Valuation help - 2002 Boxster S

[ike84]

Even in cold weather my convertible top runs strong. A bit "creaky" but never requires assistance. I would be prepared to replace the transmissions (worst case scenario)

Exhaust rattle is normal. It's the metal expanding/contracting as it heats up/cools down. It should last for 30 seconds or so after starting and after shutdown. It should sound like a crackle or tinkle.

CEL coming on after rain is concerning. Probably the most concerning thing you've said so far. What are the codes it's throwing? That will make the difference between digits in repair bill.

That grinding could be bushings, although that doesn't usually make a grinding noise. It's usually.more of a clunk. I'd be worried about worn struts you may be hitting the bump stops (just a guess here but that's what mine did before I replaced them). I would look at the bump stops directly and if they look worn then expect to replace all 4 struts. If you do this, you're looking at a complete suspension overhaul.

None of this in my mind would be a deal breaker but it completely depends on your cash flow and willingness to do repairs yourself. Parts aren't terribly expensive but labor can break your bank.

I'll be honest though, I would consider passing with so many unknowns. It's not terribly difficult to find a garage queen with half the miles and none of these issues, and it sounds to me like the guy isn't doing you any favors with the price he's asking. It may take 6 months, but it may be very much worth the wait - especially since none of is are able to enjoy the cars for what they are with this **************** weather were getting now.


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[Biscuits704]

Originally Posted by ike84

Even in cold weather my convertible top runs strong. A bit "creaky" but never requires assistance. I would be prepared to replace the transmissions (worst case scenario)

Exhaust rattle is normal. It's the metal expanding/contracting as it heats up/cools down. It should last for 30 seconds or so after starting and after shutdown. It should sound like a crackle or tinkle.

CEL coming on after rain is concerning. Probably the most concerning thing you've said so far. What are the codes it's throwing? That will make the difference between digits in repair bill.

That grinding could be bushings, although that doesn't usually make a grinding noise. It's usually.more of a clunk. I'd be worried about worn struts you may be hitting the bump stops (just a guess here but that's what mine did before I replaced them). I would look at the bump stops directly and if they look worn then expect to replace all 4 struts. If you do this, you're looking at a complete suspension overhaul.

None of this in my mind would be a deal breaker but it completely depends on your cash flow and willingness to do repairs yourself. Parts aren't terribly expensive but labor can break your bank.

I'll be honest though, I would consider passing with so many unknowns. It's not terribly difficult to find a garage queen with half the miles and none of these issues, and it sounds to me like the guy isn't doing you any favors with the price he's asking. It may take 6 months, but it may be very much worth the wait - especially since none of is are able to enjoy the cars for what they are with this **************** weather were getting now.

Great advice thank you!

I've been looking into the top issue - I really think it's the one outlined here:
Roof Issue
All adds up with the stretching of fabric (meaning it won't reach all the way), juddering noise as fabric rubs over frame, etc. Because of the hard top, the car is stored roof-down which can lead to shrinkage and this issue. I'm going to take a good look at it again now I know what to check. Still not ruling out anything like transmissions, but I'll be doing some thorough tests.

Yep, many sources confirm exhaust rattle is normal. I'll just live with it, or ask my mechanic to drop a couple of welds on there when it's in for unrelated work in the future.

CEL- I don't have an OBD reader, so unless I take it to a tech, I won't know. I am going to investigate the drain channels and test with some water. I forgot to add, this only happens when the owner parks on his sloped driveway, nose-in, with hard top (that covers things better) off. My hunch is that drains are blocked, and the rain pools on top of the engine cover below the clamshell, before finding it's way down and causing moisture on connections or MAF or something. Apparently this has been going on for a while and only ever happens after a hard downpour, before resolving itself after time to dry.

Bushings - it could be a clunk, I forget what was said. Owner is saying to price in a fix for those though, he seems pretty sure. I'll have to get it checked out (it will come out in an inspection) and see what the deal is. He did say though this only happens after long drives - so inclined to think it's not bump stop riding as that would happen all the time.

As for passing and finding something else... I'm only really interested in this one, truth be told. I know the seller and therefore the history. It's "come along" without me even looking so I either pull the trigger on this one, or I go without. I have another appointment arranged this week where I'll be doing some in-depth checking, and if we can agree on a price, I'll do it. Otherwise it'll be a pass.

Originally Posted by Seal1968

What year is/was your 951?

I've had an 83 944 NA and an 88 944S previously...fun cars.

