We had the same dilemma. Boxster or S2000? After we drove both, we decided that the S2000 was much more fun. I was actually laughing out loud while test driving it. Then when our broker told us he could get us a red one (only 340 made for the U.S., I believe, for 2002) we were sold!

 

One issue about buying the Boxster is knowing that there's a Boxster S and you're not driving the best model in the lineup.

 

I rather have the top of the line Honda than a wannabe Porsche

Also if you get the S, you can look over at regular Boxster owners and know you've got the beater value and can spank them silly. For a small sum of $20K US more you can equal the performance of the S with the Boxster S.

 

The Boxster (not Boxter) underwent some significant improvements in '00, upgraded from the fairly underpowered 2.5L (base model, not S) to a decent 2.7. Still doesn't have the raw power of the S2000, but it is a torquier, smoother, easier to drive around town kind of power.

So if you get a Boxster, I'd suggest at least getting a model year 2000 or later. They handle extremely well (arguably better than the S2000) but can be expensive to mantain and repair.

The S2000 is a ton of visceral fun, hard to beat if you are a skilled driver and like to push cars near their limit.

 

?? If you mean red exterior S2000, there were probably more like 3,340 than 340 for the US.

 

I was in the same situation regarding the Boxster and the S2000 however I was considering a used 01 Boxster S that was apx 10K more for a 2 year old car. The Boxster S is a beautiful car and I actually had a deposit on it and actually was getting a really good deal from a Porsche Dealership.

I was planning on picking it up in a couple of days and then I started to think about service. Having owned a 944 Turbo (I know not in the same league) years ago I was familiar with the costs of repairing or routine service on these cars. It had slipped my mind but as I started to think about I got cold feet.

Having bought my wife a 3 series convertible last year I was in desperate need of having my own "roadster" again. The best decision I made was to line up test drives back to back. For kicks I threw the Z4 in there as well. I had driven the Boxster S several times of course before putting down my deposit.

First was the S2k. As others have said, I just laughed out loud it was so much fun driving this car. No, it wasn't as plush. The stereo sucks, no heated seats and it's just not as comfortable as the Boxster but it is a lot more fun and that was with the top up!

My next ride was the Boxster S. Gorgeous car, mint condition, it had the natural leather (high end) and it was comfortable. But it just lacked the soul that the S2000 has plus it was 10K plus more and it was used.

The next ride was the Z4. Forget about it. Soft, boring, it was trying to hard to be something but I just couldn't figure out what.

So, I put my money down on the S2k instead and I am picking it up next week. I am glad I did, because since then I have found out that I can add heated seats (aftermarket) for apx $500 and I figure I should be able to upgrade the stereo for little $. It didn't hurt that I got a hell of a deal on the 03 S2k!

DRIVE THEM BOTH BACK TO BACK! YOU MAY FEEL DIFFERENTLY. Throw the Z4 in there to make you feel better!

 

Well put RhodyRandy. I agree completely.

After you get the S, you deserve a drink for your wise choice.

 

Porsche Boxster, but that's my vote.

i'ma porsche fanatic! but I luv honda

 

Ok I have the test drives set up for this weekend. S2000, Boxster and BMW Z4, I will let you know how I get on.

 

Now you're on the right track, awatts: Buy the one that *you* like best after driving all 3.