Advice for Boxster purchaser in Aussie.
 

Hi, I have been lurking on this forum & reading all I can about Boxsters. I like all Porsche's but the Boxster is beautiful & modern & affordable.
I am very close to purchasing a 2001 S manual model here in Australia.
I drove two vehicles today. Both were 2001 S models, one with 60,000KM & the other with 70,000km.
I am leaning towards purchasing the 60,00km one and have a few questions.
Where is the Vehicle Identification plate located?
Where & what should I be looking for/at to gauge the mechanical condition of the car.
I have poked & prodded & looked underneath the vehicle to see any major oil leaks etc, but where should I look?
How prone is the radiator to damage from rocks etc?
Is there anything I should be checking with the opening & closing of the roof?
What sort of miles per tank do they return when driven sedately?
Sorry for all the questions, but don't want a dud.
Thanks.
Dave in Aussie. :D
Soon to have a Boxster. :D

The VIN should be on the dash,at least it is in America. Just look on the driver side under the windshield.

The mechanical condition? Have a good dealership or indy shop look it over and let them judge for you.

The main leaks on these cars are the rear main seal. It leaks at the connection between the tranny and engine. not a huge deal as long as it's only a drop or two a night. I'm on my 3rd r.m.s. and the thing STILL leaks if I don't drive my car.

The 3 radiators on the 3 take hits BUT the center one takes the most from what I've seen on mine hands down. It's fine,just get a used toothbrush and clean as much out from it as you can from time to time.

Just make sure the roof opens and closes as it should,no pauses or jitters,the mechanic should look this over in the pre purchase inspection if you get one.

I can almost get 30mpg on the freeway on my 3.2L 01' when I'm not riding the gas.

Thanks for the reply.
The roof opens and closes quite smoothly & the vehicle has a complete service history. The vehicle has been maintained & serviced by the same dealership for its whole life. On monday I will pay the dealer a visit & see if they will tell me any work carried out previously.
It has just had the 60,000Km service & no major work required.
I will be making a decision on Monday, but at the moment it is on.
I think it is a good price, though expensive by USA standards. The vehicle is $49,000 AUD or $39,000 USD.
Not the cheapest, but I would hate to buy trouble.
Thanks for your reply.
Dave.

You really need to get a 3rd party pre purchase inspection on the car, even if you have to pay someone to go to the location of the vehicle or take the vehicle to the inspector.

Find someone who works on Boxsters as they have special issues.

Good repair records are great to have. However, knowing that everything that needed repair or replacement has had it done already by a 3rd party is priceless.

And yes, that's a lot of cash for that car here in America, but not nearly as much as Singapore, where the same car might cost more than $100,000 USD :eek:

Good Luck
 

I saw your car on ebay and I feel for your loss. What do you say when you buy a car like that and it blows so soon. Probably not alot you could have done about it though as that's the case with these m96 engines.

Everytime I get in mine and make damn sure I have my cell phone just incase.

You are reporting about a 14+k loss on your site. Have you thought about just parting out the car to try and salvage that loss? Car looks good other than the lost engine.

Boxster purchasE WA
 

Dave,
How did you go with your Boxster, I am looking at one tomorrow. Sunday 6/dec
2004 2.7 55000 ks. I am in Northern N.S.W. east coast.
Bruce

Sorry for the late reply.
Love "the Box" off to Bathurst/ Mt Panorama for Easter to watch the Feastival of Sporting Cars.
All old cars GTHO Falcons, XU1 torana's etc.
Porsche club NSW competing in some events.
How did you go for your purchase?
Dave.