New owner of 2001 Boxster S - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Mike689 · 07-21-2015, 06:26 PM

I bought this Boxster on Saturday and was really happy at first, until I got the car inspected yesterday. I made a slightly dumb impulsive decision. It seems like the IMS is leaking and the clutch needs work. I have a really awesome car, but it requires many expensive repairs immediately. Not to mention the tires have nails and the radio doesn't work!

Pretty much I don't know what to do, it's not like I can return the car. Even if I could I wouldn't want to anyway, but I don't want to spend over 4000 for these repairs. I don't even have 4000 dollars.

I do have some experience fixing cars as I did most the work on my old Nissan Sentra. I know German engineering is different though, but I think I'll have to do this my self.

KevinH1990 · 07-21-2015, 06:34 PM

Greetings

There are lots of good technical articles and DIY instructions on this forum and several others. Here are some links:

Porsche Boxster 986 (1997-2004) / 987 (2005-2008) Technical Articles | Pelican Parts

PedrosBoard :: DIY Projects

https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/mikesporscheboxsterwebpages

After reviewing these sites, you could assess whether you were in over your head and make a decision about whether you should cut your losses.

By the way, it is probable the RMS - rear main seal that is leaking. The IMS is the intermediate shaft bearing and they are the subject of many posts regarding their failure.

Good luck.

EJ-Fresno · 07-21-2015, 07:01 PM

Did you get a list of repairs to be done along with a quote?

Timco · 07-21-2015, 07:05 PM

You're doing it wrong.

Mike689 · 07-21-2015, 07:15 PM

Yeah I screwed up I know. It has 78,000 miles, It had the 60,000 mile service at 65,000 miles and it is in great condition and has never been in a wreck. However the tires need to be replaced because of nails, the radio isn't working, the fuel tank valve, it needs a clutch job, and the IMS replacement and probably other things I don't know about yet. I guess the RMS gets replaced at the same time the IMS does?

The $4,000 quote was for the clutch and IMS.

EJ-Fresno · 07-21-2015, 07:34 PM

Get a oil change ASAP and check if particles are present in the filter.
You might be able to postpone the IMS job and reallocate money to the tires?
I think you can get the radio code somewhere on the forum, worst case buy a new HU and upgrade

TypeA · 07-21-2015, 07:39 PM

Different does not mean harder. The same principles of automotive repair apply and Porsche did not reinvent anything when they built your car. Granted Ive done some limited work on my car (Im still a fairly new owner) but in my limited experience the design of a Porsche is actually fascinating, you can tell that much forethought went into their cars and its refreshing to work on such a well thought-out car. There is a wealth of information and a solid community for these cars here on this forum and elsewhere on the net. Not sure how all the Porsche Clubs work but from what Ive read my local club membership gets you access to technicians, advice and access to technical repair manuals. Of course the sources Kevin H recommended are a great starting point, read up on what these things take and know that with time and patience you can do your own work for a fraction of what it will run you to have someone else do it.

78F350 · 07-21-2015, 07:48 PM

In over your head? Offer to trade it to a forum member in your area for a well maintained (needing nothing at the moment) Base model of similar mileage and year. :dance:

But plan to start saving to keep it in top condition.
http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/57876-maintanance-costs-boxter-986-a.html

78F350 · 07-21-2015, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TypeA

Different does not mean harder....

For $100 or less, you can get a decent used clutch from eBay or a forum member. Used tires or Craigslist are a good possibility to get you by. The IMS is a very scary DIY, but very doable with some aptitude and research. RMS is not as scary as the IMS, but best to buy a couple for when you destroy the new seal on your first attempt.

If you are willing to take a little risk and get dirty, you can get that $4k to under $500. Then again, for what you have in the car, it may be best to stick with a pro.

Mike689 · 07-21-2015, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EJ-Fresno

Get a oil change ASAP and check if particles are present in the filter.
You might be able to postpone the IMS job and reallocate money to the tires?
I think you can get the radio code somewhere on the forum, worst case buy a new HU and upgrade

I was planning on doing an oil change this weekend. How do I input a code?

Mike689 · 07-21-2015, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 78F350

In over your head? Offer to trade it to a forum member in your area for a well maintained (needing nothing at the moment) Base model of similar mileage and year. :dance:

But plan to start saving to keep it in top condition.
http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/57876-maintanance-costs-boxter-986-a.html

Hahaha no way? Can I really do that?

EJ-Fresno · 07-21-2015, 08:23 PM

I think you need your SN and model number and there is a software which can determine the radio code

EDIT: http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/45577-becker-cdr-220-radio-code.html

Mike689 · 07-21-2015, 08:35 PM

The oil is 5W-40 mobil oil right?

Mike689 · 07-21-2015, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 78F350

In over your head? Offer to trade it to a forum member in your area for a well maintained (needing nothing at the moment) Base model of similar mileage and year. :dance:

But plan to start saving to keep it in top condition.
http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/57876-maintanance-costs-boxter-986-a.html

Can I really do that?

EJ-Fresno · 07-21-2015, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike689

The oil is 5W-40 mobil oil right?

You're opening the door for a huge debate here

Mike689 · 07-21-2015, 09:36 PM

It doesn't get super cold where I live. Its rare it gets below 40F, and I don't plan to use the car for racing so i think 5W-40 should do.

78F350 · 07-21-2015, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike689

The oil is 5W-40 mobil oil right?

Best to search the topic and never mention it again. Nor speak of (@ts

Quote:

Can I really do that?

Can you? sure, post a want to trade thread in the Boxster Classified section.

Whether or not it is practical is up to you and whoever responds. To some people, those issues are pretty minor and for your purposes, a base model might be just as good. It's free to ask...

Timco · 07-21-2015, 11:27 PM

Owning a Porsche is not just about fixing what's wrong.....for me it's about keeping it as perfect as I can take time to.

Having said that, I just finished a clutch and RMS and IMS and this car was FAR easier to work on than my Ranger. It was super easy to pull the trans and work in there, even on a roller and on jacks.

Retroman1969 · 07-22-2015, 01:21 AM

Wow, in my area the quotes for clutch and IMS have been around $1,300 (manual) $1,600 (Tiptronic).
The non working radio is probably just the unit itself. I had my stock stereo replaced with a new Kenwood with Bluetooth for less than $200.
I went cheap on tires on my daily driver last time and spent less than $400 for a set of the Hibdon's house brand, installed.
Still, it's easy to have to spend a few grand in repairs on these right off the bat to get them up to snuff, especially if you dont do your own repairs.

jdraupp · 07-22-2015, 03:08 AM

Before you continue posting, you need to read everything on this site. These cars are not that difficult to work on, but if you can't pony up 1-2k a year for maintenance then get out now. This is not a Nissan Sentra. You've got a luxury german sports car here and its going to cost money to maintain it. They're reliable but not durable.