Considering 996/981

I�ve been looking at getting either a 996 or 987/981 around 20-30K range. Automatic transmission because I plan to use it as a DD and don�t want to have to deal with a manual in Seattle traffic/hills. Found a couple of candidates and wonder if they�re reasonably priced. 2012 Boxster with 66K miles asking 28K. It�s Blue with tam interior. Exterior has a small dent the lower front bumper, scratches/swirls in the paint. Interior has normal wear, discolored areas. 2003 911 4S Cab with 65K miles, 9 owners, Silver/black. Interior decent with cracks in the seats, paint with a few chips, small dents. Asking 28.5k Not going to be tracking the car. Mostly driving to work and having fun on weekends. Thanks.

Not sure if I can say that much on price, both look to be in the range of what to expect. As far as the cars are concerned, they are completely different experiences. The 996 is in modern terms an analogue car, hydraulic steering, narrow feel, and that unique 911 feel with the light front end, and heavy rear end. And the tiptronic will feel its age. The 981 Boxster is a much more modern car. The electric power steering is numb in comparison, but it is precise, and there is the mid-engined balance. And the PDK should be miles better than the tiptronic.

OP - Boxster S or vanilla? If it’s an S, it’ll be a lot quicker than the C4S. For me: No S, no go. Blue is nice and silver is so blah. PDK is great, tan dash is not. Glare is a beeyatch! C4S is an exceptional all-arounder for the price. 996 engine won’t have much history available with 9 owners, I should think. 2012 with sport seats? 2003 with sport seats? AWD or mid-engine will both be remarkably fun. If you want a 911 and a PPI checks out…996 C4S is top of the non-turbo food chain for the era. If the Boxster is an S, you can cover the dash to make it darker to reduce glare. Best condition engine wins.

In a rag top, I vastly prefer the Boxster to the 911. Plus your money buy a much newer better Boxster than 911.

Both are not new, and with that comes the potential for some heavy service items coming due... so service history such as it is along with condition of the car overall will help you make your choice. you really have to get into the details on the service side of the older car, the M96 (996) engine if it fails is a big deal, you have to know if certain items have been addressed, i know less about the 2012 era car, but it could also have some issues that you need to be concerned with mostly both cars can cost a pretty penny if the engines have a failure, i would'nt rush this process, you should read up on both engine types and then ask the seller if those service items have been addressed, if they have not or you dont feel re-assured i would cross that one off your list. There are plenty out there in that price point.. i bought mine from an enthusiast off of PCA marketplace, and after a few phone conversations went to look at it and drove it and looked over the service history in person, then left and thought about it overnight. Good Luck enjoy the process ..

As Gary said, the loss of a 996 engine could set you back more than the purchase price of the car. The engine should be inspected very, very carefully by a shop that really knows these cars. 9 owners is a lot of owners, in my opinion. I would get on the boxster forum and ask about any gremlins with respect to the 2012 model year and if there are better years to look for. Both of these cars are up in the years and anything out of warranty requires an emergency repair fund. You can run through $10,000 pretty easily with either car to fix issues both known and unexpected. If you can't spare that kind of expense you will have a poor experience. Also, as for using it as a daily driver, it is advisable to have a second car available while the Porsche heals.