which boxster for £12k

[charles.y]

I currently own a 944 S2 cab which I like it very much. As my son has now outgrown the back seat which means that the 2+2 cab will have to go and I am looking to replace it with a boxster wth a budget of £12k.

I understand that for £12k in the current used market you can get a lot and wonder which engine model and year should I look for and what potential issues related to those particular model year. My initial thought is a pre-2004 facelift 3.2S but I have also heard that the 2.7 is equally and cheaper to run. Please advice.

 

[oliver]

You might get a newer 2.7 for your budget, but I would definitely try to seek out, and maybe stretch your budget, for a really nice 3.2 'S' (facelift if poss). It will be worth the extra.

 

[charles.y]

Are there any other major changes on the 3.2 'S' facelift model?

 

[charles.y]

Sorry for being a Boxster novice. What are the major differences between the 2.7 facelift and the 3.2 S facelift? And how much performance gain you get in the 3.2 'S'?

 

[Mark_Bennett]

[FONT=arial"]2003 Model Year
Face-lifted model, with revised front and rear bumpers, a glass rear window replaced the previous plastic in the folding top and a glovebox.
Boxster 986
2.7l (2,687cc) 228bhp
5-speed manual /5 speed Tiptronic gearbox
16-inch alloy wheels
Boxster S 986
3.2l (3,179cc) 260bhp
6-speed manual /5 speed Tiptronic gearbox
17-inch wheels


Edit - Figures corrected [8|]

 

[charles.y]

Got it. I thought the facelift model starts in 2005 with the rounder headlights.
So it makes sense to look for a post-2003 3.2S. Am I right that the facelift headlights have the clear glass and without the fried egg anber lights?

 

[Mark_Bennett]

Ahhhh - Careful here.

The "Facelift" was the 986, with revised bumpers, glass window in roof, glovebox (as above)

The 987 was brought out as a 2005MY, That's the one withthe revised headlights, new interior, and more "angular/squareed off/changed" body panels.

2005 Model Year
Major re-design of the outer bodyshell, retaining a similar overall look but revising every external panel. The interior design was given a new, harder-edged look. Power was increased, although the engine sizes remained the same.
Boxster 987[/b]
2.7l (2,687cc) 240bhp (176kW)
5-speed manual /5-speed Tiptronic gearbox
17-inch alloy wheels
Boxster S 987[/b]
3.2l (3,179cc) 280bhp (205kW)
6-speed manual /5-speed Tiptronic gearbox
18-inch alloy wheels

 

[charles.y]

Are there any other upgrades and/or factory extras (e.g. sports pack) that is worth considering?

 

[Nick_USA]

This link may help:

http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/modelyeardifferences

 

[Steve Brookes]

ORIGINAL: Mark Bennett

2003 Model Year
Face-lifted model, with revised front and rear bumpers, a glass rear window replaced the previous plastic in the folding top and a glovebox.
Boxster 986[/b]
2.7l (2,687cc) 220bhp (161kW)
5-speed manual /5 speed Tiptronic gearbox
16-inch alloy wheels
Boxster S 986[/b]
3.2l (3,179cc) 252bhp (185kW)
6-speed manual /5 speed Tiptronic gearbox
17-inch wheels

Mark, aren't those the power specs for the first versions of the 2.7 and 3.2? I thought the facelifts got 228 bhp and 260 bhp respectively? And then the anniversary S got an extra 5 hp (?) just before the 987 was introduced?

 

[Mark_Bennett]

Hmmm... I think you are right... I'll have to check when I get home. Thanks for pointing it out!

 

[spyderman]

ORIGINAL: Steve Brookes
And then the anniversary S got an extra 5 hp (?) just before the 987 was introduced?

Close - actually 6 taking it to 266 bhp. They also all have the M030 suspension (plus a big bunch of other nice goodies).

 

[Steve Brookes]

ORIGINAL: spyderman

ORIGINAL: Steve Brookes
And then the anniversary S got an extra 5 hp (?) just before the 987 was introduced?

Close - actually 6 taking it to 266 bhp. They also all have the M030 suspension (plus a big bunch of other nice goodies).

Thanks Spydy for filling in the question mark []. And I agree, although I'm not generally a fan of silver, that the anniversary is a little bit special...especially with the cocoa []

 

[charles.y]

So the 3.2S (986) anniversary model with 266 bhp has got all the goodies and what year do they become available and how many are there please?

 

[oliver]

ORIGINAL: charles.y

So the 3.2S (986) anniversary model with 266 bhp has got all the goodies and what year do they become available and how many are there please?

But they won't be £12k[&:]

 

[Steve Brookes]

Yes Oliver's right. Didn't mean to mislead you about the anniversary which would not be in your £12K budget (they're probably more like £16K plus). Personally I think you would be struggling to get a facelift 3.2S with that budget as prices have firmed up a bit recently. I think you might manage an 02 reg car and with a bit of luck, one that has had a glass hood replacement fitted. All IMHO of course.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

I've updated my post witht he correct figures [&:]

Thanks Steve! []

 

[benjamyn999]

I am not clear where you are hoping to source the car. If you are willing to buy privately and have a specialist check the car over, you should have no trouble finding a 3.2S facelift 52 or 03 reg. If you buy from a specialist you should still get one of these, but with 60-70 000 miles. But it will have a warranty and should have FSH for that price. Unlikely to get anything this old from a OPC source.

 

[spyderman]

The 550s (04 reg) are now approaching £20k again at OPCs (much to my relief!).

 

[jdpef356]

ORIGINAL: charles.y

Are there any other upgrades and/or factory extras (e.g. sports pack) that is worth considering?

The best advice I got was to buy one with heated seats. You can drop the top anytime any enjoy open top motoring![][]