Should I buy this Boxster S?
 

Hi there everyone.

I've been offered a 2002 (52 reg) Boxster S. Its the facelift model (must have been an early one) with the glass read screen, glovebox etc.

Its done 100,000 miles and has just had new rubber all round (£850 worth) and a clutch 10,000 miles ago at 90,000 miles. The rear main seal was also replaced at this clutch change (which was in Dec 2008). He doesn't do many miles as you can tell!

The car is immaculate (really is) and I've been offered it for £7k if I want it.

The only thing that is holding me back at the moment is a noise the car makes when ticking over. I suppose (and hope) that I'm being paranoid that I'm hearing an intermediate shaft (or bearing) grumbling, but recorded a quick video of the sound to see what you kind people think.

20120828_1817261.mp4 video by jamesperks - Photobucket

I must say that the rythmic clonk-clonk-clonk-clonk noise in this video (which is the noise I'm worried about) seems MUCH MUCH louder than it sounds standing next to the car. I was standing chatting for ages before I noticed anything other than exhaust noise.

Any help very much appreciated.

James

That doesn't sound so great but who knows. Find a good mechanic and pay for a PPI. You should do that regardless.

I don't like that sound at all, sound like metal hitting metal?
I would haul it down to good mechanic, see if they can come up with a plausible cause and a cost estimate , and then deduct the cost of fixing it from the price of the car, plus a little extra for your trouble, or walk away. You may end up getting someone to pay for an IMS fix on it if your lucky.

Maybe drop the oil filter and have a peek.

when was the waterpump replaced?

I speak from experience when I say that sure is a lot of car for £7k. I would have a pre-purchase inspection done and go from there.

I'd run, not walk if I hear that kind of sound on a used car, no matter how cheap it is.

Did anybody tell you how fragile our motors are and how expensive it is to fix Porsches? Go ahead, ask me how I know this.

+1

There are so many others on the market to choose from.

If it is possible that the noise is identifiable and the fix is reasonable why would you not investigate further? There should be little to no cost involved to the buyer. Clearly it's making an odd noise. I would assume that the seller acknowledges that fact and would be willing to have the issue identified and negotiate a solution. There are few 13 year old sports cars that are perfect. If you find one, expect to pay a huge premium. I cannot diagnose the problem from a youtube vid and I'm betting you can't either.

What if it's something as simple as a belt tensioner? or PS pump? Why run from what could be something simple until you're educated? Yes these cars have some unique weaknesses, but there are plenty of non P cars out there that don't have unique weaknesses that still make odd noises until the issue is diagnosed and fixed. Not to mention the fact that IMS failures can strike anywhere without warning. Just because a car sounds good does not mean that it is, and vice-versa.

Investigate and analyze...

Has the owner said they have heard it before does it change when Hot or cold when you press the clutch or load the car ie in gear and lift the clutch simple things will tell you more

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hmmm sounds like a train !!

jake raby may have some idea, but it sounds a bit echo-ey like it's coming throught rear silencer. i went to look a at a 996 convertible a couple of weeks ago and walked on it as the seller wanted top dollar for it and it sounded like a suspected a failing IMS.. on tick over it made a slow clack---clack---clack which i suspected was the bearings flipping round the ball race cage.

THAT noise.. not sure on maybe due to the speakers .. perhasp Jake Raby can give some input or get it to a porker specialist to have a look at.

mine has 110 on it and it's quiet and smooth from cold and hot.

that sounds horrible. doesn't matter how cosmetically nice it looks or the expensive additions if its not running. i agree with others, id look for another or have seller pay for its fix. mine sounds nothing like that. i would be paranoid if it did. the good thing is your not the owner :)