Porsche Engine only good for 100K???

[andrewk24]

Is it true that boxster engine is only good for 100K? There were many reports of engine failure on boxster that required complete replacement. I was told that the life of a boxster engine is only good for 100K at the most.. is that true? Which year (from 1997 to 2002) boxster is the most reliable?
thanks

[BoxsterLewis]

That sounds completely false to me, plus there are a few diff types of boxster engines; 2.5L, 2.7L, 3.2L, 3.4L, 3.6L so not sure which one your talking about lasting only 100k?

[Brucelee]

Originally Posted by andrewk24

Is it true that boxster engine is only good for 100K? There were many reports of engine failure on boxster that required complete replacement. I was told that the life of a boxster engine is only good for 100K at the most.. is that true? Which year (from 1997 to 2002) boxster is the most reliable?
thanks

There is actually no rigorous way to answer your question. The only party that would have a reasonable amount of data on this (not all data mind you) is Porsche and they are certainly not releasing any data at all.

The engine has had three issues of note:

1-The early engine sleeve debacle, when they tried to salvage some bad alloy blocks by sleeving them. I don't know how many of these engine cratered but it was sizable. The company is not talking.

2-The dreaded IMS meltdown. This has happened to all boxer engines since 97 I believe. The shaft lets go and then so does the engine. Again, no data on this but anecdotely, tons of these engines have let go, from the 97 up through current versions.

My neighbors 04 cratered at 12K miles. Nice!

3-We have seen pictures of alloy cracks in other motors, leading to a lead of AF into the engine oil. Game over on that too.

Having said all that, we have NO idea how many engines have over 100K miles.

Look at it this way, it ain't a Lexus V8.

Hope that helps.

[CJ_Boxster]

126k on my 2.5 liter, so that rules out the 2.5's

[Gary in BR]

162,000 miles on my 99 2.5
And it has has a supercharger or turbos for almost 20k miles.

If you take care of the engine it should last.

[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.

[HB.]

Almost pushing 120k here