It's an 86. Bone stock aside from newer CD player and full stainless exhaust (OEM is NLA).

I'm not too far from you - maybe I'll take a drive up in the summer

[Seal1968]

Sounds like a plan...I'd love to check out the 951.

Let me know sir!

Cheers, Rick

[Biscuits704]

Originally Posted by Spyder_Man

Hagerty has an online valuation tool. You need to setup an account but it is free to do so.

Not sure why I didn't try that first. I'm with Hagerty and the 986 will be insured through them... I guess because if their 951 values are anything to go by, they're a little optimistic. Great for a seller, but not as a buyer

Originally Posted by Seal1968

Sounds like a plan...I'd love to check out the 951.

Let me know sir!

Cheers, Rick

I'll PM you!

Originally Posted by ike84

It certainly sounds like you've done your homework! I hope everything works out. These are wonderful cars and certainly garner smiles at every turn

Thanks! I think this may well happen...

Updates from a second viewing.

Roof: gave it some time to be less frigid and supple up a bit - left it semi-open for an hour. No problems closing fully. Fabric did pop out of the frame but the elastic inside is not damaged. It opened and closed fine. What I DID notice is the juddering noise is not from the fabric stretching over frame, but the clamshell "arms" (whatever they are that slide in the runners) coming up against some resistance and juddering. Quick research shows needs grease at least, realignment at most. Other than that - roof is smooth and works fully, leading me well away from any transmission replacement theories.

CEL: After research and advice, took a look at both the immobilizer unit under the seat, and got into the DME area. Both absolutely bone dry with no evidence of water getting in (covered in fine dust, no run marks, no rust, no streaking, no corrosion on connectors). I did buy a cheap OBD reader and ran it, sadly no codes due to battery disconnection. Drains were free and clear of blockages. So... at a bit of a loss still on that one - I was told to walk away if the DME looked like it had seen moisture and it hasn't. So it will still be a bit of a roll of the dice - at least I know the DME isn't compromised though.

I think the tie-rod ends need doing, needs a good service, maybe tires (old) - so going to put in an offer later and see how it goes!

[Spyder_Man]

Originally Posted by Biscuits704

Not sure why I didn't try that first. I'm with Hagerty and the 986 will be insured through them... I guess because if their 951 values are anything to go by, they're a little optimistic. Great for a seller, but not as a buyer

It’s also quite useful when negotiating “agreed upon value” or “fixed value” automotive insurance coverage, which collector car owners favor heavily.


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[ike84]

Originally Posted by Biscuits704

Great advice thank you!



I've been looking into the top issue - I really think it's the one outlined here:

Roof Issue

All adds up with the stretching of fabric (meaning it won't reach all the way), juddering noise as fabric rubs over frame, etc. Because of the hard top, the car is stored roof-down which can lead to shrinkage and this issue. I'm going to take a good look at it again now I know what to check. Still not ruling out anything like transmissions, but I'll be doing some thorough tests.



Yep, many sources confirm exhaust rattle is normal. I'll just live with it, or ask my mechanic to drop a couple of welds on there when it's in for unrelated work in the future.



CEL- I don't have an OBD reader, so unless I take it to a tech, I won't know. I am going to investigate the drain channels and test with some water. I forgot to add, this only happens when the owner parks on his sloped driveway, nose-in, with hard top (that covers things better) off. My hunch is that drains are blocked, and the rain pools on top of the engine cover below the clamshell, before finding it's way down and causing moisture on connections or MAF or something. Apparently this has been going on for a while and only ever happens after a hard downpour, before resolving itself after time to dry.



Bushings - it could be a clunk, I forget what was said. Owner is saying to price in a fix for those though, he seems pretty sure. I'll have to get it checked out (it will come out in an inspection) and see what the deal is. He did say though this only happens after long drives - so inclined to think it's not bump stop riding as that would happen all the time.



As for passing and finding something else... I'm only really interested in this one, truth be told. I know the seller and therefore the history. It's "come along" without me even looking so I either pull the trigger on this one, or I go without. I have another appointment arranged this week where I'll be doing some in-depth checking, and if we can agree on a price, I'll do it. Otherwise it'll be a pass.









It's an 86. Bone stock aside from newer CD player and full stainless exhaust (OEM is NLA).



I'm not too far from you - maybe I'll take a drive up in the summer

It certainly sounds like you've done your homework! I hope everything works out. These are wonderful cars and certainly garner smiles at every turn

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