danwink

Sold my 964 a few years back and thinking about getting back into Porsche with a boxster.

I am curious on opinions here for the best 'value'- meaning best blend of used value combined with features, engines, etc?

It would be a 3rd car- sunny day only, maybe track time.

I am looking at S models- manual only.

I have been thinking 04-06??

Barwaut

You're asking advice while you completely narrowed it down to a specific car and model year.

So, what do you want to hear?

extanker

budget?

danwink

No- sorry if I wasn't clear. I am asking what you all think is the best value- meaning the car that offers the best features and driving experience at the best price.

So, I know I can find a 1998 boxster for 8k, but for just a few grand more- I could be in a 2002 boxster S- a no brainer.

These cars (and all cars) depreciate rapidly to a point, then slow down. One could argue that a nice driving boxster will never drop below 8k...

So I guess the question is- what boxster have gotten to the best buy point?

As for budget- probably under 35k, but I don't want to spend it all if does not add a ton over - say a 20k car.

My comment on 03-06 was simply my inexperienced boxster guess.

extanker

09 and up

Macster

This is impossible to answer with anything other than a guess.

A high miles Boxster can be had for less and would have less risk of depreciation than a lower miles Boxster. However, the high miles car could over the time you own it require some repairs and these could represent a considerable fraction of the car's valve. (I paid $3K for a new VarioCam solenoid/actuator for my 2002 Boxster with over 200K miles, the $3K repair bill representing roughly 1/3rd the car's value.)

About all I can offer you is general advice: Buy the best example you can find and afford. Be sure to give it a thorough used car check out, which includes a 15 mile test ride then a 15 mile test drive (over the same route) that gives you a chance to experience the car as you will use it.

Afterwards give the car a thorough used car check out. Assume nothing works until you confirm it does. Also, note the condition of the tires, brakes, top, and other items to determine what you are looking at to bring the car up to acceptable condition. (Maybe nothing, maybe something. Generally budget/set aside 10% of the car's cost to take care of surprises.)

Then if you still like the car and believe you can buy it for an agreeable sum of money -- to both your and the seller -- arrange to get a PPI for the car.

This checks for things you can't and to get a second pair of eyes on the car and a second opinion as to its condition.

If you decide to buy the car, do not (try not) to over pay for the car.

Then once you own car give it proper care and servicing.

Enjoy the car. Drive it. That is what you bought it for, not for an investment.

With a little luck the car will not be a money pit and will depreciate about as little as any similar car can.

JJF3

I have 2 older Boxters, a 99 and a 98.
I paid under 10k for each a couple of years ago. I had the IMSB replaced in both cars and have had little trouble out of either one. I am also religious about oil changes, water pump and AOS replacement. My bill on each car was around 4k for all of the upgrades on each engine.
Generally the cars are pretty sound, as long as they were cared for.
The engines from 2004 and down, the IMS Bearing can be retrofitted from the outside of the engine. From sometime in 05 to when the DFI engines came out in 09, the only way to change that bearing is by way of total engine tear down.
So for less than 15K in each of my cars, I have solid "fun" cars to do just what you are talking about.
I prefer cars with some miles on them rather than the "Garage Queens that never get to be enjoyed!
I have driven the "S" models as well, and the added HP is definitely more fun.
As Macster said, DRIVE IT!!! Thats what they were made for!
JJF3

mikefocke

A well cared for '99 where you plan to do everything the PPI says might need to be done plus all the items you know are age related (it is a 15 year old car, after all). I say 99 because early bugs have been worked out and there are improvements over the earlier years. Plus with the smaller engine it is more your driving skill than the engine that enables the fun. I like to say I could keep my foot down longer and still keep my license. (I owned a '99 and a '01S, both 2 prior owner cars, both around 30-40k miles when I bought them).

Brakes, hoses, belts, water pump, AOS, 90k service, alignment, any suspension work that is needed, tires if old or worn unevenly, a new top, filters, water drains, wipers, IMSB, RMS, clutch, trans fluid .... but those are all things a later model could need too and you are in at a lower price point.

One that got a steady 4k or more a year miles rather than a 200k or 20k car.

While this is several years old, you may find something useful in the articles like model year differences, etc.

linderpat

If that is your year range, then include 03 as well - that was the first year for the big revision. Not much difference between an 03 and 04, but the price/value may be better on an 03.
full disclosure - I love my 03 S

5CHN3LL

03 with IMS upgrade. You get the glass back window and a glove box, and some peace of mind, cheap.

I miss the hell out of my Boxster.

erosa1

hello everyone, I am getting ready to buy more first sports car and the boxster s is the vehical of choice, can anyone help with what I should be looking for and watch out for? I am looking for a used one probably 99- 04 under 20k. Thanks for any assistance.

mikefocke

erosa1, go back about 3 messages in this thread, follow the link in the message to around 10 articles on buying a Boxsterand start reading.

erosa1

thank you mike I will do that.