Is it worth repairing this crashed Boxster?

[BoxsterSteve]

Here's why it hasn't been fixed through insurance:
Two deployed air bags... this one is the biggest reason
Interior parts to repair deployed air bags
Hood
Headlights
Headlight brackets
Bumper cover
Hood crest
Prep and paint to refinish

And the potential damage you can't see without taking it apart:
Damaged radiator(s)
Damaged AC condensor(s)
Damaged bumper rebar
Damaged bumper shocks
Damage to fenders that has to be repaired
Entire front of the tub may need time on a body shop rack to pull it straight

At 86k, it could need a clutch too, and who knows if the IMS bearing has been addressed.
And it's a 15 year old car.
Are you really willing to do all that work and have a vehicle with a branded ownership that you couldn't sell if you had to?
Low mileage or not, it's not worth the work.
I'd have to get it for free to remotely consider.
There are too many good uncrashed Boxster out there to choose from to undertake this amount of effort.

[78F350]

I've done it a couple times with Boxsters and many times with other cars. Having a wrecked car that was purchased specifically as a parts car made it a lot more affordable. It is not a great way to make money, but if you don't count your time as an expense it can pay for itself. I do it because I like the challenge and education. I also enjoy driving the cars.

If I was looking at the numbers you list, I would not take on that project. That's just based on my local market and how much money I consider expendable.
Sometimes I get lucky and a car is in much better shape than I expected. Sometimes there is hidden damage or faults that make a project futile. If your rebuild stalls or fails, how deep a hole are you going to be in? Can you easily part it out or resell it at a satisfactory price?

For you it may make good sense based on your local parts availability and car market. Another consideration is your local laws and regulations concerning a salvaged car. Here in Oklahoma it is very simple. There is no inspection or repair requirement for a car that is over 10 years old. Many places are a lot more strict.

It could be a nice car again. I would start by offering MUCH less for the initial purchase and expect to walk away without the car.

[thstone]

Originally Posted by 78F350

... if you don't count your time as an expense it can pay for itself.

^^^ What he said ^^^

If your time is free and its a hobby project and you can take a risk financially, then yes. If you expect or need to make a profit, then no.

[rexcramer]

Originally Posted by BoxsterSteve

There are too many good uncrashed Boxster out there to choose from to undertake this amount of effort.

+1 boxstersteve

I would suggest your time is better spent driving instead of wrenching.

[jvfante]

I was thinking you were getting this hulk for $1000. For the cost of this wrecked car, $7300, you can find a good running low-mileage Boxster without any of this damage or the salvage title.

Check prices on CL, Ebay and Autotrader, and don't be in a hurry. Even a flight to LA, FL or Texas would save you money and you'll be happier with one that is not a salvage title.

And don't worry, you'll have plenty of wrench time with a "good condition" car, just give it six months and you'll be doing the brakes, maybe the suspension, a new top, new tunes, maybe a clutch and fixing all the little gremlins so common to these cars.

My 2 cents. Good luck.