1998 w/ 135k for $6100...a steal??????????

[jdraupp]

You probably didn't do bad with those service records, but I'd hardly call it the deal of a lifetime. You have an 18 year old Porsche with 135k on it that's going to continue to act like a luxury sports car in maintenance costs. Plan on spending 1-2k a year in costs. Less if you are handy and can do maintenance yourself. An oil change at the dealer with cost 180 bucks and you need one every 5,000 miles or at least once a year. If you can do it yourself, closer to 60 bucks.

I do not see air oil separator, rear wheel bearings, front motor mount, water pump and suspension on that list. You'll likely need to do all those things in the coming years. Plenty of threads on all of those items, just do a search.

Congrats on the new car, enjoy it and drive it like it's stolen. I just know a lot of folks buy these thinking they just got a cheap porsche when in fact the cheapest porsche you buy will be the most expensive one you'll ever own. That is why we try to temper those expectations and prepare you for what you may encounter. They all need extra maintenance. German cars do. It's just a matter of how willing and prepared you are to do it.

[Luv2Box]

All the items the owner did, that you listed, are great to have been done when you buy a used car but unfortunately don't count towards the real value of the car. What came on the car new are items that count towards the value such as full leather interior, Automatic trans, upgraded wheels and etc. If you go to Edmunds or Kelley Bluebook and answer the questions about the car they will give you a trade in value and a sell it yourself value. Unfortunately for older Boxsters the figures are disappointing as they have dropped through the floor in value.
What does have value is how you feel about the car and the enjoyment it gives you while you own it and fortunately Boxsters are one of the most fun cars to drive so don;t worry about getting a deal of a lifetime because chances are it won't be in the monetary value but in the experience of driving it.

[Giller]

Good list, but 5 years is a long time. Depending on when the pads and tires where done - they could be ready to be changed again after 5 years. Tires don't last a long time on these cars.
Did you get a PPI done? That's huge.
When was the IMS changed out - or better yet, how many KM's on it since it was changed? Why did he change it? Did he change it out cause he found metal in the filter and now that metal is in the engine?
Great list - but also creates some questions that need asked.