Another new owner

[ArizonaDan]

Hello to all...quick intro. I'm Dan and live in the Phoenix Valley. Buying a 97 today. Blue with the automatic and 67k miles. California car, paying $6k even for it. I'm a previous 944 and 968 owner but for some reason strayed for about 8 years and just returned to my senses. I'll get around to reading all of the tips and notes, but, was wondering (while being lazy and eager) of what type of things the Boxster's may be prone to that differ from the 4 cyl 968's. I've read some basic internet reports and they seem to be similar in nature: electrical, air bags, rear main, etc, etc. Thanks in advance. A couple of pics.

[tada]

Congratulations!

[Alan Mackew]

Hello from Australia,hope all goes well with your new car. Had ours for 3 weeks, still in the honeymoon period,

Good luck, Alan

[Cosmo Kramer]

Congrats nice looking car and great deal.

[CrisZenithBlue]

Great looking car!! And I'm not just saying that because mine looks exactly the same

I thought only 99 and 2000s came in Zenith Blue. Mine is a 2000.

You're gonna soon find out how rare the color is. I get very excited when I see another one

[Retroman1969]

Beautiful! That's my favorite blue.
Not any chronic electrical issues that I know of. Just things that can typically go with age like top sensors, relays, and door/window micro switches, etc.
There is the most talked about IMS bearing in the engine, but it affects a very tiny percentage of cars. If you ever have the tranny out for any reason, like clutch or rear main seal, you might consider putting in one of the more robust aftermarket IMSBs that addresses the issue. Yours is the old dual-row bearing, so it's the least likely to fail.
A few early models had cylinder liner failure, but again, very small percentage.
For the most part they are very solid reliable cars. Enjoy yours! You gave a good price for such a clean lower mileage example.

[rexcramer]

Welcome. I have the Tip also and I really like it. Took awhile to get used to it, but I figure it is good practice for a used car with PDK in +/-10 years. My legs are too long for the manual in a 986. If only the steering wheel tilted also.

[thstone]

Originally Posted by ArizonaDan

... was wondering (while being lazy and eager) of what type of things the Boxster's may be prone to that differ from the 4 cyl 968's....

Hmm. Just about everything. There is almost nothing in common, similar, or transferable. A 924/944/968 and a Boxster aren't just apples vs oranges, they are like vegetables vs meat. Yes, both are food but come from completely different places.

Beyond standard wear parts like brakes & tires, here are a few Boxster unique issues to search on - there are many, many threads on each subject;

• Intermediate shaft bearing (IMS bearing or IMSB)
• Water pump
• Air/oil separator (AOS)
• Wheel bearings
• Top sensors
• Worn top
• Worn suspension
• CV boots/joints
• Engine sensors

Don't let this list freak you out. Boxster's are generally very reliable and can take quite a bit of abuse.

A good rule of thumb is that you can expect to spend around $2K per year to keep a Boxster maintained and properly repaired. Yes, that can seem like a lot for a $6K car, but remember that your car was probably close to $50K when new and is now almost 20 years old. $2K per year to keep a 20 yr old, $50,000 sports car running is probably reasonable.

Most importantly, remember to enjoy the car - to many of us, that means drive it like you stole it.

[BruceH]

Heck of a car for $6k! Very nice, congrats and welcome! Like others said, plan on some maintenance costs but for the most part, these are pretty reliable if cared for. Remember, these cars like to be exercised regularly

[Jay B.]

Welcome and congratulations, I live in Gilbert AZ and these cars love the desert twisty roads. I have never owned a water cooled Porsche until I bought my Box but I can tell you it out performs my old 912 in every way and I couldn't be happier. Yup drive it like its not yours !!

[ArizonaDan]

Thanks for all the comments/tips. I appreciate the feedback. If I enjoy this as much as I did my 968, I'm know I'll be happy.