Exhaust stains....oil leak??? help

[Blairw123]

Hi, I am new to this forum and a first time buyer of a boxster. i have narrowed my search to 2 cars. both 2005 both 38500 miles and both seemingly in great condition with fsh and the checks i have done are so far good.

However one has a 12 month warrantee and one a 6 however this one is in slightly better condition with sat nav and has a spotless exhaust pipe. The one with the 12 month warrantee has a stained tailpipe and i wondered if this was s sign of the infamous rear oil leak that i have reward about several times. could i be correct? could anyone help in this matter?

[jcslocum]

I don't see the rear main leaks getting on the exhaust headers or cats. The is more likely a spark plug boot leak or valve cover.

[PaulE]

Are you talking about staining on the actual exhaust tip or some other portion of the exhaust when you say "exhaust pipe?" The exhaust is made of steel that will discolor over time, the one car may just have had that particular pipe replaced relatively recently. If it is the actual exhaust tip, those are made of stainless steel and can be easily cleaned up. One car may have had the exhaust tip cleaned and the other may not have been cleaned. They all get dirty over time but clean up pretty easily.

[Blairw123]

thanks guys