Starting My Search for a Boxster - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

tdog · 05-09-2005, 08:26 PM

Hi, UkChris, I'm in the market for another boxster too. I just sold my beloved 97 boxster last week, and started looking for 2000 + boxster possible boxster S. I guess it's a buyer's market now, if u go on autotrader, there are tons of boxster for sale, I'm going for private parties b/c of price, but I know the site owner Bruce Lee have excellent deals too. I too dont care for S, I dont drive fast and just need a weekend car for crusing. Anyhow good luck and if ya come across good deals please email me and I'll do the same. Tony

ukchris · 05-10-2005, 03:59 AM

Hi Tony. I'm doing the same at the moment, AutoTraderand cars.com etc. I've driven some CPO cars which were nice but real premium prices so I'm looking private for now. Prices seem to vary wildly but I'm sure "the car" is out there waiting for me.

Looking for a tiptronic makes things a little harder though, I know they aren't as popular but there are also far few of them around out it balances out in that respect.

I favor the tip but would also take a stick, if the right car came along.

Do you have color/spec preferences you're looking for? I assume you've been through the classifieds in all the usual places.

wetstuff · 05-10-2005, 04:47 AM

It's good for a couple of you to connect. I was trading car leads with another seeker and the two of us could see more than me looking by myself. I would also suggest you hook up with a local used car dealer as they have access to the weekly lists from the auctions - as long as you know exactly what you want. My dealer would have let me go to the auction in his name. Perfectly good cars are off'd by Porsche Credit - almost all with some warranty left. I was lucky to find mine in CT which had been auctioned in NY and resided in PA.

Maritime Chevy in S Norwalk had a good buy on a S-Tip. It'd probably be 'well' priced if they still have it.

Jim

Brucelee · 05-10-2005, 05:43 AM

I am biased of course, but if it were me, I would try to buy a used box from the Southwest USA. No snow, sand, salt and minimal rain. Additionally, we don't have those potholes that swallow a box whole!

There are many things to look for in buying a used Box and if you do a search here you will find some excellent advice.

Last comment, if you want a tip, hold out for a tip. Also, if you buy a Tip, personally I would buy an S.

I have driven both and they really are different cars. Moreover, the S is much easier to re-sell.

Best of luck to both of you!

ukchris · 05-10-2005, 06:49 AM

Thanks Bruce, I actually mailed you also to see if you sell this side of the country or not.

I think the S interestes me for desirability, I'm not sure I need the performance but hey, it's not like you have to use it, all the time anyway. I'm also checking around some of the little local dealers in case I can find a gem.

Boxsters seem like the kind of car that are often pampered, and finding such a car would be ideal, if I can maintain the patience and take my time in looking.

Perfectlap · 05-10-2005, 07:43 AM

my advice: try to get one that still has some warranty left. Before the warranty runs out go to warrantydirect.com and invest in an extended warranty, some think its a waste but for a one time fee of $1500-$2K I say what the hell. Make sure you have full service records. Have it checked out by your local Porsche dealer from top to bottom so you can find any problems before the warranty quits.
Check to see if your state has lemon laws like here in New Jersey where dealers are mandated to cover the powertrain for six months from the date of purchase.
It might be worth a trip down here.

Look for a Boxster low low miles, GOOD PAINT, the options you want like HID lights(aka Litronics), wheels etc. THese items are expensive to add later and you don't want to pay for them new if you don't have to.

99-Boxster-MK · 05-10-2005, 07:45 AM

I just got one, and was searching the private and non porsche dealer market for a while, with little success at finding a quality car. I ended up buying one from a porsche dealer 99 with 23K miles on it, as it was a trade in on a new 997 and was used only as a cottage car.

The price was significantly more, but I got brand new tires, brand new rims, and most importantly for me I got the 2 year warranty from Porsche which basically covers everything a new car warranty does, including RMS, air conditioning, all electrical motors, etc.

I think the warranty was a big selling feature, even though I probably paid 3-4K over what I could have got it privately but hey, it was pastel yellow and that was the colour I was after, and for some reason it is extrememly hard to find.

When shopping private be careful as if you buy the wrong car you may be in for some hefty repairs.

Mike

ukchris · 05-10-2005, 07:54 AM

I value the warranty and it is tempting me towards CPO somewhat but have also been looking at Warranty Direct. They look like a good outfit but I do find their pricing a little odd.

For example, I requested quotes on an 01 and an 03, the price was within $200 even though the 03 has nearly two years of factory warranty left. I asked if the 4 years I buy would start after my factory warranty ran out, they said no, it starts from the date of purchase.

Seems a little odd in that case as I'd only really be getting two years of cover, I'm sure while it was covered by Porsche they'd want me to have them cover repairs. They argue it's cheaper to buy it sooner before rates go up, car gets older etc, it doesn't seem to make that much difference though in reality.

Chris.