NOOB thinking of buying a 1997 boxster that was a theft recovery need help

[1raptor]

First off I am new to the forum and I hope you guys can help me. I am considering buying a 1997 boxster that is a theft recovery. here is the story.
here are the parts that were stolen
1. ignition
2. guage pod
3. half the exhaust.
4. the stereo
5. the climate controls
6. the front bumper
7. several trim pieces.
and at this point this has all been replaced except the stereo by the person with the car. the car will turn over if you jumper the solonoid but will not start as of right now but I wouldnt think that it would with the ignition being replaced Im sure that would effect the imobilizer and I would have to take it to the dealer to have it flashed. anyway the seller wants $9K for the car and here are my questions.
1. Does this price seem fair for what you know about the car?
2. All the other options on the car should work even if the imobilizer wont let the car start right?? like the dash lights, power windows, head lights turn signals, ect
3. the hole for the stereo isnt something special is it??? I mean an aftermarket stereo will fit without too much effort?
4. would you buy the car?? I am very mechanically inclined but the security stuff on this car scares me I would hate to buy it and then have to have a dealer do all the work. other then flashing the key
Thanks guys and thanks in advance for the help I have attached some pics and let me just say that I have always wanted a porsche but have never really been able to afford one but this one is in my price range but I am new to them

[blinkwatt]

Originally Posted by 1raptor

1. Does this price seem fair for what you know about the car?

Soo much could have happened to the car since it was stolen, I don't think it would be fair for anyone to label it a 'fair price'.

I would take the car to a mechanic that specializes in Porsches and have them inspect it big time. I would have someone check the DME to see how many times ignitions the car has seen past the redline,especially since it was stolen.

As for the stereo,yes they are easy to install aftermarket ones in.

Hope you find all the advice your looking for!

[1raptor]

Originally Posted by blinkwatt

Soo much could have happened to the car since it was stolen, I don't think it would be fair for anyone to label it a 'fair price'.

I would take the car to a mechanic that specializes in Porsches and have them inspect it big time. I would have someone check the DME to see how many times ignitions the car has seen past the redline,especially since it was stolen.

As for the stereo,yes they are easy to install aftermarket ones in.

Hope you find all the advice your looking for!

Well I wish I could do all of that but I cant. the car is 3hrs away and if I do buy it I buy it as is where is. and I know its hard to judge just by pics I guess that Im just asking more for advice from you guys that have more experiece with the boxster. heck if it was a jeep I wouldnt need advice I know that I could fix anything on one. thanks

[mhrir]

The rules I live by when purchasing a Porsche is:

1: Buy the newest one you can afford

2: Only consider cars with a known maintenance/repair history

3: Avoid wrecked/flooded/recovered/etc

4: Condition... Condition... Condition

This car obviously fails on #2, #3 and #4. The repair and maintenance of Porsches is so expensive it is (usually) not worth taking the risk. There are plenty of people who have bought a Porsche because it was a "good deal" only to spend thousands fixing things.

Good luck

[KevinH1990]

If I couldn't have it inspected by a mechanic who is familiar with Porsche's, I wouldn't buy it. Of course, your tolerance for risk could be higher than mine.

I suggest you search Cars.com, Autotrader, Craigslist and eBay to see what you could buy for $5000 more. Between repairs and maintenace you could possibly spend that amount on the car you are considering. For example, if the top needs to be replaced you are in for a major expense. (Tops are not a DIY item for most people.) Even routine wear and tear items such as tires tend to be more expensive for Boxsters than for other cars.

See what other options you have and then decide for yourself. Don't get fixated on one car.

Your signature doesn't say which part of Nevada you are in, but here's something in the Reno area on Craigslist that looks like a better risk:

http://reno.craigslist.org/car/311503972.html

[1raptor]

Originally Posted by KevinH1990

If I couldn't have it inspected by a mechanic who is familiar with Porsche's, I wouldn't buy it. Of course, your tolerance for risk could be higher than mine.

I suggest you search Cars.com, Autotrader, Craigslist and eBay to see what you could buy for $5000 more. Between repairs and maintenace you could possibly spend that amount on the car you are considering. For example, if the top needs to be replaced you are in for a major expense. (Tops are not a DIY item for most people.) Even routine wear and tear items such as tires tend to be more expensive for Boxsters than for other cars.

See what other options you have and then decide for yourself. Don't get fixated on one car.

Your signature doesn't say which part of Nevada you are in, but here's something in the Reno area on Craigslist that looks like a better risk:

http://reno.craigslist.org/car/311503972.html

Thanks Im not in Reno but that is the same distance as the other car.. I guess I will be waiting for now I thing with the response here and I have been talking myself out of it all day. thanks guys.

[djomlas]

didnt see the mileage of the car.
but i would still shop around, i got my car, a 98 with 58k miles for only $300 more than what the guy is asking, and it came with a hardtop
it was kinda bad, couse when i saw the color i wanted it there and then, but had to hassle w the guy about the price for LONG time (i believe over 6 hrs of phonecalls), picked it up few days later

but that seems lieka very nice car other than the thigns mentioned, and price is good too.
let us know what u end up doing

[nola911]

If you plan to mod it from body kits to stereo, its a deal (assuming all runs) but if not, I do not see the value. You can find yourself replacing 1-2 parts before you realize you can be in a complete car. Porsche's are not like hondas, everything is expensive- OEM and aftermarket. You can put yourself into a complete car for less than repairs cost based on parts alone. Check ebay, every once in a while you can get into a complete car for less than 15,000.


Max

[Ronzi]

What I would want to know is, if everything has been fixed except the stereo, why is the owner not taking it the last few steps to a running car?
Is there, maybe, something he's not telling you? Something expensive?
Run.
Run like the wind.

[1raptor]

Originally Posted by Ronzi

What I would want to know is, if everything has been fixed except the stereo, why is the owner not taking it the last few steps to a running car?
Is there, maybe, something he's not telling you? Something expensive?
Run.
Run like the wind.

He says he would take it to a complete car but for an extra 2k but heck for another 2k after that I could get one with a clean title so I think Im just gonna keep looking thanks everyone

[Chills]

Good call. When you buy a $9k Porsche you get a $9k Porsche.