2003 Boxster Engine Blew Up
 

Hi Guys, my 2003 Boxster engine blew up and finally failed on me. I am thinking of just selling the car its in mint condition. how much would it go for? Or is it worth getting it fixed for 7,300? How can I tell if the engine my mechanic is buying a good one or not? Thank you all for your help.

Brenda

Brenda,
I went through the same situation and am your neighbor.You have my sympathy but you really need lots of money to fix the problem,not sympathy!
The best solution(mechanically) is a replacement used engine. Financially that is mad because the total cost ($7000) may exceed the value of your car. I can refer you to a few local engine refitting /repairing places if you wish ?
The problem is that these cars have a diminished used value - partially because of the issue you and I have. So expensive repairs are only justified if money is no object.
Your car is what is called a "Roller" there is a market for them -particularly in Los Angeles.Yours is probably an automatic(?) and not an "S" - so it may be worth approx $3000. Try it on Craigs List ?
This may be a good Forum to ask what you should buy to replace your Boxster if you can tell us what you liked/disliked about it.
I hope this helps you.

Depends upon where your head is at. "Rollers" (nice cars with dead engines) tend to sell for near scrap prices, so you have some soul searching to go through.

Good luck.

A nice Boxster with a failed engine is worth $3-$4K.

$7,300 to fix? Huh? I just bought a spare engine for my Spec Boxster race car for $2,850 (75K miles, full engine with intake, accessories, ready to install). Just swap in a used engine and you can be back on the road for less than $4,500 ($3K for replacement engine + $1,500 for the swap and tune/oil).

Can I ask how many miles you had on the car?

My car is manual and has 119k miles and mostly fwy miles. I didn't drive the car for 3 years because I was out of the country. I agree with most of you, i am so conflicted because I love the car. It truly is in exceptional condition. The seats looks like their new. New tires, new breaks :( and sucks my mechanic didn't tell me about the IMS last month when I took it for service.

I guess its fair to say that I can ask for 3k for the shell if I decide not to repair it?

Is the car an S, or a Base? if its an S, I have a buyer for it.

Jake, Its a base not an S. :(

Can you please refer me to a person I can buy an engine from? How do i know if its a good engine or not? And are they local as in in LA? and will there be warranty?

Hello, Brenda.

Sorry to hear about your motor. I good 2003 Box with a dead motor might be worth about $4K here in NorCal.

If you call around in SoCal, you can probably find a repair shop that has an engine test stand. Then, the used engine can be turned while cold, no ignition, for compression tests. The condition of the cams, chains and lifters will also be apparent from the sound they make. If it passes, chances are the motor is good.

Cheers,

Dave

Watch a used engine like a hawk!!

Here's an article for you... This one originated right here on 986 forum!Buyer Beware: Used "Low Mileage" engine nightmare

Call up LA Dismantlers and see if they have one. A running non-s motor is only like $3-4K tops.

This is right in the neighborhood of the quotes I have received.
I never think of cars as investments, so I would probably drop a nice used engine in it (doing the IMS upgrade at the same time) and keep going. It's better than going out and buying another used car that you know nothing about. ;)
Unless of course you want to use it as a "good time" to move on to a newer or different model. Honestly it's a tough call.

What are the circumstances surrounding the engine failure? You sure your mechanic is telling you the truth about the IMS failing?

@boxtaboy - my car started smoking in the middle of the fwy and then totally stopped and i couldn't start it anymore after that. The car was towed to the nearest AAA approved mechanic. Yes, I am just trusting what my mechanic is saying. He found a used engine that is apparently only 50k that I don't know if I believe. I am definitely not a car person, but i just love the car i just dont know if i want to spend that much again and not sure if it will last me more than a year. :(

Sorry to hear. That blows.

If you put a positive spin on it, you can upgrade to a 911 motor or even a non porsche engine.

Best of luck with whatever you decide.

David

So, I was thinking that same frame of thinking - i have a 2003 boxster - can i put a 911 engine on it? maybe a2009 or higher or is there a limit to what engine will fit on a 2003 boxster. how do i find that out?

Because the later cars are DFI, the entire fuel system, not to mention the electronics, are totally different, so you really do not want to attempt that as it would quickly become a one-off money pit. You would want to stay with an 03-04 engine.

This sounds more like a AOS failure doesn't it??? There is no mention of horrendous engine noises, and this is AAA mech and not Porsche. Any thoughts out there?

You'd know if your engine blew up. Doesn't sound like it to me.

Get it checked out, it might be repairable for a fraction of what you'd think it would cost.