grc0456

Just remember the earlier cars have issues as well, just a lesser chance of IMSB failure. No old car will be without issues - remember these cars are 12-19 years old. But if the PO loved and cared for the car (like most PCA members would - consider joining as a guest to get access to the classifieds) they should be able to show you paperwork on the items they have addressed and when. Do you research and be patient. Search the 986forum for info and advice. They made a ton of these cars and there are a lot out there. Find the best one you can and be willing to pay a little more for a well sorted car - it'll save you in the long run. Good luck!

2002sheds

Hi GRC,
Great advice. Sort of engine or transmission rebuilds, I actually love wrenching on my own vehicles. Of course, it has to be within my skill set. My philosophy is like the Physician's Oath -- "First, do no harm".
I am going to do exactly as you suggest, and take my time. I need to learn a lot more about these cars. When I bought our 2008 Cayenne, I was under-prepared. I knew that they had issues with coolant pipes that explode, but I didn't know which years and which engines. On top of all that, I did not even get a PPI done...it was all a mystery.
I have learned an incredible amount from all of you on thus forum. Thanks for your generosity in sharing your knowledge and opinions!

grc0456

No worries and when you find The One - you'll know. I did!

2002sheds

Hi GRC,
Absolutely beautiful. Is that color Midnight blue? I love it...

grc0456

Good eye, yes. Midnight Blue Metallic with Savanna Beige interior and Metropol Blue top. It was this combo that swayed my CFO (wife) to sign off 😉

2002sheds

Wow....nice! What year, and how many miles? That car looks new!

Have a great evening.


Thanks,
David

grc0456

Check your visitor messages. I think I responded there in error.

2002sheds

Hi Gary,
Wow...I checked out the site. I think you got a fantastic deal ! Now I know why it looks so new... and with a totally updated engine to match. I will be watching Pedro's site in the future
Have a great Mother's Day! We are taking my bride and her mom to dinner at a nice place next to a vineyard. Hope yours is awesome as well !

grc0456

I know he had a 2001S as his last car, but it sold a few months ago. He's likely working on re-claiming a new one now. Register on his forum www.pedrosboard.com. He often posts the sale cars here before they go public on his site, as this 2001 did.

I highly recommend him to buy a car from, or just to ask a question of. He is a real class act, and knows everything there is to know about the 986.

2002sheds

Will do. Have a great one!

2002sheds

Okay,
The obsession grows... I have test-driven a 2000 base model with only 47k on it. There are no early S models available in my immediate area, and I wanted to get started on my education about these cars.
My first impression is that it is incredibly fun. I have not had a convertible for many, many years, and I forgot how great they can be if they are not needed everyday, as would be the case with this car.
My next impression was actually that the car is slightly underpowered, at least compared to my expectation. I drive a Cayenne base model, and even with its V6 it feels (and has) quite a bit more pep. I thought the lightness of the Boxster would be plenty of compensation for lower hp. Of course, I was comparing my car in Sport Mode, and I did not make any effort to really "step on it" on a test drive of someone else's car. Is this why some of you said to be sure to buy an S model?
All of the early S model boxsters currently available in this broader market are well loved and driven -- averaging about 120k miles. Maybe this should not be a deterrent, but there are over 20 Boxsters (all base) with under 55k miles available, so it is tempting to go with a vehicle that may not need as much done as soon.
Thoughts?

mtgadbois

Couple small points - first year for the S was MY2000. Second, I've owned both the "base" MY1997 and an "S" MY2000. I like the 5-speed much better. It was a buttery-smooth tranny. I find the 6-speed in the "S" notchy and therefore, not as much fun. And yes I have adjusted the linkage and checked for mis-alignment etc.

2002sheds

Hi MT,
Just to be sure I understand... you preferred the base model? I did not push the car that I test-drove (1999 base model) but it was very fun to drive. The pickings are slim when it comes to lower mileage S models here. Apparently, people actually DROVE those cars :-)
If the base model can be as much fun as the S (or can be improved in that direction, performance-wise), it would make this search a bit easier.

KurtF

David
As I said earlier, less can be more and agree with MT. I have also owned both cars. The temptation is to always go with more HP. As you become a better driver, and learn the car, you will find that the base car has plenty of power. I take my 99 on track and have no problem hanging with the higher HP guys. It really comes down to your driving ability.
The earlier car can be driven harder, revved higher and is in my opinion, just be more fun. It sounds like you are looking for increased driver involvement and the non S is definitely more raw, less weight and electronics and is a great place to start.
David, there are many ways to "improve" the base model. Before doing that the best way to upgrade the performance of the car, is to improve the skills of the driver. Trust me when I say that the dynamics of a even a "lowly" base model Boxster is way beyond the appreciation of 99% of the drivers out there.
For now you said it was "incredibly fun"- you should definitely go with that. If not that why else buy the car?
Best luck,
Kurt

KurtF

One more point, last year a friend of mine sold me his 1999 Boxster. He had a 2005 S and told me the 99 was too slow for him. He had no track experience and no formal driver education. Recently I took him for a ride in his "slow car" on some twisty mountain roads near our home. Suffice it to say that his opinion of the car is now quite different.
Hope this helps.