What is a fair price for a mint 1998 Boxster? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Meat Head · 03-25-2013, 05:34 PM

Hello all, I have another post asking about the mechanical woes of the early Boxsters. In this thread I would like the opinions of the masses on what is a good price for a 1998 Porsche Boxster.

I already purchased the car so it's possible I made a mistake

!!!!

It's a 1998 arena red Porsche Boxster, tan interior, 2.5 engine, 5 speed transmission and 27k miles. It is a two owner car that has always been kept in a heated garage. It is in fantastic condition. Anyway, I paid $10,500 (they were asking $12,900). Did I do good or get screwed???

I totally admit that I jumped the gun when I purchased this car (I fell in love lol)! I was looking for a fun two seat convertible (hopefully that has already depreciated). I owned Porsches in the past. At first glance, I thought I purchased the car for a steal at $10,500 (27k miles and mint condition)! After further evaluation with all the engine woes I'm not so sure.

What do you guys think??? Did I get a good deal or am I a sucker???

Johnny Danger · 03-25-2013, 05:44 PM

The only way to quantify cost in this situation is by gaging the level of happiness and satisfaction that you exacted from your purchase. Someone will always tell you that you paid too much, or that they would have offered X. But, if in the end you're happy and satisfied with your new boxster - then $10,500 was a small price to have paid.

linklaw · 03-25-2013, 05:55 PM

I think you got a good deal. Even if you put a couple grand into it for an IMSB upgrade, in my opinion you are still ahead of the game. Where else are you going to have so much fun for the price of a 4 year old minivan?

Perfectlap · 03-25-2013, 06:03 PM

9 in 10 Boxster owners jumped the gun when they bought theirs. Most could have searched longer and test driven more cars but its like kicking a swimsuit model out of your house for showing up a week early.

pompous · 03-26-2013, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

9 in 10 Boxster owners jumped the gun when they bought theirs. Most could have searched longer and test driven more cars but its like kicking a swimsuit model out of your house for showing up a week early.

LOL Well said

q2usmc · 03-26-2013, 10:05 AM

I think you did fairly well. Three years ago I purchased my '98 basalt black Boxster for $11,500 (original asking price $15,995). It was a one owner, garaged kept, meticulously maintained, flawless paint/interior, and only had 45K miles. I had seen other Boxsters in the area sell for close to what I paid, but had many more miles and were less than perfect condition cosmetically. It's been an absolute pleasure to drive and I haven't had any problems with it whatsoever. Relax and enjoy your purchase!

CoBeerToad · 03-26-2013, 10:08 AM

Jumped the gun for sure, but the level of happiness I have far outweighs any concerns I have about shaving $1000 off the price.

1997 Boxster - 68K miles. Tires were bald and a headlight was out. Original top w/ no leaks, newer back window, but it had a scratch. All service records. Didn't get the wind screen because I didn't know there was one to begin with. Price was $11,000. I paid $10,500.

I remember his face when I was driving away. He looked sad. I don't think I want to experience that.

paintboy · 03-26-2013, 11:35 AM

If you have to ask, you paid too much. These are not cheap cars to own My mechanic has the PIN of my checking account. You paid the very high end of the scale, but if you love it, who cars. Seems like you want someone to pat you on the back and say "Everything will be fine." And chances are, they will. Drive it. Love it. Hide the keys from others.
I paid 8K for min...It is a 9+.

McDuff · 03-26-2013, 05:19 PM

Well someone has to make you feel better, so it might as well be me, I'll man up! I bought my 99 with 30,000 miles, new high-end tires spotless, with $3,000 in carbon fiber interior add-ons - Bosch certified with two covers, and a porch battery tender for $15K. There, feel better?

Mcduff

McDuff · 03-26-2013, 05:21 PM

make that a porsche battery tender!

WhipE350 · 03-26-2013, 05:36 PM

Late Nov 2010 I overpaid a little for my 2000 'S' with 51k miles. It was the only red one around and had been serviced and I got all the records. It turns out I got one of the good ones, it had very few repairs and everything I replaced on it just for fun was like new. In the end I think I did great.

Enjoy it, sounds like you found a good one!

Timco · 03-26-2013, 05:46 PM

October last year. '04 Special Edition S 550 with 110k. Bald tires, stock radio, loud bearings, needed all brakes, AOS, all tune up parts, clutch.

$15,500.00

McDuff · 03-26-2013, 05:52 PM

It's like someone said, just enjoy what you have, they are great cars, and a fun ride. I get a lot of looks as there are not a lot around these parts. My wife loves it too, that is why the tiptronic, it just makes me feel good to know that at 65 I finally got to own one!
Midlife crisis I suspect but all good.

runjmc2 · 03-27-2013, 01:28 PM

Based on the newly revealed FACTS that these early car do not have an IMS issue and the newer cars are flawed and doomed to IMS failure...the market for the early models is going to go crazy. To give everyone on this site a head start, I will offer my '97 for $20K....lol

jccash · 03-27-2013, 03:28 PM

I would have paid that if I saw it. But, I bought a 1999 986 with 142K miles for $5200.00 Runs great but will need to replace the oil separator and I had to put money into fixing the convertable top transmission as well as the motor for the top. So far counting tax and title I have $7200.00. Oh, I am looking for good used seats (Savannah Beige) or will recover mine. I'm sure by the time I fix a few things here and there I'll be up to $10K or more... But it's fun and my wife likes it.

Perfectlap · 03-27-2013, 03:42 PM

^ you paid less for that Porsche than I paid for my 1994 Miata that I used for autocross, granted it was only five years old when I bought it. I also put about $5K into after buying it. I ended up only losing $2500 after driving the wheels off it for about five years. Big mistake selling that thing as I much prefered the low maintenance/ low cost of upgrades for an autocross car vs. what that runs in a water-cooled Porsche.

Gregtenerife · 03-27-2013, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McDuff

It's like someone said, just enjoy what you have, they are great cars, and a fun ride. I get a lot of looks as there are not a lot around these parts. My wife loves it too, that is why the tiptronic, it just makes me feel good to know that at 65 I finally got to own one!
Midlife crisis I suspect but all good.

Mid life crisis? At 65? I love your optimism! And the best of luck to you!!

V-Rod · 03-27-2013, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

9 in 10 Boxster owners jumped the gun when they bought theirs. Most could have searched longer and test driven more cars but its like kicking a swimsuit model out of your house for showing up a week early.

[QUOTE=linklaw;333468]I think you got a good deal. Even if you put a couple grand into it for an IMSB upgrade, in my opinion you are still ahead of the game. Where else are you going to have so much fun for the price of a 4 year old minivan?[/QUOTE

Well put! Iam in this same situation. Purchased a 99 for a little over 11k. I loved this car and I am going to sink 5k into it before I even put 500mi on it. But I will have a completely new suspension, new battery, rotors, pads, tires, clutch, imsb, rms, wheel bearings & cv boots. If I purchased a 16k mid 2000's one, I would still be faced with the same upcoming repairs. Like JD said, it's all about having fun driving these vehicles.