HELP !!ADVISE!!! I'd like to buy a Boxster

[jp8926]

Hi all!! I'd like to know what to look for in a secod hand boxster, I am thinking on buying one, but I do not really know the model, I mean what are the extras it should have, how many km does a clutch last, cause is not the same a car with 70.000 km with a new clutch than one with 65.000 with and old one, that's the kind on things I mean.

thanks all!!!


Juan

P.S. sorry for my english, I am from Barceloma, Spain
owner of a 911 2.4S targa (1973) for sale by the way!!

[mjbliemel]

Hello Juan!

Welcome to the forum.

I'd look for low kilometres and one that has some warranty time left on it.

Clutch, all depends on how it has been driven. Mine has 60,000 miles on it now and the clutch is fine.

Try to get a complete car history and have the car checked out by a qualified Porsche mechanic.

Good luck and let us know what you end up with. Be sure to post pictures when you get your car.

[CharlesGordon]

Just to add some basic information, in case you aren't aware; there are basically 3 types of Boxsters on the used market today (excluding 2003):

-1997-->1999 2.5 Liter Boxster, 200 hp
-2000-->2002 2.7 Liter Boxster, 217 hp
-2000-->2002 3.2 Liter Boxster S, 250 hp

I think it is worth it to try to get a 2000 or newer 2.7 or 3.2 if possible. However, really great deals exist with the original 2.5 model.

Good luck! You can ask us more questions, but probably not too much on price because we aren't familiar with the Barcelona market.

[jp8926]

Thanks for your replies!!!

What are the main differences between the 2.5 and 2.7 model, are there any big improvements?? o they are basically the same, a bit more powerful.
Are there any common problems with the 2.5 that I should know??

Thanks again

Juan

[mjbliemel]

Not that it matters a lot, but the 2.5L is 201 HP from what I know.

I think the 2000 and newer models have a slightly better interior, although I have never found the interior on my '99 to be a negative.

The early 986 engines (I don't know all the specifics, this is kind of general info I have picked up in the 18 months I have had mine -- bought used with 37,250 miles, now just shy of 60,000 miles and NO PROBLEMS) had some fairly rare problems with bad engine castings (porosity) which resulted in some engine failures. They usually occur though at low mileage. I feel pretty confident that mine is a good engine. The other thing is RMS (rear main seal) failure which seems to plague some model years, not sure how it is with the '99 model year.

In any case, I would look for the newest model year you can afford that has some good warranty period left on it, just to be on the safer side.

Keep us posted on what you end up getting.

On another note, I may be making a trip to Spain next year to scout out the Costa Tropical for possible retirement properties. Perhaps we will meet someday in your country?

[CharlesGordon]

Originally posted by mjbliemel
In any case, I would look for the newest model year you can afford that has some good warranty period left on it, just to be on the safer side.

This is always good advice. I'm biased, owning a 2001 2.7, but I like 2001 because it is the first year that came with the 3 spoke steering wheel.

In 2000, the headliner was added to the tops, a nice refinement. The 2.7 is better than the 2.5, pulls a little stronger, but not a big deal. Some people think the original sound of the 2.5 is the best of any model.

[mjbliemel]

Yeah, I couldn't remember what the big improvement was from 1999 to 2000, but the headliner is definitely one of the things that would be nice to have. Although, for a ragtop, I have to say even the 1999 is not bad at all in that respect.

I have no idea how a 2.7L sounds, but I sure do love the sound of the 2.5L I have. It's really sweet!

[jp8926]

Are the headliners these two arcs above the seats?????

[CharlesGordon]

No, those are rollbars. We're talking about a soft cloth lining to the inside of the top; originally there was only a single layer of canvas.

[Ron]

Does the headliner make the interior quieter?

[mjbliemel]

I would think with the added headliner you would not have as much wind noise. That would be the reason for beefing up the convertible top. Makes sense to me. I haven't seen one nor ridden in one other than my own '99, so I really can't say from personal experience.

[rorye]

Yes, I think it's a good bit quieter!