...I was in full search mode for a used Boxster, having gone through various BMW Z car in previous years. While my original target was a nice base car in the mid-teens (four teenage boys still at home at the time, three in braces), my searching was experiencing the typical price creep that happens when you are in the market for a car. You know, a little newer, more $$, a little lower miles, more $$, a few more options, more $$. You know the drill.
Anyway, my wife and I were spending a weekend in Atlanta catching a few Braves games and playing tourist. While driving around north of the city, we spotted a used medium blue 987 at a local BMW dealer. The car turned out to be a 2005 base 5 speed with 14K miles. The car was beautiful and looked brand new. A salesman 'insited' that we drive the car. With very little arm twisting required, we took the car for a short drive. I really liked the looks of the 987 and the interior materials were heads above what I'd seen in the 986's I'd looked at. The car was fun to drive and felt like a new car. Problem was, the car was in the mid $30's. Why the heck did I even stop and tempt myself?
After thanking the salesman for the opportunitiy and moving on, a short bit down the road, we spotted a silver 986 on the lot of a Pontiac dealer. We stopped as I felt that this was a good opportunity to drive the two cars essentially back to back. Now I had previously driven a 986 base but it ahd been a while. The car in question ended up being a 2004 S with a 6 speed and only 29K miles. For some reason, it was much more difficult to get the opportunity to take the car for a drive....lots of stupid paperwork and copying of drivers liscense etc.
Well I got in the car and it felt smaller than the 987. The controls and materials felt cheaper. We started the car and pulled out of the lot onto the highway. As I briskly accellerated (respectful of a car not up to temperature, mind you), my very first impression...."Oh Sh_t!!" this car was a sports car. Period. End of discussion. Who cares about stupid interior materials or upgraded whatever? This was too much fun! Well, given the Pontiac dealer was quite sure that he'd be able to get the almost $30K he was asking for the car, we again left and wondered back toward the hotel, my head in full spin. My Boxster lust in full, wide open throttle mode at that point.
As fate would have it, just a few weeks later, I stumbled on a 'No Reserve' auction for a 2000S with 76k miles. The auction only had about 15 hours left before ending. As I had been searching ebay quite a bit over the previous few months, I couldn't believe that I hadn't spotted this car. Closer examination revealed that the car was a local, privately owned vehicle. As it was late on a Sunday evening, I emailed the seller to ask if it was possible for me to take a look at the car prior to the auction ending. The seller called me on Monday morning and invited me to come take a look. The car was great! It had a mark on one fender but was garage kept and everything on the car worked. The best part was, on a short test drive, the car immediately reminded me of the 2004S from Atlanta...just as fun, just as tight and just half the price!
Given that the auction was within a few hours of closing and the there were a couple of bids on the car, I thanked the owner and left to devise my plan. I few hours later, I was the high bidder. Today, the car has 101K miles and has been a joy to own and drive.
I'm sure I will replace it some day with a 987S when the right opportunity comes along. I look at the 987's all the time and really like their style. In the mean time, I'll simply stick with my 'old' 986. What a terrible fate!
dghii
2000 Boxster S 6speed 112k miles