Porsche Engine only good for 100K??? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

andrewk24 · 05-15-2008, 05:15 PM

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 · 05-15-2008, 07:25 PM

You haven't driven a Boxster yet, right?

Bobiam · 05-16-2008, 06:33 AM

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!!!

cas951 · 05-16-2008, 07:45 AM

Most of the Engine failures I've read about or hear about are from lower mileage cars. I have no data on this. Maybe a Poll in this Forum might give us all an idea to see how many members have had this experience and what mileage this occured.

insite · 05-16-2008, 08:02 AM

130K on my '99 2.5L, and i take it to the track regularly.

andrewk24 · 05-16-2008, 08:27 AM

Paul,

I have driven a porsche in the past. My first used porsche was a 1986 944 Turbo and it was a great car. I have driven my friend 2001 Boxster S and it's a great car with the top down, but don't like it too much with the top up - too noise it.

Brucelee · 05-16-2008, 08:52 AM

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!!!

My experience would suggest that you are wrong in your conclusions.

Just a thought!

2001saxster · 05-16-2008, 10:05 AM

Quote:

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 · 05-16-2008, 10:14 AM

my engine died at 50k

andrewk24 · 05-16-2008, 10:37 AM

The other forum had over 60 Boxster owners (1998 - 2003) who reported blown engine with mileage ranging as low as 15K to 50K. Two days, and we already have 2 people with the same symptoms. Glad I did my research. And sorry for all of the owners affected by this issue..

fourniem · 05-18-2008, 07:09 PM

hello all,

I am at 180K on my 200 2.7.... daily driver...winter & summer... I change the oil every 5K... and go on the track a few times a year....

needless to say that I am extremely pleased about reliability of that car...

Michel.

987gator · 05-19-2008, 04:54 AM

I think part of the hysteria has to do with the fact that high performance sports cars have issues. And the advent of enthusist boards for sports car makes have allowed us all to see what issues affect a small percentage of all Owners. Below are a few examples I have experienced.

Previous to my 987, I owned a 2000 MR2 Spyder. After purchasing, I learned that the 1.8 liter Toyota engine had an issue with the precats crumbling, causing to much backpressure, and killing engines. It was supposed to kill all engines over 30,000 miles. I became concerned and pulled my manifold once and month, and eventually replaced with headers to sleep better at night. And then there was the oil starvation issue if the car was tracked, causing the engine to throw a bearing if I recall. All the MR2 guys were buying a $600 custom oil pan to save the day. That was when I decided to sell the car, since I was spending to much $$$ to solve issues that may not be entirely real.

Going over to the Elise board, same thing, the Elise guys were experiencing blown engines due to oil starvation, and either installing new oil pans, or retrofitting a scavenger pump and reservior system.

My memory is fuzzy on this one, but before i purschased by MR2 Spyder, I was also considering used S2000's. The boards stated that they we having gearbox issues that the dealer would not correct, warranty or not (and the 3 year, 36,000 mile Honda warranty does not last long).

And then there was the dread BMW M3 Engine failures on the early SMG equipped cars.

So, from all the information gleaned on this site from many more knowledgable people than myself, if you want a Boxster, purchase the newest one you can. The 05's seem to be a good value (2.7L) and will have a year of warranty on them.

Brucelee · 05-19-2008, 06:53 AM

I resectfully disagree with your use of the term hysteria. The water cooled boxer engine has had issues from day 1 and it is 11 yrs later. Guys are STILL reporting cratered engines on cars that are still under warranty.

What does that suggest about the company?

Back when I was dealing Porsches (several years ago) the local Porsche service manager was just plain candid about the engines.

"Great performance, built like s**t!"

His words, not mine. I can tell you that this dealership has about 14 repair bays and 14 lifts that remove engine/trans units. I was constantly amazed at how many of these cars on any given day had the whole unit out of the car.

RMS, bad engine, whatever.

The SM told me that apparently the factory thought it was cheaper to replace than to reengineer the engine.

Go figure?

skip_168 · 05-19-2008, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 987gator

I think part of the hysteria has to do with the fact that high performance sports cars have issues. And the advent of enthusist boards for sports car makes have allowed us all to see what issues affect a small percentage of all Owners. Below are a few examples I have experienced.

Previous to my 987, I owned a 2000 MR2 Spyder. After purchasing, I learned that the 1.8 liter Toyota engine had an issue with the precats crumbling, causing to much backpressure, and killing engines. It was supposed to kill all engines over 30,000 miles. I became concerned and pulled my manifold once and month, and eventually replaced with headers to sleep better at night. And then there was the oil starvation issue if the car was tracked, causing the engine to throw a bearing if I recall. All the MR2 guys were buying a $600 custom oil pan to save the day. That was when I decided to sell the car, since I was spending to much $$$ to solve issues that may not be entirely real.

Going over to the Elise board, same thing, the Elise guys were experiencing blown engines due to oil starvation, and either installing new oil pans, or retrofitting a scavenger pump and reservior system.

