Out of State purchase

[Ebell914]

I got lucky and found one that had already had the IMS replaced.

I was on my way home from seeing another POS Boxster and determined I was giving up my search - when the guy called me (returning a call from a few weeks before)...keep in mind, my search took 18 months (I fully concur with what njbray says above about not rushing!!)

The guy was an attorney general and spent all kinds of crazy money on my 2000 S - the first owner had it 11 years and only drove it 30k...this guy spent over $6k in 2 yrs/20k miles. He repaired all the normal stuff, plus a clutch, RMS and LNE IMS (and he did the 60k checkup at 50k, since the car sat a lot - yeah for me!!!) He had records for everything he had done and carfax corroborated what he told me about the first owner.

I made an offer, before seeing the car in person, and drove 300 miles to get it. No PPI. I knew I was gambling, but this guy seemed trustworthy as well - heck he was an AG - I could not imagine he would risk his reputation by trying to scam me. The real gold came when I was able to talk to the shop that had done all the maintenance for him - Import Performance in Wilmington...they gave me solid info and a full print out of all the data they had on the car...jackpot!

I am a little suspect of PPIs if the car is already in pretty good shape. I am well versed in mechanics, having owned and repaired over 30 different cars in my life - including having rebuilt several 914 type IV engines- so I took the chance without a proper PPI. I think Jake Raby is the only one who can do a PPI I would pay for, but he does not do them any more Unless the PPI includes a Blackstone report, oil filter inspection, leak down test and paint test, I just would not have a lot of faith in it.

[Porsche9]

Congratulations on finding what sounds like a great Boxster. I also found that there are alot of POS Boxsters out there (between AZ and CA there are a ton to pick from)in my search over a year ago and when you find one that has been loved that you need to jump on it. With prices on Boxsters what they are these types of cars IMHO are worth every penny. With many of the big ticket items taken care of on this car it sounds like you may have really scored big.

Remember on this forum we need pictures and details or else it didn't happen.

Enjoy and hope to see you on this forum.

[Joe B]

I agree, don't rush. That said, I bought the first one I looked at, 2 weeks after I saw it on Ebay! You just have to go with what you find; I guess I was lucky .

[pjq]

I bought my 2004 S long distance via the internet.
I needed someone to look out for my interest so I hired an independent garage in the Houston area (Koby Motors) to carry out the PPI. I started out looking for a reputable mechanic via PCA site who could do the PPI. After researching that mechanic I called to make a PPI appointment but he was unable to but after talking he did recommend Koby Motors. They looked after my interest as best as possible, i would use them again if needed. In Maine I would use European Auto Surgeons.
To check the IMSB its a big job, you need to drop the transmission to see the bottom of the IMSB flange and remove the oil filter to cut open for inspection. For me the preferred method would be to drop the transmission, remove flywheel and clutch then you can see the IMSB flange as well as RMS. Then remove oil filter cut it open and inspect, drop oil pan and inspect. Practically... if it hasn't been changed by a reputable garage with a proven part, build it into the cost and change the IMSB before you drive the car. For a basic PPI, the IMSB will be inspected by looking at the bell housing to see if there are any sign's of oil at the bottom of the bell housing.
Approximately 1.5 years after I bought my car the IMSB failed, that is after Koby's PPI report told me it looked good, Baton Rouge Porsche told me the engine and car was good, Halifax Porsche told me the engine and car looked good, a local independent VW/porsche mechanic told me it looked good. So the point is I don't think any one truly knows the state of the IMSB without pulling it and doing an inspection and at that point you install the new upgraded IMSB, build it into the vehicle cost.
My car now has the IMS with pinned sprockets and triple row IMSB. I had to send it away to LN Engineering to have this done and I do not have the sticker shown by PORSCHE9 but I do have the paper work.

The safest way to send money, bank to bank wire transfer (most traceable).

Transport Trucking, it takes time for pickup and delivery. If your buying this car to drive and you can find the time, then pick it up yourself and go for a GREAT joy ride you won't regret it. Change out the IMSB first if it hasn't been done.