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[dmairspotter]

Get a Porsche or Porsche specialist inspection. DO NOT rely on the selling dealer. And +1 on looking further. Check out Cars.com or Autotrader and see what's available where.

Seriously, listen to what people are telling you here.

[Sumflow]

Originally Posted by tonycarreon

as far as aftermarket warranty, most of the time they are worthless. ..... 9 times out of 10 they won't pay for the repair and you're stuck having paid for a worthless warranty and paying for a repair out of pocket.

It gets worst. You could have a minor problem that you can fix yourself. But because of the warranty you bring it to them. They tell you the warranty does not cover it and it costs a MINT to get your car back. Without the warranty you would have fixed it on the cheap and just drove on. If that warranty is going to cover the IMS, that is a different matter all together.

[js/sj]

Is a carfax really good to rely on too?

[tonycarreon]

carfax is something to look at, but not rely on. it will generally only contain accidents that were reported to the insurance company. if i back in to a lamp post and pay for it out of pocket, it won't appear.

[Overdrive]

I'm going to assume your thread title had nothing to do with a fuel question, because I didn't notice you asking what kind of gas to put in the car. All I saw was info about a car you're intersted in, so I have no idea where this stuff's coming from.

Heed the advice you've been given here about buying a Boxster...there's been plenty of it. For what the dealer's asking you could find yourself a younger car with fewer miles.

Do not purchase any Boxster without getting a PPI done yourself, meaning you getting a mechanic who knows these cars to come and look at the car inside and out. Yes, you'll be paying for it, but it's a fraction of the total cost of the car you're looking at and you'll be glad you did it rather than buy a potential bucket full of expensive problems. Those who do PPIs know what to look for and will find the issues if they are there.

These cars can be reliable and fun if well-maintained, but as it can be with any car, some are not kept well and can simply look pretty while being held together with duct tape and zip ties. Find a car that has maintenance records and a clean title. I know this car caught your eye and you want it to be the right car the first time around, but you won't know that for sure until you ask the right questions. The dealer just wants to sell the car and they will take advantage of your lack of car-buying knowledge, telling you anything you want to hear until the car's in your hands and out of theirs. If it's not a Porsche dealership they're even less likely to honor items under warranty, and given the age of the car you're not going to get one for more than a couple of months, if that, depending on the laws in your state. Know what you'd be getting into ahead of time rather than later.

I don't have it handy, but it would be great if someone could post a link to Mike Focke's site for you to refer to. If someone doesn't end up doing it I'll come on here later and post it. Read his site, he has a ton of useful information that you should read before buying a Boxster that I wish I'd found years ago.

Don't get hooked on the car, because you haven't bought it yet. If it turns out to be a problematic car with a lot of issues that neither you nor the dealer will be willing to invest the time and money in fixing, be prepared to walk away. Keep your emotions in check so you can evaluate things clearly. There are several hundred thousand Boxsters out there that are waiting for you to spend your money more wisely on them.

For that matter, you're young and have plenty of time to find the right one. Trust me, they're not going anywhere, and if you have to take a plane to get one somewhere else in the country and drive it back home, it will be worth it if it's the right car for the money. There's even a For Sale section of this forum. Maybe you should take a look around.

EDIT: A perfect example of what you can get for $11k (it's been sold, but note the info about the car and what it came with):
http://986forum.com/forums/boxsters-sale-wanted/34621-2000-boxster-w-61k-miles.html

Yet another, older with lower miles, older gentleman's weekend car:
http://986forum.com/forums/boxsters-sale-wanted/34158-1997-porsche-boxster-88k-miles-%249800.html


Good luck, and don't hesitate to ask us more questions, but do try to take our advice with more weight than what the dealer tries to tell you. They're in the business of making money. We're in the business of making sure potential new Porsche owners don't get ripped off or stranded on the side of the highway.

[silentfrosty]

I wouldn't spend more than 8k for sure on it.
KBB.com prices the car at around $8k.

I bought my 97 4 years ago and paid $9k for it, however I probably would of paid less if I had known anything about Porsche's and had a Porsche mechanic go over the car beforehand.

Everyone has posted this, but they are right in saying to not trust the dealership and to get a Porsche mechanic not affiliated with the dealer to go over the car.

I also live in michigan, and while 93 octane is the predominant premium fuel, I have been able to find a good number of gas stations in my area that sell 94.

Good luck though And I hope you realize the costs associated with owning a Porsche haha.

[SoK]

how has the quality of 87 octane fuel changes since 1997?

if porsche recommended 91 minimum in 1997, would that equate to 2012's 87 octane?

[Overdrive]

That is extremely doubtful, Sok. And for that matter, with the inclusion of ethanol in a lot of today's fuel, it's even less likely that today's 91 is up to the task of minimum duty for the engine. In an emergency, you put whatever is available in your tank, shy of dieself fuel, but simply put: these cars were not meant to save us money at the pump.

Always use the highest octane available when it is available. At no time should one be putting a different octane fuel in the car when the recommended is available. That's basically what is in the owner's manual, which trumps any other arguments. If it's not meant to be used, it's not in the owner's manual.

[SoK]

I only use 93 with NO ethanol added; I luckily have a Shell station a mile or so away that does not include it.

