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I just received my copy of the April 2013 edition of Excellence. In it, there is an article discussing 3 Porsches that can be had for under $15,000. They are the 968, 200-2004 Boxster S, and the 2003-2004 Cayenne. The article ranked the Boxster first, the 968 second and the Cayenne third. It isn't clear to me what the ranking process was based on other than perhaps availability.
In any case the write-up on the 968 is very complimentary. It is interesting to me that our 18 to 21 year old cars find themselves in the same price range with newer and and some might argue more technically sophisticated 10 year old cars.
Chris Vais
1994 Coupe Midnight Blue Metallic
2015 Audi Allroad Quattro Brilliant Black
2008 Audi A5 Brilliant Black
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I had a 2000 Boxster S prior to owning my current 944S and 968. For me it's difficult choosing which is better between the 968 and 986S. The 986S had the great sound and feel of a flat 6 and perfect balance. The 968 is balanced too but in a different way. The 968 is more like a pendulum with the weight at the ends where the Boxster had the mass centralized. Feels very different going through the turns. I liked having a deep trunk up front and another at the back vs having a large hatch back of a 968. Better to conceal my luggage. As a driving machine I liked the 986S better but I like the build quality and looks of a 968 better. My next Porsche will be a Cayman if that says anything.
Current: 1994 968 Coupe, 1987 944S, 2004 VW GTI 1.8T, H-D XR1200
Previous Porsches: 2000 986S, 1974 914 2.0 Blue, 1974 914 2.0 Yellow, 1970 914 1.7, 1985 928S
Previous non-Porsche favorites: 1974 Early Bronco, 1975 Cosworth Vega, 1977 Trans Am 6.6L, 1973 Karmann Ghia, 1983 Supra (turbocharged)
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Agreed with the build quality; the interior materials that were used in the 968 line was vastly superior to early Boxsters. I was lucky enough to get a full leather interior on my first Porsche a '98 Boxster with a bunch of extra options I wan't even aware of intill selling the car so I may have a skeewed view of them. I had an S a few years later and was a great car, but the howl of the early 2.5L from right behind my left shoulder was always intoxicating. I've owned both models for several years and find the 968 seems to handled better in inclement weather.
'95 968 Cabriolet w/ D1R Stage 3 Supercharger + other goodies! Previous Porsches: '86 944 turbo, '87 944 turbo parts car, '91 944 S2 Cab, '93 968 Coupe M030, '95 968 Coupe Tiptronic, '95 968 Coupe <acronym title='Limited Slip Differential'>LSD</acronym>, '98 Boxster, '00 Boxster, '00 Boxster S.
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The balance and handling of the 968 was favorably noted in the article. Like Flash, I found the first generation Boxsters to be too small for me to find a comfortable driving position. The second generation is better and the newest versions are better still. I truly do love the way the Caymen R drives.
Chris Vais
1994 Coupe Midnight Blue Metallic
2015 Audi Allroad Quattro Brilliant Black
2008 Audi A5 Brilliant Black