Buying a Used 986 Boxster

[thstone]

Originally Posted by Russdawg1

IMS Bearing - Seems to be the big ticket item. My research has shown that on the 1997 year which uses the dual row bearing, the failure rate is a measly 1%. Im willing to take the 99% chance of a Porsche that will function fine, but will be looking to replace the bearing if and when the clutch needs replacing as its $400 or so for peace of mind. Thoughts?

If the engine made it to 80K - 100K miles on the original IMSB , then the engine will likely make it to around 150K miles when something else will cause the engine to fail.

However, if you simply cannot sleep at night because of worrying about the IMSB, then bite the bullet, spend the money to replace the bearing, and get some sleep.

Originally Posted by Russdawg1

RMS - This is less important, obviously excessive leaking is bad, but replacing it is only laborious and the seal is like $20. If it is barely leaking or not leaking at all, I am golden?

You can live with some seepage and a couple of drips on the ground until the clutch needs replacement. Replace only if you find a puddle of oil under the car.

Originally Posted by Russdawg1

Cylinder liner - Someone had said that this was a problem only in 1998, the first 1997 year, didn’t have this problem, and it was addressed in the 1999 year on.

Ignore this concern. Only applied to early cars with brand new engines. Any car now will have tens of thousands of miles on it so its not a concern.

Originally Posted by Russdawg1

Checking for oil emulsion and/or coolant mixing. If I see this, is it fixable? I wasn’t able to find too much on this. All I’m aware of is if I see the mayo of death around the cap, find a new car to purchase.

Yes, intermix is fixable. The only question is "at what cost?". Sometimes its simply the oil/water cooler (or the seals) that need replacement. Other times, its something major inside the engine. Mayo is good on a sandwich, not so good in an engine (and if found in the engine, skip that car).

Originally Posted by Russdawg1

Coolant leaking in the back (damp or wet trunk area) - New tank is $600 or so, knock that off the price and still purchase?

Correct. DIY of the tank is a royal PITA. You'll need the extra $250 for beer during the job and whisky afterwards. And don't have any young kids around during the repair because you will definitely be cussing.

Originally Posted by Russdawg1

Anything else I need to be aware of? Most of my reading has led me to believe that this is a fabulous car other than these problems, which are generally quite expensive and would be extremely deterring if it wasn’t for the fact that it’s labor that costs the most, not the part. I can supply free labor !

There are no cheap Porsche's. Parts AND shop labor are both expensive. Plan on the occasional problem and repair needing to be done and you'll be fine.

[Russdawg1]

Originally Posted by thstone

If the engine made it to 80K - 100K miles on the original IMSB , then the engine will likely make it to around 150K miles when something else will cause the engine to fail.

However, if you simply cannot sleep at night because of worrying about the IMSB, then bite the bullet, spend the money to replace the bearing, and get some sleep.

You can live with some seepage and a couple of drips on the ground until the clutch needs replacement. Replace only if you find a puddle of oil under the car.

Ignore this concern. Only applied to early cars with brand new engines. Any car now will have tens of thousands of miles on it so its not a concern.

Yes, intermix is fixable. The only question is "at what cost?". Sometimes its simply the oil/water cooler (or the seals) that need replacement. Other times, its something major inside the engine. Mayo is good on a sandwich, not so good in an engine (and if found in the engine, skip that car).

Correct. DIY of the tank is a royal PITA. You'll need the extra $250 for beer during the job and whisky afterwards. And don't have any young kids around during the repair because you will definitely be cussing.

There are no cheap Porsche's. Parts AND shop labor are both expensive. Plan on the occasional problem and repair needing to be done and you'll be fine.

Thank you for your input. Glad for the confirmation on this stuff.

Everyday I can feel myself getting even close to driving one of these beasts. We have a fabulous road, highway 29 in Northern California that I would think is any driver’s dream. One day, I’ll find myself sliding corners, one hand on the wheel, other on the shifter, having the time of my life in this boxster!

Is it bad that I already am looking at upgrades and styling parts?

That GT2 style bumper looks fabulous and enables the possibility for a third, center radiator

[Nine8Six]

Originally Posted by Russdawg1

Is it bad that I already am looking at upgrades and styling parts?

Yes. Very bad. You'll understand what I meant by that in a few months

Originally Posted by Russdawg1

That GT2 style bumper looks fabulous and enables the possibility for a third, center radiator

Not only it enables the 3rd rad, but a very much functional front bumper in term of aerodynamics and road handling. If you like go-kart style handling at speed then that gt2 front-end (with the lip) is for you. Only disadvantage = forget underground parking lots lol Front lip is not far off the ground (4" clearance on mine)

[Rob175]

I suppose it depends on how "new" you want to make your "old" Boxster. Could mine use a suspension change after 20 years and 85,000 miles......SURE. But will I do it NO I won't. I just don't mind it, I don't race it, I don't track it....I just take it out on sunny summer days with the wife and we just drive. I fix or replace that which interferes with those summer drives.....there's really almost no end to what you can spend......

My suggestion is buy it, drive it for a year and then decide what you want to change/fix/replace and what you can afford. These Boxsters are built for simple top down fun, IMHO.

[Russdawg1]

Originally Posted by Rob175

I suppose it depends on how "new" you want to make your "old" Boxster. Could mine use a suspension change after 20 years and 85,000 miles......SURE. But will I do it NO I won't. I just don't mind it, I don't race it, I don't track it....I just take it out on sunny summer days with the wife and we just drive. I fix or replace that which interferes with those summer drives.....there's really almost no end to what you can spend......



My suggestion is buy it, drive it for a year and then decide what you want to change/fix/replace and what you can afford. These Boxsters are built for simple top down fun, IMHO.

So the age old “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”? That makes sense. Thanks for the suggestion. Not spending money that I don’t need to is definitely going to be a problem if this becomes my car.

Originally Posted by Nine8Six

Yes. Very bad. You'll understand what I meant by that in a few months

Not only it enables the 3rd rad, but a very much functional front bumper in term of aerodynamics and road handling. If you like go-kart style handling at speed then that gt2 front-end (with the lip) is for you. Only disadvantage = forget underground parking lots lol Front lip is not far off the ground (4" clearance on mine)

Man, even more reasons! Here I was hoping someone would say “No don’t do it! It’s just for looks!” But now I have a reason to get it other than looks! Thanks