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Old 04-06-2008, 11:18 AM   #1
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Advice on buying my first boxster - 2001 for $19,500

Hi all,

I need your advice, opinion please? I am looking for my first Boxster and have been very picky in my search for over 4 months now. I finally found one which I think is very nice. I will be going to see it and drive it this week. It's a private 2nd owner. 2001 Boxster. Dark Blue, beige interior, blue top, white gauges, 18 inch rims with 4 brand new tires. 38,000 miles. Car fax shows routine maintenance and she will let me get the PPI done on it from a reputable Porsche dealer local to our area. She said she had the 30,000 mile maintenance done which she said was pretty expensive. She lists the car for $20,500 but will sell it to me for $19,500. I offered $19k.

She also said she garaged it from Nov. - April (we live in PA) and drove it about 2k miles per year.

Can anyone tell me what type of routine maintenance I may have to incur after purchasing assuning PPI comes back good? And is this a reasonable price for the car?

I have attached 2 pictures for review. Thanks so much for your help.

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Old 04-06-2008, 01:00 PM   #2
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Because of its age, not mileage, you should find out if the following have been replaced:

antifreeze
brake fluid

If these items haven't been changed, they will need to be. Brake pads don't need to be changed because of age but chances are if they have 30K mi on them they will need changing too. CAUTION on antifreeze - don't put any old antifreeze in a Porsche. Be sure it's the proper antifreeze for Porsches or you could cause tremedous damage to your engine. There are past threads on this topic and you can find them by using the search feature.

As far a price goes, $19 - $19.5 might be a good price but it's hard to say. What options does it have? If it's loaded with options, then it could be a bargain. Conv prices dip during the winter and rebound in spring. Maybe people are starting to bump up their prices now that spring is approaching. The lower prices of Jan may be gone.

You say you've been looking for 4 months - good for you. If that's the case, you should have a feel whether it's a fair price or not. Besides, if it's the color and options you've been searching diligently for, then what difference does it make if you pay a little extra for it? The satisfaction of getting what you want vs living with a bargain are obvious.

Good luck with your pursuit of a Porsche.
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Old 04-06-2008, 08:34 PM   #3
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Cool

Only two small pictures but it looks like a beautiful car ! If the PPI comes back clean, go for it. Have fun and let us know what you decide.
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Old 04-07-2008, 11:35 AM   #4
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Its a seven year old car. Even if the 30K was done, I would consider a serpentine belt replacement. When was the 30K service done? If she only drives a few K miles/year, then its been 3 years? Might be time to "re-baseline" some of this stuff again. Nearing 40K miles brake pads may be of concern. My clutch started to feel "questionable" around 45K miles.

To me, the car looks really nice.. Does it have the options you want?

I would take a minute and check under the front trunk lid for the build code sticker to really see what it has for options.

Also plug what you know into KBB, NADA or EDMUNDS. They seem to be realistic. Remember, housing crunch, debt issues, rising gas prices.. it is a buyers market in the world of un-necessary goods and a Boxster isn't quite a necessity . Also, I've started to see some higher mileage "S"s in that price range and around here, everyone says its worth getting an S
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Old 04-07-2008, 02:36 PM   #5
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I agree with you. A few thousand miles per year means it's been a few years since the 30k maintenance. I was also concerned about brakes. How much is the serpentine belt and can I do it myself? Also, how much realistically is it for a good PPI?
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Old 04-07-2008, 02:56 PM   #6
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Garage
Nice looking 01, blue is a great Boxster color. Outside of the normal tips for purchasing (PPI, maintenance records, etc....etc....) think about whether a base Boxster with standard gear will make you happy over the long term. Modifying from the standard headlamps to litronics (for example) is expensive. Thinking about the extra HP from an "S" after you purchase your 2.7 liter sucks, trust me, I purchased a base and sold it for an S three months into ownership. It's all about preference, personally, I look for those expensive mods before instead of later.

Price is reasonable for mileage, spring's on the way, you'll soon know what the term "perma-grin" means
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Old 04-07-2008, 03:55 PM   #7
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I'd budget $300 for a PPI. Perhaps more if you were having specialized tests done, such as an engine leakdown or compression checks. Some shops may even have a flat rate for a PPI since it is a popular thing for buyers to do, and all it ties up is about 1 hour for a tech to do.

The serpentine belt is rather inexpensive. Shops kill you with their "book rate labor". Despite its mid-engine location, the motor is pretty easy to access. Plus, you don't need to access it all that often. If you are willing to get a little dirty and have some time to read a manual (Bentley manuals are great) you could do it yourself.

