Newbie first interduction and questions regarding a 2000 Boxer

[tdc]

Hey guys, thank you for the comments.. I have several pics that I treid to post up several times but they need to be approved first! so please get them approved mods..

in the mean time.


Here are my questions / concerns to the team.

Is it safe to assume that if the engine was properly rebuilt that I’ll be able to get another 100k out of her?

Is it safe to assume that with the miles it has all of the little (nickel and dime stuff) has been replaced ie Mass flow sensor, oxg sensors, coolant tank, etc have all been replaced? If not what should I look for? Will there be any tell tail signs other than OBD codes?

Where should I be looking for coolant leaks?

Where should I be looking to make sure that all water channels are clear? I’ve read some horror stories about electrical problems due to clogged water passages and the fact that the computer is under the seat.

It’s a five speed manual trans that has had no work performed on it that is known, what concerns should I have regarding the transmission? I’ve read mostly good things about the manuals being strong and well built. Can you verify this please?

The top mechanically may work great but from the pic’s above I looks like the back plastic window will need to be replaced soon. Does this require a new top or just the back window area? Any budget numbers to address this??

Is it safe to assume that since there is noise coming from the control arm that they will need to be replaced, or is this still a viable sheep fix with new rubber? Or is it like the owners says, no worries! Would I feel this in the steering wheel ie shake / vib ??

So what am I missing team?


For what its worth!
I’ve been doing tons of research and I know / have found and drove several 986 boxers that are cheaper than this one, Heck, there’s a 2002 S for 12k 25 miles away, but it has 107 miles and has never had any real work done to it, there are plenty of 98-2002 under 11k here in Los Angeles miles very form 48k-130k, but again most with no major work performed. Thanks to this place I’m now really shy of lower miles 986’s lol. Again there’s a 1999 with 77k for 8500 but it has no service records!. I think I better off spending the money on one that was just reworked right?? Ahhhaaaa..

Anyway, thank you all for your time team, I’m looking forward to reading what your thoughts and advise are..
Tdc.

[recycledsixtie]

Just keep looking for a Boxster in your price range that has receipts the seller is willing to show you. If they can't supply receipts just walk. Consider private sales as they should be more than willing to show receipts as there are not the privacy issues with a used car dealer.
.
Don't get fixated on one Boxster trying to make it acceptable. You need to do due diligence and really work on getting one from a person that is honest. If you buy a fixer upper you will be spending $$$$ and your labor or somebody else to get it fixed right. Patience is key. Get a PPI done on one you like. There is no guarantee with any used car that it will run flawlessly after you have bought it.

Perhaps there is a 986 forum member in your area that can assist you. G.

[tonycarreon]

Originally Posted by tdc

Is it safe to assume that if the engine was properly rebuilt that I’ll be able to get another 100k out of her?

personally i would not assume one way or the other. be prepared for no, live for yes.

Originally Posted by tdc

Is it safe to assume that with the miles it has all of the little (nickel and dime stuff) has been replaced ie Mass flow sensor, oxg sensors, coolant tank, etc have all been replaced? If not what should I look for? Will there be any tell tail signs other than OBD codes?

definitely not. some people will replace things before they show problems, some people replace things only when the car stops working. get receipts / details of what has been done and work backwards to know what hasn't been done.

Originally Posted by tdc

Where should I be looking for coolant leaks?

under the car. near the radiators if it's been scraped on curbs / parking bumpers. near the rear passenger tire and pull up the carpet in the trunk. look for crust / coolant.

Originally Posted by tdc

Where should I be looking to make sure that all water channels are clear? I’ve read some horror stories about electrical problems due to clogged water passages and the fact that the computer is under the seat.

look / smell under the seats.

Originally Posted by tdc

It’s a five speed manual trans that has had no work performed on it that is known, what concerns should I have regarding the transmission? I’ve read mostly good things about the manuals being strong and well built. Can you verify this please?

i have a TIP...

Originally Posted by tdc

The top mechanically may work great but from the pic’s above I looks like the back plastic window will need to be replaced soon. Does this require a new top or just the back window area? Any budget numbers to address this??

it is possible to sew in a new plastic window to the original top. several members have done it. i think the vinyl will cost around $100, you can sew it yourself or take it to a shop. $0 - $500. i replaced my top with a GAHH. parts + install, ~$1500.

Originally Posted by tdc

Is it safe to assume that since there is noise coming from the control arm that they will need to be replaced, or is this still a viable sheep fix with new rubber? Or is it like the owners says, no worries! Would I feel this in the steering wheel ie shake / vib ??

mine only made noise. no shake / shimmy / vibration.

Originally Posted by tdc

So what am I missing team?

a PPI


i bought my '01 in '09 with 65k miles. it's at 106k miles now with a few repairs - alternator, water pump, AOS, control arm, strut mount, engine mount, coolant reservoir.

i've spent close to $9000 in the 5 years since i owned it (including regular maintenance like tires, brakes, oil changes, etc) and non-required items (headlight and new top). i think i'm probably on the lower end of the "cost of ownership" curve. i do my own basic stuff - oil changes, belts, plugs, etc.

[recycledsixtie]

Originally Posted by tonycarreon

personally i would not assume one way or the other. be prepared for no, live for yes.


definitely not. some people will replace things before they show problems, some people replace things only when the car stops working. get receipts / details of what has been done and work backwards to know what hasn't been done.


under the car. near the radiators if it's been scraped on curbs / parking bumpers. near the rear passenger tire and pull up the carpet in the trunk. look for crust / coolant.


look / smell under the seats.


i have a TIP...


it is possible to sew in a new plastic window to the original top. several members have done it. i think the vinyl will cost around $100, you can sew it yourself or take it to a shop. $0 - $500. i replaced my top with a GAHH. parts + install, ~$1500.


mine only made noise. no shake / shimmy / vibration.


a PPI


i bought my '01 in '09 with 65k miles. it's at 106k miles now with a few repairs - alternator, water pump, AOS, control arm, strut mount, engine mount, coolant reservoir.

i've spent close to $9000 in the 5 years since i owned it (including regular maintenance like tires, brakes, oil changes, etc) and non-required items (headlight and new top). i think i'm probably on the lower end of the "cost of ownership" curve. i do my own basic stuff - oil changes, belts, plugs, etc.

Well said Tony. It's members like you that make this forum great. G.