Planning on picking up an '05-'08 Boxster S in the next few months. The difference in H.P. between the '05-'07 and '08 motors is all of 15 H.P. The 0-60 performance is very, very close. Is either engine "better"- dependability, durability, etc. I'm aware of the Harmonic Balancer problems with the pre VIN. #10039 units, the M96 Intermediate Shaft problems (resolved w/ a new shaft design in mid-'06 and the RMS failures on many of both engines. I'm not clear on how many newer engines had the RMS failures. Anyway do any of you more technically inclined owners have an opinion on either engine? I'm inclined to avoid the '05 model because it's the 1st year for the 987.

 

For the S model, '05 and '06 have 280hp, while '07 and '08's have 295. All 986 and 987.1 have the intermediate shaft (IMS). The IMS design went away with the DFI engines starting with the '09 model (987.2). From what I've gathered, Porsche continued to improved the IMS over the years, and most recently in '06 when Porsche upgraded to stronger bolts. Again, the "problem" didn't go away until '09. Hope this helps! I have an '08S and I love it!

 

i say go with the closer to the year model, you get the warranty, an then the extra hp, which we all love.... go for the 08 model.....your going to love it...

 

+1. If money allows go for the DFI engine, its the safest bet. Otherwise 07 and 08.

 

The '09S is the obvious best choice- most H.P., DFI, warranty, etc. However, I'm trying to keep the purchase price at $40K tops. $40K will get me a clean, low mile (10K) '08 w/ a few years of warranty left. What I'm really trying to decide is whether to go w/ the right, probably CPO'd, '06 w/ 15K miles for $4K-$6K less. The 15H.P. difference will be negligible, Ill have a couple of years of warranty and save some $$.

Decisions, Decisions!!

 

I would go with the 3.4L because it will take a plenum upgrade where the 3.2L wont.

 

3 months ago, I was in the same boat . I originally budgeted for a low miles '06 S. I spent a day searching and found an '08 S, never titled, 40 miles for 30% off MSRP. Granted the warranty was punched in 2008, the deal was too good to pass up. So, stretched my budget a bit and made it work. So, look around. A week after I bought my car, I came across a '08 Boxster S LE (loaded, 6k miles, CPO), asking $45k.
Today, you should be able to find a '07 for $40k. Good luck!

 

What is the hard cost to the authorized Porsche dealer to CPO an '06-'07 Boxster S?