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Obertelli · 02-15-2014, 02:35 PM

I'm looking to buy a 2.7 Boxster in the next week or so, most likely a manual version and likely to be around the 2000 model year.

The one I'm looking at tomorrow is a private sale late 2000 model, has 102k miles and a "full service history". Actually it's a service book with 14 stamps from main dealers and independent specialists, and a comprehensive set of invoices from 70k miles onwards. The seller therefore cannot verify when the clutch was last replaced nor whether the water pump or RMS have been replaced, but has proof of a very recent replacement all round of the pads and discs (Mintex and Apec) and has a recent good secondhand exhaust. My dad has already previewed it for me though and verified it appeared virtually as new and was "purring" with no rattles or squeaks at 90mph. The last MOT (UK annual test for safety, legality and emissions) was in June 2013, so there's no recent confirmation that the emissions are legal. It only has one ignition key.

The other one is a year newer, sold by a dealer so has a new MOT, has a comprehensive but not full service history, the added benefit of climate control, but 154k miles which the dealer claims was mostly from "hot and healthy runs" to and from the UK to France. There are two keys. It also looks to be in excellent condition and has a dealer warranty (although I often find they're not worth the paper they're printed on). I've yet to arrange a viewing or speak to the dealer to ask about the clutch and other consumables.

Both are the same price.

The second one seems at first to be the better value deal, but I have no idea what kind of mileages the engine and transmissions are typically good for if looked after on these cars. There's also the concern about how long the steering rack, suspension and other assorted potentially expensive moving parts last. I note that the second car has one of the highest mileages I've seen advertised on a Boxster, so wonder if it's got down to the price, age, and up to the mileage where specialists typically buy them to break for parts.

A third one also looks to be excellent, and is a Tiptronic so there's no clutch replacement costs to worry about and has aircon. It's an early 2000 model and has just 67k miles, with only 400 miles in the last 6 months. The price is about £500 more than the first two and it only has one key. The downside for me is that it's over 300 miles away so there's a significant cost involved to view it, and I'm concerned that too few miles can be as bad as too many as it allows lubricant films to dry out and seals to harden/dry.

I'd be grateful for any comments based upon experience.

02-15-2014, 02:35 PM	#1
Obertelli Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: London, UK. Posts: 37	Boxster mileage queries. I'm looking to buy a 2.7 Boxster in the next week or so, most likely a manual version and likely to be around the 2000 model year. The one I'm looking at tomorrow is a private sale late 2000 model, has 102k miles and a "full service history". Actually it's a service book with 14 stamps from main dealers and independent specialists, and a comprehensive set of invoices from 70k miles onwards. The seller therefore cannot verify when the clutch was last replaced nor whether the water pump or RMS have been replaced, but has proof of a very recent replacement all round of the pads and discs (Mintex and Apec) and has a recent good secondhand exhaust. My dad has already previewed it for me though and verified it appeared virtually as new and was "purring" with no rattles or squeaks at 90mph. The last MOT (UK annual test for safety, legality and emissions) was in June 2013, so there's no recent confirmation that the emissions are legal. It only has one ignition key. The other one is a year newer, sold by a dealer so has a new MOT, has a comprehensive but not full service history, the added benefit of climate control, but 154k miles which the dealer claims was mostly from "hot and healthy runs" to and from the UK to France. There are two keys. It also looks to be in excellent condition and has a dealer warranty (although I often find they're not worth the paper they're printed on). I've yet to arrange a viewing or speak to the dealer to ask about the clutch and other consumables. Both are the same price. The second one seems at first to be the better value deal, but I have no idea what kind of mileages the engine and transmissions are typically good for if looked after on these cars. There's also the concern about how long the steering rack, suspension and other assorted potentially expensive moving parts last. I note that the second car has one of the highest mileages I've seen advertised on a Boxster, so wonder if it's got down to the price, age, and up to the mileage where specialists typically buy them to break for parts. A third one also looks to be excellent, and is a Tiptronic so there's no clutch replacement costs to worry about and has aircon. It's an early 2000 model and has just 67k miles, with only 400 miles in the last 6 months. The price is about £500 more than the first two and it only has one key. The downside for me is that it's over 300 miles away so there's a significant cost involved to view it, and I'm concerned that too few miles can be as bad as too many as it allows lubricant films to dry out and seals to harden/dry. I'd be grateful for any comments based upon experience.