Porsche Boxster S 3.2 VS 2.5, 2.7
 

Hello friends!
I am back again after long time ago, I had to catch up a deadline at work and no time for my porsche project....anyway after further searching at the local market or even UK market, I came up with rare opportunity and I am almost deal with the seller but your feedback is much appreciated before the deal completed. I am talking about Boxster S 2001, 3.2, 70000 miles on board. lower suspension racing exhaust that gives 30 hp more? is that true?

what are the benefits of 3.2 instead of the others 986 except the engine power? more reliable engine??

what do u believe about the color of exterior and interior?

Do u agree with the extra modifications? (lower suspension, racing exhaust ?)

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1435237878.jpg
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1435237906.jpg

Color combo looks great, but they did put the steering wheel on the wrong side.
Don't know if an exhaust will, give you 30hp or not

A "S" has more than just a bigger engine.
Better Brakes, 6 speed tranny, 3rd radiator, other beefier components

I can think of at least one Boxster to avoid if you're buying in Cyprus.......

2.5s and 3.2s are perfectly reliable. However, I have heard that 2.7s and 3.4s (996) are less reliable because they are bored out versions of the 2.5 and 3.2 with thinner cylinder walls. The best overall 986 is a 2000 3.2 S. It still has the earlier IMS which is less likely to fail, and the reliable and more powerful 3.2 engine.

I would also look at when the water pump and alternator were if replaced and if the 60 or 70 k maintenance has been done. Could give you some bargaining on price. If none of these things have been done you have at least a 1k in cost if you do it yourself. And frankly the list of repairs goes on and on if it has not been well maintained.

The exhaust is unlikely to provide +30hp, but if it does it will be guaranteed to be so loud that every policeman will be aware of your location within three blocks. More likely is +10 to 15hp and only at the very highest RPM's.

Any idea of what components comprise the "racing suspension"? It could have anything from a lowering spring to a full race set up but without details its hard to provide much feedback.

what do u mean? which boxster to avoid?
Could u please give me for details on that?

There was a member here. Don't recall the user name. Wrecked his car bad, totaled, no insurance, and went on and on about how he was determined to "put his mind to this and fix this" himself because no insurance. Beware!!

It was SaintDrug or StDrug or something like that.

Is 1st gear forward left or forward right? (Seriously....)

This car has the first gear forward left...do u know more details of that car? like interrior exterior color? rims size?

Punch the name saintdrug in the search function to get the whole sorry tale......

The water pump has been replaced before 4k miles, dont know what and where is the altrernator is the dynamo?

Note.

Not a good idea to come to a board full of Porsche enthusiasts and complain about a totaled car and no insurance and a loan on it, then go on and on and on and on about how you're going to fix body and suspension damage yourself because if you set your mind to something you can do this, just watch!! (He had zero money and was getting money from his mom to help pay for repairs and cover payments) Said late leaving for something and only going 45kmph or very low speed and somehow magically bounced off one curb to a sign pole and curb and rock wall. Both of same side wheels and suspension ripped right off.

Seems I remember saying that will NEVER be a Porsche again. :(

I sorta remember that thread. I didn't think the guy was serious. The pics of the wreck were way too bad. But it's a good reminder to fully check into any used car before buying, especially a specialty marque in a small market.

And at some point wasn't he asking for donations from his new American friends?

4 k and the water pump was replaced? If that's the case then that was very early in the cars life. As for the alternator I replace mine in my 03 right at 70,000 miles. I also needed brakes and rotors. If you can't get a ppi find someone who knows these cars even if it cost you a little cash. Knowing what issues the car may have before buying it can really make a difference.

Yes. Even $200 to get him started or something similar.

As jay had mentioned the boxster s not only receives better better brakes, a 6 speed, the 3rd rad, ect.. The boxster S also receives forged pistons. And either forged rods or crank.

I've driven other boxsters and I think what really drew me in was the 3.2. That being said I think when Porsche designed the boxster they ended up with a better platform than the 911 but were to proud to admit it. Hence why the base 996 got a 3.4 and S got a 3.2.

But you know... a little idea in my head about doing a 996TT swap or GT3.. help pls :D

noooo!!! I meant that the water pumpo have been replaced 4k ago from the existing milage around 70000 miles

VIN number information
 

Is there any website/ database to provide you more information of a specific boxster VIN number?

Carfax?

Porsche can do a certificate of authenticity to see if motor has been swapped.

carfax link is broken

the guy gave me the VIN number and I would like to check it out...can anyone help me?

VIN checks are very difficult. Porsche didn't maintain a VIN database of repairs at dealerships when I got my 97 in 2004. I wonder if they're up to speed on technology now or not.

Carfax only reports what's been reported to them anyway and isn't much help. The carfax report on my car didn't show that the previous owner spun out and bent the subframe up front and had to replace the rims because he did it without reporting it to insurance. Subframe had to be straightened out by me in the first year of ownership, btw.

Best to see if you can ask the current owner where he had the car serviced and go to them and ask for records and history.

Whenever you purchase a Porsche, you need an experienced tech to look the car over with a Pre Purchase Inspection. Here we pay $250 or so for this and the tech goes over the entire car and inspects the motor, suspension bushings, electronics, cooling system, looks for bodywork repairs done well or poorly, and so forth.

thank you for your reply.

thinking of buying car diagnostic tool.....do you have any feedback on that?