Thinking of buying a Boxster ? - MUST READ !

[dm1270]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

I'm 67. Owned cars made by at least a dozen car manufacturers over the last 50 years and 100Ks of miles. Probably 30 cars by the time you count all my family has owned.

My 2 Porsche Boxster 986s, over a total of 6 years, have cost me less than $700 in unscheduled maintenance and never left me stranded. Could I have a major problem tomorrow, sure could. So could any car. But, compared to the 3 other sports cars I've owned (or even the sedans and vans and wagons), the Boxsters have had far and away the fewest trips to a mechanic per month of ownership of any brand I've owned.

I've documented what I consider to be the buying considerations in detail including the best and worst features and the common problem areas as well as the model year differences.

I've also commented frequently on how my experience has been positive.

Is it the car for everyone? No. It is a sports car and will be more expensive to maintain especially if you can't do some of the simple work yourself. And if it has a major engine or transmission failure, it will be more expensive than a Toyota to repair. You shouldn't buy one if you can't afford the potential repair bills. Just like you shouldn't buy a house if you can't afford the potential repair bills. It is only common sense.

And many Boxsters are getting just plain old ... 13 years old in some cases. You don't buy an older car with the same expectations of reliability as with a newer car. And of course newer cars probably have a warranty.

But I bought 2 Boxsters where I was the third owner of each. Well used in each case. My first had no repairs before I totaled it after only 6 months by driving on summer tires when it was too cold. Couldn't stop. My second I've owned for ~5 years now and it hasn't had anything done to it in the last ~3 years but an oil change each year and an Oxygen sensor I elected to change....didn't need to..no CEL.

Tires more expensive than for my Honda..you bet. But the Oxygen sensor for the Porsche was cheaper than the one for the Honda... and the Honda needed one 10k earlier in terms of miles on the engine.

I didn't buy new nor pay near full price when I did buy, cheap for the fun I've had in them. I drive the trash to the dump in it and volunteer to go to the grocery store...and my wife knows I'll always take the longest way to the furthest store.

If it failed tomorrow, I'd get it rebuilt. Probably cost me more than I paid for the car because I'd want everything possible done to the car. I wouldn't whine or go looking to blame. Stuff happens.

It was my decision to buy, and I accept the risk of owning an older ('01 in my case) sports car with some by now known design issues. I rationalize every car has some, I just happen to know all about the one I own because I frequent the online forums.

It sits waiting in the garage, and every time I walk by it I run my hands over its flanks. And every time I take it out, I get some favorable comment about it (and it is nothing special, just a 9 year old car in the most common color, Arctic Silver)

Now if the weather gets warm like it is supposed to, it will go out with its top down this weekend and I'll enjoy the heck out of it. It sits waiting.

Curious how many miles are on your 01.

[mikefocke]

And the total expense during that time is for tires due to age, not wear. Nothing other than gas.

This year the brake fluid, oil change, transmission change, water pump and anti-freeze are all scheduled to be changed. I could stretch them all another year but I don't maintain a car that way.

[Fastass986]

U Might Want Too Take To Dealer And Have Em' Run It On The Computer If It Has No Warranty!!!! And Something Still Can Go Later But Atleast U Will Know It Wasn't Before U Owned It!!!!!!!

[amcdonal86]

I've read this thread, but it's unclear about whether most of the major problems are limited to 986s or whether they continue with the 987s. Does anyone have any idea?

I would really like one and I think I can afford a used '06 model or so, using Edmunds' true cost of ownership.

[Ray Hudgens]

Ref "Things to know before buying a Boxster

You have a nice website with good info.

I plan to take your advise and visit Autozone and have them plug in OBD to check my problem below. Good thing, lets hope, is that I still am under warranty as "certified pre-owned"

Thx for your info.

Ray

********

*My 2006 Boxster S check engine light came on yesterday and it said visit workshop. Then later that day, the engine starting to almost stall in 1st and 2nd gear. Then this morning when I turned it on, a white/blue smoke with very very bad smell (like rotton egg/sulfur) came out of exhaust for about 5 min and engine would stutter up and down almost stalling. Called the dealer and they said have it towed in! Believe it may be a bad CAT. I think I may be able to drive it in vs. tow it? Anyone experience this type of problem before?

Thanks and can't wait to get my boxster back on the road! Just bought it Feb 2010.

Ray

[RandallNeighbour]

Originally Posted by amcdonal86

I've read this thread, but it's unclear about whether most of the major problems are limited to 986s or whether they continue with the 987s. Does anyone have any idea?

I would really like one and I think I can afford a used '06 model or so, using Edmunds' true cost of ownership.

The guy to talk to about this is Jake Raby. I have read (in print in Excellence Magazine) that the RMS leaks still exist.... of course, they're not nearly as common in cars with a tiptronic tranny from what I read on forums.

Jake could tell you about the IMS issues for sure, but I believe they are still a problem considering the motor design didn't change much, just the displacement.

Don't forget though that every Porsche model through the years has had some sort of motor issue that must be dealt with and none if them are going to be as cheap to own or "maintenance free" as a Toyota, which we've all gotten used to in short order.

[kmac10]

What do you guys think about a Boxster S 2001 model with about 50,000 km?

Would I be killing myself with maintenance issues?

[mikefocke]

Originally Posted by kmac10

What do you guys think about a Boxster S 2001 model with about 50,000 km?

