Porsche Engine only good for 100K???

[andrewk24]

Thanks a lot for your replies. I can't remember exactly, but in one of the automotive magazine (Car & Driver or Road Track, etc??) discussed the Boxster in very good detail. It mentioned in the article about the engine failure due to some design issue and it required a complete change of engine (As mentioned by BruceLee). Porsche replaced the engine as long as it was within the warranty period. However, if it was out of the warranty period, then you are on your own. Then, which engine is less prone for this issue??? 2.5, 2.7, 3.2, etc...I am planning to purchase an used Boxster and need your expert opinion to pick the right year and mileage.
thanks

[Adam]

I think you're referring to the article in R&T. They mentioned the sleeve issue that afflicts some of the earlier 2.5L engines. Unfortunately none of these engines are bullet proof. My advice is get the newest 3.2L you can afford.

[andrewk24]

Thanks... But, I am looking only up to $15K. Just found another forum that comments about many boxster owners complaining about engine blowing up - even on very low miles, less than 50K miles. It's not year specific as included year 1998 thru 2004 models. Basically, noise in the engine, white smog, then engine dies. Tow the car to the dealer, and the diagnosis is will require new engine @ $10-12K. Some owners have success having Porsche to pay for the engine, but they still have to pay for the installation - @$3-$4K. How can do you know if your engine is not affected by this engine blowing issue????

[Adam]

Originally Posted by andrewk24

Thanks... But, I am looking only up to $15K. How can do you know if your engine is not affected by this engine blowing issue????

Your budget pretty much excludes any decent 3.2L so you should look for some 2.7's. You don't have anyway of knowing which motors are going to make the distance and which ones won't. That's the risk you take with this car....or any car for that matter. The best you can do is find a clean well cared for example and get a PPI.

[Brucelee]

Originally Posted by andrewk24

Thanks... But, I am looking only up to $15K. Just found another forum that comments about many boxster owners complaining about engine blowing up - even on very low miles, less than 50K miles. It's not year specific as included year 1998 thru 2004 models. Basically, noise in the engine, white smog, then engine dies. Tow the car to the dealer, and the diagnosis is will require new engine @ $10-12K. Some owners have success having Porsche to pay for the engine, but they still have to pay for the installation - @$3-$4K. How can do you know if your engine is not affected by this engine blowing issue????

You can't really. There is no test that can spot the issues that are involved.

It really is a crap shoot. Sorry I have to say it, but the engine is far from robust.

[andrewk24]

It's a big gamble.... Since I am buying used and probably I will be the 3rd or 4th owner, I doubt that Porsche will do anything for me if my engine blows. Well, I am not going to gamble $15K, so Boxster is out list.
Thank you all...

[Paul]

You haven't driven a Boxster yet, right?

[Bobiam]

Stats like this 100K thing may include all Boxsters, so that may include the high mileage engines written about above (congratulations, guys) and engines with heavy track usage and modified aftermarket turbos.
These engines are also demanding of proper maintenance such as syn oil and use of properly rated coolant. And how many non-enthusiasts may bring a Porsche to a general mechanic that usually works on Saabs and Volvos.
I think the answer is that these engines are as good as most with the proper attention and TLC and take it easy on the redlining.

But I'm glad that this came up, since I only have 32 K on my '01 and I can relax now!!!

[2001saxster]

Originally Posted by andrewk24

It's a big gamble.... Since I am buying used and probably I will be the 3rd or 4th owner, I doubt that Porsche will do anything for me if my engine blows. Well, I am not going to gamble $15K, so Boxster is out list.
Thank you all...

Your right, it's a very big gamble. One I wouldn't have taken if I knew then what I know now. I've had my 2001 Boxster S for a mere 5 months and two weeks ago the engine blew. The Porsche dealer won't actually rip it open to find out for sure what is wrong, but they say it is a slipped cylidner sleeve resulting in coolant mixing with the oil. Diagnosis is internal engine failure that can only be fixed by replacment. It seems to me that although some models/years are more affected ithan others it is still happening across the board. Of course the service guy at the Porsche dealer makes it sound like it is a freak occurance, but all the independant shops I talk to say they see it all the time.

[ChrisZang]

my engine died at 50k