$8000 Boxster S
 

Okay here is the situation. I have been talking to this guy who is willing to part with his 2001 Boxster S for 8000 bucks. The car has 140,000 miles on it. Apparently the engine had timing issues and was rebuilt for 10k. New clutch, new top, new rear breaks, new exhaust and new CAT. This car is obviously not the best out there but for 8 grand it has my eye. I have a 18k budget. I figure if this car is in good shape (cosmetically) it might not be too bad of a deal even if I have to end up dumping 5k into it for maint. Thoughts?

An $8,000 Boxster can quickly cost you $18,000. Read everything you can here for a few days, and do your homework.

I know a fair amount about the car. If the engine was rebuilt properly it should be a solid car (mechanically) but that's the big question, was it done right.

If you have a true 18k budget buy the newest car you can. You probably can get a clean 2003 with glass rear window and other updates. Get a thorough PPI done and take your time picking a good example with service records! If your flexible on a color combination a great car is out there in your price range. The car you are speaking of could very easily be a mystery machine that could not only cost a lot of money to make right but a lot of down time and head ache. I made an emotional buy that ended up costing me a lot to correct.

I have looked at 5, test drove 3 and PPI'd one. The PPI turned into a 5k invoice for repair and maint. I have two Porsche specialist looking for cars for me for the last 3 months and they haven't been coming up with many good ones. Every 18k car I have looked at needs 3-5k in maint or repairs. That's why I am interested in this 8k one knowing that I can dump a lot into it and still hopefully come out on top.

EDIT: When I say looked at 5, I mean physically. Not just on the internet. I have looked at hundreds on the internet.

I would mostly be interested in this "rebuilt" motor. "Had timing problems" leads me to believe the IMS failed. If it was truly rebuilt with a new IMS (ideally not a new stock piece), new bearings, appropriate headwork, and ideally, sleeved case halves and forged internals, then that should be a great motor.

If it was all done half assed, then, well.....

Walk.........................................

TO

Why? Whats your reason?

This is a gamble for sure, I bought a 1998 Guards Red 986 base for less than 6,500.00 and knew it had some issues. I have worked on it and had it worked on for 3 months now, IMS Guardian Sr., a/c lines rebuilt, new motor mount, new CLU, new key, rims repainted, mirrors repainted, re-cycled trunk order, new spare tire soon to be ordered, I may have forgotten a few minor things. The car is finally looking good ad it does drive awesome, but I have spent around 2k plus on it so far! But I do love te car!

Sounds like your total investment is only $8500 that doesn't sound like too much of a gamble to me. Like I said, even if I have to dump 5k into this thing and its running great. It sure beats spending 18K on a car and having to put 2k into it.

Walk...........

TO

Not emotional. I have looked at many of these. I am too the point where I am going to walk away for a few months because I am tired of looking. I have walked from 5 others, its getting easier to walk away because the excitement is wearing off because I cant seem to find the right one. So I go into every potential car asking where is the problem. This one I know has potential problems. But like I said if this engine was rebuilt right, this is a great deal for 8k. If emotion is the only reason you are giving me to walk away, its a non factor.

EDIT: I don't mind a little bit of a project. I am a manager at a very large body shop with all kinds of connections and cheap labor at my disposal. And parts at a 50% discount. So like I said if I have to dump 5k into an 8K car to get it right. It beats dumping 2K into an 18K car (which is what I have been seeing). Again it all depends on this motor rebuild. It was done by a Porsche specialist with documentation to prove it. So again this 8K car is most certainly worth a look.

You ask for thoughts, I give you mine.

You ask for reasons, I give you some.

It appears you've already made up your mind. It's your money, and your time. Good luck.

TO

Run Forest Run!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If not, we will hear your tales of woe soon enough..........:rolleyes:

When you ask for advice expect to hear some from both sides, including the one you didn't want to hear from. :cheers:

Go for it IF:

1) look at the rebuild bill to see exactly what parts were replaced and refurbished and it looks like the job was done right

2) have the best Porsche mechanic you can find do a complete engine inspection that includes all the tests possible without pulling the engine and the inspection comes up clean. PS show the mechanic the rebuild bill.

Totally a gamble, with hard to calculate risk. You may do quite well for yourself with this purchase. Heck, brought up to great shape for 18k all-in is not bad. Just realize if the engine grenades you probably have no recourse (? aftermarket warranty). And if this happens After new suspension/coolant tank/MAF/AOS/battery/radiator relay/water pump/AC control/paint job then you have a heck of a nice roller that is not worth much until you put a new engine in it. If you can cover this bet and the odds look good to, then absolutely go for it.
Personally I'm leery of gambling when the odds are too fuzzy to calculate.
But it is a safe bet that if you actually like driving, you will Love the car, probably enough to do whatever it needs done!

Hmmmmm, even if the engine is rebuilt at 140k miles there's not much life left in it...

One more thing: if I look at the "cars for sale" section on this forum I see several Boxsters in your price range....

This car sounds like a great candidate for track/autocross and heavy modifications. You've got a good budget and great shop resources. Are you planning to spend your budget on upgrades, or is it there just in case? If you are not happy with a stock car, this sounds like the one for you...if you feel mere mortals have no business messing with Porsche's product, find a nicer car.

Being able to afford to buy these cars is much different than being able to afford to own them. There is no cheap Porsche.