Brake pads are another Do It Yourself job, especially if you buy a motive power bleeder. I'd be curious how long that brake fluid has been in the car. If more than 2 years, it needs to be flushed out. Brake fluid attracts moisture, and moisture ruins the fluid's properties, plus causes corrosion within the brake system.

I am not sure what Porsche charges for a 30K miles service, but $1500-$2K, depending on what else they "find wrong" wouldn't suprise me.
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Old 04-07-2008, 10:52 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by racer_d
I am not sure what Porsche charges for a 30K miles service, but $1500-$2K, depending on what else they "find wrong" wouldn't suprise me.
Make sure you read the various references in Nickcats thread for new buyers. PPI is a must. Just chiming in on how much 30K service costs. The three local Chicago Porsche dealers quoted a base of $800 - $1,200 as long as they did not have to replace anything. I got a good deal from a Porsche Specialist in the area for much cheaper - $375.

You can find a dependable Porsche mechanic in your area by looking at the long thread at the top of the general discussion.
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Old 04-08-2008, 12:04 AM   #9
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To be frank, price wise it's not a great deal. I bought a similar car with more mileage for a lot less and I mean more then 4,000 less. Odd enough with only slight amount of bragging aside, I've probably modified and have driven my car more then 90% of what this board does to their vehicles.

I bought my car as someones daily driver and has been my own since then, logging more then 2500-3000 miles a month if not more. And through out all this time I've had it, it's been dead set reliable. I thought maybe this was a fluke after hearing the issues with these cars. By searching, you can actually see most of the boxster's that do have problems are the ones that just sit around.

Engine wise, I've never had one dead MAF, still on factory o2 sensors, not one code thrown, not one hiccup. I've had to replace an AOS, but this was due to boost that was introduced to a system that was never meant for it in the first place.

All I'm trying to say is don't be afraid to get one that has maybe a little bit more mileage but has been taken care of. This way you can save a decent chunk of $$ in the process to boot.
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Old 04-08-2008, 02:38 AM   #10
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Ice, "Also, how much realistically is it for a good PPI? - My answer, around 500 bucks and they will do everything....That was from Jim Ellis Porsche in Atlanta, GA done recently in early Feb '08. The Owner paid it which said alot....Ended up paying for a 15k service in the process for $650. 30k service runs about 1000.

I was searching like you, but spent almost 2 years looking for the one I wanted. Why, because I wanted one as close to perfection as I could get. Ended up getting an '01 S that was highly optioned and in the color combo I wanted (Red / Savannah beige full leather). I did pay for that ($27,000 by the way) this January, but the original owner had taken such good care of the car, I couldn't resist..figured what the hell, they hadn't even driven it in the rain and it spent 95% of it's life in southern california and never a night outside...you would really have to see it to believe it.

As far as mileage, mine came to me with just over 13,200 on the clock and it actually worried me a little being so low. Since the purchase, I have only driven back from Atlanta and riden around town / country here in TN, and I must say a Boxster is one of the most satisfying cars I have ever driven!!!Period.

If you like a little power, you may want the S version as it has more goodies, but definately do your options search through the front tag under the hood. It says alot. You can search Renntech.org for options codes. I actually have all the paperwork on mine and it was almost 62k new w/ out tax, title, and license fees that made her climb almost to 70k. The original owner almost cried handing me the keys and file folder for the car, but I assured him the car would be taken care of to the Nth degree and it will be.

Modding: I have found that mods are extremely expensive and from driving impressions of the stock vehicle, Porsche has done a great job engineering the car. I have been researching mods that affect performance, but do not taint the original OEM integrity of the car as I plan on keping it for a long time and maybe showing it eventually.

It appears that headers / exhaust systems make the best bang for the buck and I have a buddy out there that has just developed new headers w/ sport cats with all O2 sensors that will blow our minds. The O2 sensor deal is important...He owns a very reputable company and will be releasing them soon on the market.

In addition to that, if you are interested in mods, and I'm sure you will be, you need to read "Carefully" over the threads to weed out what is good and what is bunk. Other than headers, I will eventually "desnorkle" the car and add a nice exhaust system to compliment the new headers. The same guy that does the headers does the exhaust so they will be purchased together.

Might look at an intake eventually and GAIC ecu re-mapping, but that's it...Anything else and you will just need another car. About all you will gain with all these mods in place are approx. 25-30 hp, which is a good bump from the original S version's 250.

