Thinking about taking the plunge.
 

I’ve decided to buy myself a sports car and was originally looking at a used or lease new BMW Z4, or possibly a C6 Corvette. I had a budget of around 38 or so, but then started thinking about how much a month that was going to cost. One of my friends got me interested in Porches, so I started reading forums and researching.

I found what I think is a good candidate, details to follow and am interested in any feedback the members might have.

2003 Boxster S, 5 speed, with a factory remanufactured engine do to IMS failure. There are a total of 33,000 miles, 7,000 on the new engine. The engine work was done at the local dealer. Negotiated price is 17,500.

I’ve got the paperwork on the engine, it was around 17,000 all total and done in 2011. I don’t know the details yet, but the owner claims it uses a different style IMS bearing. The invoice lists the engine as a 3.2L 04 – Boxster S M, 1 & 14,130, ouch. I’m concerned about the longevity of this engine.

There was another person looking at the car and got a PPI done and then tried to low ball the car. The owner is going to get me a copy of the PPI, but there is some conflict of interest here because it was done at the dealer.

I would appreciate any feedback from the forum members.

Boxster S is great performance per dollar value. If you do your own basics, it is higher parts cost but easier to work on than my Ford. Just avoid dealer service $$$. Dealer PPI is the most reliable.

Not speaking to the point, but Shouldn't the "e" be an "a"?

Sounds like a reasonable price given the low miles and fairly new engine. The dealer PPI is ok but as you mentioned, they also did the work. At $17,500 you are far below your original budget so that tells me you have some money to cover unexpected issues which is good. My original budget was $20k and bought for $13,750 two years ago. No major issues and it has been a solid car. Take a look at the PPI and go with your gut feeling. Is there an independent shop in your area that is familiar with Porsches that can take a look at it? A decent PPI should run $300 to $500. But then, even with a PPI, there are no guarantees with a used a vehicle.

I thought the S only came with a six speed? So maybe an S engine in a base?

no you can get a S with a Tip or in the newest ones a PDK
If its a manual, then it is a 6 speed on a S and 5 speed on a Base

Yeah...my $300 PPI from my local Porsche dealer was *completely* wrong. Took it to an Independent and they nailed everything in 5 minutes....for free. (I still owe them beer. Me=lame. )

If done in 2011 at the dealer it should be the larger IMSB and not a primary concern going forward. Sounds like a good deal if the rest of the car checks out.

Thats a good deal since you basically have a new engine on a lightly used Boxster that would have had a sticker price of ~$65,000.

The typical operating costs are $2000/yr once they get a bit older so save your extra dough and enjoy many years trouble free on your lightly used Boxster.

Sounds like a no brainer to me. Is it the color you like?

You will love driving the "S".

Take some of the money you saved and take a Porsche Performance Driving school so you can really learn its handling and limits and you'll
get even more enjoyment from it and get that full "Sports Car" experience.

I notice many folks who have not taken a PDS really don't know how to get the most out of their Porsche's performance and handling and they are missing out :(

that's pretty low mileage. But ask for a compression and leak down test to be sure.
If those come up problematic that price will come down substantially.

Other things to consider as far as good price:
Does it have Litronics? I think they became standard S model option after 2000.
Does it have 18" wheels? How are the rear tires? Tires for these cars are expensive.
Also ask if the new IMS bearing installed by Porsche is the type that can be replaced without having to pull out the engine.

I'm assuming by local dealer you mean Woodhouse. They are fair and honest folks there, so you can trust their PPI.

Are you in OMA?