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alimar · 02-21-2015, 08:00 AM

When I was looking these were my requirements:

- 1> Glass rear window. I wanted clear, no yellow or cracking worries. This dictated that I buy a 2003 or higher. And i've since learned that dropping the top with a plastic windows requires getting out and doing a karate chop thing on the window to help it fold into place... no thanks...

- 2> S. I absolutely wanted the extra ponies. Whoever says less is more can do less with less all day long. I'll take more. I drove a 2005 base, was NOT impressed. Bought the 2003S and feel it could outrun the 05 base any day of the week...

- 3> Manual trans - simply can't take electronics and or valves figuring out when I want to change things up - and automatics just can't shift that fast (not without mods - and now with PDK, that's a different story too)

- 4> Fairly low milage. Figured with low miles it was stored a lot during winters (only matters where there's snow/salt)

- 5> The right price.

- 6> No accidents (as best as one can determine)

- 7> A successful test ride, good handling, no weird noises, smooth power, etc...

After nearly 5 years of ownership i've learned a ton and would absolutely NOT be worried about buying the car even with questionable IMS bearing history. Having a PPI is required especially if you're new to Porsche. Knowing what I know now I would absolutely require cam deviation angle inspection and can actually do this myself now after having bought into a Durametric. Is it well within +/-6 AND most importantly, not deviating all over the place as RPM rises and falls? If solid and within spec, i think it's a good bet that the IMS is in good shape.

Also since buying, other things I've found that are and or would be nice are:
- Litrnonics - i have them and have experienced the others. Lit's are much brighter, really nice.
- Sport exhaust (can be added at roughly $4K if bought new)
- Wind stop (can be added after the fact if desired - keeps the cockpit a bit quieter)
- Cruise (can be added after the fact with new stalk, some wiring and a Durametric to turn it on)
- OBC (can also be added after the fact with a new stalk, some wiring and a Durametric)
- Extra set of wheels might be nice
- Power seats would be cool for resetting to my settings after someone else drives it.

Heated seats, stereo/CD were not important to me and while it would have been nice to have cruise, OBC and some of the other things i mentioned, i could do without them and did until buying the stalk and wiring it all up.

For the most part these are really easy to work on and maintain. Keeping good eye on maintenance and listening to the cars warning signs will get you a long happy way in one of these Boxsters. And if you're technically and mechanically inclined, all the better as you'll save a bunch doing mods and maintenance. These boosters are a beautiful thing! And as someone else posted, get the newest and best example you can afford.

Good luck on your search!

02-21-2015, 08:00 AM	#5
alimar Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: CT Posts: 10	When I was looking these were my requirements: - 1> Glass rear window. I wanted clear, no yellow or cracking worries. This dictated that I buy a 2003 or higher. And i've since learned that dropping the top with a plastic windows requires getting out and doing a karate chop thing on the window to help it fold into place... no thanks... - 2> S. I absolutely wanted the extra ponies. Whoever says less is more can do less with less all day long. I'll take more. I drove a 2005 base, was NOT impressed. Bought the 2003S and feel it could outrun the 05 base any day of the week... - 3> Manual trans - simply can't take electronics and or valves figuring out when I want to change things up - and automatics just can't shift that fast (not without mods - and now with PDK, that's a different story too) - 4> Fairly low milage. Figured with low miles it was stored a lot during winters (only matters where there's snow/salt) - 5> The right price. - 6> No accidents (as best as one can determine) - 7> A successful test ride, good handling, no weird noises, smooth power, etc... After nearly 5 years of ownership i've learned a ton and would absolutely NOT be worried about buying the car even with questionable IMS bearing history. Having a PPI is required especially if you're new to Porsche. Knowing what I know now I would absolutely require cam deviation angle inspection and can actually do this myself now after having bought into a Durametric. Is it well within +/-6 AND most importantly, not deviating all over the place as RPM rises and falls? If solid and within spec, i think it's a good bet that the IMS is in good shape. Also since buying, other things I've found that are and or would be nice are: - Litrnonics - i have them and have experienced the others. Lit's are much brighter, really nice. - Sport exhaust (can be added at roughly $4K if bought new) - Wind stop (can be added after the fact if desired - keeps the cockpit a bit quieter) - Cruise (can be added after the fact with new stalk, some wiring and a Durametric to turn it on) - OBC (can also be added after the fact with a new stalk, some wiring and a Durametric) - Extra set of wheels might be nice - Power seats would be cool for resetting to my settings after someone else drives it. Heated seats, stereo/CD were not important to me and while it would have been nice to have cruise, OBC and some of the other things i mentioned, i could do without them and did until buying the stalk and wiring it all up. For the most part these are really easy to work on and maintain. Keeping good eye on maintenance and listening to the cars warning signs will get you a long happy way in one of these Boxsters. And if you're technically and mechanically inclined, all the better as you'll save a bunch doing mods and maintenance. These boosters are a beautiful thing! And as someone else posted, get the newest and best example you can afford. Good luck on your search!