Buying my first boxster

[recycledsixtie]

Originally Posted by newob

I don't feel very lucky :P I also want the car to last a long time. Once I get the IMS repaired, I intend on driving the car very regularly. Do you think it is a must to do the AOC and the water pump while in there? Or should I wait until next year or so...?

I was going to correct the running costs per year to $1-2k. I left the the k out!

AOS, water pump does not have to be done right away. A proactive purist would put in a new water pump right away. I am not that way inclined . How proactive do you want to be?

I think that you have your priorities right for your situation - ims, rms(rear main seal) replace and I feel that your clutch is young unless it is giving you trouble.

Read carefully what everybody has recommended. It all boils down to $$$. It is a fun ride and for me has been worth every $.

[Perfectlap]

I'm going to guess that between keeping an imsb and the original water pump in for too long the water pump failure has claimed many more engines or forced a rebuild.

You should update the coolant cap to the 2004 revision which I think is the most recent. This should be part of the pre purchase inspection in my opinion. You don't want to flush the coolant, replace the water pump or the replace the troublesome coolant tank without also updating the cap. It's a $20 part that can throw a wrench to the entire cooling system.

[newob]

I guess my big question is, if I replace the ims, rms and clutch, how likely is it that something else break and I'm out 10k? Like if I don't change my water pump, or aoc could it mean a new engine? Or does it simply mean a couple hundred in repairs? I am used to cars that if they break, it's not normally catastrophic engine failure... That's one thing that made scared when I read that about the ims...

That's my real question...

[Perfectlap]

If you stay ahead of the water pump and ims while making sure your oil level is correct, the chances of engine failure comes down drastically.

[evomind]

Originally Posted by newob

I guess my big question is, if I replace the ims, rms and clutch, how likely is it that something else break and I'm out 10k? Like if I don't change my water pump, or aoc could it mean a new engine? Or does it simply mean a couple hundred in repairs? I am used to cars that if they break, it's not normally catastrophic engine failure... That's one thing that made scared when I read that about the ims...

That's my real question...

These guys will have you buying a new car before its all said and done.

[RawleyD]

Originally Posted by evomind

These guys will have you buying a new car before its all said and done.

Ha , no joke.

Just drive it for F sake. Nothing's going to happen to your car.

[flybird]

Hey congrads on your sweet ride. These cars have small motors that like to operate at higher rpms than say your big v8 so don't shift out to soon. Search this site for more info on this if you need to. What you two have done is bought a race car with license plates on it. These cars love to be drivin hard and fast so don't think your going to hurt it, enjoy!

[kk2002s]

I think you need to drive it for awhile
Check the levels all the time. Look for drips. Smell the smells after you drive it.
Change the oil yourself, cut the filter open, drop the pan and inspect what all that looks like
You don't sound like you are set up to do repairs easily, no garage, jacks, stands, specific tools or the ability to let the car sit while you figure out what is wrong and fix it yourself
You could do all those preventatives, that will certainly take them out of the equation, but there are many other things that can take out that engine that you can't really prevent easily.
It's a slippery slope
Hey if you have the funds, go for it
You won't know until you drive it and they present themselves

Drive the thing, they love it, you'll love it and you'll start to get a feel for what is needed right away
Oh by the way - Congrats - and welcome

[bglz42]

Congrats!

Now just drive it and don't worry! You bought a fantastic and reliable car...

[newob]

Got some other pictures, decided to show it off a bit better... Do you think I should change the rims or put a body kit on it?

THANKS FOR ALL THE RESPONSES TO MY POLL AND MY QUESTIONS!!

[TeamOxford]

Originally Posted by newob

Do you think I should change the rims or put a body kit on it?

Absolutely not.

Drive it. Perform some routine and preventative maintenance as outlined in previous posts. From looking at your pics, your Boxster seems to already be modded quite nicely (except for the compressed springs).

Enjoy the driving experience. There will be plenty of time down the road to mess with it.

TO

[evomind]

That's a very nice, low mile "S" for 15700.

[rp17]

That red looks nice. Drive it for a while before you start modding. That car already has some good mods on it. Things may come up and you will have the money to address it and the "while you in there" stuff.

How much thread are on those tires? And did they paint the inside frunk? Like the spoiler, and the seats. Factory radio has already been ditched. Buy a nice jack and a set of stands and drive on.

[newob]

Originally Posted by rp17

That red looks nice. Drive it for a while before you start modding. That car already has some good mods on it. Things may come up and you will have the money to address it and the "while you in there" stuff.

How much thread are on those tires? And did they paint the inside frunk? Like the spoiler, and the seats. Factory radio has already been ditched. Buy a nice jack and a set of stands and drive on.

The front tires are brand new and the back tires have about 80% of the tread left. I am not sure if they painted inside the trunk or not.
Yes, I need to buy some stands and a jack because I intend on doing the oil changes myself.
Ironically I think I will probably end up replacing the stereo again in lieu of one with an external input jack.

[jacabean]

what mods. does this car have ? suspension has had work done , what parts where installed ?

[newob]

Originally Posted by jacabean

what mods. does this car have ? suspension has had work done , what parts where installed ?

The suspension has been clamped, so the seller told me if I want to undo it, I just jack the car up and take off the clamps... Not sure if it will actually be that easy.. Other then that the car has had the seats replaced as you can see, has had the dash panels carbon fiber dipped, non stock wheels put on it, stereo redone, hydraulic spoiler modded and the boxsterS emblem on the back was professionally removed...

In the future I first intend on replacing The ims, rms, clutch and water pump. I then will upgrade the rear window so that it doesn't have any sun damage, then I will replace the stereo for one with an external jack, and lastly place some slightly different rims on it. I also intend on putting the original seats back in.:dance:

[rfuerst911sc]

I watched that car via the Craigslist ad. Good luck with her.

[jacabean]

:troll:

Originally Posted by newob

The suspension has been clamped, so the seller told me if I want to undo it, I just jack the car up and take off the clamps... Not sure if it will actually be that easy.. Other then that the car has had the seats replaced as you can see, has had the dash panels carbon fiber dipped, non stock wheels put on it, stereo redone, hydraulic spoiler modded and the boxsterS emblem on the back was professionally removed...

In the future I first intend on replacing The ims, rms, clutch and water pump. I then will upgrade the rear window so that it doesn't have any sun damage, then I will replace the stereo for one with an external jack, and lastly place some slightly different rims on it. I also intend on putting the original seats back in.:dance:

not sure what "clamped" is . you got full leather which is a real nice option .