should I buy this 1997 Boxster?

[dirkdiggler]

The more replies I read, the more nervous I am becoming. :-(......

I do really love the way the car looks, drives and sounds ...... and now that I am older and too much of a sissy to drive sport-bikes any-longer ..... I really need a convertible sports car.

Anyone else ever had the check engine light flash for a little while and then stay light solid??

Is it possible that the water logged failing Computer under the seat can cause the check engine light to flash.

Im just trying to see what has caused this to happen on other peoples bosxters??


If I do get the car.....which at this point is a 50/50, I will be having the RMS, IMS and clutch replaced asap ........ Thinking that may cost $1500-ish? Buddy said he can do the labor for around $700-ish.

is the IMS bearing part itself real expensive??

[JTP]

Go read about IMS failures, Retrofit kits and installation instructions on LN Engineering and Flat6Innovation's websites. I don't recall exactly but I think it's around $650 for the retrofit kit.
If I was to do it over, I would not have bought my Boxster knowing what I know now even though my car has been relatively trouble free. There are just too many issues with it. I do love how the car drives and looks though.

[hosickjg]

I just bought an IMS bearing from LN Engineering for the engine I'm building. It was a double row bearing which should be the same as the 1997. It cost $595 plus tax and delivery.

Also yes, a waterlogged OBC under the seat can cause a CEL to come on. Go buy a code reader from any automotive store and plug it in to the Porsche, it will tell you why the light is on. And after your done with it, return it or keep it. I guarentee you will use it again. I bought ones a couple years ago and have used it countless times on countless vehicles.

[husker boxster]

Originally Posted by dirkdiggler

I do really love the way the car looks, drives and sounds ......

Anyone else ever had the check engine light flash for a little while and then stay light solid??

Is it possible that the water logged failing Computer under the seat can cause the check engine light to flash.

There could be a myriad of reasons for the CEL. You can be certain you'll need to replace the computer (not impressive to your date when you pull out a hair dryer to start it). You could also have bad O2 sensors messing things up. Or it could be something else that will manifest itself after you've done these two replacements. The thing is, you can spend a pile of bucks chasing it.

You keep saying you love the way this box looks, drives and sounds. Other boxs will give you that same feeling without having that sucking sound of money flying out of your wallet.

Let me ask you - what are you able to afford? Is your budget only $4K so you think you can afford this box on a budget? Check out past posts about maintenance and you'll find wise owners of older boxs annually put $1500 into a maintenance fund. Spending your entire allotment for a problem child box is really going to send you upside down. If you can't afford a $9K box, you better wait or become friendly with a banker. If you think this $3K box is going to be cheap, you're in for a surprise. By the time you get done fixing everything, you'll have at least $7K invested. If you repair as you can afford it, you'll be driving this box in a couple of yrs but by then nice boxs will be worth $7K.

[dirkdiggler]

The autozone computer scanner said the check engine light was on due too O2 sensor and miss-fire on some of the cylinders. I guess it could be saying it has a miss-fire becasue the computer under seat is wet ...... this is assuming the little computer under the seat controls the ignition.......

The aftermarket better IMS bearing cost $550?? ..... gezzz $550 for just a bearing seems nuts?? or are there other parts included?

I see what everyone is saying about it being a money pit but what if i find nice bosxter for $8-$9k and it still needs a new updated IMS bearing and clutch and other odds and ends.

At least if i can get the car for $3k, put money into it and know for sure all the necessary parts have been replaced .... VS ..... buying a nicer boxster for $9k and end up having to replace some of the same expensive stuff anyways ......

I think I may just flip a coin to make my decision and let fate decide for me ...... Im Torn now

[husker boxster]

Originally Posted by dirkdiggler

The aftermarket better IMS bearing cost $550?? ..... gezzz $550 for just a bearing seems nuts?? or are there other parts included?

I see what everyone is saying about it being a money pit but what if i find nice bosxter for $8-$9k and it still needs a new updated IMS bearing and clutch and other odds and ends.

Welcome to the world of big boy's toys. While there are a lot of Porsches running around, they are still considered exotic and parts are priced accordingly. Expect 3-4x more expensive than "normal" parts (my brother was discussing the $600 factory replacement digital clock for his 89 944T). That's why I suggested you price out the parts this car needs BEFORE you buy it so you have a baseline for what it's going to cost you.

You also make a true stmt about buying a $9K box. But what you do is look for one that has everything documented and has already replaced the weak parts so you don't have to. Chances are you won't find an IMS replacement, as this fix is relatively new. It's a buyer's mkt, these nice boxs are out there if you take some time and look.

[ekam]

I like how the OP thinks he's still getting a deal for the car when there's like half dozen of us have come forward with our 1st hand experiences, along with current market condition for these cars. On top of that he's getting an engine light, and he'll take it to his buddy's shop which doesn't specialize on Porsches...

Let me go grab my popcorn...

[unklekraker]

Originally Posted by ekam

Let me go grab my popcorn...

I'm in

[Wret]

I've got mixed feelings on this one. Some of you guys sound like you wouldn't tow the car home if it were free. Assuming the worst, and the engine needs to be replaced, the rolling chassis has got to be worth $4000. I sold a 97 Eclipse a couple years ago with a known blown engine for only slightly less than that. Crumpled cars of that age sell from salvage lots fro much less than that. Here's an example:

http://www.easyexport.us/carfinder/vehicle/CLEAN_TITLE_PARTIAL%2FINCOMPLETE_REPAIR_1998_PORSC HE_BOXSTER_11455550

[dirkdiggler]

I have been using the search function alot and seeing that most of the issues this car has are sorta common ..... at least others have experienced them too.

I would just really hate to buy a $10k bosxter an then have to dump the same amount of cash into fixing it as i would have if I bought the $3k one.

Cars are horrible investments and a used Porsche is definitely a gamble ..... this I am aware of.

Im going to try and stop at my buddies shop today and see if he can give me some concrete price points on some of the main problems that need to be fixed on this $3k money pit.

Thanks a ton to everyone that has replied and anyone else that has any input for me ..... please feel free to throw your 2-cents in .... good or bad