Shortlived Boxster engines survey

[brimech]

Originally Posted by Bobiam

This thread was created to gather serious and up-to-date information about issues that can cost readers many thousand $s. Perhaps there is some redundancy, but there is little harm in sharing info about major misfortunes to help fellow readers/members. If it doesn't apply to someone, they need not read it.
Bob

I agree. Please share your stories.

[easyc]

2001 986S... cracked cylinder sleeve at 78K (out of warranty), while on the track. Engine proceeded to hydro-lock, which caused it to throw a rod and crack two exhaust valves... Car had ~1500 track miles on it since it hit 70K... Had a faint clicking sound under acceleration before the death... It is currently being replaced with a 3.6... estimated cost ?,???.??

[Brucelee]

Originally Posted by CJMeredith

This is an unfortunate first post...

I purchased a 2000 Boxster S with 26,000 miles from a local Porsche dealer (Tysons Porsche in Vienna, VA). It was a one owner car and was IMMACULATE (the guy traded it on a 2008 Boxster). After a day and a half and about 200 miles, I discovered oil in the coolant! I was hoping that it was just the oil cooler, but I was pretty sure the engine was dead. I immediately took it back to the dealer service department and they eventually confirmed that it was a catastrophic engine failure, but I never discovered the exact cause.

The dealer stood behind the car and offered me a direct exchange for a 2001 with 28,000 miles and far more options (or a full refund). I walked away VERY happy with the Porsche dealer and service department. I have no idea if the dealer had any recourse with Porsche (or the first owner) since they got stuck with it.

I now find myself regularly peering into the coolant reservoir of the new one...

Chris

I can understand your trepidation. I guess all you can do is make sure you keep the oil and coolant clean.

BTW-If it were me, I would use Red Line oil. It can't hurt.

[saaber]

Possibly the wrong spot for this but these articles describe the engine failures in good detail. A good read.

http://www.autofarm.co.uk/pdf/Total911_July06.pdf

http://www.autofarm.co.uk/pdf/911PW_Apr06.pdf

[baseball]

Great post saaber!! I only wish that company was in the states - if they were and I suffered an engine failure, I'd use it as an excuse to go with their 4.0 liter rebuild.

[Kyle32]

Originally Posted by CJMeredith

I now find myself regularly peering into the coolant reservoir of the new one...

how does one get to the coolant reservoir on a Boxster?

Originally Posted by ghha

I can let fellow sufferers have a copy of the letter, if needed. Can't guarantee you will get same result as each case is treated individually - that's why letter is free!

does someone have the letter?

Originally Posted by Bobiam

I broke down and bought an extended warranty. 3 yrs coverage for$1600 or $1800 (I forget!), but it will let me sleep at night......

where did you buy the insurance from? Your Porsche dealer? So, they still sell warranties for let's say a 2002 Boxster? What does the warranty cover?

That would be something to consider.
At the same time, this should give us the worst scenario odds of an engine failure, assuming that Porsche doesn't lose money on those plans.

[Bobiam]

Quote:

"I broke down and bought an extended warranty. 3 yrs coverage for$1600 or $1800 (I forget!), but it will let me sleep at night......
"

Originally Posted by Bobiam

"where did you buy the insurance from? Your Porsche dealer? So, they still sell warranties for let's say a 2002 Boxster? What does the warranty cover?

That would be something to consider.
At the same time, this should give us the worst scenario odds of an engine failure, assuming that Porsche doesn't lose money on those plans."
.................................................. .................................................. ......
My warranty is with Consumer Direct Warranty Services. Found them on a google search through agent AAAutoWarranty.com, WHO I RECOMMEND THAT YOU STAY AWAY FROM. THEY BADLY MISREPRESENTED THE PRODUCT. Warranty good...Agent bad.

Coverage is 3 yrs, unlimited miles, covers engine, trans, drive train, cooling system, fuel system, electrical, related gaskets except head gaskets. The important thing is it covers most everything that's lubricated, and that includes the major causes of massive engine failures. Transferable with a $75 fee to the new owner. Maintence is critical to have warranty pay related claims and you cannot do your own oil changes and the like. I just paid $100 for an oil change than it would have cost me to do it!!! Oh, well!

Bob

FYI:
There are three companies involve in the whole process; Consumer Direct Warranty Services (who is in charge of the warranty), Great Atlantic Warranty (who is the seller) and Mepco (who is in charge of the billing) I'm pretty sure they do this because they want to forward each other the responsibility of your complaint until you give up.

[Capt Sensible]

Well, you can add me to the list. My '04 2.7 purchased 18months ago with 13k miles died 6 months in amid a welter of unpleasant metallic clicking noises with just less than 20k on the clock. Porsche GB met most of the cost of a new - actually Porsche re-conditioned (not what I was told originally by the dealer) unit, which seems to be OK so far. Has a 2 year unconditional warranty, so time to sell on is ......