Need Advice; Is my '98 at risk for engine failure?

[jwh]

I need advice; I have a beautiful 1998 Boxster with 23K miles on it that I am trying to sell... an interested buyer told me that he had learned of potential problems with Boxster engines that are a big liability... that he would not buy without having a separately purchased warranty in place. Is there really a systematic problem with these engines that can lead to serious failure or is this guy exaggerating? If so, what are the warning signs? Thank you!

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by jwh

I need advice; I have a beautiful 1998 Boxster with 23K miles on it that I am trying to sell... an interested buyer told me that he had learned of potential problems with Boxster engines that are a big liability... that he would not buy without having a separately purchased warranty in place. Is there really a systematic problem with these engines that can lead to serious failure or is this guy exaggerating? If so, what are the warning signs? Thank you!

Hi,

Hate to be the bearer of Bad news, but yes, there are inherent flaws in the M96 Engine (986, 987 + S, 996, 997, Cayman S - not the TT) Porsche never got the Rear Main Seal correct (actually casting the Block) and so a relatively high number do fail, probably between 10-15%, maybe more because Porsche isn't telling.

Also, the Car can suffer from Intermediate Shaft failure, mostly post '02 because Porsche redesigned it and removed one of three bearings. The signs of RMS are Oil leaking from the center underside of the motor, usually progressive, but sometimes catastrophic failure. Intermediate shaft has no warning signs, one minute you're OK, the next - adios Seňor Motor...

All is not lost, your car is coming to the far side mileage of when these usually occur. Doesn't mean you're out of the woods, but the odds are building in your favor. Be upfront to a prospect if they mention it, but also let them know that not all cars experience this and those which do are usually at lower miles than yours is currently. Who'd ever thought that higher mileage would be a benefit in selling a car?...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[jwh]

well... that's comforting and disturbing at the same time. The car was first owned by a fanatical friend of mine who had the Mobil-1 changed every spring & fall for it's first six years and 17K miles... so few cars have been better maintained. It doesn't sound like this is a maint. issue though... rather the luck of the draw with respect to the engine block. Oh well... I hope I can get $19K for it.

I bought my 98 two years ago with 24k on the clock. I now have 40k on the clock, and they have been 16k trouble free miles. A few weeks back I did find a Spot on the garage floor, and the first thought through my mind was, "Oh $#!T ...RMS." Nah, just a loose bolt on the pan. Problem solved.

Just curious though, why are you selling?

[Arona]

I recently bought a '98 with 28k. As for the engine, I was fully aware, from reading this board, of the issue. I did a Pre Purchase Inspection and your buyer should also. If the PPI comes back clean, he should be satisfied. I think $19,000 is fair for the car and reflects the general market value for Boxsters of that age and mileage (which takes the engine issue into consideration as well).

My best advice: keep the car and get rid of the buyer. Otherwise, hold firm for the $19,000.

[jwh]

Well, the buyer did come through with $19K - so I think I got a fair price. I am selling because I am feeling the pinch financially and my daily driver (99 Passat V6 5-speed with HR OE's and Bilsteins) has 146K on the odo - seems another $1000 fix-up is always just around the corner for the Passat, though I love the car. Thank you for the thoughtful replies.