[hytem]

Well, I bought the 03 Boxster today. Drove both the Boxster and the 01 996 C4--maybe 10-15 minutes each on mainly country roads near the dealership. My impression? The 996 feels a bit bigger inside because of the rear seats (though it's about 1" more narrow), and is a tad quieter (the Boxster has the sound package plus option and is very quiet). Performance? Well, on country roads, there isn't much difference you can detect up to 5000 rpm. On the track, I'm sure that would be different. Both cars are very quick, and both 5sp Boxster and 6sp 996 gearboxes are excellent and easy to shift. The rides are not noticeably different--not as stiff as the SC. A tad more splushy--but only a tad.

So why did I choose the Boxster? First it was $16K cheaper. Second, in regular driving it's not much different from the 996. Third, there are legiimate, though small, longevity concerns about the 3.4 engine in the 996. Both these cars come Porsche-certified, which means the new car warranty extends for another 2 years (2.2 years for the Boxster). Chances are that 3.4 engine is OK, but after 2 years you are on your own. They replaced the RMS--which needed replacement after just 27K miles.

I got a much better deal on the Boxster which was a one owner car--bought new and traded at the dealership. It has about $8K worth of factory options, including 18" turbo-type wheels ($3K), sound package, alarm, windstop reflector, etc. It even has a glove compartment--and 2 trunks. Black with tan interior. 32K miles. I traded my SC and got what I paid for it. I will not miss the 915 gearbox, the CIS or a lot of the noise, but I will miss the classic look and those black Fuchs wheels. Thanks for the memories, and thanks for the posts.