Should I buy this Boxster
 

Should I buy this Boxster? He is asking 19k but I am trying to talk him down. I have driven Boxster S's but will have to buy this one sight unseen. He has had the water pump and coolant tank replaced as well as brakes, brake flush and oil. I know some people say to stay away from these low mile cars but it isn't that low. I am planning on getting the IMS, RMS and Oil Sump down by Jake Raby next spring. This will be my first Boxster. I have been reading quite a bit on here the past few weeks.

Details from the ad below.

This 2000 Porsche Boxster 2dr S Convertible features a 3.2L H6 PFI DOHC 24V 6 cyl Gasoline engine with 250 HP. It is equipped with a 6 speed tiptronic transmission that you can drive in full automatic or use shifting buttons on the steering wheel. The vehicle is black with a black top and black leather interior. Air Conditioning, Climate Control, Cruise Control, Power Steering, Power Windows, Power Door Locks, Power Mirrors, Leather Steering Wheel, Power Drivers Seat, Clock, Tachometer, Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag, Keyless Entry, Security System, ABS Brakes, Intermittent Wipers, AM-FM, CD Player, Anti-Theft, Alloy Wheels and Rear Wind Deflector.

This truly is a weekend car as evidenced by having only 19950 miles. This Porsche has always been garaged, has no accidents and has been driven by a non-smoker. Tires only have about 5000 miles on them. Porsche is offered As-Is. Every reasonable effort was made to ensure the accuracy of this data.
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...y/100_1656.jpg

I need more information.

First - what do you know about the car? How many owners? Do you have maintenance records? Is there proof (documentation) that the oil has been changed annually -- if not -- I'd definitely walk.

Sounds like the water pump blew. When did that happen? If the car was driven with low coolant or if coolant went were it wasn't supposed to then there could be lasting damage. Unfortunately, a water pump isn't a totally unusual thing to go in a Boxster. I'd be more concerned about the quality of the repair and the actions of the owner (shut the engine and get it towed?) than the incident itself.

What is the condition of the major wear items:
- Top overall, including the plastic rear window?
- Tires (can be worn out at 11K - but definitely worthless if still original)
- Brakes? Seems a little odd to have brakes replaced so soon. Did he track the car?
- Any accident? Fender benders? Dings? Scratches?

Does it have the must-have options? Mine are:
- Glass rear window
- PASM
- Litronic headlights (not sure from the picture)
- Wind deflectors (I see those)

My recommendation is to negotiate the price if your satisfied on your due-deligence. I would seek out a local reputable Porsche specialist (either dealer or independant) and I would make a pre-purchase inspection part of your conditions of purchase. You make the arrangements and pay for the inspection -- the buyer needs to agree to take the car to the inspection. Find someone who knows what they are doing with Boxsters and have them look at "all the usual things".

Good luck with it.

Seems a little pricey at $19k, esp. given the fact that it appears to have only two options, 18" wheels and the wind deflector. No xenons, PSM, Bose stereo - all desirable options.

Since you'd be paying a premium for this garage queen, I assume it's your intention to keep it a garage queen? If not, why not pay less for something newer in equally exceptional condition that's been driven more regularly? I recently paid $16k for an '02 S with 67k mi in exceptional condition w/service recs.

There are loads of great cars to be had with 30-50k miles in great condition at very reasonable prices. Price aside, a car that's been drive ~2,000 miles/yr just makes me nervous.

Too pricey for todays market. BTW if it's a 6 speed tip, it's very rare as the tip is a 5 speed. I have seen similar, to a little newer S's at reputable dealers for the same money. There are lots out there so don't rush into anything. Low mileage is nice, but at that age I would rather have 40K miles on it so that I knew it was at least driven on a regular basis. Don't skip the PPI, Don't skip the PPI....oh and don't forget to get a PPI. It's a buyers market out there.

just my 2 cents.

Thanks for the replies. Good info. Yeah I saw that about the six speed tip, he is obviously incorrect. What is PSM?

Porsche Stability Management System

He is the third owner. He has the records that were performed at the 15k maintenance as well as the records for the coolant tank and water pump repair. I am not sure about the records for an annual oil change, I will check into that.

