ALL info/help GREATLY appreciated! - Student

[Luccia at Pelican Parts]

Originally Posted by Neal

Thanks! Just wondering if im looking for a long no maintenance porsche except from the "usual" should i be looking for 2009+ or 2010+?

Anytime. If you want to read an in-depth article about the IMS bearing issue and what options are out there take a peek here: Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Intermediate Shaft Bearing Replacement and Upgrade (IMS) - 986 Boxster (1997-04) - 987 Boxster (2005-06).

Before you purchase I do recommend getting a PPI done so that you know what may or may not be a problem area with it. As far as a long no maintenance, it just depends. Find something that was well maintained and continue to maintain it well. The 2009+ will be IMS free, so if that is a concern then I'd go for that year.

Here are some threads that might be useful to you:

http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/65219-2006-2008-opinions-please.html
http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/64688-cost-ownership.html
http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/64057-986-987-upgrade-need-advice.html

[bwdz]

One recommendation you will always hear is get the newest and best P car you can afford. If you can get a 2009 or newer you will be getting a great car. Our first gen are great cars but due to age require much more maintenance so are best for those of us who perform our own repairs or else they end up costing as much as a newer one.

[paulofto]

If you get a pre 2005 986 bake in the price of an IMS replacement if it hasn't already been addressed since many, many have been done. If you get a 2005 to 2008 987 prepare to pay more but remember the IMS can still be an issue and the replacement is a whole other can of worms. If you get a 2009 or later 987 prepare to pay even more but you will have no IMS issues.

But keep this in mind: Any car, Porsche perhaps more than others, requires vigilant preventative maintenance. The older it is the more may need to be done. An IMS failure is not the only thing that needs consideration when assessing a used Porsche. Don't let the IMS issue blind you from the dozens of other concerns you should take into account. So from that perspective a PPI from an honest reputable mechanic who understands M96 and M97 engines is important. $300 to $400 spent upfront may well be worth it.