02 Boxster or 01 Boxster S

[kris07]

Hi Guys,

Here is the update, its not from a Porsche dealership. Its from a private car sales company however the last servicing was done at Porsche specialist at 38000 miles which leaves me with approx 1200 unwarranted miles.

So I have spoken to the dealer and he said, I would rather return the deposit then to wait for a PPI for another week. I see his point and he has stressed on the warranty and the MOT inspection included pump, oil leaks under the ramp.

So the way I look at it, I will probably do a PPI next week and include that as a clause that if there was anything major we agree at a buyback value and I limit my losses to perhaps 1000-2000USD.

Thats the risk I am willing to take and I think I just have to be fair as well.

Yesterday on my way home after the dealer with the Citroen C5 that I was on broke down after the motorway and needed a new clutch and fork that cost me close to USD500. Its got me exceptionally worried about warranties but thats a 80,000 mile car. Nevertheless major alarm bells started ringing. Of course I have to be objective here but you can't help but wonder.

I am still a little worried, anything can go wrong after you drive off, these things happen but then again anything can happen whilst you sleep or sit on the couch, have a heartache etc. Thats life.

Somewhere along the line, something will give way to wear and tear and there's just no 2 ways about it. Its good to worry but worrying too much is just not good.

I used to certify fighter planes fit for flight daily, you always wondered if your plane would drop off the skies. LOL! Somehow insurance and warranties didn't stop me from worrying. Thats the worst it can get I suppose, I will certainly be a lot more confident behind a Boxster wheel :-)

[southernstar]

Sorry coffinhunter, I just take an 8-10% failure rate (to which I have referred earlier) as not unusual. I suppose I would have been better to say 'not exceptionally rare' (for example, much less than 1%). Heck, I'll amend the post to say that.

Kris, why don't you get it up on a hoist a perform a basic inspection for yourself. Check it out after a test drive and look for oil leaks: IMS/RMS leaks, of course but also have them open the engine covers and inspect for play/bearing noise in the water pump and signs of leakage. Check for wetness from the coolant expansion tank both in the trunk and under the car. Check for signs of prior body damage/repairs. Check for oil leaks from the cam covers, spark plug tubes, variable valve-timing sensors, etc.

If all seems good at that point, assuming the dealer does servicing, perhaps offer to pay them for an oil/filter change so that you can, on the spot, inspect the oil filter and oil (take a hack saw and some gloves). If they don't agree to that ( a visual inspection by yourself after another drive and what would be a free oil change/filter for them if you decide not to buy), you have to wonder why.

The car may be - probably is a great car with no hidden defects. But oil/fluid leaks are not hard to find and an oi/filter inspection is pretty cheap insurance.

Brad

[southernstar]

Oh and Kris - if he uses the excuse that their garage insurance won't cover you being in there, you can still crawl under the car (or get your arms under it) in the parking lot after a good test drive. Bring a dentist style mirror and some paper towels and check for leaks (but wait til it cools down)! You should also be able to inspect under the engine covers (from the service position for the top) and behind the seat. Heck, they should open those for you at your request just so you can ensure that the top and the latches are all fully functional!

Brad