The cars modifications remove any chance of it ever reaching collector status. Therefore, it must be evaluated for its value as a driver. In that so many great sports car are available for around $14K (I paid a little more for a 2005 Boxster with low miles and comprehensive service history), this one to me is major CP.

Have been looking for an early Cayman for some time. The only examples under $20K tend to have high miles or salvage titles. Yes, the Porsche is a vastly superior car but a good one will cost much more than $18.5.

Stored outside in brutal Northeast winters, my 1993 Miata doesn’t have an ounce of rust.

Brilliant

I’m reminded of a passage from a review in one of the major car magazines of the - then new - C4 Corvette: “Big engine, big tires, big deal.”

Except, of course, for the idle time waiting by the side of the road for the tow truck to arrive.

I’ve owned nearly every modern-era Japanese sports cars, including two first-gen MR2s. My advice: buy a 986 Boxster S.

The CP/NP decision - at least for me - is based on this question: could I get something that drives a lot better for the same/less money. Plenty of really nice 987 Boxsters to be had for the asking price of this psuedo-Porsche.

The “fried egg” headlights, in my opinion, take away from what is - in most other ways - a clean, contemporary design. Philphil’s clever Photoshopping illustrates just how much better the later shape works. That said, the more important reason to opt for 997/987 over a 996/986 is the vastly improved interior.

Hate to admit it: I owned two Mavericks in the 70s. The first, a Grabber Orange coupe was the perfect first car, slow and indestructible. The second, a sedan, was only reasonably reliable and wasn’t exactly a joy to drive. If only due to the low miles, this one isn’t a raging CP. But - because one could buy a newer,…

Reasonably sure my twelve-year-old base Boxster impresses precisely no one.

“Champing” not “Chomping” at the bit. That out of the way, enjoyed the article and looking forward to the next installment. Good luck!

For about the same money and a better driving experience, purchase a 987 Boxster S.

The answer is always Miata. And my 1993 MX5 is, indeed, the perfect car for the 7.5-mile drive from my home to Kure Beach. 

I own both an Avalon and a Boxster. The Toyota will retain a place in my driveway until it starts to show significant signs of wear. In other words, never. The Boxster stays until I can afford a 911. In other words, never.