looking at a 98

[VAPORBLADE]

Hey guys,

I am looking at a 98, and thinking about getting it. It has upgraded headlights, white gauges, wing and some nice wheels. Body looks mint, interior looks new, tires seem nice. I have not driven the car yet.

What should I look for as problems. Car has 101K. Stealer wants $14,900 - but I know the car books for $12,7XX. Thanks!

[RandallNeighbour]

Pass on it. Buy a much newer S model, even if you have to save for two more years.

Boxsters have some sizable repairs at the 100k mark for worn suspension and brake components, which I am now discovering on my 105k 1997 model.

[VAPORBLADE]

Yeah, I totally cannot afford an "S" right now. It will not be a daily driver to say the least - but that is good to know that 100K is when the * hits the fan.

[FTD]

I agree with Randall - save for an 'S'. I have a base and would love to experience a little more. Also, a rear glass window is important enough to me to focus on a more recent model.

[RandallNeighbour]

There you have it. Unanimous vote. Buy an 03 S or younger and you will never regret the purchase.

The cheapest porsche to buy will ALWAYS be the most expensive porsche to own.

[Topless]

Oops! Hang on, dissenting vote here. I bought a 98 Box 2 1/2 years ago after looking at a lot of newer more expensive cars. It has been nearly flawless with very minor repair expenses (MAF, coolant tank). This was a one owner car in pristine condition with perfect service records... a rare find. They are still out there but you gotta do your homework. Be patient and seek out the right one. Who owned it and how they owned it are often just as important as year and mileage.

I have not seen the car you are looking at but "100k miles, new dash gauges, new headlights, nice wing" are red flags to me. This one sounds more like a project than a honey. My advice is to keep looking. Really nice older cars are still out there. Good luck.

[VAPORBLADE]

I assume they are new gauges. When did they toss in white ones?

It also has had all the yellow lenses removed - and has the later style (clear/smoked) I notice more every time I look at it.

Man - it is hard to pass it by....

[rick3000]

My only concern with that '98 would be the mileage. I got my '99 with 17k miles last year for $19k, and it has worked fine. You can get an older car, but one with 100k miles wouldn't be a good idea.

[JCL12]

As many have said, "The cheapest porsche to buy will ALWAYS be the most expensive porsche to own."

If you can get it for a price that is too low to resist AND the car is in good shape - i.e not being dumped super low for a reason then I think it is fine to gamble with an older, higher mileage car. The lower price can compensate you for a higher EV cost of repairs.

However, neither of the numbers you quoted would make me want to buy a 98' box with 100k miles, even if it were in good shape.

[VAPORBLADE]

Here is the one I was looking at...

http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dda/detail.jsp?result_car_id=242408279&dealership_view_name=transtek&car_id=242408279&dealer_id=57122807

[ddb]

Looks like it has a "S" front bumper. Maybe someone upgraded just for looks, or it could indicate a front end accident. I would want to know......

[VAPORBLADE]

Yes - I agree. It would require a carfax.

[986speedster]

I have a '99 that I just dumped alot of money into upgrading just because I wanted a different look. Not to hide anything. Now its for sale, two weeks after the last finishing touch. Maybe the previous owner was the same, and just traded it in for something else. I spoke to my cousin who is a finance manager for many high end dealerships, and asked him what I could expect to get in this volitile car market. He told me a 99 with my miliage (55,000) in the perfect condition with all my additions ( read sig) would only fetch $9500.00. I almost threw up!!! I dont know whats up with Boxster resale, but we sure are getting screwed!!! This market is worse than the 944 resale value. By the way, VT is not that far from N.Y. is you are interested in a nicer Box than that one with half the miles.

[60drvr]

That 98 Box looks nice. My 98 Box is my weekend car and my 1st toy I have put close to $4000.00 in basic repairs...brakes, rotors, total engine and fluid workover(1600) struts, sway brace links etc. I enjoyed every minute of the work, and I did all of it myself except the engine stuff. Did I mention I have 107,000 on my Box and it will run with the best of them and even as stock as it can get...I get more people staring at me with the top down. Make a great educated decision, join the club, but when I do it again...and I will, I will go 03 or higher and make it an S!

[djomlas]

while i was reading you post, and when i read over 100k i was expecing like 9k range...too much $ man.

[gmboxster]

I bought a 1998 last August. Had 47K on it. If you look around more there is no need to buy such a high mileage car. I would be more patience. Remember 'good things come to those who wait'. BTW my car was and still is in immaculate condition with one owner and all the maintennance records intact. So good cars are out there you just have to look some more. Good Luck.

[VAPORBLADE]

Ok guys - I am passing on this 98. Thanks for the advice.

[xxxalexxxx]

pass on it, you can find a 98 for much less then 14k with less miles. just be patient and look around (maybe in your neighboring states as well). if you're willing to go out of your way slightly to look for the car and negotiate the price down you can get a much better deal.
Also on the side note, I would beware of a boxster with 100k on it they tend to need repairs and break down more frequently once they reach that mileage

GL

[Perfectlap]

get a 2.7 if you can't afford a newer model or an S. Big changes came in 2000.