Thinking of buying a used Boxster, which one is the wiser choice?

[recycledsixtie]

Originally Posted by evo-r

One more

6) 2006 S, auto, 50k miles = $24,500 (hardtop, HID, rear parking sensor & BOSE)

Make sure you get one with the options you want - auto trans/tiptronic vs. manual.
Try both. Heated seats? I like lower mileage cars. Try several cars and of course a PPI(prepurchase in inspection) before you commit or walk. Do not be in a hurry. It is a buyer's market.Receipts for work done helps.Accident damage?

[More]

My biggest regret was not saving up the extra cash for the Boxster S as recommended in the Video below.

Porsche boxter fifth gear - YouTube

[BruceH]

Originally Posted by More

My biggest regret was not saving up the extra cash for the Boxster S as recommended in the Video below.

Porsche boxter fifth gear - YouTube

That one had the dreaded broken "B" on the rear badging.

[Johnny Danger]

Just make sure that it's speed yellow !

[More]

Originally Posted by BruceH

That one had the dreaded broken "B" on the rear badging.

Well spotted Bruce.

[BruceH]

Originally Posted by More

Well spotted Bruce.

I'm sensitive to that since mine had it too, but not anymore I just fixed it a couple of weeks ago!

[More]

Originally Posted by BruceH

I'm sensitive to that since mine had it too, but not anymore I just fixed it a couple of weeks ago!

Mine needs replacing as well.
Did you do it yourself?

[BruceH]

Originally Posted by More

Mine needs replacing as well.
Did you do it yourself?

Yes. Pretty simple, lay down some painters tape to mark the current position. Use dental floss to gently saw it off. Put the car in the sun first to loosen up the glue. Once off, clean up with some spirits. Then peel and stick! You are done

[dbear61]

Originally Posted by BruceH

That one had the dreaded broken "B" on the rear badging.

For the relative newbies, please explain what the Broken "B" is, and why it is dreaded.

DBear

[BruceH]

Originally Posted by dbear61

For the relative newbies, please explain what the Broken "B" is, and why it is dreaded.

DBear

Here is a picture of my broken "B", sorry, I don't have an updated picture of the fix.



You can see how the bottom of the B is broken.

[southernstar]

I think it is impossible to tell without actually seeing the cars and, if they pass your visual inspection and test-drive, a good PPI. Only a close inspection can tell you about prior body damage; heck, even a number of small door/fender dings and paint scratches can detract significantly from the appearance and value of the car. You also need to look at prior maintenance records: oil changes at intervals shorter than recommended by the factory are not only a good sign, but something which most believe will result in reduced risk of IMS bearing falirure, etc. Furthermore, especially as one approaches around 60,000 miles, a number of components can need replacement - e.g., the water pump, serpentine belt, control arms, water reservoir, clutch, MAF sensor, etc., etc. Have these already been replaced?

How hard was the car driven? A dealer can tell if it has been over-revved at some point and other visual clues can also help - are the rear tires showing excessive wear consistent with burn-out starts, how does the clutch/shifter/transmission feel/ is there a history of early clutch replacement? What about the rims - do they show excessive scuffs and scrapes, consistent with careless operation? How does the owner present? Is he/she a knowledgeable Porsche fan, or some young kid who knows nothing about them but bought one because it was a chick magnet? And where has the car been serviced and with what type of parts? Has it been serviced at a recognized Porsche shop, or by some unkown mechanic who has muddled his way through?

On the debate concerning years and the 2.7 versus the 3.2, I would pay much less attention to this than the condition and maintenance history. Yes the S has more horse power, torque and another gear in their manual transmissions. However, my 2000 2.7 has plenty enough power and torque for my purposes. I am still able to exceed our legal speed limit in second gear and have no interest in engaging in stoplight grand prix behavior. Of course, in the past I owned sports cars that were clearly underpowered (including a couple of Fiat x/19's), but loved them nonethless because of the handling and precision. In that regard, it is worth noting that while the glass window of the 2003 and later Boxsters was more practical, it also added a significant amount of weight precisely where you don't want it - high up! Remember, even in Formula 1 cars, the small amount of fuel burned per lap reduces weight sufficiently to reduce lap times by about 1/10th of a second - and that is weight that is carried very low in the car!

My suggestion is that you purchase the car in the best condition with the best maintenance history and which has a colour scheme/options that you can not only live with, but enjoy over the period of ownership.

Good luck!

Brad