Roller W/Slavage Title - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

BigShow · 03-09-2014, 02:43 PM

I've been mulling over and 996 or 986/7 for a while. Most of the better deals appear to be on the east and west coast. Not as much selection in the Midwest.

Locally I just found a non-working 2001, 2.7L Boxster with 80,000 miles but with a salvage title. Asking price is $4,000. The pictures don't show accident damage, I'm going to call about the salvage title.

I'm a DIY kind of guy this could be an interesting project or a nightmare. If I put in a new engine it will still carry the stigma of a salvage title.

Thoughts?

TeamOxford · 03-09-2014, 02:52 PM

How "interesting" of a project do you want? $5K? $10K? $15K?

If you're looking to flip it, the stigma of a salvage title will always be a negative, and you'll never recoup your investment. Good luck finding a "new" engine.

Just sayin'............

TO

thstone · 03-09-2014, 05:18 PM

If you're really ready for that kind of a project, I'd go and see it and if all looks well, I'd offer $1K (in cash, of course) and be ready to walk at $1500. A roller is only worth $3K and the salvage title cuts that in half.

rp17 · 03-09-2014, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thstone

If you're really ready for that kind of a project, I'd go and see it and if all looks well, I'd offer $1K (in cash, of course) and be ready to walk at $1500. A roller is only worth $3K and the salvage title cuts that in half.

Agree with this statement. Buying a boxster with a failed engine could be a better route also.

BigShow · 03-09-2014, 05:54 PM

CARS.COM List prices for working cars with about 80,000 miles.
#1 $12,900
#2 $9,950
#3 $8,500
#4 $8,490

BIGJake111 · 03-09-2014, 05:59 PM

pay a little more for a working car.... you will turn out cheaper and believe me, you will still have a project on your hands and still get to work on it haha

seriously though they are great cars but you will have to put some labor in time to time.

BigShow · 03-09-2014, 06:03 PM

Used engines on ebay are fairly cheap, but I can't picture putting in an unknown quantity.

One example of a rebuilt engine $8,000 plus $4,000 core charge. If the core is bad, no or limited core refund.

This guy might be better off parting the car out.

rick3000 · 03-09-2014, 06:21 PM

These are not really project or restoration cars in my opinion, the parts cost too much. I would be extremely wary of a salvage title unless you never plan to sell it. It will be worth money to you, but all the money you put into it will never be recouped. I would look for a roller with a blown engine if you want a project. You can get a running '97 with 80k for about $8-9k.

TeamOxford · 03-09-2014, 06:23 PM

Just my opinion.........which, when coupled with five bucks, might just buy you a cup of coffee at Starbucks............I don't think you're ready or prepared for this.

Just sayin'................

TO

BigShow · 03-09-2014, 07:11 PM

OK, this is about the story I was expecting. Not the car for me. Thanks.

Jamesp · 03-10-2014, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigShow

I've been mulling over and 996 or 986/7 for a while. Most of the better deals appear to be on the east and west coast. Not as much selection in the Midwest.

Locally I just found a non-working 2001, 2.7L Boxster with 80,000 miles but with a salvage title. Asking price is $4,000. The pictures don't show accident damage, I'm going to call about the salvage title.

I'm a DIY kind of guy this could be an interesting project or a nightmare. If I put in a new engine it will still carry the stigma of a salvage title.

Thoughts?

Sounds like it's been swimming, and if so, don't back away from it, turn and run. Lots of electrical wiring sensors effectors circuit boards etc. to go wrong along with all the mechanicals and everything very pricey. Couple that with a salvage title and you have a never ending money pit you can't sell.

OKCShooter · 03-10-2014, 08:08 AM

Sounds like a parts car at best.

keysguy · 03-10-2014, 06:28 PM

parts car or conversion into a race car

seningen · 03-11-2014, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigShow

Used engines on ebay are fairly cheap, but I can't picture putting in an unknown quantity.

One example of a rebuilt engine $8,000 plus $4,000 core charge. If the core is bad, no or limited core refund.

This guy might be better off parting the car out.

I've got a quality rebuilt 2.7 with lots of internal upgrades forsale -- not cheap at $9k but no core.
Nikisiled Block.

http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-parts-sale-wanted/50718-2-7l-nikisiled-engine.html

Mike

alanqning · 03-12-2014, 02:36 PM

Or... put a LS1 in it...

healthservices · 03-13-2014, 10:48 AM

At least three problems...

1. Salvage title will at best bring the cars value up to 6k with a running motor and no other issues

2. Even if you know exactly what it will cost to get the motor running, you have no idea what other issues the car has because you cannot test drive it. And virtually all cars below 10k have multiple issues not disclosed.

3. By the time you are done you will have spent more money than a quality Porsche at a higher price.

Advice.

Note the Boxsters for sale. Majority of them have been for sale for multiple months, mostly due to unrealistic sellers and detachment issues. BS with the owners and you maybe able to get a call back a month or two later or keep their numbers so you can call them back. Buy your Boxster in the fall and winter, it is the cheapest time of the year to buy them. If you actually find one for cheap jump on it as it will not last long but at the same time, look it over well for potential major issues.

I bought this one owner car for well below 4k and sold the top for even better savings. Its even got new Michelin pilots. It is my 5th boxster and probably one of the better ones I've owned. I have not paid more than 7k for any of my boxsters yet.

healthservices · 03-13-2014, 10:53 AM

Oh make sure to look under the drivers seat to see if the immobilizer is damaged by water. unless you can find a matched computer, immobilizer, and keys, used as a matched unit, this in itself will cost you in easily in excess of 1700 and as you will find it just about impossible to get the dealer to release codes to a independent shop to re-code a new immobilizer .