Best year? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Lots of changes over the years from 97 - 04, what are the pros/cons of the different years and what would people say is the "best" model year?

I like 2000 S, bigger engine, improvements over 97-99, dual row ims. Also because that is the one I have I really want a 2004 Anniversary edition, if I had gotten that, then it would be the best

97-99 is pure, raw, no frills boxster (base model). And they have the dual row ims which was more robust than years 2000-2005. My 99 loves to rev and be tossed around. 125k plus miles and no problem. Original IMS. 2000-2005 boxsters went to the smaller single row IMS and these are more prone to failure. Research online. Best years are 2007-2008. Less IMS failures. Of course 2009 and up they eliminated the IMS all together.

Not patial or anything... 2000 Dual row IMS. Digi speedo in center. Cable hood and trunk. 18" wheels OK. 3.2 + light weight. Fewer electronic driver nannies. Right spot in depreciation curve.

This should be fun.

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I forgot about those, speedo in the center really like.

2003 S - updated engine, great 0 - 60 time, and I own one.

99 last of raw boxters.

Has to be something without a glove box. It'd be hard for me to decide between a 2.5 or a 2000 S. The S gets bigger wheels and is usually optioned more to the spec that a boxster deserves to be with aluminum and such but is E-Gas. But speedo belongs in the center and there shouldn't be a glove box. As long as those are checked and the car has a dual row ims it's a go for me. After that it's just if you want the S with larger wheels and a more highway grunt, or a 2.5 for a more Miata, loves to rev, toss around. Only thing these cars need is the glass top of the later cars.

18's were an option on base models from '98 up. Of course, my vote is '99 Dual row IMS, center speedo, 18" wheels, upgraded chassis structure, no e-gas, better looking top (no center bow), excellent gas mileage, decent power, and raw feel.

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+1. If I didn't have to use an early 2.5L for racing, I'd want a 2003 S.

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What exactly is wrong with a glove compartment? How about a reason to support your wise pronouncement ? My 2003 S (the best year by far) has one and I like it. I suppose you don't like cruise control either .

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I have a 2003 S. I wish it had the digi speedo in the center (looking at a HUD to fix this) and the dual row IMS. However the changes made to the oil protection tubes as a component part of the valve lifter housing and sealed to the cylinder head cover with formed oil seal rings made to the 2003+ models is a big plus to me. With the cluster change I'm told the digital part is more reliable. The 2003+ models have a glass rear window with defroster. My car has no electronic driver nannies either, except ABS. 2003+ models Porsche also got rid of the amber in the front and rear lights, which looks much better to me personally. In my book the 2003+ models is where Porsche stepped up the 986 game. .

99 would get my vote. But I'm a little bias

03 or 04 for 986 Last years of production are always the best

This may give a different perspective. For the same money as an M96 , I would prefer a well repaired 'salvage' later model.YEMV. http://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/544270-996-vs-997-but-then-which-997-a.html

I like the 986 body style. If mine got totaled I would get another one.

Kind of thread I like - No Bias Digital Speedo in the middle - Nice idea except you need to look at the GPS if you want to know how fast you're actually going 02 S has computer display in the middle so that is much more useful - at least to me Probably 02 S is the worst - Of course - That is what I have

Well - I own 3 '99's, a 2000 base, a 2001S and a 2002S. I guess the '99's get my vote by pure strength of numbers. The S model cars only come out on occasion. I drive one of the '99's almost every day.

I'm voting for my 97 Base, Have only had it short time. But, seems very robust. 90K on it.