Need help pulling the trigger

[mreigie1]

If you are considering a black on black 2002 Boxter S with a ground effects kit and an aftermarket muffler and the dealer that is a private (Non Dealership)sales lot who claim to sell "Sharp" vehicles. DO NOT DO IT.
I looked at that car the week after Christmas and was asked if I wanted to drive and I said let's begin with a simple start up. Always act indifferent about any particular car with the salesperson. Turned the key and nothing, ok dead battery, not a deal killer and was told it's been a while since it's been started (clue). They got a jump box and I turned the key and the engine lit but the first 3-4 seconds they was a nasty loud rattle-grind sound from the engine. I let it idle for a minute and tried to advance the throttle and the tach dove toward "0". Anyway I cant be sure but would not be a bit surprised to hear that's what an IMS bearing sounds in the early stages of failure. And as most of the lubrication had drained away from the bearing.
We live in the same area and you may have seen a base model in Vail for 14.9K and so he got 11K. Amazing shape 69K on the clock, still overpriced for the year/model but amazingly clean.
Good Luck and do your homework, it pays off...

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by mreigie1

If you are considering a black on black 2002 Boxter S with a ground effects kit and an aftermarket muffler and the dealer that is a private (Non Dealership)sales lot who claim to sell "Sharp" vehicles. DO NOT DO IT.
I looked at that car the week after Christmas and was asked if I wanted to drive and I said let's begin with a simple start up. Always act indifferent about any particular car with the salesperson. Turned the key and nothing, ok dead battery, not a deal killer and was told it's been a while since it's been started (clue). They got a jump box and I turned the key and the engine lit but the first 3-4 seconds they was a nasty loud rattle-grind sound from the engine. I let it idle for a minute and tried to advance the throttle and the tach dove toward "0". Anyway I cant be sure but would not be a bit surprised to hear that's what an IMS bearing sounds in the early stages of failure. And as most of the lubrication had drained away from the bearing.
We live in the same area and you may have seen a base model in Vail for 14.9K and so he got 11K. Amazing shape 69K on the clock, still overpriced for the year/model but amazingly clean.
Good Luck and do your homework, it pays off...

Can you point me to actual articles, posts, or facts that suggest that noise reveals the IMS is going north? Everything I've read suggest that that part just facking explodes... fails... kaput and without warning.

I would suggest the buyer interested in the car look at the starter motor... as that could be the sound of XXXX grinding.

$.02

[mreigie1]

https://www.revolution-porsche.co.uk/news/ims-bearing-failure-symptoms-and-how-to-spot-them
This article and look under "symptoms" suggests a quest for metal flake or black plastic in your filter when changing your oil and in fact when I called a Porsche dealer to ask some simple questions I of course brought up the IMS and she said that they look for the same when the filter is changed as an early indicator. Not sure how many components involve black plastic as yes the metal can be from a number of other expensive places. I'm just looking at the odds. And very possible the vast majority do just "grenade" a lot of people like to disregard little noises at start up as long as they fade away. Every one of those little noises have a story to tell, some benign some not so much. I had the starter/flywheel thought as my initial hope and you know it may be just that but the cost difference alone between a starter and possibly a flywheel and an IMS adventure made that little voice in the back of my head say "done", at least for then. No, bottom line have a professional perform an inspection. This shop is not opposed to an inspection they just need to send their salesperson along and please choose the shop, don't them lead you to any particular establishment. It is a pretty car...Been there a long time, usually a reason. Regards. -Mike
P.S. I am still receiving ads, price drops etc from...well everyone. If I spot something worth looking at given we live in the same place I can give you a shout if you'd like.