.

Now, here is the question, and i need to make a decision soon...

Do I go with a gorgeous 2002 Boxster S (the yellow car on Ebay) with 15k miles, asking price $23,500, or do I dig deeper and go with the '06 Boxster S that I drove today (one owner, 8k miles, loaded as well) - asking price $34,500.

I know the thinking is often "buy as much Porsche as you can", and I can make the '06 work in my budget. However, as a third car, I wonder if its worth saving nearly $10k and buying the '02.

The cars are similarly optioned, and both in exquisite shape.

Thoughts........as to either car? i dont have much time, as both cars have other folks looking at them, and if I want to make the decision, I need to act soon.

judd944

Have you driven an 02? The car you drove is the next generation and has ~50 hp more than the 02. 15k miles on an 02 is too low. Shoot that 06S has not been driven enough. I have not been following the market but a base 987 (2005+ boxster) would be just as powerful as the 2002 S and it would have the updated looks. I have to think the base cars run mid 20's by now if a 2005 or 2006.

FWIW I look for a car that has been driven 3-10k /year. you want any problems that should have been fixed under warranty to have been found.

lilredpo

Tough choice. Pay now or pay later - the '02 is going on 9 yo and will need upkeep. Although hopefully not 11K worth. My '02S is a blast, but I must agree after driving an '08, they don't really compare. My fear on the 986 generation is the RMS and ISF issues. Nice to have a warranty. With any purchase, I believe in buy the most/best you can afford. Although, you can always trade up

Good luck and welcome!

VERBOTN

Lawguy:
Do you plan on attending track days? If so get the 02 so you have a few $$ for safety upgrades. Dont know the 06 car but that is going on 4-5 model years and at 34k thats alot of cash. For a few more $$ you could get a gt3-6 now thats a beast.

dallison28

the most i would pay for the 02 is 18k

Mike Murphy

Agreed. I bought an '00 for similar money about 6 months ago. I don't think the RMS and other engine issues are as common with the S as with earlier non-S models. I would save 1/2 my money and buy the older car with 50 fewer HP.

These old cars won't require $11k worth of maintenance - My first maint. bill on this car will be about $700, and I expect that to last 2 years (except engine oil & filter).

John Y

Is the 987 CPO ( I believe an 02 986 is too old to qualify) or have any factory warranty remaining? I personally would go for the 987 every day of the week, but tastes vary of course, and a cheaper 986 may fit someone else's needs just as well if the condition is right. My bias is obvious, as a former 07 base Boxster owner, and having just picked up a CPO 05 S last week. I much prefer the 987's exterior design, and interior material quality, and the way they feel. If the 06 S is a private sale, I might try to get it for a bit less than 34.5k, though the mileage is amazing. The 06 is I believe 30hp more than the 02, not 50 (280 v. 250.) A base 07 or 08 is at 245hp, for comparison's sake. Good luck!