Scared new Boxster owner - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Nineteen89 · 01-13-2009, 07:10 PM

The sarcasm aside, I'm a prospective buyer of either a 2000 Bosxter S, like yours, or either a BMW 330Ci or e46 M3 to be specific, and as a college student I don't know if I can pull the trigger on a gamble on a design flaw out of the factory, the BMW while still expensive wouldn't worry me as much. It's easy to say just drive it and deal with it if something happens, but I'm not in the position financially to deal with it if it does happen, that's the worrisome part for me, an e46 is looking more secure for me.

That aside, it's important to remember that 100% of people with problems come online to post about problems, and 5% will come on here just to say they love their car. Every car has it's issues, but what that means is that it's going to seem a lot more negative than it really is because people are on here for solutions, the ones that are working fine are out there enjoying their cars, think about it like a shop... Everyones there for some kind of trouble, no ones there because they want to, and it's going to seem like all cars are unreliable... I'm sure you get it?

Now on to your situation, really, you're already in it, enjoy the car that will bring you the joy no other car can, for thebpeice of mind you're seeking look for some aftermarket warranties, or go have a Porsche tech give it a really thorough look through, and drive it like you stole it, the Porsches that fail are the ones sitting in a garage all the time, enjoy your car, most likely if the interior was cared for, so was everything else!

rick3000 · 01-13-2009, 07:20 PM

Just to clarify what 941MXVET said:
Slipped Sleeve failure affected 1999 Boxster's manufactured in the first few months of 1999. RMS affects all models, and IMS only affects 2001+ Boxsters due to the redesigned intermediate shaft, but some pre-'01 IMS failures have been reported (rarely).

I would be willing to bet no one could find more than maybe 500 documented Boxster engine failures. Everyone with a problem does a google search and post here, very few people come to this forum without a problem.

Nineteen89 · 01-13-2009, 07:27 PM

Would the 2000 be a sweet-spot per se? RMS is no big deal as long as corrected early, as with any car, right? And that would probably be it for the bigger issues right?

941MXVET · 01-13-2009, 08:01 PM

Thanks Rick3000, I got a little long winded. Nineteen89, search all the 2000 Boxster S's for sale, find what their average milage is, and how many if any are being sold as rollers.

cvhs18472 · 01-14-2009, 04:10 AM

Why do people who drive cars capable of 150 mph act like such little girls at times. You've got a Porsche because you wanted to be cool, you wanted to impress people or like the majority of Boxster owners you wanted the pleasure of driving a really nice car. Everyone got what they wanted, but there is nothing for nothing. Before I got my Boxster I drove a souped up 64 MGB for 25 years that was almost as fast as the Box. It was more dependable than any stock B but I still couldn't take it on any trip where I couldn't get it towed home. The only thing was that I could work on it. Be happy that you drive such dependable cars. Ed

Dave S. · 01-14-2009, 04:45 AM

SeanZ4 - I am also a new first time Porsche/Boxster S owner and I know exactly how you feel. I agree with all the posts on this thread. The number of engine failures must be a very small percentage, but you hear a lot about the ones that have failed and it scares you.
We should probably start a thread about cars without major engine problems just to contrast all the negative stuff folks have said. In fact I'm going to start that thread right now...

Dave S.

SeanZ4 · 01-14-2009, 06:51 AM

Thanks for all your great responses. I DO feel a little better now. I had a 325Cic before this car and a Z4 before that and 2 Z3s before that going back to the mid 90s. They were all wonderful cars. It is a third car for me, so the biggest challenge will be to get out and drive it.

johnsimion: who's your mech. in KC?? I'm in the Manhattan/Salina area. I'd like to find a good indie..

Once again, thank you guys for all your wisdom!

sean

Stunin_Stud · 01-14-2009, 02:46 PM

hey congrats on crossing over to the dark side. the grass is greener here too..

When i got my 986 I was worried once I came on this forum and others online. Try not to worry. I became very paranoid with every sound and imperfection i felt in the car.

this is a sports car, enjoy it. it wont be perfect but its a different and better experience than a BMW.

take care of it and it will take care of you.

be resourceful with mods and maintenance. theres alot of advice, parts and mods out there cheap and available which can enhance your experience.

JUST DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT

P-51 Mustang · 01-14-2009, 06:47 PM

Ive got a 98 box with straight pipes its my daily driver its got over 90k on it, I love the car to death and Ive never had anything big go wrong... and I drive pretty fast. Just maintain it put some nice oil in it and love the car, and it will love you.

stateofidleness · 01-14-2009, 06:52 PM

Just bought my 2000 base from dealership less than 2 months ago with 42k miles and so far:

cracked coolant reservoir - $1200 dealer fix
alternator - $400
alternator bracket - $770

picking it up tomorrow from the shop and bidding that car adieu.

the maintenance is ridiculous...

maybe i'll get back into p cars later on when i can afford a DD AND a toy...