Should I buy this Boxster

[ridetheworld]

Originally Posted by gschotland

"I only have about 17k to play with."

Better keep some $ in reserve because you're going to need it even for a supposedly pristine car like that one.

I should have worded that better, I meant that is all I am willing to pay. I have money for maintenance issues and have already allotted a chunk of change to send it to Raby's.

[Kirk]

After seeing some "GREAT" cars from the Internet actually in person and being grossly disappointed, I personally would not buy any car "sight unseen". If you're serious about it at least get a local shop to do a PPI, but better yet buy a plane ticket and go see the car (assuming you can get him down to your price). Just because it has low miles doesn't mean it doesn't have issues. I'd be a bit worried about his comment that the car has has no "major" damage. What about minor accidents then? Better invest in a Car Fax too!

The car doesn't look bad. But if you live near a major metropolitan area, then look for something local that's available. If nothing else you'll save on the plane ticket and/or shipping costs. I live near San Francisco and there are literally dozens of Boxsters that come up for sale each month. Be patient and you'll find the right one at the right price.

Make sure you research the options that were available for Boxsters and get one that has most of the options that you want. It can be pricey to add them later. I didn't do this but got lucky and got a car with most of what I wanted later. Still I had to add HID headlights (Litronics) later, which cost me about $700. I was lucky though as many pay twice that for this spendy option. So that's something to look at, what were the options and what do you want...

Kirk

[eightsandaces]

Great bargains all over autotrader, give it another two months and you will find even better deals, 17K will get you a sweet ride if you take your time in selection.

[mptoledo]

Just my two cents.


first off: What are you having Jake do? if its an engine swap or rebuild then mileage shouldn't be too important.

Second: have you ever owned a black car? They are very hard to keep clean. I think they are beautiful if kept up and it requires a lot more work than something like my silver.

Third: Check ebay completed auctions. If you don't have an account you need to get one (free) and log into to view completed auctions.
http://motors.completed.shop.ebay.com/Cars-Trucks-/6001/i.html?MotorsShowItems&_qfkw=1&_flso=0&Model=Boxster&_dmpt=US_Cars_Trucks&_fpos=43078&Make=Porsche&_sc=1&_fspt=0&_rdc=1&_sop=1&Model%20Year=2002%7C2001%7C2000&LH_Complete=1&_myi=2000-02&guest=1

fourth:Patience will pay off as I got my 2001 "2" 57k miles 2 owners for $12750. Look for cali cars as they are in bad shape out there and try to stay away from dealers as they aren't as motivated to sell.

Fifth: I would be more leary about low mileage cars than regular mile cars, as lower mile cars will encur more engine damage by just sitting around. The oil need to be heated up and run for a while on a regular basis to get the solvents, acids and crap out of the engine. When the oil sits for a while all that crap seperates from the oil. I would be looking for at least a 40k mile car with at least once a year oil changes.

Good luck and hopefully welcome!!

PS. If it was me, I would troll the completed auctions on ebay find a non-dealer car I like and shoot them an email asking " I have 2 cars I am looking to buy, What's your best Cash price and yes I am very serious". When and if they respond, just tell them that "I do love your car, but that just seems a little high as I have a guy locally willing to sell me one for $xx,xxx , would you take $XX,XXX for yours?" If he says yes, then fly out and pick it up and drive it home. The drive home from Sanfran to ohio was awesome!! (2400 miles). http://www.987forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21150
Oh buy a radar detector (escort 9500ix)

[RandallNeighbour]

I bought mine sight unseen. Boy did I screw up.

Learn from my mistake. Drive at least a half dozen pristine examples before you settle on one particular car.

The economy is easing back, but winter's coming and no one wants to store a convertible all winter that they'd rather sell before the first snow falls, so you're entering into one of the best buyer's markets for Boxsters that has ever existed.

If I were you, I'd find a 03 or younger car. That glass rear roof and the glove box would make all the difference in the world to me if I had it today. You've no idea what a pain in the arse it is to be forced to get out and chop the plastic top in half every time you drop the top so it doesn't crack on you. Potential buyers just don't realize how frustrating this becomes on an ongoing basis.

Frankly, I'd be looking for an 05 or younger model S (987) if I were in the market today. The interior is far far better than the 986 models. Do drive one before you plunk down your payment on a 986.

[ChrisZang]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

I bought mine sight unseen. Boy did I screw up.

Learn from my mistake. Drive at least a half dozen pristine examples before you settle on one particular car.

The economy is easing back, but winter's coming and no one wants to store a convertible all winter that they'd rather sell before the first snow falls, so you're entering into one of the best buyer's markets for Boxsters that has ever existed.

If I were you, I'd find a 03 or younger car. That glass rear roof and the glove box would make all the difference in the world to me if I had it today. You've no idea what a pain in the arse it is to be forced to get out and chop the plastic top in half every time you drop the top so it doesn't crack on you. Potential buyers just don't realize how frustrating this becomes on an ongoing basis.

+1 on that

[eightsandaces]

glass back roof is a plus but choose based on the glovebox? I'd get the best example I can find regardless of year, glass or glovebox, plastic window is NBD if you are a summer only driver.

This is the best advice. Spend the 80 or 100 bucks to have a local "lemon buster" go look at the car. So many things can be hidden in a photo by men of ill intent.

Originally Posted by Kirk

After seeing some "GREAT" cars from the Internet actually in person and being grossly disappointed, I personally would not buy any car "sight unseen".
Kirk