Yearly repairs? Thinking of selling

[thstone]

I think that your experience is somewhat normal for the Boxster. You paid $8K and have done about $6K in repairs while I paid $10K for my '99 and have done about $4K in repairs (tires, clutch, starter, etc). So we both have spent about $14K to buy it and keep it running. You still have to fix the A/C and I just did the brakes (rotors/pads) and still need a new water pump. Close enough for me to call it even. Welcome to the club. The best thing to do now is to drive it like you stole it and enjoy the heck out of it because the money is spent and we're not going to get it back in resale.

[986_inquiry]

Originally Posted by thstone

I think that your experience is somewhat normal for the Boxster. You paid $8K and have done about $6K in repairs while I paid $10K for my '99 and have done about $4K in repairs (tires, clutch, starter, etc). So we both have spent about $14K to buy it and keep it running. You still have to fix the A/C and I just did the brakes (rotors/pads) and still need a new water pump. Close enough for me to call it even. Welcome to the club. The best thing to do now is to drive it like you stole it and enjoy the heck out of it because the money is spent and we're not going to get it back in resale.

Then I must be rare, I paid that for a 98 with 100k from dealership. 10,000 miles later no major repairs other than routine maintenance (oil, filters, etc)

No engine lights, other than occasional slow flashing coolant, but mechanic says temp sensor accurate and engine not overheating (180-210) and recent midwest weather has been highest on record so I should be safe

Brakes, rotors, tires coming up

[mountainman]

Your situation is probably not uncommon. Porsches are not cheap to buy or to maintain, but they are fantastic to drive. If you follow a new one from day one you are probably looking at an average of about $1500 to $2,000 a year for maintenance. Unfortunately, the previous owner didn"t pay his part and you got stuck with yours and his.
That said, there are a couple of ways around some of the expense. Avoid Porsche dealers because they will rape you repeatedly. However don't go to joe blow at the corner garage. I have a fine mechanic that was with porsche for many years and now has his own shop. He saves me about 40 percent on labor and almost that much on parts. I use him for anything that I can't do myself.
And speaking of doing it yourself, if you are going to drive a porsche learn to do much of your own work. There is a wealth of information in this forum that will guide you thru much of it. Especially the routine maintenance. I have 3 porsches and there is no way I could pay dealers to maintain them. I have invested in a lift for the garage ($2K) and it has saved me thousands. I bought a $300 bearing tool and I can now change a wheel bearing in 3 hours for $60 while the dealer gets $600. I do a complete brake job for $500 (rotors and all) while the dealer gets $2K. I do an oil change for $60 while the dealer gets $200. Etc, etc,etc
Everyone thinks they can"t do their own repairs, but many of them are much easier to do than you think. Hang around a garage for a while and watch. These guys are not rocket scientists. You will not be able to do it all, but what you save on the easy stuff will make the IMS and RMS repairs hurt less when you have to shell out for them. Buy some tools and get greasy. You will appreciate your car a lot more after you work on it yourself. That's my opinion and it is worth just what I charged you for it.

[Homeboy981]

Originally Posted by mountainman

...Buy some tools and get greasy. You will appreciate your car a lot more after you work on it yourself.

My sentiments EXACTLY!

I have a bunch of new tools to prove it. However, most are used well by now….and lovin' it! Worked on bikes but was intimidated because it was a Porsche too. I just started doing things that were within my wrench-ability! I washed the car and was hooked in from there….doing bearings and drop links next!

These Pcars are a blast! I am surprised more people do not know our secret….you put up with a lot to drive this car but there is no other car I would rather be in!

So ENJOY IT NOW-while you can! There are only so many sunny days my friends….BASK in the sunshine! And wear sunscreen just in case I'm wrong!

My $.02