Would I be killing myself with maintenance issues?

is 10 years old so the possible failures of plastic parts due to age does present itself. AOS, water pump and water filler tank come to mind. Also check the age of the tires.

If something major happens, it is not cheap to maintain.

Having said that, I have a '01S with 70km and it has been cheap to maintain for the last 5 years/30 km ... cheaper than 2 Honda products of similar age.

[MangoTheHuman]

Hey all,

I'm going through my quarterlife crisis and I am considering a 2005 Porsche Boxster with 29k miles on it. The folks are asking about $25,500 for it, which seems to be reasonable.

My biggest concern is I will get bored with the Boxster and really wish that I got the Boxster S. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find a good Boxster S with low mileage in my price range (under 30).

Other question I have - do you guys absolutely recommend that I get a warranty? It seems like there are a LOT of people with IMS issues and other stuff. Which warranty do you guys recommend?

Cheers!

[WhipE350]

2005 is the only year I would skip...I'll probably get grumped at for saying that. Anyway here is a nice 2006 for under $30,000. I bought his original wheels and I would trust this seller:

For sale - 2006 Boxster S

Myself I'm a 'S' guy, but the newer Boxsters (2005) have 240 hp which is pretty good. My 2000 'S' has 250 hp and it is nice. All depends how much straightline power you want...remember these are roadsters.

[MangoTheHuman]

Why are you against 2005? Because it's the first year after the redesign?

[WhipE350]

Yes generally, though with these cars there isn't a ton of change from year to year. The consumers data says it is below average that year though I'm betting they have so little data on these cars. Do some searches, see what folks think of their 2005. If you get the 2005 will you have any money left to fix it? Do you like fixing yourself. What type of service history do you have on the particular car you are looking at. Test drive a couple of different years if you get a chance and try the 'S'.

Hope to see you as an owner no matter what you get. I got the first year 'S' and seemed to have found a great car...very little repairs. Post pics of what you end up with!

Oh btw, that is a very good price...get a PPI and enjoy the ride.

[pjS03]

How difficult is it to take out the drivers seat. I need to have the seat repaired, it appears to have bottomed out, the previous owner drove the car for 8 years as a dd. The center piece is a bit lower than what it should be. Making the seat a bit unconfortable.
please advise, thanks in advance for your help.
peter.

[hasanulbanna]

thanks, this is very nice questions.

[RandallNeighbour]

Pj, it's just 4 bolts and an electrical connection. Easy peezy. Just remember to disconnect the battery first. That bottom seat foam can be swapped out...

[recycledsixtie]

I congratulate anybody who is contemplating buying a Boxster that reads these forums. Thinking about what u are getting into before buying is part of the fun. The can I afford it factor is huge. The Boxster is no ordinary car. Questions to ask I think should be: 1) Do I need a warranty? I took a chance and did not get one. I put that money aside for repairs. 2) The newer the better. My 2001 is ten years old and expect to put in $1-2 k a year into it. 3) A ppi is a must. 4) Think about whether u need an S model or not? 5) Think resale. Manual or tiptronic? Tiptronic harder to sell but better in city driving. What options? eg . psm or not?6) Shoestring budget for a Boxster? Forget it. This is no Miata.This is not all inclusive but something to think about before buying. One more thing - consider the IMS guardian. Lots of info out there. Enjoy the research.!

[Habu]

I just got a 81,000 mile boxster 2.7 maintance is up to speck. I have read
A lot about ims failure and that has me worried a little.
The previous owner had good maintance records. Car drives
Great and I believe it will make it over 100k. My last
Sports car was a 2000 Mazda mitia, I put over 150000 miles on this
Car the only problem was the automatic trang went out.
Every fun car. Hope this car is also.

[mikefocke]

In general, the 2005 has the same engine as the 2004 but a different body. This is typical of Porsche with saving a new engine for mid-life kickers to boost sales and keep the body style selling. I wouldn't be shying away from a 2005. Go read a review from 2005 to see all the changes they made...some worthwhile. Of course style is an individual thing.

mikesporscheboxsterwebpages - mikefocke2 has a dozen articles on buying a Boxster.

[silver arrow]

My ownership experience was one of the best and worst car experiences I've had.

I just sold my 2000 Boxster after owning it for 5 years. The least I spent on it in one year for maintenance was $2000. The most was last year and that was $6000 (new top, rear suspension failed, right rear axle, MAF, window regulator).

I've owned over 30 cars in my life and it was the most enjoyable car (not even close to the fastest) I've ever driven. It handled AMAZING with H&R clubsport coilovers, good tires, and aggressive alignment and, after desnorking it, it was also one of the most enjoyable sounding. I loved everything about the car except the ridiculously high maintenance costs, the $12k bill for a new engine always hanging over my head, and the fact that because of the engine issues, all M96/M97 engined cars will eventually be relegated to worthless status at some point.

I can handle the high maintenance costs, but having such a poor engine in such an expensive (when new) car is just unexcuseable and was the ultimate deal breaker.

I'm going to wait 4 years and see how the new 981 Boxsters hold up and pick up a nice lease return.

[.lovemy986]

If you own a boaster you have to use fully synthetic 5w40 preferably Fuchs brand which is the factory fill in Germany. You buy a boxster in Germany it comes with fuchs5w40, that's what I use. Plus 94 octane gas is necessary with no ethanal and also use a Lucus fuel conditioner every 5000k, it lubricates fuel pump and cleans injectors. Now let's drive these Porsches the way the good Dr intended!