Service Report HELP?: Owner gave me service report for 2000 S, should I be concerned?

[vheilman]

I'm trying to buy a 2000 Boxster S with under 60k miles. Body and condition seem real nice.
Well taken care of cosmetically, paint, lenses, rubber seals etc.
I'm trying to get a PPI at the dealer, but the owner just told me he had this report from a few weeks ago, and it could save
me the $375 PPI fee. I know the care needs some stuff taken care of, and I'm ok with taking care of these items if they
are RED ALERTS for a bigger issue.

He wasn't aware of any IMS issues about the car, because he didn't know it was a concern with the model, etc.
I don't think he looks at forums, or knows much more about these vehicles.. Just likes to drive them.

I'm thinking about doing the PPI anyways, and adjusting the asking price to cover repairs.

Thanks

Here is the text from the report PDF: (Image below)


Recommendations

11/17/2010 NOTE: ENGINE LEAKING OIL FROM VALVE COVERS,SPARK PLUG TUBE SEALS EST

12/11/2015 NOTE: OIL LEAK HAS WORSENED. NEED TO REPLACE VALVE COVER GASKETS AND TUBE SEALS. EST. 998.00 .
ALSO POSSIBLE REAR MAIN SEAL LEAKING EST 678.00.
ENGINE LIGHT IS COMING ON DUE TO BAD O2 SENSORS EST 519..00

$757 (PARTS & LABOR). WATER PUMP IS SEEPING. NEED TO REPLACE WATER PUMP AND

THERMOSTAT. EST. $601 (PARTS & LABOR). AXLE BOOTS BLOWN. NEED TO REPLACE. EST. $466 (PARTS

& LABOR). IF REPAIRS ARE COMPLETED ON ONE JOB, ESTIMATE FOR ALL IS $1,467 (PARTS & LABOR).

12/11/2015 NOTE: RIGHT SIDE TIRES ARE VERY WORN. EST. $404 (PARTS & LABOR).

06/08/2016 Perform Lube, Oil & Filter Exchange on 6/8/2016 or 64700 Miles.

[first boxster]

Get the PPI!!!

[thstone]

Get your own PPI!!

It will be the best $375 you ever spent. Trust us.

[thom4782]

Buy the car that's advertised in Orlando

[njbray]

Seems like a lot of problems for only 57ooo miles.
Either get a good ppi or look for another car.

[78F350]

+1 on the PPI

Overall there is nothing listed that is abnormal for a 2000 Boxster starting to fall behind on regular maintenance.

11/17/2010 NOTE: ENGINE LEAKING OIL FROM VALVE COVERS,SPARK PLUG TUBE SEALS EST
12/11/2015 NOTE: OIL LEAK HAS WORSENED. NEED TO REPLACE VALVE COVER GASKETS AND TUBE SEALS. EST. 998.00 .

The spark plug tube seals are pretty common and a regular maintenance issue. Something to take care of soon, but not a deal killer at all. Valve cover gaskets are a lot less common failure. I expect the dealer added that on and it may not be leaking (Check with PPI).

ALSO POSSIBLE REAR MAIN SEAL LEAKING EST 678.00.

This needs to be verified (PPI) and fixed if it is leaking. It involves removing the transmission and is a great opportunity to get the IMS bearing done if the RMS needs to be replaced.

ENGINE LIGHT IS COMING ON DUE TO BAD O2 SENSORS EST 519..00
$757 (PARTS & LABOR).

No big deal, could be replaced cheaper.

WATER PUMP IS SEEPING. NEED TO REPLACE WATER PUMP AND
THERMOSTAT. EST. $601 (PARTS & LABOR).

A regular maintenance item, but should have been replaced before it got to leaking. A pump failure would be a big problem.

AXLE BOOTS BLOWN. NEED TO REPLACE. EST. $466 (PARTS & LABOR).

Not uncommon, needs to be fixed. CV shaft bearing could be compromised if it went too long.

12/11/2015 NOTE: RIGHT SIDE TIRES ARE VERY WORN. EST. $404 (PARTS & LABOR).

