If you bought a 20 year old Boxster, what would you do first?

[elgyqc]

Change the oil and take the old filter apart to see if there are any particles visible. Check all the fluids and the air filter. Have a diagnostic test done. Perhaps check the cylinders with a borescope. I would then drive it for awhile to see if there is anything obvious, then I would change all the other fluids and bring all maintenance items up to date as in a major service. The service schedule is available online.
I am one of those that thinks the IMSB problem has been exaggerated. I'm sure you will get several responses saying that the IMSB is the first thing to do.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by elgyqc

Change the oil and take the old filter apart to see if there are any particles visible. Check all the fluids and the air filter. Have a diagnostic test done. Perhaps check the cylinders with a borescope. I would then drive it for awhile to see if there is anything obvious, then I would change all the other fluids and bring all maintenance items up to date as in a major service. The service schedule is available online.
I am one of those that thinks the IMSB problem has been exaggerated. I'm sure you will get several responses saying that the IMSB is the first thing to do.

I agree with all of this except Send the old oil to have it anailzed.

[Zzorro]

+1 on brake fluid. My car sat for years before I bought it and I should have changed it. Didn't and had a close call. Bad move on my part. Just get it done.

[jonogt6]

I'd only replace the tyres, brake fluid and oil. Drive it steady at first and allow things to get used to moving again and you should be fine.

[Rob175]

I own a 22 year old 98' Boxster (5 spd) with 89,000 miles. I've owned it for 15 yrs. The only things I've ever done is to replace a leaking coolant tank and replaced the water pump. Of course I've changed air filters and cabin filters, yearly oil changes with Mobile 1 High Mileage and other general maintenance......but that's all. It's my 4,000 mile per year summer sunny day car and gets put away in the winter.

Of course I could replace or upgrade the suspension, replace all the (working) coils, proactively replace the IMS and at least $5,000+ other stuff.......but I'm not! I just don't see the need for it. If parts fail I will fix them as needed, otherwise I just drive, drive, drive and enjoy it.

From a financial point, the car is in "mint" exterior/interior shape but still worth only about $8,000 maximum on a good day. I just can't justify dropping a ton of money to "make it newer".....I'd rather put that money towards a newer one someday. Maybe even a NEW one!