Pleased to hear you managed an extended drive, and hopefully you've found the right car. As we know to our own cost it's hugely expensive when you get it wrong, ( we cocked up by buying the wrong Porsche), so if I were you I'd try both a Cayman and a 997, although for the same money you would get an older car with a 997, not that it matters as long as the car has been properly looked after and maintained. If you ar on a fairly tight budget 997s are more expensive to run and insurance costs are significantly higher than Boxster / Cayman. But many say that the 997 are the "real" Porsche expperience, but I don't agree with that as they are all great drivers cars.
Our own findings having owned them all : Boxster is great plus the open top experience, Cayman has the same mid engined precision, only a bit more so due to the more rigid coupe body, ride much firmer than the equivalent Boxster though. 997 faster than Boxster / Cayman, at least in a straight line, better rear end traction getting off the line in a hurry, and more room inside, not only because of the two kids only rear seats, but, and this might be critical if you are tall with long legs, more room behind the wheel.
If you do go touring it's amazing how much stuff you can pack Ian Boxster with front and rear boots, compared with other sports cars that only have a tiny rear boot. I wouldn't want to attempt a touring holiday in a BMW Z or a Mercedes SLK both of which are greatly inferior to drive than a Boxster. You can store even more in a 997 with the rear seat backs folded.
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Porsche 997 Carrera S PDK Aqua Blue / Black - Toyota Yaris D4D "Clockwork Rat"