What could cause a tiptronic to get stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear?
 

I'm looking at a 1999 Boxster but it gets stuck in gear when driving sometimes, 2nd and 3rd from what I'm told. Is this a controller issue or time for a new tranny? The car has about 50,000 miles.

When was the last time your transmission was serviced ?

I would take to a Porsche specialist and have them test your transmission controller.

I have not bought the car yet, but I'm interested...
 

I was trying to find out just how big of a fix this might become if I do buy the car. I can get the car CHEAP and it is in good shape, but other buyers have been affraid of the tranny. I did see some circut boards for the tranny online for $300-$400 or so, but they are used I expect.

If it is the controller, how big of a job would that be?

A TIP transmission
 

throws codes when it senses problems which are accessible via specialized computers (PST2 and PWIS) that dealers have. TIPs are fairly robust and there aren't a lot of reports of problems on them over the years. Mine has 58k miles on it, zero problems.

Worst case is a trans replacement. The trans is 10+ years old and one doubts it has had its fluid changed. I'd start there but there are so many good condition samples out there I'd have to be getting a real bargain to absorb the risk on this one.

I'd factor in a 90k service cost based on age and miles in addition to the obvious things like tires or brakes if it needs em.

$5,000
 

Do you think it's worth it?

$$$$
 

As many p-car owners in this forum (myself included) recommend only buying the best p-car you can afford....A 5000$ p-car while might be "cheap", what is it going to cost you in the long run. If you end up replacing major parts like the transmission, then the "savings" you make in the front end, will surely be lost in the back end of ownership. You will find that while p-cars are a blast to drive, they can also tend be a blast to the wallet when the time comes for major repairs.

Your best bet would be to "up" what you can pay and get a ppi done on any p-car that you are wanting to buy.

Good luck!!! :D

Check the wiring harness plug connecting thewiring harness to the tiptronic switch on the gearbox. I had similar problems - after the dealer changed the tiptronic switch (twice!) the problem turned out to be a faulty plug.