Looking to do buy a 2001 Boxster S - Some questions for the experts

[Wangta]

Originally Posted by Geof3

I would call Porsche of Irvine, assuming they still exist, and see if they have record of a clutch/mainseal/IMS being done. It would appear whomever owned it over the years at least did the minimum appropriately. The downside of the car fax stuff, is you don’t know what might have been done that wasn’t reported.

I thought of that - would they freely share that information if I just give them the VIN? And are clutch/IMS as big of issue on tiptronic? I was also under impression the PPI could vet the mainseal.

[Geof3]

Originally Posted by Wangta

I thought of that - would they freely share that information if I just give them the VIN? And are clutch/IMS as big of issue on tiptronic? I was also under impression the PPI could vet the mainseal.

Possibly, if they have the info. There is no clutch on the tiptronic. It is called a torque converter and is completely different. Tip trans makes no difference with th IMS. Upside is, if you decide to do the IMS, you only do the RMS and IMS and don’t need to spend the $$$ for a clutch system. So overall, it would be a bit cheaper. If there is a leak at the trans/engine it is most likely the RMS. It could be the IMS bearing cover, but that is not usually the case.

[Wangta]

Originally Posted by Geof3

Possibly, if they have the info. There is no clutch on the tiptronic. It is called a torque converter and is completely different. Tip trans makes no difference with th IMS. Upside is, if you decide to do the IMS, you only do the RMS and IMS and don’t need to spend the $$$ for a clutch system. So overall, it would be a bit cheaper. If there is a leak at the trans/engine it is most likely the RMS. It could be the IMS bearing cover, but that is not usually the case.

Thanks Geof. Can you check the RMS on a simple PPI? I'm wondering if the IMS is really an issue on a 120k mile car? It seems IMS pop up early if there is an issue.

[Geof3]

Originally Posted by Wangta

Thanks Geof. Can you check the RMS on a simple PPI? I'm wondering if the IMS is really an issue on a 120k mile car? It seems IMS pop up early if there is an issue.

Yes and no, you can certainly see if there is a leak, but can’t definitively diagnose as the trans needs to be removed to access. If there are signs of a leak then it is most likely the RMS. No way to tell on the IMS either. LN has a VIN lookup that might be worth while. Regarding whether or not to be concerned, the IMS is always a thought as it is a bearing. However, 1 in 10 are going to fail. If your RMS is showing a leak it is worthwhile to do the IMS at the same time.

[thom4782]

At 120K, add replacing the entire suspension in the future as its getting quite old. It's not inexpensive especially if you don't do the work yourself. Part alone are north of 3K if I recall correctly.

[Wangta]

Originally Posted by thom4782

At 120K, add replacing the entire suspension in the future as its getting quite old. It's not inexpensive especially if you don't do the work yourself. Part alone are north of 3K if I recall correctly.

Well well...what an intro to owning a Porsche. LOL.

I had a pretty thorough PPI done yesterday on the vehicle - they cut open the oil filter as part of it. Came back pretty clean - no metal pieces in the filter. Also noted suspension is fine, though it creeks a bit when turning at maximums.

Couple annoyances: rear tires are cracking, which I already had noticed. That'll be a nice $500. Also, the driver side window drops when the door handle is pulled but goes back up immediately before the door is closed so it hits the convertible top - I think the switch that controls it might need replacing.