I owned one for 3 years and had quite a few Porsches so have real life experience and comparisons! It was a 2.7 Manual.

You want the last facelifted one if possible(model year 2003 available on late 52 plate onwards). You get the better interior, the better front and rear bumpers, clear lights and the glass rear window amongst a few other things.

They are great cars. They are not the fastest thing in a straight line but none the less do go well. You also dont buy one to drive it like that anyway. Your buying one because your stepping out of your boyracer days and moving on. They handle great and they stop great too. Avoid tiptronic in any model unless you want an auto.

Will still say to this day out of all the porsches ive had the 2.7 manual boxster is the most fun to drive. I miss the car loads but had to get something more practical when baby Daisy arrived.

Options I would personally look for are Climate/Air Con, Digital or Bose sound, 18 inch Turbo or Carrera Classic wheels, Leather Sports Seats, Wind Deflector. Litronics if you can find one.

As said above, safe colours are the Silvers, Blacks, Dark Blues like midnight and the Metallic Greys. IMO opinion the tan interior is horrible and does not wear well. Black or Graphite leather best.

Any questions on details, just shout, but overall. Great value for money.