*High Milage Boxster: Yes or No????

[Brucelee]

I have owned this forum for almost 4 yrs now and have seen thousands of posts. I would NOT buy a 97 high mileage car unless it was under 10G and something about it grabbed me, like special color etc

Assume this car will cost you tons after you buy it, ala Randall.

Listed to him, he's been there.

[j.fro]

That car sounds like it will make a fine track car very soon!

[jdub2348]

thanks for your opinions - although i don't think youll be able to talk me out of a boxster, im starting to think this '97 with high milage is a bad idea.

[JCL12]

General consensus is that 00+ are the years you want to target for better piece of mind for reliability. That said, they cost a lot to maintain even if NOTHING goes wrong. Your 30k, 45k, 60k, etc services cost a fortune - $500+. Getting an oil change costs between $160-250. A set of tires - which will go fast, often costs 1K+ with installation and taxes. I doubt anybody in high school can afford maintenance bills even if the car stays in perfect shape. Furthermore, you insurance costs will be through the roof. 2D sports convertible for a young kid will have insane insurance perimiums.

If you have wealthy parents then I guess this isn't an issue, but it is still silly for somebody to get a 986 at 16. Heck, I am a few years out of college, have a very good job, can pay all my bills, etc, and I am still too young for a Pcar.

And lastly, while I am sure you will disagree with this statement you will almost certainly be a horrible driver when you get your license. Almost ever single male I know has been in some form of accident with another car that THEY caused since they start up to age 25 - even some of the most catious drivers I know. My first car was a beater civic (which I still have) and I was terrible at driving until I matured and gain a lot more driving experience. Heck, sometimes I still stink at driving, but for different reasons (NOT booze...fatigue) so it is better to wait

[xxxalexxxx]

i say wait and get a better deal... over 90,000 miles is a lot and a 97 is an old car...and porsche parts aren't cheap...u get the idea. Dont get me wrong if you want the car get it but you'll have to make some repairs on it in the next few months thats a guarantee. something will go wrong most likely, when i first got my boxster the top stopped working within a week but i know enough about cars for it not to be a big deal to me. If you know about cars and have worked on them before then get it and do your own repairs, it'll be a lot cheaper. But im not sure that an old boxster is for you since u said u dont have a lot of time... thats just my 2cents.

[xxxalexxxx]

cbenitah, very cool 914! wow u did a complete makeover...u have more pix? it looks great...theyre fun little cars haha

[Gary in BR]

As an owner of a 160,000 mile Boxster I will agree with everyone that says stay away from this car.

My son is 14, there is no way he is owning a 2 seat convertible for his 1st car, no Miata either. I think 1st cars should be SAFER than average.

I feel as if a Boxster can be a very reliable car if its taken care of very well.
A car with 90k miles on it....what is the service history? What kind of shape is the car in, and I agree 15k is too much for a 97.

Go buy a less expensive car, keep some cash.

[cbenitah]

Even though I am not a junior in high school I can relate to your sentance: I would do anything to own a Boxster.. I do not own a company and I am not rich, but I managed through hard work to get my Boxster. Although I do not recommend a -97 like most here, I do recommend a Porsche 914. I started with a -73 bug, a -74 914, a -70 914, a 73 914 then I ended up with my -02 Boxster S..

A Porsche 914 IS the old Boxster. Same layout just smaller and much much more simple. Again not a hassle free car by any means, but you will learn how to fix your own car and there are tons of good forums out there to gain the knowledge. Either you stopped reading here or if you are interested, try to find a pre 75 914 and enjoy that during high school. Its not modern but it still corners the same or better than the Boxster AND its still a Porsche..

Here is my 914, (before and after picture) and as you can see I spent a lot of time (not money) to modify if. Boxster calipers, 911 suspension, 911/Boxster wheels.. It is a really fun car and it can be had for more than half of what your -97 will cost you.

I know everyone may not agree with me, but it taught me how to appreciate cars in a whole new way..

Link 1 to 914 Material
Link 2 to 914 Material

[Grizzly]

The 914 is a great idea. The 912 is another inexpensive option. Cheap Porsche fun!

[Brucelee]

Originally Posted by Grizzly

The 914 is a great idea. The 912 is another inexpensive option. Cheap Porsche fun!

I love the old 912s. Great fun and so unique.

Everyone has a 911.