Am I spending too much on my boxster?

[Gelbster]

Notice there is no other car mentioned in the cost comparisons. Without a comparison ,it is difficult to have a logical discussion of repair/maintenance costs of a 986. If you compare it to say a 996, a 968 or an MR2 or S2000, it may be more useful to you ?

[AZ986S]

I bought my 2002 S in May this year also. I immediately had the IMS, RMS, new clutch and 2 near rear shocks done for $3,400. I have done the plugs, tubes, transmissions mounts, motor mount, cabin filter, air filter, serpentine belt, refill transaxle, road force balance for another $600. Then I did the IPD competition plenum and 74 mm TB upgrade and a Vivid Racing tune for $1,400... Wow is all I can say now when I drive it! Gas mileage is down now, I wonder why?

I think I'm set for a while... I am pretty anal about my cars running perfectly and hate unexpected breakdowns. But now, I hope I have peace of mind for a couple years.

[2000986s]

Alright so this has all led me to another question now: it seems like a general consensus is that these cars don't do well when they sit around because of all the plastic parts. Well I live in Illinois, and I did not intend to drive the car this winter. I wanted to garage it, start it about once a week or so, but never expose it to any salt, snow, or ice. Would this be a bad thing..? Am I better off just driving the car?

[BoxsterSteve]

Store it if you want, but starting it periodically is a bad idea. The engine needs to get up to operating temperature, and that takes 15-20 minutes of driving. Idling just doesn't cut it.
Do like most and don't run it while in hibernation. Your car will thank you.
Fill the tank, add some fuel stabilizer, pump up the tires and throw a cover on it.

As far as what you have spent, it's all preventative work and setting a maintenance baseline.
Don't fret.

[2000986s]

Wow okay I'm glad I asked. So not running it at all from November-March isn't going to be bad for the car?

[Xpit77]

Originally Posted by BoxsterSteve

Store it if you want, but starting it periodically is a bad idea. The engine needs to get up to operating temperature, and that takes 15-20 minutes of driving. Idling just doesn't cut it.
Do like most and don't run it while in hibernation. Your car will thank you.
Fill the tank, add some fuel stabilizer, pump up the tires and throw a cover on it.

As far as what you have spent, it's all preventative work and setting a maintenance baseline.
Don't fret.

I never fill the tank. Around 1/4 and a non- ethanol fuel with Sta-Bil .In the spring you only have a small amount of old fuel in the system to burn off not a tank full. Tape the exhaust tip or put steel wool in it to keep out the mices. Do not forget to remove it in the spring !Maybe a battery tender too.

[paulofto]

Originally Posted by Xpit77

I never fill the tank. Around 1/4 and a non- ethanol fuel with Sta-Bil .

I fill mine. Less air in the tank = less water condensation. Sta-bil certainly helps keep the fuel from breaking down but it doesn't prevent moisture from condensing on the inner surfaces of the fuel tank.