986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners (http://986forum.com/forums/)
-   Boxster General Discussions (http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/)
-   -   Am I spending too much on my boxster? (http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/62900-am-i-spending-too-much-my-boxster.html)

2000986s 08-26-2016 03:04 PM

Am I spending too much on my boxster?
 
So I have had a 2000 boxster S since May. The car is loads of fun and I don't regret the purchase at all, but man i am racking up the credit cards with this one. Not including any upgrades I did by choice, I am about 4.5k deep in maintenance this summer. That includes an ims solution (preventative maintenance and well worth it), a new clutch assembly, 2 new motor mounts, an AOS replacement, an MAF replacement, and oil and fluids changed. I understand a 16 year old Porsche requires a lot of maintenance, but is this typical in the first year of ownership? Car had 68k miles when bought and I've put 5k on since.

Luv2Box 08-26-2016 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000986s (Post 507946)
So I have had a 2000 boxster S since May. The car is loads of fun and I don't regret the purchase at all, but man i am racking up the credit cards with this one. Not including any upgrades I did by choice, I am about 4.5k deep in maintenance this summer. That includes an ims solution (preventative maintenance and well worth it), a new clutch assembly, 2 new motor mounts, an AOS replacement, an MAF replacement, and oil and fluids changed. I understand a 16 year old Porsche requires a lot of maintenance, but is this typical in the first year of ownership? Car had 68k miles when bought and I've put 5k on since.

With everything you've done, yes it can be typical. The point is is it worth it to you. If not you're in the wrong car.:cheers:

kk2002s 08-26-2016 03:21 PM

I'm sure no one twisted your arm to do that much work
My 02 with 86k miles this spring did AOS,WP,low temp thermo all worked perfectly
I did replace coil packs 2 cracked
This year I probably spent more time working on the car than driving
I'm probably looking at cluch near future so then ims and rms make sense
Many don't do this preventative stuff and drive into the 6 digits
Also DIYing this stuff cuts big chunks of change out

2000986s 08-26-2016 03:23 PM

It's absolutely worth it to me, I guess I'm just seeing if anyone comes out and says "woah dude that's a lot of maintenance in one year" or "that's way too much money for what you've had done". I just want to make sure that what I'm doing is reasonable and that I'm not throwing money away.

2000986s 08-26-2016 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kk2002s (Post 507949)
Many don't do this preventative stuff and drive into the 6 digits

Yeah I fully intend on keeping this car for a long time. It's the first car I've ever purchased on my own and it already holds sentimental value. I figure the preventative maintenance is well worth it to avoid a total engine failure from the ims

thstone 08-26-2016 03:29 PM

The costs can be heavy at first to catch up preventive and deferred maintenance - especially if you do the IMS and clutch. In all likelihood, the costs should ease up for the next couple of years while you get to enjoy all the fruits of your investment!

jsceash 08-26-2016 03:36 PM

It sound like you did allot of this for peace of mind, and now your having second thoughts. With what you wrote you should be good to go for a while with no issues. Many just wait for warning signs then scurry to undo damage, so your ahead of the curve.

Again if your able there is a big savings in doing any of the repairs or yearly maintenance on your own.

2000986s 08-26-2016 03:43 PM

Well this is some nice reassurance... Thanks guys. As far as doing work on my own, I am slowly learning. I'm only 20 so I'm brand new to the car world but eager to learn of course. Okay so as long as we're on the topic, is there any other known boxster issue that can be prevented that I haven't already taken care of?

911monty 08-26-2016 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000986s (Post 507959)
Well this is some nice reassurance... Thanks guys. As far as doing work on my own, I am slowly learning. I'm only 20 so I'm brand new to the car world but eager to learn of course. Okay so as long as we're on the topic, is there any other known boxster issue that can be prevented that I haven't already taken care of?

There is a serious malady that is known to afflict a high percentage of these cars. It is called Lackomotivation. It generally manifests itself on cars that sit around too much. Also see Garage Queenism. These maladies can generally be prevented by a good dose of driving with frequent bursts to redline. :D
If you haven't yet then check your drains!! If your car spends any time outdoors then a good waterproof cover is worth it's weight. Far too many fall victim to this.

mikefocke 08-26-2016 04:45 PM

Me too. Initial purchase plus two months and I had spent $3k+. It was 5 years before my yearly cost exceeded $1k and that was for 4 PS2 tires. Some of both figures was optional but the result was a wonderfully reliable car.

rick3000 08-26-2016 04:56 PM

It seems like you have covered your bases. I don't see any issue with replacing wear items and doing other maintenance all at once when you get a new car, especially if you don't have a lot of the service history or just want the peace of mind. Plus you maintenance costs for the next few years should be lower, since you have already done a lot of what you would likely need to do later.