The S is very quick though without any modding. It drives very nice, even on the original oem tires, handles like it's literally on rails, and brakes like no other. You might get spanked by a muscle car off the line in a drag race, but that is NOT why you bought the Porsche. You have just bought a very classy auto and you will get all kinds of looks...It's actually pretty funny to see others look at the car as you drive down the road. It seems to also become a topic of conversation at the gas pump...

Good luck with your decision to purchase, but make sure you do the research and ask yourself if this is really the one?? As you can see, I went on with the S, but that's just me.

From the pictures you posted, you have the 18" Turbo wheels and it looks like interior is standard leather, but well kept and clean. Overall, good price considering the mileage, but definately have it inspected as maintenence costs are NOT cheap for these cars. Be careful of buddy deals too at the local import service shop. If you don't know them personally, I wouldn't trust them. Mine will always be dealer serviced other than tire change out.
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Old 04-08-2008, 12:29 PM   #11
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thanks for the feeback. How much can I expect to pay in costs per year of ownership?

Thanks for the feeback. How much can I expect to pay in costs per year of ownership?
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Old 04-08-2008, 12:57 PM   #12
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I think you can get a better deal if you keep looking ( maybe you'll have to look outside of your state) but I got my boxster for much cheaper then 19k. I think its not hard at all to find a good 2001 boxster for about 16k maybe even less if you can negotiate the price down...especially now i think its a buyers market at least where i'm located.

Also, if you're going to own a boxster you have to remember that maintenance is very important and if you have some knowledge about cars and are willing to fix things yourself its not expensive at all to own. On the other hand, if you decided to go to the dealer for everything, it would probably cost you a few thousand a year. Don't let that scare you into not buying it though because thats what this forum is for. There are many knowledgeable people here who can help you if anything goes wrong. Just remember it is a 7 yr old car so you might incur some problems along the way and be prepared for them.

good luck
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Old 04-08-2008, 01:21 PM   #13
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Originally Posted by icedude
Thanks for the feeback. How much can I expect to pay in costs per year of ownership?
Hard to put a figure on it. Could be $500 or less or more as it really depends on the mechanical condition of the car. That's why the inspection is so important. It will reveal quite a bit so whether you purchase that one you show in the picts or not, make sure you do your investigations.

If you think about it though, like any car, oil changes and fluid changeouts would definately occur regardless of mileage every year. Might want to ensure the main seal is ok between the transmission and the engine. If you have seepage, you might be in for a hell of a cost, but you would need to catch it early.

My question for you would be do you plan on using it as a daily driver or is it a toy? I don't think I could ever see me using mine as a daily driver...that's what my Honda is for.

Tires are expensive, especially at 18". Best rated tire out there is the Michellin Pilot Sport PS2. I plan on purchasing soon and with shipping they are a little under $1200 from the tirerack.com.

Be advised of cheap Boxsters out there. They are cheap because someone wants to get rid of them due to the heavy maintenance costs of a non-cared for model.

Spend the time to find a great one and you will keep it for a long time. I did and I don't think twice for what I paid. Mine virtually smells new. If i could figure out how to post picts, I'd put some up for you.
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Old 04-08-2008, 02:05 PM   #14
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Be advised of cheap Boxsters out there. They are cheap because someone wants to get rid of them due to the heavy maintenance costs of a non-cared for model.

I don't think that statement is completely true, at least in my opinion. Me and my two brothers all own or have owned boxsters at some point (totaling in 4 boxsters over the years) and no one has ever paid 20k for any of them and they all have been maintained well and have had no major problems. I'm just saying that there are good deals out there and I don't see why people should be paying large sums of money if you don't have to. Inspection is very important though, so hopefully you or someone you know who knows something about cars can inspect the car and hopefully you can get records on it. I'm not saying all boxsters out there are ideal but its not true that all cheap boxsters are going to break down on you. Use the same logic as you would in buying any other car. With some common sense you can save a few thousand dollars and still have a great car. A car that someone is selling for 20k can be bought for 16k if you know how to negotiate, so be patient and talk the price down as much as you can.
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Old 04-08-2008, 02:07 PM   #15
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not a daily driver

Thanks for the advice. I would not be using it as a daily driver. I too have a Honda Accord that I commute 50 miles to work with. I would drive my beloved Box on weekends and occassionally to work on a nice day. Would be garaged through the winter since I live in Northeast PA.

