Milky coolant.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by BIGJake111

I looked online for some examples of full on intermix and mine is definitely not that bad, that being said the car hasn’t been driven since the new coolant was added in. so I could be biased off of seeing the new coolant.

My main concern is the sudden drop in both fluid levels in a matter of 200 miles of driving.

Any thoughts on that possibly being a symptom of much larger issues? Or did I maybe just burn some stuff off.

Easily answered: Run a cooling system pressure test; if it holds pressure for 15 min., there are no leaks, cracks, or other gremlins. Sudden drops in coolant and oil level are often the result of the systems not being properly filled in the first place.

[jb92563]

The coolant should not be going anywhere unless there is a leak externally or internally.

The oil consumption should not be much either in a issue free engine, less than a quart in 5K miles of driving.

A cooling system pressure test would be a good inexpensive way to start the diagnostics.

Hopefully its not a cracked head which would send oil and water through the engine at those kind of rates.

Not sure is a Head gasket could be the issue, not familiar with that part of the engine, but a cheaper fix than cracked.

[Brian in Tucson]

Okay, first, I'm 66 years old and retired. So color your opinion with that. I am in the latter stages of putting a newer, better 2.7 in my 01 Box/base. So I'm not your average old codger. Hurts when I get up in the morning, but I'm out there working on it by 9 am.

As I understand it, time and money are constraints that are keeping you from fixing your Boxster. You are in college & that should be your first (probably only) priority.

Depending on how close you are to graduating, you should either walk away and sell it as a project car, or get a car cover and put it away for later. In the meantime, there are lots of older cars to choose from. As you can see from my signature, I have a couple of 1st gen Prius's and a 96 Dakota 4x4 (250,000 mi. and going strong.) The Pri's have the distinction of not looking like 04 and later Prius, but are more a sporty 4 door sedan. Look nice, and the Prius is more stealthy than the later ones (which I'll agree are butt ugly.)

I guess, in a father's tone, I'd suggest you get something that's fairly reliable, easy to fix, and affordable. I worked on a neighbor's 2000 Camry yesterday and it would fill the bill and doesn't scream inexpensive or old. Don't know your finances but something under $3K would be worth looking for--good maintenance helps, but look for something that looks nice and then have it inspected by someone you trust. I probably would default to Toyota, their build quality is quite impressive.