Help for a potential new Boxster owner...
 

Hello,

I am in the market for a used Boxster.

In my pursuit of finding the perfect vehicle, I came across the following listing on eBay for a 1997 Boxster being sold by a Virginia Jeep dealer:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1997-PORSCHE-BOXSTER-TIPTRONIC-SPORT-PKG_W0QQitemZ120135462784QQihZ002QQcategoryZ6015QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Within the listing, there is a link to the free CarFax report.

What concerns me is that in May of 02, May of 03, May of 06 and March of 07 the steering/suspension was apparently lubed.

Is this a cause for concern and possibly indicative of potential significant problem?

Are there any other red flags that jump out either in the listing or CarFax report?

Thanks for the help and I look forward to being a regular contributer here shortly.

First off, I wouldn't bid on a car on Ebay. Reason being: You're stuck with it if you win the bid.

Check out autotrader.com. You'll probably find a LOT of Boxsters. I did, and found probably 30-40 in my price range. When you're serious about buying, check their CarFax reports. CarFax WON'T tell you everything, only what's been reported. It's good for seeing how many registered owners there were, when it was originally purchased, where it 'lived', and possibly warranty or other serious work. Don't RELY on the CarFax by itself. Get a PPO (pre purchase inspection) by an independent shop on a car that you're seriously interested in buying.

AND - read this:

http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/buyingorsellinga1997-2004boxster

Fray,

Thanks for your suggestions.

I would only make a private deal with the eBay seller (outside of the bidding process) after I get a PPI from a local Porsche dealer.

I was just initially concerned about the steering/suspension and curious if this would a deal breaker before paying for a PPI.

Also, thanks for the link to Mike's site; I've read it thoroughly and actually sought his advice on another Boxster. He was tremendously helpful.

Search on RandallNeighbor.

http://986forum.com/forums/member.php?u=687

He has some hard learned lessons covered in a coupla links. You already read Mike Focke. That is good.

Don't know WHY the lube was done? Maybe just attempts to find/cure a squeak. Maybe something more serious. Expert PPI only way to know.

Check out RennTech, Porsche Petes Boxster Board, RennList and others. A lot of the same folks support more than one forum. But some differences. You cannot learn too much in advance. Or be in a hurry.

Ask Randall Neighbor. He's a really nice guy who has made it a priority to help others.