First Boxster....To buy or not buy...need help!
 

This could be my first p car. Had lots of vettes in the past.

I am looking at a 99 boxster with 33,800 miles on it. Brand new top with glass. Everything looks good.

My problem...All I hear is the horror stories of the IMS and RMS nightmares or the slipped sleve etc. With my luck one out of the three has to happen to me!!

My question is...Am I only hearing the bad stuff and not about the ones that have had no major issues wich could be MANY. I am hoping to fall into that catagory.

If not I might end up with the SLK 320. BUT I WANT THE BOXSTER....just not the problems! Sorry for the ramble, its my first post here.

I'd shop around more. I'd at least step up to a 2000 model and get a 2.7L and e-gas....not to mention more peace of mind. If you are having trouble finding used boxsters check ebay or with PCA.

If somebody's car is operating as normal, they often won't post anything. Who here is going so say "I drove my car to and from work and everything was normal". If thier car has problems, they post. You definetly see an imbalance in the posts slanted towards the "broken" side of things

From what I have heard, your major concern is the IMS and RMS, not a sleeve issue (correct me if I am wrong). And the RMS problem is not a major issue either. You'll either have to fork over 1200 for a fix or let it drip.

IMS on the other hand is a nightmare. I dont know what the frequency of IMS is and I wish I had some stats.

If you other option is a SLK320 because you are concerned about porsche reliability, you are looking at the wrong car company. I like the idea of going for a 2000 though. . . .

I wouldn't worry about the things you mentioned. All cars have a percentage of horror stories associated with them.

I bought a 2002 Boxster and have been pleased overall, but I wish I had bought an S (the standard Boxster is just too slow for me).

I'll be selling mine soon.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Concerns
 

I'd suggest picking up the new Porsche Excellence magazine that just came out. It contains a buyer's guide for 986 and 996 cars. They mention the issues you are concerned with, particularly the sleeving and the RMS. It appears that by going for a later model 986 (2000+), you'll avoid the issue of slipping sleeves.

The RMS issue is difficult to quantify. It appears even the new 987 and 997 models have issues. It is inherent within the design of the H-6 engine.

One question...you mention the top has "new glass?" The Boxster didn't get a glass rear window until 2003. I wasn't aware they could retrofit a 2003 top on a 1999?

Good luck,
-Brian

Most people don't buy the oem canvas top and glass because of cost, but GAHH and a few other companies make tops with rear glass for the 97-2002 boxster. In fact, GAHH is one of the sites sponsors, just click on the link to the left. I'm sure the top was replaced with something like this.