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My first Boxster

Hi everyone,

I am looking to buy my first Boxster on a 1999 plate, is there anything I should look out for. I have heard a few horror stories about engines blowing up?

Hi Argo. Welcome to the forum. You should read the thread above Thinking of buying a Boxster. There is lots here to read about the Boxster.
Cheers, G.:)

I seem to recall that some of the early models had cylinder sleeve slippage, but it would happen early on in the mileage so most cars should have that worked out by now unless its a really low mile car.

You also want to get a dual row bearing IMS engined or LN retrtorfit bearing car so that your risk is reduced of that catastrophic engine failure issue.

Search for the IMS Law suit settlement to determine which serial number ranges were not at elevated risk.

Also, you don't want a really low mile car for more than a few reasons. It needs at least a couple thousand miles per year and perhaps a monthly drive to keep everything happy and adequately lubed.

Maintenance history is one of the most important things with a Boxster as insufficient maintenance and particularly Oil Changes will cost you farther down the road.

I personally went with the S model because I read that the engine is a bit beefier in cylinder wall thickness and the extra HP of course.

Its totally worth the extra $2000 you might have to pay for the S in tems of power, cylinder volume/hp upgrade potential and resale value.

the 99 already has a dual row... as long as you are buying a car from the 90s... you oughta be fine... just look for a car that was cared for and driver. Waterpumps tend to go out on these cars between 60k and 100k so if that isnt replaced already... budget for it or maybe use that as a haggling tool.. with boxsters it isnt the newest you can afford, its the best cared for that you can afford (not necessarily low mileage but low mileage does tend to correlate.)

Just do your research and buy one. There are a lot of choices out there and do not be tempted for the cheapest one out there (usu at a used car lot). Enjoy the hunt!