986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners - View Single Post - 986 Spyder Seldom Driven the Last 5 Years

craigkeen · 03-07-2023, 04:57 PM

I have lived next-door to the owner of a 2004 Boxster 50th Anniversary Spyder for five years. She bought it new. For the past 20 years, when not in use, it has been parked in the open air (not in a garage) in mild San Diego. Therefore, it has faced no freezing weather, salty roads, or sustained heavy rainfall. It has not been driven much, however, at least for the last five years and *very* little most of that time—*not at all* this winter (and much of the fall, I think). It will not start, its spoiler is frozen in the up-position, and the driver's door-window is stuck about 2 inches open. She is seriously considering selling it. I have dreamed of owning that car since I first set eyes on it.

Y'all know where I'm going here. I fear that it has suffered catastrophic engine damage (or will, if it is ever again started). Had our drought continued, I wouldn't be so concerned about the partially open window, but this has been an exceptionally wet winter. I don't know its mileage, we have had only very preliminary conversations. Should I run from this thing? I'm willing to delay my gratification until it is restored, if it can be restored. Would you gamble on it? Is there any price that would adequately offset the dangers of its being idle so long?

03-07-2023, 04:57 PM	#1
craigkeen Registered User Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: San Diego, CA, USA Posts: 23	986 Spyder Seldom Driven the Last 5 Years I have lived next-door to the owner of a 2004 Boxster 50th Anniversary Spyder for five years. She bought it new. For the past 20 years, when not in use, it has been parked in the open air (not in a garage) in mild San Diego. Therefore, it has faced no freezing weather, salty roads, or sustained heavy rainfall. It has not been driven much, however, at least for the last five years and very little most of that time—not at all this winter (and much of the fall, I think). It will not start, its spoiler is frozen in the up-position, and the driver's door-window is stuck about 2 inches open. She is seriously considering selling it. I have dreamed of owning that car since I first set eyes on it. Y'all know where I'm going here. I fear that it has suffered catastrophic engine damage (or will, if it is ever again started). Had our drought continued, I wouldn't be so concerned about the partially open window, but this has been an exceptionally wet winter. I don't know its mileage, we have had only very preliminary conversations. Should I run from this thing? I'm willing to delay my gratification until it is restored, if it can be restored. Would you gamble on it? Is there any price that would adequately offset the dangers of its being idle so long?