My memory is fuzzy on this one, but before i purschased by MR2 Spyder, I was also considering used S2000's. The boards stated that they we having gearbox issues that the dealer would not correct, warranty or not (and the 3 year, 36,000 mile Honda warranty does not last long).

And then there was the dread BMW M3 Engine failures on the early SMG equipped cars.

So, from all the information gleaned on this site from many more knowledgable people than myself, if you want a Boxster, purchase the newest one you can. The 05's seem to be a good value (2.7L) and will have a year of warranty on them.

you can see a good point here.. why worry about it? If you can, buy new.. if you buy used, you take the risk if engine failure.. of course the way I look at it is how many engines have failed compared to how many built.. its probably not that high..

BTW, anyone have a blown boxster engine I can do an autopsy on??

dfraccica01 · 05-16-2008, 10:44 AM

I am starting to get scared of having my engine blow on me ; ;. I have 77k on my 02 and dont want to risk losing $12k to replace and engine. Hell the replacement cost of the engine is almost as much as the car worth! I am planning on selling it when I get home from Iraq. It seems like every time the car is driven something needs to be fixed. If I knew as much as I did now I probably wouldnt have bought one. Yeah its a fun car and all, but I dont have the type of money to risk having it blown up. I guess I really didnt even have the money to buy it in the first place lol.

Bobiam · 05-16-2008, 11:19 AM

I have to admit that horror stories scare me too.....
And I don't think the car is particularily dependable considering how long these things have been made in one form or another. I've had to deal with a lot of silly little repairs in the 5000 miles I've had it, but..........

For what's I'ts worth I checked the Consumer Reports annual car issue and the data they use is gathered from MANY owners or all kinds of cars.
They say:
The '02 Boxster is a Used Cars "Good Choice" for cars in the $20k-24k range.
In overall rating they give top rank to the 2007 Boxster in the $40k and up Roadster class.
In their reliability survey they rank '02-'06 Boxsters Average or above, with the exception of '03 which they rate well below avarage. The '03 scored poorly in "major engine", cooling, electrical, and body integrity. The '02, '05 and '06 scored very well for "major engine" catagory.
Under the "Used Cars to Avoid" catagory they listed the '99 and '03 Boxster as well as the '03 911.

Overall, the Box is much better than the Nissan Z, the Corvette, any Mercedes product, and nearly anything built by the big 3 American manufacturers with the exception of the highly rated Ford Crown Vic (but I don't think they do too well on the track!!!!!!!).

So, pray often, maintain your Porsche and enjoy it while you can.

Bob

gmboxster · 05-16-2008, 12:27 PM

I always get nervous and scarred when this engine failure subject comes up. Even if you can afford to replace an engine , who wants to do that due to a failure ? I always enjoy driving my car, but still a little nervous about taking it on a long trip. I haven't developed that 'trust' factor yet.It seems to me from reading this forum that the engines over 100K are the exceptions rather than the other way. Of course proper maintennance is required with any car BUT in particular high preformance engines. Like BruceLee said "It's a crap shoot". Not very reassuring.

andrewk24 · 05-16-2008, 12:47 PM

Sorry, I did not wanted to open the "Pandora Box", but people should be aware of the issue with the Boxster Engines... Here is the link from the other forum if you are interested in reading some of their engine failure issues...
http://forums.roadfly.com/forums/porsche/porsche_boxster/

silver arrow · 05-16-2008, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobiam

I have to admit that horror stories scare me too.....
And I don't think the car is particularily dependable considering how long these things have been made in one form or another. I've had to deal with a lot of silly little repairs in the 5000 miles I've had it, but..........

For what's I'ts worth I checked the Consumer Reports annual car issue and the data they use is gathered from MANY owners or all kinds of cars.
They say:
The '02 Boxster is a Used Cars "Good Choice" for cars in the $20k-24k range.
In overall rating they give top rank to the 2007 Boxster in the $40k and up Roadster class.
In their reliability survey they rank '02-'06 Boxsters Average or above, with the exception of '03 which they rate well below avarage. The '03 scored poorly in "major engine", cooling, electrical, and body integrity. The '02, '05 and '06 scored very well for "major engine" catagory.
Under the "Used Cars to Avoid" catagory they listed the '99 and '03 Boxster as well as the '03 911.

Overall, the Box is much better than the Nissan Z, the Corvette, any Mercedes product, and nearly anything built by the big 3 American manufacturers with the exception of the highly rated Ford Crown Vic (but I don't think they do too well on the track!!!!!!!).

So, pray often, maintain your Porsche and enjoy it while you can.

Bob

I agree that the overall reliability is probably better than some of those marks you mentioned, but it is a lot cheaper to replace a Corvette engine than a Boxster engine. For $9000.00 it must be made out of gold. It is ridiculous that you can't get a short block from the factory for $3-4k or less.

baseball · 05-16-2008, 01:38 PM

All cars have their issues and manufacturers are not keen to share that information with the public.

That being said I try to make my decisions based on proper data analysis (consumer reports) vs. anecdotal information. And the data shows that Boxsters have an above average reliability rating (cold comfort if your engine goes). I sure hope I never suffer a catastrophic engine failure but it doesn't make a lot of sense to worry about it.