As 911monty mentioned check you drains, if they clog water can get under the driver's seat and ruin the immobilizer (very expensive repair). If you haven't changed the brake fluid, that should get changed every 2 years. Then you've got the fuel filter, cabin filter, air filter, and serpentine belt. If you want something more in depth, a good starter DIY, take the front bumper off, clean the radiators, and reroute your front trunk release cable behind the front tow cap for easy access if the battery ever dies.

Funnily enough, the 986's that sit around do, in my experience, tend to experience more issues. These cars were made to be driven! :cheers:

Ciao 08-26-2016 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000986s (Post 507946)
So I have had a 2000 boxster S since May. The car is loads of fun and I don't regret the purchase at all, but man i am racking up the credit cards with this one. Not including any upgrades I did by choice, I am about 4.5k deep in maintenance this summer. That includes an ims solution (preventative maintenance and well worth it), a new clutch assembly, 2 new motor mounts, an AOS replacement, an MAF replacement, and oil and fluids changed. I understand a 16 year old Porsche requires a lot of maintenance, but is this typical in the first year of ownership? Car had 68k miles when bought and I've put 5k on since.

Most of this maintenance will take you through several years of ownership; oil & filter changes are done more frequently.

jakeru 08-26-2016 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000986s (Post 507946)
...man i am racking up the credit cards with this one...

I sincerely hope these expenses aren't causing you to revolve a high interest rate credit card balance.

But at least hopefully by buying a used car, you don't have a car loan and ensuing monthly payments.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000986s (Post 507946)
...ims solution (preventative maintenance and well worth it) ...

Are you wanting to hear other people's opinions here about the value of your maintenance work? I'll bet the "IMS Solution" was a significant part of your overall maintenance bill, and it sounds like your mind there might actually be already made up.

In any case, welcome to Porsche ownership, and enjoy your sweet ride!

rexcramer 08-26-2016 05:35 PM

For comparison purposes, I have owned my 97/Tip for just over a year. I have spent just over $2k so far. $1150 on maintenance and $850 on wants. $550 of the wants was for the wind deflector set and the non smokers console. I have managed to do all of the maintenance myself to date. I will spring for a Durametric cable, when I do the next round of yearly maintenance work. I have put 7500 miles on it in that time.

911monty 08-26-2016 06:09 PM

What you have done is establish a baseline for maintenance and eliminated a key point of failure. Well done. :cheers:
I have come to the conclusion that time is no friend to these cars, they do not age gracefully. There are a lot of plastic parts used in these cars and I find there is always something to do, replace or upgrade. Fortunately I am retired, enjoy working on this car, and look for things to do to and for it. With proper attention these cars can be very reliable. There will be other opinions.
A plastic part you may want to look at is the coolant expansion tank in the trunk. If it is white as virgin snow congratulations! If it is yellow like old parchment, then get ready to replace it.

dbear61 08-26-2016 06:59 PM

Just be prepared if you live in an area that mandates emissions testing to renew the plates. My catalytic converters failed to pass this year. OEM cats are $1,500 each, and there are two of them. I had my shop go with third-party, and the total bill was still $1,800.

DBear

Giller 08-26-2016 07:47 PM

I would say yes, definitely. A big chunk went to a fix that is rarely needed - the IMS. And some of the other fixes are certainly ones you could have done over time. If you have the money though, what does it matter?

Gelbster 08-26-2016 07:50 PM

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 08-26-2016 08:15 PM

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 08-27-2016 04:39 AM

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 08-27-2016 06:09 AM

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 08-27-2016 07:15 AM

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?

rick3000 08-27-2016 07:20 AM

Not if you prep the car to be stored. A quick search on this forum or google will turn up a lot of guides for how to do that. :cheers:

2000986s 08-27-2016 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick3000 (Post 508035)
Not if you prep the car to be stored. A quick search on this forum or google will turn up a lot of guides for how to do that. :cheers:

Thank you very much, I'll get to searching!

911monty 08-27-2016 07:36 AM

Here is a pretty good one already done....https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/theboxsterinwinter

2000986s 08-27-2016 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 911monty (Post 508042)
Here is a pretty good one already done....https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/theboxsterinwinter

I love this forum, thanks 911monty:cheers:

911monty 08-27-2016 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000986s (Post 508044)
I love this forum, thanks 911monty:cheers:

You're Welcome!

rexcramer 08-27-2016 02:29 PM

Some people go all out when prepping their cars for winter. I have read of people changing the oil just prior to storage, run it up to temp and park it. Then change it again in the spring again. (with zero mileage on the oil) Most people put a battery maintainer on the cars to keep the battery up. Otherwise your battery will be flat and you will not be able to use the remote to open the car and or the frunk to get to the battery. Look at re-routeing your emergency frunk cable opener and verifying that it actually operates.