He said the top is in good condition, the vinyl rear window has some creases in it. The tries are Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 with 5k on them. The car does not have Litronic headlights. I only have about 17k to play with. I offered him 15.8k

Here is some additional stuff he wrote me.

"Just for your information. There is no major damage on the car. The former owner always had the scheduled oil changes and had some work done on the car which I have the invoices. For example he had the brake system flushed, replaced the serpentine belt, replaced water pump and coolant reservoir and put a new battery in all right around 15000 miles. I bought it from him at 15,500 miles and had the oil changed soon after. I haven't had any problems with the car or done any other service.
There are small scratches on both doors. There are also scratches on the tips of the both side view mirrors. There are small chips from road debris in the front. It is consistent with a 20,000 mile car. The back plastic window is in good condition compared to the others I've seen. It does have a faded scratch in it and about 2 or 3 places where the plastic looks to have bunched up. The previous owner says that could happen when it's cold out. The driver's side arm rest is a little worn. The seats have some creases but no rips on them. The creases are right on the lip and that's probably where I've sat to get into the car. "

"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.

If it's a '00 S the Brakes should have been flushed at least 4 times for a truly well-maintained car. Oil s/b changed annually - 8/9 changes. Will need new tires, battery, coolant (150k/5yr.) - unless changed, check plastic window. For me PSM isn't a gotta have, if you can drive, you won't need it.

Lots of choices out there... don't get enamored with the 1st one.

:cheers:

On a car like this -- time is more important than miles:

Oil annually (show stopper)
Brake fluid every 2

If the oil was changed for the 1st time at 15K miles (in year 4) -- this car wouldn't be for me.

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.

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

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.

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=Boxst er&_dmpt=US_Cars_Trucks&_fpos=43078&Make=Porsche&_ sc=1&_fspt=0&_rdc=1&_sop=1&Model%20Year=2002%7C200 1%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)

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.

+1 on that

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.

+1 on rear glass window.

I bought mine sight unseen and had many added bonuses. The guy was a horrible marketer. didn't mention 18" rims, rear deflector, heated seats, 2years left on carmax warranty and few other things. He even mentioned he had just lost his job.( I will see if his brother has a porsche :D ) On ebay you are covered if the car isn't as advertised. I only put $500 down and used a credit card through paypal. I had triple protection, ebay,paypal and my credit card company. Worse case scenerio I was out $500 (which would suck!!).

People are still losing their jobs, houses, and have to get rid of their toys. Plus as mentioned above, winter is coming(in my area). There are steals out there. Just give it time. If peace of mind is worth 3 or 4 grand then that is your price point! Not to open a can of worms, but I would be leary of low mileage cars!! These beauties need to be abused a little. I am a firm believer that ims is not due to chance but how you drive your car and what oil is used!! More of how much you drive and how hard(both being better for your car). These aren't luxury touring sedans, they are race/sports cars!! Treat them like they were built for.

You sir are the exception! I was used car shopping for the last year until I just recently purchased a '72 Porsche 914. I cannot begin to tell you how much misrepresentation I ran into. Where else can you even find more misrepresentation, deceit, and cover-ups than with USED CARS? Okay, maybe in the government, but let's not go there. :p

I drove 2 hours to see an early 70's 911 that looked excellent in the photos. I had cash in hand. I didn't waste my trip as I had other business in the city that day, otherwise I would have strangled the seller. He bought the car sight unseen off eBay and was trying to dump it a few months later at half the price with the same pictures and same deception that led him to buy it in the first place. Seriously, the guy was going to let me drive the car home and I doubt I would have actually made it home ALIVE in that car. I was pissed to say the least.

Even the pristine and beautiful 914 that I just bought had a lot of issues not discovered during the PPI, but I think that's to be expected with a 37 year old car. Still a lot of what I discovered and have since fixed was clearly hidden and covered up by the nice, trustworthy gentleman who gave me such a great deal on the car.

Bottom line, you might get lucky, but if spending $17,000, I'd drop $500 on a plane ticket as the BEST insurance you can buy and just go check the thing out.

Kirk

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.