[senna21]

Originally Posted by Jen

Hi all,

Post #1 for me... I'm thinking about buying a used Boxster. I test-drove a 2003 S with 60,000 miles (at a non-Porsche used car lot, asking $25k), and am scheduled to test a 2004 base model with 19,000 miles (Porsche dealer-associated used car lot, asking $30k). I absolutely loved the S. The driving was amazing and the Bose stereo and heated seats a plus. Don't know that I really need the more powerful motor (and higher insurance?), but perhaps I'll have an opinion once I drive the base model.

While 03 are worth more than an 02 I still think the 25K might be a tad high for the mileage. I'd have to look at my price guide (Porsche world Mag?) back home. As a note Boxster prices are very soft. Low miles aren't always a good thing especially when it comes to Boxsters. It takes miles for issues to show up so a higher mileage car usually means the bugs have been sorted out by the previous owner. Check for books and records on both. I'd say go with the S model as what you pay out in insurance may be offset a bit by a higher resale in the end.

Originally Posted by Jen

If those were my only two options (which probably isn't the case), what would you recommend? How low of an offer could I reasonably make now in early spring? And if I decide on the 04, should I find a different Porsche dealership for the pre-purchase inspection? Would either car still be under a warranty? Should I push for "certified"?

I'd go for the S. Have an independent Porsche specialist check either out.

Originally Posted by Jen

One concern -- the latest Consumer Reports car issue lists 03 as a particularly bad year for Boxster reliability, with 04 looking better. Are there other studies that contradict this info?

The 03 cars had the new vario-cam and there were some issues with some cam control modules. I suspect that's why CR gave that year a lower rating. Regardless of the lower rating the Boxsters don't get the kind of rating your old MX-5 got. Once again, books and records.

Originally Posted by Jen

I noticed that upon starting the engine, the 03 S put out a LOT of white smoke from the tailpipes. Is this normal?

That tells me the car has been sitting for a bit since it'd been driven. Ask the owner. Because the Boxster uses a flat six oil will gather at the bottom of the cylinders and when started after a period of sitting (where more oil has a chance to settle) the car will burn off said oil. It's normal but, I'd check it out again. If it smokes as much as the first time ask the owner when he/she drove it last. If it was an hour ago... walk away. If it was four or five days it's probably fine.

Originally Posted by Jen

Also, how many miles do Boxsters usually last? I worry a bit about maintenance and assorted problems. I previously got 200k miles out of a 1990 miata (my first car), and am hoping for that unreasonable level of luck again. I could always buy a new miata (still an option occupying the practical part of my mind), but the Boxster really calls to me on a visceral level.

Thanks! This is a great forum, and I'm learning a lot...

-- Jennifer (in Michigan, where Spring will eventually appear)

I know of one owner that's got well over 150,000 on his Boxster. That being said there are many that have had engine failures and have had their engines replaced as the Boxsters engine really can't be rebuilt. Although Autofarm in the UK does it no one here in the US can. I've got a 91 MR2 Turbo with 172,XXX miles and am in the same boat as you. I've been looking but I haven't been able to part with my reliability. Good luck! I'd love to have one as well.