should I buy this 1997 Boxster? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Pat · 07-23-2010, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

don't ever buy a Porsche as project car if you don't realize you are buying a project car.

I just spent $6K on major maintenace with a barely any upgrades on my pampered 10 year old Boxsters with 69K miles. And that was with small shop rates and I still have to do the shocks ($2K).
Driving a 10+ year old Porsche will cost you at least $10K. You can pay now or later but you will pay.

How does "doing shocks" equate to $2,000? Buying OEM units and paying to have them installed?
The whole RoW kit can be had for $1,100 at your door.

husker boxster · 07-23-2010, 12:27 PM

Where in the USA do you live? This can't be the only Box in a 500 mi radius. You'll like a well maintained, clean Box just as much as this one (I was going to say POS, but that wouldn't be nice). There are plenty for sale. Do some research before you toss $4K right out the window. There can't be a lot of buyers lining up for this one so there shouldn't be a need to act quickly. Calm down and look around.

Don't fall in love with the first one you see / drive. Randall and LB are trying to let you in on their experience. You were wise to come here and ask questions before buying. Now be doubley smart and listen to them.

This car has the makings of a good track car, that's all. Look for something else that is nice. You'll enjoy it more.

Good luck with your decision. Choose wisely, grasshoppa.

ekam · 07-23-2010, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pat

How does "doing shocks" equate to $2,000? Buying OEM units and paying to have them installed?
The whole RoW kit can be had for $1,100 at your door.

$1100 plus installation and 4 wheel alignment? Maybe he's going for PSS9? Perhaps he also needs new drop links as well?

Pat · 07-23-2010, 12:55 PM

He just said shocks. Doesn't make much sense to me, but I suppose with really nice shocks and labor it could be that much.

backman_z · 07-23-2010, 01:22 PM

My 2 cents.

The question you need to ask yourself is "Am I a gear head?" Do you fix, repair and do your own maintenance on your current cars? Do you like getting your hands dirty and greasy? Do you like scraped knuckles? If not, run, because paying someone else to fix this will be far more expensive then the price you paid for the car.

I can and like to work on my own cars, but with young kids and a wife, I choose not to work on them (when the kids are old enough to lean, I will re-start). I waited until I got a good Boxster, and it was checked out at a Porsche dealer before I bought it. I am very happy that I did. I have not had any problems, except for a recent problem with the ignition switch (the dealer I got it from is going to pay for the repair).

Perfectlap · 07-23-2010, 02:12 PM

OEM S Shocks, springs, alignment (spec) and labor.. my indy quoted $1900.
Rate is $80 per hour. I don't see the point of doing that much labor and not puttin in new springs.

Pat · 07-23-2010, 02:34 PM

What's wrong with the springs? How many miles are on them?

Blue-S · 07-23-2010, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

OEM S Shocks, springs, alignment (spec) and labor.. my indy quoted $1900.
Rate is $80 per hour. I don't see the point of doing that much labor and not puttin in new springs.

I have a spare set of 2003 S 6-speed shocks and springs wth only 27,000 miles on them. They were removed for the installation of an M030 kit. I'll sell them to you way cheaper than that!