Safe to buy pre 2000 model year?

[thstone]

Welcome, welcome!

The porous engine and D-chunk problems are not much of a concern anymore, even in pre-2000 models, simply due to mileage. Avoid a super low mileage car and there shouldn't much to worry about.

My 1999 2.5L has 120,000 miles on the original IMS bearing. Car runs perfect and I run it hard at the track at least 25 days a year. Am I tempting fate? I don't think so, I think that the odds are actually stacked well in my favor.

And I'd say that if you can afford $7K in upgrades to try to avoid an engine failure, then you can afford a $7K replacement engine. Of course, you will have to decide your comfort level so you can sleep well at night. Just don't let all of this worry ruin the ownership experience. Live the dream.

[schnellman]

The original post gave me a headache. I bought a base 98 with 15,000 miles and have not had one bit of trouble with her. Routine maintenance only and I've driven her over 30,000 miles. If you're that worried, buy a Toyota.

[Topless]

Originally Posted by thstone

Welcome, welcome!

The porous engine and D-chunk problems are not much of a concern anymore, even in pre-2000 models, simply due to mileage. Avoid a super low mileage car and there shouldn't much to worry about.

My 1999 2.5L has 120,000 miles on the original IMS bearing. Car runs perfect and I run it hard at the track at least 25 days a year. Am I tempting fate? I don't think so, I think that the odds are actually stacked well in my favor.

And I'd say that if you can afford $7K in upgrades to try to avoid an engine failure, then you can afford a $7K replacement engine. Of course, you will have to decide your comfort level so you can sleep well at night. Just don't let all of this worry ruin the ownership experience. Live the dream.

Agreed. All the D-chunk/slipped sleeve cars died 10 yrs ago. Buy a car with clutch and IMS already done and go drive the car. By spending $7k on preventative it will likely be more reliable as a DD but you assume all the monetary risk up front.

[jcb986]

I have a 2000S which have the 3.2 liter engine. Also the S model has more factory options and a upgraded suspension compared to the base. Just more for the money and most likely it will cost about the same as a base. Mine has a TIP and I love it. I couldn't think of owning a Porsche with an auto until I drove one. It was so much sweeter, plus I don't have to spend 2-3 grand for a whole new clutch system at 80K miles. I now have about 72K miles on her with no engine problems at all. I do the normal oil changes, filters, etc. The only failure I had was with the AOS which just about everybody has had too with higher mileage on their Boxsters. As for the IMS problem, yes it does exist, but, there has to be at least a half a million units built from 1998-2000 and I would bet over 80% of them have no issues. Everybody builds a lemon now and them and they also have some engineering problems...even today there are recalls for some kind of issue. Look for a one or two owner with maintenance history with about 45 to 65k miles on it.

Final thought on Boxster or Carrera's with stick. I am 67 yo and if I had a stick you would most likely feel comfortable in buying from me. Now, I am in my 20's I start telling how this baby fly's and hugs the road at 100mph. Plus the mods that I have added...betch you gonna have second thoughts.