Pcarrera

Hello,
I am new to this forum and to Porsches. I'm currently looking at used Boxsters to buy. 2003-2005 range. I can get 987's (plural) cheaper than 986 S's. I'm torn between going with an S or non S. I know the differences. I'm not looking for a track car, just a fun car to drive around in on sunny days. Will I miss an S. if could hear from owners of both it would be great.

Thanks
Lino

Jaak Lepson

S for sure ....

mwood

987 less than 986S? Wow, that's a new one, for me.

I love my 986S, but would likely get a 987 base if I had to replace it. They are a more evolved design...unibody is stiffer, for starts. Interior is a big upgrade.

But, they aren't as "feisty" as the 986S

jittsl

Both are great cars. If it really is just a sunny day roller and you have no track intentions and presuming you intend to stay somewhere near legal speed limits I would go for a 987 every time over a 986S. The S is great but (like most cars these days) if not run on the track is largely wasted. The 987 is definitely a step (not huge) forward from the 986 in most ways. I have two road going Porsches (well 3 if you count the Cayenne) and on a sunny day taking the wife and dogs for a picnic I would take my 70 911 every time over the GT3. The limits of the GT3 are so high that you cannot start to approach them on the street. Consequently the thrill is far less than the much less capable 911. To a lesser extent the same logic applies to the S and non S. Of course taken to it's logical conclusion we would all buy Smart Cars.........

Dave H.

just say Yes to the S

welles

I was in a very similar position earlier this year - I ended up with an '04 base. What is best for you depends on your priorities. For me, handling and value were paramount, and since for '03 and '04, suspension tuning is the same between base and S models, the extra 30 hp wasn't worth the roughly $5k premium the S commanded in the used market. The 987 is generally a more refined car - a nicer interior, a bit quieter IMHO, but also, oddly, a stiffer ride (again, my perception) - but you will pay a price premium over the 986. Drive as many as you can and choose what you like best.

987s987

I had to go for the S. I bought the earliest, lowest miles, 987S I could find. Yeah, I paid a bit of a premium but I think I'll enjoy the car more.

BoxsterSteve

If you've never driven an S, you probably will be fine in a base. I made the mistake? of piloting an S for a test drive.
HAD to have it. Goes quicker, brakes harder, cornering makes most grown male passengers whimper...

racer

if this was 986S vs 986, I'd say get an S... but since you are also considering a 987 that makes it harder. The base 987 has 245hp. A 986S has 250-258.. so you really wouldn't be giving up much in the HP department.. Perhaps more in the TQ department, as well as a 987 weighs a little more.

But, as mentioned, the 987 is (at least to me) a more cohesive design, especially the interior.

Do you prefer the 986 to the 987? I'd start there first and worry less about the S/Non S debate.

Pcarrera

Thanks for all your input.
Say Yes to the S??? I like that. However I'm leaning towards Welles' philosophy. I think I will be looking at base Boxsters 03 to 04.
Do I need to worry about the IMS and RMS issues with these years or had Porsche rectified the problems by then? Any desirable options I should insist on?
Thanks guys and I look forward to having some more tangible questions soon.

Cheers

Lino

mwood

While the base '03-04 does share springs/dampers with the S, the S has a bigger rear bar...so, a little more roll stiffness in back, which is a good thing, given how Porsche set up the US cars. Also, the extra power is very noticeable, particularly when coupled to the closer ratio 6spd.

I'd suggest driving both before deciding, just to be sure

pressed

Well, I guess i'm in the right thread. I just joined tonight and was searching for a thread such as this. I am currently in the market for a Boxster and am faced with the same question whether "to s or not to s". I have driven 4 base models and found them quite invigorating however I don't know if the 2.7 will be given to longevity over the 3.2 that the S has to offer. Am I placing too much emphasis on a myth that a larger engine entails less wear over time than its lesser sibling ? (no offense to base owners) I live only 5 mis from work but plan on running my car hard on weekends whenever I can. I have yet to test drive the S version but plan on doing so this wknd at the porsche dealer just to be able to put it behind me.

Dave H.

the IMS issue goes thru 2008 for all 996/997 (except GT3 and Turbo) and 986/987 models.

2009> engines don't have an intermediate shaft.

Dave H.

the 3.2 aren't supposed to be as susceptible to "D chunking" like the 2.5/2.7 and larger 911 engines are...

mikefocke

Owned both an '01S and a '99 base and, while there was a 40+ HP difference, even the base was more capable than I was.

None of my first 3 sports cars had more than 100HP and they kept up with traffic too well according to the local LEOs.