But what you're saying is that the quality of 93 or 87 gas hasn't changed in 16 years (being that a 97 Boster came out in 96)? I'd figure quality standards would have increased since then. Just curious, not recommending using lower-grade gas.

[2003S]

Originally Posted by SoK

how has the quality of 87 octane fuel changes since 1997?

if porsche recommended 91 minimum in 1997, would that equate to 2012's 87 octane?

Since octane is a measure of compressibility before ignition, I would seriously doubt a material change. 87 octane in any year ignites at lower compression than 91 octane.

Higher compression engines require higher octane fuel, or bad things start to happen.

[js/sj]

Found out they had the car for over two years and they sell the cars but in fine print they actually lease them to rip people off. I will be backing away. Thanks for the car suggestions, i already sent an email to the 1997 Boxster there. Can u guys help me find one in the $8000 range that is kind of near me. Thanks again guys.

[js/sj]

Originally Posted by js/sj

Found out they had the car for over two years and they sell the cars but in fine print they actually lease them to rip people off. I will be backing away. Thanks for the car suggestions, i already sent an email to the 1997 Boxster there. Can u guys help me find one in the $8000 range that is kind of near me. Thanks again guys.

Just found this one. Do u think there is any moving room on a car like this? Maybe $10,000?

Details of Used 2000 Porsche Boxster, Buffalo Grove, IL - Yahoo! Autos

[Ghostrider 310]

JS, It's a 12 year old vehicle, so yeah there should be some "room" unless it's getting a lot of action.

[Steve Tinker]

js/sj..
You have done well up to now & avoided big pitfalls by heeding very wise advise from the guys on this Forum.
People here will not lie and give you mis-information (unlike most dealer who have a big axe to grind).
Stay cool and the right Porsche will come along - hopefully with no buyer remorse....
If you have the cash and no trade, buying from a private party can be the way to go - as long as you remember to have a PPT.

[js/sj]

Found this and it has a 3.2 in it. The guy said that it just started having problems with a leaky head gasket. Is this common or do you think its worse than a leaky head gasket? He said the temp light will flash at him when he drives it so he stopped driving it. He was going to get it fixed before selling but he said he might sell it to me broken for $12,000. If i can move him to $10,000 ill probably say yes. What do u guys think.

2001 Porsche Boxster, Used Cars For Sale - Carsforsale.com

[Steve Tinker]

The head gaskets on Boxsters very rarely fail - the problem is more an intermix problem - coolant getting into the oil = big $$ repair bill.
A flashing CEL means DON'T DRIVE....
Personally I wouldn't buy a Porsche that has these symptoms.

[Overdrive]

He said that it was a flashing temperature light, not CEL, but in either case you don't want to be driving that car or having it laid up in a garage as soon as you buy it to try and figure out what's wrong. The car probably had an oil-coolant intermix situation, best to walk away from that.

By no means should a 2001, be it an S or not, cost you anywhere near the prices you've posted if it's not in good mechanical condition. Keep shopping.

Yes, these cars do tend to be expensive, but don't let that stop you from negotiating with someone to get the best deal you can, especially if the car's not mechanically or bodily sound. If you're going to have to put money into the car as soon as you take it then the price has to drop unless the seller has already cut the price significantly because of it, simple as that.

And please
DO
NOT
make any decisions on any of these cars without having a PPI done. I know we're harping on it and beating the horse to death, but it's a crucial step, and it's worth it if it points out a winner...and if it points out a big lemon.

Also don't be in such a rush to snag one. Shop around. I know it's even harder for the younger people in the world right now to have patience because of how much instant gratification there is out there now, but this isn't like buying music or a video game. This is a high-price purchase, and it would behoove you to take the time to decide on the right one so that you don't have any regrets later and can just enjoy the car at an age when many of us would not be so fortunate.

I realize what was said there may read rather harshly, but please understand that that is not my intent or my tone (nor am I that much older than you). Like Steve Tinker said, we're not going to steer you wrong. Don't just focus on any one car. Have a few lined up and start chipping away at pros and cons, which cars have records kept, and get a feel for the sellers.

By the way, here's Mike Focke's site...start reading up:
mikesporscheboxsterwebpages - mikefocke2

[kls]

Sorry if this has been mentioned (I can't read Sumflow's font) but aren't there color variations on this car? It looks to me like at least part of it has been repainted.

[js/sj]

Test driving this tomorrow. Im really serious about two so far. One is an exotic car dealership so would i still need a PPI? Also where do u find someone to do a PPI?

Here are the two im interested in:

1- 2000 Porsche Boxster MANUAL Buffalo Grove, Illinois | Lux Cars Chicago

2- 1999 Porsche Boxster, Used Cars For Sale - Carsforsale.com

Test driving this tomorrow:

1. 1999 Porsche Boxster, Used Cars For Sale - Carsforsale.com

[tonycarreon]

guy on the board just posted his for sale. lots of mods and preventative work - ims, clutch, chain tensioners..

http://986forum.com/forums/boxsters-sale-wanted/34794-1999-boxster-sale-81k-miles-%2413500.html

also, the one you're checking out tomorrow (white) is a tip. nothing wrong with that - i have a tip, just make sure you're ready for everyone to tell you to get a real sports car...