A 1999 Boxster base 2.5l with 130k miles has popped up at my local auction (surplus style auction, not copart). It's a bit rough, curbbed rims, over due rotors, light scuffs on the front and rear bumpers, needs interior detail... That sorta stuff. Fully running and driving, clean on the underside.
My main concerns is that it hasn't been maintained well, haven't bought a Carfax so no idea what the records are. First sign is the rotors are very worn, pretty decent lip on the rear, pads are fine though. And second sign is that the dipstick had a dark residue (almost like a single layer of black paint, see picture). I know Porsche recommends 12k mile oil changes, but I'm not sure if this tarnish is normal for a 130k mile engine. Final worry is that there was a slight rattle on startup that went away almost immediately, didn't rattle the second time after I let it sit for 10 minutes. I heard this was normal and assumed it had just been sitting for a couple weeks.
What are your thoughts about this, also what would be a decent price? I know this is kind of a general question for any car, but I wanted to ask 986 owners themselves.
