One year...I'm done

[RandallNeighbour]

I had all sorts of nagging little problems with my 97 in the first year of ownership, but I got them sorted out and all is well.

The windows won't work if the top hook is not fully seated into the hole, actuating the switch. Make sure its in there good and deep before you latch the top closed. If it is latched properly, try unlatching it and jamming your left forefinger in there and push up hard, then try operating the windows. The inexpensive microswitch may be going out on you.

Try spraying the contact cleaner into the seatbelt receptacles like another forum member did to clean the contacts... that's probably why the airbag light is on. Or, you could do what I did... just replace both receptacles for under a hundred bucks and be sure it's fixed before you go in to get the airbag light turned off.

Now the car not starting could be a lot of things... but my guess is that your ignition switch ($25) behind the key hole is going out on you.

The top not going fully down sounds like you may have not pulled up your handbrake fully so as to engage the microswitch, or the microswitch there is going out. Also not expensive and easy to repair yourself if that's the culprit.

I'd recommend you take this information along with your car to a mechanic who is familiar with the picky little crap that wears out on our cars and have him fix them. Then you'll love your car again.

BTW, I was so frustrated after a year I was about to lose my shirt selling my car, but I stuck it out and I have a very dependable, dash warning light-free boxster in my garage that I enjoy driving every sunny day.

Let us know how it turns out.

[Perfectlap]

26,000 miles since Nov. 2004
non-maintenance repairs to date:

1. Throttle body $350
2. Windshield $350
3. parking brake switch $104 (part was $4!)

in the reliability department this Porsche is giving my bullet proof Miata I previously owned, a real run for the money. These may be the best Porsches ever made.

[SC986]

I haven't had the issues with the Boxster. I have a '99 328 and I know about the windows. Three of mine went out at a football game last season taking the car flags down.

I had to open the door and get out to drop the mail in the box. Pain and yeap, embarrasing. When I got them fixed my first dinner was at the Wendy's drive through...just because I could

[djomlas]

those are all annoying little things, if something like that would make u trade in a car, ten i dont know what to tell you...

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

I've never had a Sports Car in all the 30+ I've owned that wasn't in some way a Love/Hate relationship. That said, there have been several that tested my patience once too often. My Lotus Europa, Ferrari 308 GTS Quatrovalve and TVR Tasmin 280i are three I can name.

I'm not going to try and convince you to keep your Boxster. These cars do have issues (and annoying ones which other Mfgs. seem to get right). These issues often exceed owners' tolerance levels (which may explain why there are always a steady stream of them on the used car market).

It's a good car if you can handle the ******************** from time-to-time. Not everyone can. But, you will not own one longterm which remains trouble-free, there are too many weak spots and it can literally nickle and dime you to death, especially at Porsche Prices. It's no badge of honor if you're willing to put up with it, nor any point of shame if you're not. Everyone's situation, expectations, budget, and priorities are different.

There are so many great cars out there one can own that it's silly to keep owning one which you're unhappy with or lack confidence in, especially since it will continuously depreciate. If you're truly not happy, sell it ASAP to retain as much of your original investment as possible. Good luck with whatever you decide to do...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[Boxtaboy]

Mine's an 01 Boxster 5-speed with 47K miles. Only problems I've ever had were a peeling radio knob and door bin lid cover (both covered under warranty), and a leaking coolant tank (also replaced under warranty). Nothing else but miles of smiles.

[FrayAdjacent]

I should hope that if I do encounter any problems with my 01 Boxster, that they will be simple ones like worn or defective switches here and there.... rather than something like an RMS leak, or other more serious (and costly) problems.

Having a warranty is nice, tho.

[FIG]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

in the reliability department this Porsche is giving my bullet proof Miata I previously owned, a real run for the money.

x2