Newby used boxster question

[bullwinkle]

I have been looking at Boxsters in the 2000 range and found one that I like and seems to have the fewest problems, but I thought I would run something by this group of professional boxsterphiles:

This car has about 70,000 miles on it. Engine runs nice, clutch feels good, etc. Brakes are great, etc. It was bought by the dealer at auction in texas.

There are a couple of things though:

1) The carfax report shows that the "front crankshaft oil seal" was replaced at 38,000 miles. Because this happened once, is it more or less likely to happen again? There are no leaks now.
2) the front driver seat and several other interior pieces are clearly brand new. The new seat is the most comfortable boxster seat I have found. But Should I worry that this car has had a hard life.
3) the car is priced a couple of thousand dollars under similar cars on the market. More inline with pre 2000 cars.
4) the body and suspension seem fine.


I love driving it. I have always wanted a porsche. Should I take a run at this one? Of the 2000s I have driven, this seems the most solid.

[gschotland]

Don't buy without a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) by a Porsche specialist.

Could be a great car, could be a disaster. The PPI will tell you a lot. It's definitely cheap insurance.

There are hundreds of posts about purchase advice. Read them all - carefully.

[mptoledo]

Is it a "S" or base model? 70k miles to me is a lot as You have no idea what those miles were. I would want to know the service intervals. I would also be wondering why seats were replaces as they aren't cheap. (flood damage, just old ....?).

what is the price. I always check ebay completed auctions to see what similar models went for. I don't know about the seal, but I would think its good that it was replaced.

Base 70k miles sold for $11000(close but I would want to be around $10k)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-PORSCHE-BOXSTER-TIPTRONIC-CONVERTIBLE_W0QQitemZ250471848647QQcmdZViewItemQQp tZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item3a51491ac7&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

2000 "S" 67k sold for $12000 (seems like a good price)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000-PORSCHE-BOXTER-S-CONVERTIBLE-GREAT-CONDITION_W0QQitemZ180387564475QQcmdZViewItemQQptZ US_Cars_Trucks?hash=item29ffefcbbb&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

one with slighly more miles went for $9100
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000-PORSCHE-BOXTER-5-SPD-CA-CAR-NO-RESERVE_W0QQitemZ200365893439QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS _Cars_Trucks?hash=item2ea6bce73f&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

an "s" with 77k went for 14900 ( I think is way high)
http://motors.completed.shop.ebay.com/Cars-Trucks-/6001/i.html?Make=Porsche&Model=Boxster&Model%2520Year=2000&LH_Complete=1&_dmpt=US_Cars_Trucks&_flso=0&_fpos=43078&_fspt=0&_myi=2000&_qfkw=1&_sop=7&_rdc=1

[bullwinkle]

It is a base model.

[mptoledo]

Originally Posted by bullwinkle

It is a base model.

Base models are cool they still have plenty of power and are a blast to drive. Remember, in this economy time is your friend. I stole my 2001 "s" from california. It had 57k miles and I drove it back from sacremento/sanfran area to ohio(2400 miles). There is nothing wrong with buying a car on ebay. Just do your homework. I would try to look for a private sale rather than a dealer.

If you don't mind me asking, what is your price range and what are they asking for that car? I am only trying to help and I will keep an eye out for some deals. I was in your shoes a couple of months ago. I use to be a new car sales manager, so I know a few tricks and would be glad to help you, or anyone else looking. Just remember, you have the money so you hold all the cards!!

don't get scared by all the service issues(price/ ims failures). Almost all service can be preformed in your garage with a jack and some jack stands. (I am proof of that). This website is great for DIY repairs and maint.
http://www.pedrosgarage.com/Site/Technolab.html

[70Sixter]

Read this.

http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/mikesporscheboxsterwebpages

Also RandallNeighbor on this site for how not to buy a Boxster.