Turb-OH Brad

I have been contemplating a 986 for a little while now, and I have noticed that the S cars are commanding significantly more. 5 to 10 thousand more than similarly equipped base models.

Is the difference really that significant? 5 grand is a set of H&R Coilovers and a good set of aftermarket wheels and tires.

Would I be happier with a modified base model than a stock S? I think I might be...

Talk to me...

CW-VIESOCK

10 grand won't get you a bigger motor, bigger brakes and upgraded suspension. Not even close.

If you are wanting the performance an S car will give you, the purchase premium is well worth it.

Plus, you get that S on the trunk.

Turb-OH Brad

Ten Grand will get you a TPC turbo kit (maniacal laugh), and another 5K will get you Coilovers (I wouldn't be able to leave the S suspension alone anyway, so I consider this sunk cost), and a decent BBK.

The S badge is like 30 bucks.

If I did end up doing all of that, it wouldn't be that far away from a stripped interior, 996 RSR bumpers and flares, a hardtop, and 13 inch wide slicks...(maniacal laugh, maniacal laugh)

CW-VIESOCK

Sounds like you have your mind already set on modding whatever you get, so it becomes a question of were do you want to start. If turbo punch is you bag, then go for it.

Oh, the S on the trunk is what really makes it go fast

Turb-OH Brad

Just playing a bit of devils advocate. LOL.

If I could find a particularly nice and well cared for S, I might jump up for the price, and keep it relatively stock. I can't personally tell the difference power-wise (It's only 30ish horsepower, and my butt dyno isn't that finely tuned). If I were going to go hog wild, I might just start with a base model though...

Byprodriver

This is true now & it will be true when you sell the car. You will never be happier with a modified base Box over a stock S !

Turb-OH Brad

But the question is why? If you are so sure of that, explain yourself!

Inquiring minds want to know.

Byprodriver

There is no replacement for displacement, it costs $10K to install a larger engine or turbo so why not get the S so your investment can be recovered at resale time + you get the bigger brakes & improved rear suspension. If you want to experience the next step up come drive my 3.6 2000 S

TrackDays247.com

S has much better front brakes, trust me. You wouldn't think so, but the problems track drivers have with the non-S.... Just FYI.

grayman

Brad,

Looks like we live in the same area. I have a 2000 Boxster S, (as well as a 996 turbo X50 (Tip) and a 944 Turbo S). When we started looking for a Boxster in 2001, we drove a base and an S back to back, and the overall feel of the S was much better than the base (similar years and mileage). Porsche continues to upgrade their cars year after year, and a modern 987 base would probably dust my 2000 S. So, I would suggest that you buy an S and start with the best possible platform. If the mod bug still bites you, you'll be a bit further ahead. If you decide not to mod, you will still be ahead.

Just my .02

StatmanDesigns

If interested in a bone stock 2000 S. Speed Yellow, 36K miles, in Cincinnati, shoot me a PM...

streaydog

The S has bigger brakes on the front and back and also two radiators if I'm not mistaken. Dual exhaust tip which isn't a biggie but I think is cool. But the Torque!!!

Plyman438

I don't know where you are looking, but when I bought my 2001 base Boxster with 50,000 miles, S models of same year were going for about $1,000-$2000 more tops with same miles and condition. New an S model is worth $10,000 more with similar options, but used 986 no way. Now maintaining a used 986 is going to cost you more with bigger brakes, and tires. Purchase price very slight premium.

2001 Orient Red Metallic Boxster

Turb-OH Brad

Just to clarify, I am aware of the differences between a base Boxster and an S. I know why one is better than the other.

The question is... Is a base Boxster with a big brake kit, bigger wheels and tires, a coilover kit, and a performance exhaust still worse than a Boxster S?

Is 30 horsepower really worth ten grand?

racer

30hp isn't worth 10K... but in the used market, I don't think say, a 2000 base and a 2000S have a 10K price delta anymore, given similar condition vehicles.

I regularly beat "s" models with my base 2000 at AX and since it was designation delete, many at the track assumed it an "S" since, well, "how could a base boxster be so fast"