I am considering a 50th birthday gift for my wife that happens to be a Boxster S. She fell in love with an '05 that we test drove when we were shopping for my Carrera S last year. But I want to get her the updated version that happened in '06 and beyond.

There is a very clean/low mileage '06 in Atlas Grey (my favorite Porsche color) that I can probably pick up for around 27K. But I sure would like to find an '07 with that 3.4L mill, just none to be found at the moment in this area.

Questions for those that have driven both:

1. Is the extra 15 HP/10 TQ significantly noticeable in this car?
2. Are there any inherent disadvantages to the 3.2L other than the displacement (peaky power/lack of low end, vibration at upper RPM etc)?
3. Any updates to the '07 with regard to handling/brakes etc that would make it worthwhile to wait for an '07 to be available?

She would be more than happy with the '06 at 280HP, but on the weekend when I get to take it out for a thrashing, I don't want to be wishing for an '07 ya know? Thanks for any advice you may have.

 

No, No, and no. Pick the one you like the best.

 

I've been watching to see what others have to say regarding your question but you're not getting much response. I would suggest you stop by a dealership & visit with a service adviser regarding the best year to buy. I settled on an 08 and looked for months for a low mileage model and am very happy with it. I didn't test drive any "S" models (didn't see any locally to drive) so I can't tell you if the additional hp is worth it. I've had many convertibles and can tell you heated seats are great and we only considered cars with that option. I put in after market seat heaters in my last car and they weren't nearly as effective as the ones in my Boxster. I also did not consider any cars with 19" wheels. They may look cool but "form follows function" and I didn't need the rougher ride. Good luck out there!

 

I bought an 06 Boxster S last summer and totally love it. Plenty of power and pick up.

It's a Atlas Grey. The description is in a new thread "New Member' detailing the specs. I'm jealous that you can get a similar car south of the border for less than what we pay up here in the Great White North
I didn't drive an 07 but for me the 06 with 280bhp is sufficient.
Regardless of what you get, your wife is one heck of a lucky lady. All the best.

 

Thanks for the replies. I drove the car and it was OK but had an annoying rattle/buzz in the cabin. The sales guy was doing all he could to locate and then downplay it but that would drive me nuts. Then I checked the VIN and it had been in an accident when it was about 6 months old.

I tracked down the dealer that coordinated the work and it was pretty major ($20K worth of body/paint damage). No thanks. Too many other clean examples out there. No big hurry, will wait for an '07 to come around.

 

Hey there,

I had a 2000 and 2006 Boxster S and currently have a 2012 Black Edition Boxster S.

When I had my 2006 I test-drove a 2007 and was disappointed that the difference in power wasn't that great.

The difference with a 2009 model, however, is very apparent.

Unless the difference in price is minimal, I would get a 2006 if it's just your wife's car and she's not that demanding.

If it were my car, I would still get the 2007+ model simply because I would prefer having a 3.4L engine to a 3.2L, even though the difference with the butt dyno is not that noticeable.

Perhaps the 2007 Boxster S I drove wasn't a good example, but from 4000 to 7000RPMs the 2006 Boxster S wails, sings and howls beautifully

 

get a 2009. pdk + dfi..... much better than the previous versions.