Not uncommon, but may indicate worn out suspension parts $$$ (PPI).

06/08/2016 Perform Lube, Oil & Filter Exchange on 6/8/2016 or 64700 Miles.

'The 986 Forum' generally recommends an oil change every 6 months or 5,000 miles, whichever comes first. Do not ask "What is the best oil." ...search.

[husker boxster]

As F350 says, on their own none of the items are red, red flags. However, think you've nailed the MO of the owner - lives oblivious to anything going on and just drives the car. The last part is the problem. Sounds like maintenance was totally ignored. That's not a good thing. If an oil leak developed in 2010, how would it be any better in 2015? Why would it take 5 yrs to (not) address it? If he would ignore that, what else did he ignore? How bout oil change intervals? My guess is he did the "recommended 12-15K mi range", which is way too long.

If you buy this car, you better buy it for a real song because you're going to have massive ($3K+) repair bills. There will be more issues that surface than is on the list. Having another PPI should bring them to light but won't catch everything. You will spend the first yr of ownership always fixing something. That may sour your Porsche experience.

Maintenance is pay me now or pay me later. The owner skipped the first part and wants to pass it to you for the latter.

[kk2002s]

So I'm guessing oil leaks and water pump repairs were never done?
Do you like projects and are you a DIY car guy?
As mentioned, there are a lot of issues a bit early for this car's mileage.
Definitely a PPI and an offer that allows you to throw some cash at it
OR
just drive it the way it is - UNTIL!!

We all like to just drive our cars but if you looked on this forum, these cars require trying to stay a step ahead of known vulnerable components

Good luck

[jdraupp]

[QUOTE=kk2002s;480990

We all like to just drive our cars but if you looked on this forum, these cars require trying to stay a step ahead of known vulnerable components

Good luck[/QUOTE]

Preventative maintenance is the key with Porsches and maybe most German cars. It's an idea you have your get used to.

[nicecar]

Originally Posted by thom4782

Buy the car that's advertised in Orlando

buy the orlando car IMO

[RandallNeighbour]

Or, buy this car and negotiate off all the repairs that need to be made.

[78F350]

Originally Posted by nicecar

buy the orlando car IMO

vheilman, In case you are slow to figure it out, like me, the car in Orlando is this one in the classified section of the forum:
http://986forum.com/forums/boxsters-sale-wanted/60105-fs-2000-porsche-boxster-s-tastefully-modified-orlando-fl.html

[dghii]

It's none of our business but you didn't mention the price of the car or weather you do your own work.
Although you may not want to attempt everything on the list, some of the items are not hard DYI and could be accomplished for a fraction of your estimates.

The estimate also didn't mention that in 3K miles you would be looking at a 60K mile service, which, again isn't a big deal but would add spark plug replacement.

There is no mention of the condition of your brake components, suspension items (ball joints, tie rods, drop links.

Items to do yourself: plugs tubes and o-rings (less than $100)
Water pump/thermostat: Depending on the water pump you select figure $3-$400 in parts
CV boots: Lots of time to do these buggers but if you DYI, you're looking at under $50.
O2 sensor: Very easy DYI, $50-$75 for bosch replacement

RMS leak: This is an in for dime, in for a dollar deal. There's no way you're spending $675 to replace a $20 seal. Figure on adding a $ for your choice of IMS bearing, $4-500 for clutch and $$ if the dual mass flywheel needs to be replaced at the same time.

Otherwise, ignore the RMS job until you can confirm that its really leaking.

Best of luck!

[vheilman]

Thanks for all of the replies and great info. I've decided to pass on this particular car and buy a different one. I was a bit skeptical of previous maintenance.

The gray car in classifieds here would have been a great option but I really want a black car this time. I've said that for the last 3 and this time I found one.

I've decided to get a black 2001 S, that has been very well taken care of. All service records, etc. I'm picking it up on Saturday.

Thanks again for the info and help.

By the way, I'm giving up 2 bmws for this one. :-)