914 Owner wants a 986...

[RangerRhett]

Brucelee,

Has your Boxster been a pillar of reliability? How many miles have you put on yours?
I can only handle working on one car at a time (and that is the 914)...

I am only concerned about snow driving, so I will need new wheels and tires for the winder months...which I can live with.

I am very capable on the end of a wrench, so I won't mind doing the easy stuff myself.

[Brucelee]

I am actually a Porsche used car dealer, so I have not had any for a ton of time. However, since I have owned so many with varying miles, I have a sense of how they will fair over time.

On balance, a Boxster can be a very reliable car that does not require tons of maint. However, it is very important to shop carefully for a used Box. If the Box has been abused and/or neglected, it can become a financial burden very quickly.

I would be happy to chat with you some time about what to look for and how to look at a used Box. Time, patience and knowledge will all help make sure yours is positive experience.

Regarding snow, the biggest issue is the height of the snow. The Box is a low car and can get stuck if the snow is high enough to suspend it.

Regarding traction, the mid engine is very good here, and a good set of Artic Alpins or similar quality snows all around will hold you in good stead.

Originally Posted by RangerRhett

Brucelee,

Has your Boxster been a pillar of reliability? How many miles have you put on yours?
I can only handle working on one car at a time (and that is the 914)...

I am only concerned about snow driving, so I will need new wheels and tires for the winder months...which I can live with.

I am very capable on the end of a wrench, so I won't mind doing the easy stuff myself.

[RangerRhett]

Are there any telltale signs that come up when looking at a used Box?


Anything I should look for in-particular? High-miles/worn exhaust on low milage car/etc......

[Brucelee]

There are many things to look for. I can't really give you a short answer.

When you are ready to fire, call me and I can go over the main issues.

Also, I can likely find you a nice California, rust free Box that would suite you just fine.

[RangerRhett]

Originally Posted by Brucelee

There are many things to look for. I can't really give you a short answer.

When you are ready to fire, call me and I can go over the main issues.

Also, I can likely find you a nice California, rust free Box that would suite you just fine.

Thanks for the offer. I am going to bookmark this page so that I don't forget. I just got into 'Buying Mode' so it may be a while...

If you feel like giving me the long run-down, I would appreciate it...(or point me in the right direction for finding this stuff out)....


RR

[Brucelee]

The most important issues are:

1-Always have your Box inspected by Porsche dealer PRIOR to purchase.

2-Always run a Car Fax to look for title issues.

3-Always use a Paint Meter to look for paintwork.

4-If possible, buy a car with a remainder of the Porsche new car warranty.

There are more but that is a start.

[Ronzi]

If you search this forum for threads on maintenance, you should find quite a bit of first-hand info on service costs, major maint. costs, etc.
If you do all the maint. thru the dealer, it is expensive, no question. But saying an "oil change" at the dealer costs $800 is a major misrepresentation of what is done at the major maintenance intervals.
Porsche says change the oil at 15,000 miles or 1yr, whichever comes first. I don't know very many Porsche guys that actually do that. They usually change the oil much more frequently, maybe 7.5k or less. Necessary? Probably not.
My first Porsche was a '73 914 2.0. Of all the dozens of cars I have owned, that is the only one I would like to have back. Well, that and the '68 Chevelle SS396 ... and the SS only because I paid $3,600 for it brand new, and they're worth ten times that today.

[RangerRhett]

How long does the porsche warranty go? 5 years? 3?