I really would love to buy one for $16k but every one I see in that price range (craigs list, ebay, dealers, private sellers) are all really high in mileage or are 97, 98, and 99 model years which I don't want.

I think I'll pass on this one then and keep looking. I don't want to settle but I don't want the summer to go by without one!

I certainly don't want to buy one sight unseen and that's why if it isn't relatively local to me, it would be a problem.

Any help in finding one would be so appreciated, you don't even know. I like the silver, dark blue and dark grey exterior colors.

Thanks again to all of the forum members for the continued guidance and support.

Ice
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Old 04-08-2008, 02:15 PM   #16
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Originally Posted by icedude
Thanks for the advice. I would not be using it as a daily driver. I too have a Honda Accord that I commute 50 miles to work with. I would drive my beloved Box on weekends and occassionally to work on a nice day. Would be garaged through the winter since I live in Northeast PA.

I really would love to buy one for $16k but every one I see in that price range (craigs list, ebay, dealers, private sellers) are all really high in mileage or are 97, 98, and 99 model years which I don't want.

I think I'll pass on this one then and keep looking. I don't want to settle but I don't want the summer to go by without one!

I certainly don't want to buy one sight unseen and that's why if it isn't relatively local to me, it would be a problem.

Any help in finding one would be so appreciated, you don't even know. I like the silver, dark blue and dark grey exterior colors.

Thanks again to all of the forum members for the continued guidance and support.

Ice
I agree totally..You want 2000 and up.

try this link:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=0&address=37040&marketZipError=false&style_flag=1&make=POR&model=BOXSTE&make2=&start_year=2000&end_year=2001&min_price=&max_price=&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=&color=SILVER&color2=BLUE&color3=GRAY&keywordsrep=115&keywordsfyc=__cw%2C%2C__&keywords_display=s&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=y&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&systime=
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Old 04-08-2008, 03:28 PM   #17
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I bought my 2000 in fall of 2006. Buyer was asking 18K but settled for $16,5. It had 18's, 40K miles. Speed yellow over black. It had the options I wanted in a color I grew to like even more. Sold it one year later for $16.

I had seen an Arena Red 2001 boxster near me on Craigslist for at least 6-8 months. Started at $22, then dropped, then dropped again..When I last noticed it, she was down to 17 or so.. but this was in the fall.. so if motivated 16K would have done the deal. Also with 18s, and about 40K miles.

These cars (2000-2001) seem to "trade in" at a dealer for about $12-14. I wouldn't pay more than $16 nowadays with markets going in the tank. That said, in the spring I would expect a small rise in prices due to "spring desires".

Be patient.. Be willing to travel.. Keep enjoying your search. If you have to arrange financing, do so up front. Cash talks when buying a car.
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Old 04-08-2008, 08:10 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by icedude
Hi all,

I need your advice, opinion please? I am looking for my first Boxster and have been very picky in my search for over 4 months now. I finally found one which I think is very nice. I will be going to see it and drive it this week. It's a private 2nd owner. 2001 Boxster. Dark Blue, beige interior, blue top, white gauges, 18 inch rims with 4 brand new tires. 38,000 miles. Car fax shows routine maintenance and she will let me get the PPI done on it from a reputable Porsche dealer local to our area. She said she had the 30,000 mile maintenance done which she said was pretty expensive. She lists the car for $20,500 but will sell it to me for $19,500. I offered $19k.

She also said she garaged it from Nov. - April (we live in PA) and drove it about 2k miles per year.

Can anyone tell me what type of routine maintenance I may have to incur after purchasing assuning PPI comes back good? And is this a reasonable price for the car?

I have attached 2 pictures for review. Thanks so much for your help.
STOP! STOP! Add 2k - 5k depending on the mileage and condition you can buy a Boxster S...
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Old 04-09-2008, 04:56 PM   #19
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If there are no major problems with the engine or gearbox, I'd buy it. Of course you will need something like a belt or brakes or other 30K type service. Expect that but this looks like a good car. I always expect to buy $1000 of stuff to get a car like this up to par. It does not look like this one will cost you that much.
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Old 04-09-2008, 05:10 PM   #20
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The serpentine belt is under $50 and you can install it yourself in about an hour with simple tools.

If I were doing it all over again, I'd buy an S for sure and ensure it had litronics and a bose stereo system in it. In fact, if I were you I'd save more money and buy a 987 (2005+) model S. MUCH better interior and performance.

One never regrets buying the newer car with the larger engine.

Just my 2¢ worth of free advice.

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