[n4th4n]

Hi!

I've just joined the forum and a very newly Boxster owner (2004 Boxster S) having purchased one a couple of weeks ago.

Just thought I'd post this here as it may be some help - I put together a checklist when I was researching from various sources and looking at various cars and hopefully, it will give you something to go through when you compare the dealer car and the cheaper local one.

Maintenance costs are in £GBP as I'm in UK.

It really helped me as I was stung with a first purchase that ended up having to be returned to the dealer due to a major fault. The latest one just passed its post-purchase inspection with flying colours PHEW!


986 Checklist
Service Schedule
• Every 5,000 miles – Oil and filter change (as recently recommended by experts)
• 12,000 – engine oil and cabin filter (minor)
• 24,000 – Engine oil and filter, cabin filter, air filter (major)
• 36,000 – Minor
• 48,000 – Major + fuel filter + serpentine belt, brake discs, clutch, ignition coils, IMS bearing, rear main seal, coolant
• 96,000 – 48k + Fuel filter, serpentine belt, transmission fluid, transmission filter, suspension arms/bushes, shocks, oil air separator
• Every 2 years – Brake fluid
• Every 4 years - Spark Plugs

NOT ALL OF THESE ITEMS WILL NEED REPLACING - SOME JUST CHECKING


Garage Maintenance Costs
• Fuel filter - £150
• Serpentine belt - £150
• Spark plugs - £150
• Coolant - £250
• Brake discs - £600
• Igniition coils - £500
• Clutch, IMS and RMS - £1,400
• Tyres - £500
• Oil air seperator - £200
• Water pump - £300
• Alternator - £500
• Transmission fluid and filter - £300
• Suspension arms/bushes - £900
• Shocks (4) - £1,500
• Differential fluid (automatic) - £250


Checklist

Exterior visual check
• Walk around the car and check for rust, damage, etc.
• Headlights – check for cracks, brown or burning spots
• Front bumber – no cracks or damage or discolouration
• Tyres – Check for cracks, tread and age
• Wheels – check for excessive damage
• Sides – Check for damage, discolouration and check panel gaps
• Rear bumper- Check for cracks, damage or discolouration
• Tailights – Check for cracks or damage
• Third brake light – check for cracks or damage
• Rear – check for panel gaps and ensure they are even
• Front windscreen – check for cracks, large chips
• Knock on exhaust and check sound
• Check suspension springs for corrosion and damage
• Check brake discs and pads
• Check callipers

Interior
• Check door panels – no delamination or pulling away. Check door handles and storage boxes work
• Check seats to ensure no major rips
• Check behind seats for damage
• Check carpet behind seats for damage and dampness
• Check for missing headrest filters
• Check for missing centre wind deflector
• Pull up carpet behind seats and check for dampness
• Check lights – ensure they all come on in keys first position
• Check oil level to ensure between min and max and not overfull
• If warm – check passenger side fan comes on
• Check hazard lights
• Check radio works with all speakers (including rear speakers if present)
• Check climate control or air con works
• Check front radiator fans are working – both sides and one in middle for S model
(run hand under bumper)
• Check radiators by front bumper – check for debris and for any rust or leaks
• Check windows open and close with no excessive creaking or delay
• Check windows open and close automatically when opening doors
• Check handbrake for excessive play or noises
• Check heated seats work if present
• Check glovebox if present
• Check front carpets
• Rear plastic window check for cloudiness and marks (if plastic)
• Start engine and check for smooth starting and no “subaru” sound or jumping or
knocking or tapping
• Check mirrors adjust
• Check seats electronically adjust
• Check seats slide forward and back
• Check wipers and washer fluid
• Check obc (on board computer) (if present)
• Check indicators
• Check headlights
• Check brake lights
• Check cup holders (if present)
• Check both trunk buttons work
• Check rear spoiler button works

Trunks
• FRONT
o Check front struts
o Check spare wheel
o Check brake fluid
o Check battery
o See if hood sticker is correct and check paint matches bumpers o Check tool kit –
• REAR
o Check rear boot struts
o Check coolant tank level (if bottle is bright white probably been replaced recently)
o Check boot carpet for dampness and check bottle for cracks o Check under oil cap and coolant cap for mayo type substance

Roof
• Lower roof and raise roof twice
• Check for smooth motion
• Check roof sits flush when open and closed – no warning lights
• Listen for loud popping noise when raising and lowering room
• Check for rips, tears or damage (small amount of mold is common)

Engine Bay
• Check engine bay for missing covers/carpet
• Check drainage channels are clear and dry

Test Drive
• Wait until up to 80 degrees Celsius before going over 3.5k revs
• Listen for creaking and clonking in suspension during test drive
• Acceleration should be prompt
• Gearbox should be light and gear changes smooth
• Clutch should be lightish

OBD Test
• Diagnostic codes
• History
• Check emissions
• Check voltage

Paperwork Check
• Service history should be fairly thorough for a well looked after car
• Water pumps, clutches, exhausts, intermediate shaft, IMS, flywheels, etc. are all
common parts to replace in 986’s
• History of recent IMS replacement is a bonus but not mandatory