I am being given a 2002 Boxster S that has been sitting for 8 years....

[maytag]

Do I take it that you aren't comfortable DIY?

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[Bravo 8]

I'm comfortable DIY but haven't done water pump/pulley's etc on a porsche. The bigger issue is if it's going to take them 15-20 hours then it's going to take me 25-30 hours. Family responsibilities aren't very conducive for that these days....or at least my wife says so. I'm going to look into doing part of it on my own. I'm assuming the water pump/tensioners/pulley's is the most difficult part listed? Can the plugs be gotten to and changed pretty easily? It was $120 just for plugs.

[78F350]

I'm not saying that the shop's fees are unreasonable, but I don't see anything on that list that is particularly difficult for an owner with some tools and ability to follow instructions.
IF you want to do some of this on your own, it is all covered multiple times on the forum. You just have to find the posts or ask for help after searching.
The brakes on the 986 are the easiest I've worked on out of all the cars I've owned. Water pump is not difficult, but you need to pay attention to things like a bolt being longer than others and not gumming it up with sealant. Changing wiper blades? Sounds easy, but a few of us have cracked windshields by accidentally having the 'un-wipered' arm fall against the glass. It's all written about and done by many that were pretty new to DIY.

Take a look thru some of this:
https://www.pelicanparts.com/boxster/boxster_tech.htm
DIY Projects
https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/mikesporscheboxsterwebpages

Like books? get the 101 projects book and Bentley manual

Nothing wrong with paying a shop, but labor and shop costs add up and they will stick with known reliable parts rather than look to cut costs to save you a buck or two.

If you are looking at paying the full cost of restoration by a pro, you will be 'underwater' with this car - you'd be better off selling it as-is and buying another. It's a free car, what do you have to lose by diving in and learning to fix it all yourself?


*Disclaimer* If you do decide to do it all yourself I accept no responsibility for any damages caused, or financial loss. Safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection for small children that may hear your utterings are highly recommended.

[maytag]

I'd echo what 78350 just said. None of that is particularly difficult stuff. Honestly, if I were looking at that list, the two items that I'd dread the most are bleeding the brakes and flushing the coolant. Both are, in my opinion, a serious pain in the a$$, because you now have to deal with fluid you removed.... but otherwise, not difficult.

my caveat: I've no idea where the oil-level sensor is..... maybe that ones a 8!7ch. I dunno.

assuming the car is REALLY, REALLY nice (paint looks great, interior looks great, suspension components all work properly without making any noises, the top looks good, no wear, no faded rear-window, etc etc) then when you're done, you've got car worth about $8k. In my opinion, this would make sense if you have some emotional attachment to the car. But otherwise, I;d look at it another way:

1. DIY it. Take your time. So what if it takes you a year, or even two? You'll learn a lot, and you'll be into the car maybe $2500 - $3000. That's pretty low-impact, that I bet your wife could get behind. :-)

2. Sell it as is, find another one that's good-to-go. You can probably get $1500 out of the car as-is (maybe more, you haven't shown us pics) and then turn around and find a good deal on another one for $7k.

Just my $0.02

[paulofto]

From your list the only things I haven't done myself are the water pump, fuel filter and oil level sensor. Everything else I did in my own garage without a lift, only ramps and jack stands. I did make an investment in a Motive power bleeder for the brakes and a coolant system vacuum/fill device but these are things I will use again. The brakes were surprisingly easy as were the spark plugs. As for disposing of brake fluid, oil and coolant Canadian Tire, an auto supply store, will take used auto fluids for recycling. There has to be similar places where you are.

Make some connections through the PCA and see if there are fellow local Boxster or 911 DIY owners who can lend assistance. I find most other owners are very willing to lend a hand.