S.Calif bargain for an engine rebuilder $2500
 

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/6197016430.html
NAYY

Bad engine, salvage title. Doesn't sound like a bargain to me. But sad as it also sounds like he took care of it.

My guess he's going to end up fixing it. With a salvage title, Auto trans, and non S he won't get many bites. Aren't there several Porsche salvage dealers near him.

Economically, its close to a wash.

The roller is $2500. Assuming the worst about the engine, a replacement eBay engine is around $2500. Shop installation + 60K service on replacement engine is around $2000. That brings the total to $7000 to buy it and get it back on the road.

KBB says the car is worth around $7500, BUT the car also has a salvage title, so that means that you'd be upside down using the above approach.

You'd likely have to DIY the engine swap (save $1200 in shop labor) in order to beak even. Its sad that the economics of these old Boxster's just don't pencil out very well.

True, as a rebuilder, it doesn't make good economic sense. If it was local and I needed parts for one of my cars, it could make good sense. I look at it and see a nice interior, tiptronic transmission, straight body parts, nice wheels, good condition top, lights, bumpers...
With all the fees and transport costs I've paid for salvage auction cars, a local roller on Craigslist is usually a better deal. Maybe they are more common and cheaper in SoCal.

with 97,k miles I would replace every suspension part while the engine & trans is out also.