Also look at rodent proofing, if you are going to store your car. Woody just had a rat make a buffet of one of his wiring harnesses.

On the flip side, there are owners who buy a second set of rims with winter tires and drive them all year. Personally, I would go through withdrawals if I couldn't drive mine for several months. We don't do winter here. I just put my hardtop on, if the weather is going to be wet for more than a couple of days.

IMO, drive it, and hard. It's not a sugar cube.

jdlmodelt 08-27-2016 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000986s (Post 507946)
So I have had a 2000 boxster S since May. The car is loads of fun and I don't regret the purchase at all, but man i am racking up the credit cards with this one. Not including any upgrades I did by choice, I am about 4.5k deep in maintenance this summer. That includes an ims solution (preventative maintenance and well worth it), a new clutch assembly, 2 new motor mounts, an AOS replacement, an MAF replacement, and oil and fluids changed. I understand a 16 year old Porsche requires a lot of maintenance, but is this typical in the first year of ownership? Car had 68k miles when bought and I've put 5k on since.

Dude, you did everything the forum told you to do, not what you had to do. that's all preventative, i bet you could have spread that out a bit and not experienced so much expense in the first year.

mikesz 08-29-2016 03:56 AM

I have a 99 Boxster and I do almost all my own work. Parts alone can be expensive. I enjoy working on the car, adds to my appreciation for the engineering that has gone into these cars. You spend a lot of money now go out and enjoy it!

RandallNeighbour 08-29-2016 05:43 AM

The first two years of ownership for me back in 2004 on my 1997 boxster were financial brutal, and it wasn't that old of a car. It had been neglected though.

One thing you just have to get straight in your head is that this car is a really fun little money pit. Suspension parts wear out faster than other cars (for example).

On the bright side, after about 3-4 years of fixing broken things, replacing worn out things, and adding unnecessary things (sport exhaust, side skirts, speedster humps, litronic headlamps, new interior, etc.) I have enjoyed the car without much expense beyond oil changes, tires, and a battery.

ymkmkrz 08-30-2016 02:12 PM

I have a 2000 996,
2001 986s, and a 968. I have had all three for more than 10 years. By far I have had more maintenance issues on the 968. And it has inly been driven 10k miles in 12 years, part of the problem I am sure.

I have spend more on the Boxster, but I had the full monty high perf upgrade done by Jake Raby. It was worth it, IMO. The car runs like stink, looks unobtrusive and is a blast to drive. I use the 996 tip as a daily driver and boxster as my fun car. 968 is my wifes. She just doesnt drive it much. I have allocate about an hour a week to that car just to keep the oil from coagulating. The 968 cab is a beautiful car and even tho 236 hp is nothing these days, it is still a dun car to drive on a sunday afternoon. I have been asked why I dont sell all three ans buy a newer porsche, and the reason I dont is that i have made the investments in all three so that failures rarely happen anymore and they aren't that expensive to maintain myself. I still have to use my indy for some things, but I have rarely seen him the last few years, even with 3 old porsches


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

madmodz 08-30-2016 02:24 PM

Buying the shop manual and 101 things to do to your boxster is worth its weight in gold!

Lando 09-02-2016 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick3000 (Post 507972)
If you want something more in depth, a good starter DIY, take the front bumper off, clean the radiators, and reroute your front trunk release cable behind the front tow cap for easy access if the battery ever dies.

I bought a 2003 Boxster S in April with 58K on the clock and this was one of the first projects I took on. This car had always been garaged by the previous owner so I was surprised at the amount of debris trapped between the condensers and the radiators. The tutorial I was following recommended rerouting the trunk release cable which saved my bacon a few weeks later when I accidently closed the front trunk after disconnecting the battery while installing a Kenwood amp and GPS head unit. Just about the time the swear words were leaving my mouth, I remembered the release cable reroute. I popped off the tow cap and the loop in the cable was right there!

Since that time I have replaced the water pump (which appeared to be fine), installed a new motor mount bushing which was showing signs of rubber deterioration, new serpentine belt and new coolant. The total for all of this came to about $300. I wonder what the dealer would have charged me?
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1472855326.jpg

Xpit77 09-04-2016 04:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoxsterSteve (Post 508028)
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 09-04-2016 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xpit77 (Post 508878)
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.

FoxRvrBox 09-06-2016 07:00 AM

Full tank, add Sta-Bil, air up the tires so they don't flat spot (and / or park on carpet remnants). The battery tender is a must. I was lucky enough to find reasonable temp-controlled storage a few blocks from my office.

Xpit77 09-07-2016 05:27 AM

What? You really want to burn a full tank of fuel that has been sitting ? No not me. The tank will not rust. Less is better. The fuel tanks are fine. Ask Ford re. Pinto


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 10:57 PM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Pelican Parts Website