Best Boxster for under $20K - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

urban_legend · 09-19-2009, 07:24 PM

Car & Driver picked the Boxster as one of the best used cars under $20K - but I bet we could do much better than C&D on spotting deals - PLUS I am looking.

So I would like to see (posted or PM) the best Boxster deal for under $20K. Also curious on how you would spend it - newest base model - S - older low mileage - save some $ for "essential" mods or upgrades??

blinkwatt · 09-19-2009, 07:39 PM

Dude I'd let me car go for several thousand less then KBB w/ all the mods left on it. You get the idea from my signature. PM me if your interested.

09-19-2009, 08:13 PM

and it's been well broken in from the power slides and burnouts!

caveat emptor

Quote:

Originally Posted by blinkwatt

Dude I'd let me car go for several thousand less then KBB w/ all the mods left on it.

blinkwatt · 09-19-2009, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred Demara

and it's been well broken in from the power slides and burnouts!

caveat emptor

Yep so you know it works!

But seriously I've never tried to burnout in my car. It's almost impossible,I've heard some BAD wheel hop stories about trying that on a Boxster and 996.

demick · 09-19-2009, 09:24 PM

Spend the entire $20K and buy a low mileage '03 or '04 S. That will be your best deal.

23109VC · 09-19-2009, 09:32 PM

i saw that article...they had a non-S .... if the "budget" for that article was $20k, they could have easily picked up an S model..... especially in this economy....

if you are looking for a used sports car - there isn't much out there that is a better bang for the buck than a boxster... especially if you want a drop top....

d18mike · 09-20-2009, 03:26 AM

Agree completely with demick: 03-04 S, and as my earlier post notes, buy it in the North: summer-only and babied as such!

tnoice · 09-20-2009, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blinkwatt

Yep so you know it works!

But seriously I've never tried to burnout in my car. It's almost impossible,I've heard some BAD wheel hop stories about trying that on a Boxster and 996.

You would know it is almost impossible becuase........you have tried?

eightsandaces · 09-20-2009, 05:52 AM

Dude, the economy is still weak and winter is coming. I'd patrol auto trader, someone with a Boxster will get laid off in December and as sad as that is, the best deals emerge from someone else's losses. Even if that doesn't happen, unless you live in the tropics, January gives you shopping "pimp hand" good luck. When I lived in A2, the locals all hated foreign metal, (for obvious reasons) that should give you an edge too, until it gets parked in Ypsilanti and some union Ford worker decorates it with his keys.

RandallNeighbour · 09-20-2009, 06:09 AM

+1 on the 03S and up model year and motor choice. The glass window and larger 3.2 makes all the difference in the world and I wish like crazy I had both!

If you were to buy a 97-99, find one like mine that has been gone over thoroughly by someone who really cares about cars and has replaced everything needing replacement.

My car is very solid now and I don't worry about something breaking.

(that last statement was typed totally on faith and with fingers crossed, BTW)!!!!

Cloudsurfer · 09-20-2009, 06:34 AM

I would definitely look for an 03-04 S.

t2-bxtrs · 09-20-2009, 07:35 AM

yupper .. can't go wrong on a well maintained 03 or 04S ... worth every penny.....
you'll be HAPPY !

blinkwatt · 09-20-2009, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnoice

You would know it is almost impossible becuase........you have tried?

Nope, just head on over to Rennlist,there are a few threads on it. 996 people complain about it more though.

mikefocke · 09-20-2009, 01:47 PM

I'd save $1k for title, taxes, registration, smog and safety testing and a PPI.
That gives me $19k to spend.
I'd save $1k for initial repairs indicated by the PPI...or future repairs. I like things like fresh oil, brake fluid, pads and measured rotors.
Now have $18K to spend.
I'd save $1k for new tires...unless I got lucky and the car didn't need them...but it probably soon will.

For $17k I'd buy the best '00/'01 S I could find. One with medium mileage...a pattern that showed continuous use. And one with some service records would be best.

(owned a '99 and a '01S)

09-20-2009, 02:37 PM

LOL! Look at the bright side, your 8k carmax offer is good for a whole week!

Quote:

Originally Posted by blinkwatt

Nope, just head on over to Rennlist,there are a few threads on it. 996 people complain about it more though.

blinkwatt · 09-20-2009, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred Demara

LOL! Look at the bright side, your 8k carmax offer is good for a whole week!

Yep! I've got a full week to continuously wipe my butt with it.

09-20-2009, 03:29 PM

You've already wiped your butt with your car. My guess is the carmax guy saw the worn tires, a torn boot, all the signs of abusing a car, and made an offer that was reflective of how you took care of the car.

At very least you have a week for more power slides, attempted burnouts and 120mph runs on public roads!

Quote:

Originally Posted by blinkwatt

Yep! I've got a full week to continuously wipe my butt with it.

urban_legend · 09-22-2009, 02:57 PM

they are no longer busting up German Steel - they are going to the local community college to learn to fix them

Lil bastard · 09-22-2009, 03:08 PM

Best Boxster for under $20K???

Mine

Perfectlap · 09-22-2009, 05:58 PM

I might go with the 2000-2002 and just replace the top with a glass unit.
At one point Consumer Reports was tracking the unscheduled repairs and the 00-02 Finland builds had the lowest number of problems. I know there was some retooling of the 03-04 IMS that maybe wasn't the better way to go.