Which one a 03 or 04 or 05 Boxster

[donnmaddy]

Well I am going to sell my nice 88 911 Cab. and I think I am going to buy a used 03, 04 or 05 Boxster but I hear alot of bad things about these cars, such as bad engines and transmission and reliablity in general. Is one of these years any better or worse than the other. Thanks Don

[mikefocke]

Every car and engine has its failings
And if you have had a 911 of the '80s you know that well.

Which would I buy? The '05 (and I have a '01S which has been extremely reliable).
Why? Go look at the reviews of the '05 and look at the list of improvements. It stretches pages.

And you always hear about problems. How many post about what a wonderful drive they had today. And on enthusiasts forums, you'll know so much you'll know everybody's failure in intimate detail. Would you know that much about a Cadillac or a Acura (maybe you could on a NSX)?

Do get a PPI so you don't get surprised by the obvious things.

[gerrygug]

Good advise from Mike above.
Get an 05 if you can.

[racer]

Drive examples of all of them first. Having owned both an aircooled 911 and a boxster, I can say that they are VERY different. In feel. In sound. In delight. The boxster makes the 911 feel antiquated. The ergonomics of the boxster are so much nicer. Heat and AC are nicer. BUT.. they don't FEEL like a 911.

You don't mention if the "S" or Non "S" versions are your interest, but the 987 (2005) is very different than the 986 (2004 and older). This could also heavily influence your decision.

[Brillo]

I agree with going for the 2005 (987).

[craig2148]

I vote for the '05, S if you can afford one.

[Doug&Julie]

+4 on the '05. I remember reading something about an updated rear main bearing on the '06 and later models, so if you're worried about reliability, you might shop for even newer. I've never heard of transmission issues. I would suggest those are due to abuse?