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Originally Posted by VTvaster
Hello all,
I am in need of some purchasing advice. I am new to this forum and Porsches but not to fast cars. I have done my research and searched this sight as well. I haven’t found the information I am looking for. I am looking to buy a 99” box with 29K mile, blue leather, cruise, HiFi stereo, 18” wheels with new tires 8k ago. The car was garage kept and never saw snow. The guy is asking $20K
He is the second owner but bought the car with 1200 miles on it. He has never had the car services but has changed the oil every 5Kmile as well as all the other fluids that needed attention. How important is it to have the car serviced at 15K and 30K. I know the belt needs to be done at 60K but that is not due for a while.
Questions
-Would it be wise to buy the car with it not being service?
-How important are the services if the car is cared for and oil changed
-Could I do most of the maintenance and have the dealer do the big ones, like 60K service. (986faq.com give the list of things that need to be done. I also saw on this forum that most work could be done with some know how and an OBD II reader)
Any and all help would be appreciated.
GW
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Hi,
Sounds as if you've done your homework. First off, $20k seems a bit high for a 2-owner car, even with lower mileage. I bought my '99 a year ago w/ 17k mi., 1-owner for $17k, but admittedly, this was a very good deal. This Car was absolutely Perfect, not a mark on it anywhere and it had new tires <500mi. whereas yours are anywhere from 30%-50% gone at 8k mi. Also, what Tires are on the Car - are they 'N' rated Tires?
Also, you don't mention what options/upgrades have been done. Does the Car have the OBC (On-Board Computer - 4 stalks on the column), Cruise Control, Heated Seats, Power seats, CD Changer, PSM, Rear Storage Box, Rear Speakers, Windstop, Lighted Vanity Mirrors, Floor Mats, 3-spoke Sport Steering Wheel, Cover, Bra, etc? I'm not sure what you mean by Hi-Fi Stereo, but all of the above options will affect the price.
So far as service, the 15k and 30k service contain many
as needed things and a thorough, learned, inspection. The Belt, Plugs and some other components have a time interval in addition to the mileage interval and a '99 would require the Belt now as well as Plugs.
The wisdom of buying a non-serviced Car depends upon the Car and this can only be determined by a proper PPI (Pre-Purchase Inspection) by a Porsche Dealer or Porsche Qualified Mechanic - about $300.
Step Away From the Boxster... until you have this done. Not a Guarantee, but can spot issues and save you from buying them along with the Car. Can also help in the negotiating.
Like I said, $20k mi. is somewhat high - $18.5k - $19k would be a better price for a '99 - the '00s can be had for $20k with some searching. I would ask at least $20k for mine but I have added the OBC Hack, Lighted Vanity Mirrors, Rear Speakers, New Mats, Porsche Cover, Porsche Bra/Mirror Bra, Rear Window Pillow, Halon Extinguisher and Bracket, 3-spoke Sport Steering Wheel, Console Mounted Garage Door Opener, Dash Spoiler Switch, Chrome Exhaust Tailpipe, Das Shild, Crested Valve Caps, SS Brake Lines. And it already had the Windstop kit, Body Color Roll Bars, Colored Wheel Crests, and it's in even better condition than when I bought it.
You can perform most of the Maintenance and many of the Repairs depending upon your skill level and the size of your toolbox. There's a very good aftermarket PC-based OBDII Reader w/ reset software for about $200, and the Bentley Manual can be had for under $70. But, the most important tool for you right now is the PPI, it will ease any doubts you have and well worth it - it can keep you from making a B$G mistake. Hope this helps and Good Luck!...
Happy Motoring!... Jim'99