*High Milage Boxster: Yes or No????
 

I looked at my first boxster yesterday - the only one for sale in my area - and i am very intrerested. its a 97 base boxster with 91,500 miles and the dealership is asking $12,995. my concern is that the milage is too high and im going to run into some problems. my question is: is it worth it to wait for a lower milage boxster for a few grand more or go ahead and pull the trigger now and buy this one.

Yes. Wait.

I bought a 97 four years ago for $15,500 and have put $8000 into repairs and fixing it up to look newer and feel like a car I wanted to keep for five or ten years.

Buy a much newer S model with the larger engine, even if you have to sacrifice a lot for the next two years and save every penny you can find to scrape up another $10-15k.

The cheapest and oldest Porsche you find to buy will undoubtedly be the most expensive and frustrating Porsche to own.

Most recently, I replaced the brake discs and pads. The discs were original equipment, and the caliper bolts had not been removed and were rusted on, tearing out the aluminum in the wheel carrier to get them out. Cost me a couple of hundred extra to buy a tap insert kit and a whole extra day of aggravation.

Now, a couple of months later, I think one of the aftermarket rotors I put on is warped because I get bad vibration when I hit the brakes while at freeway speeds.

Old Porsches always have something wrong with them and always need something fixed.

Look for an 03 S or younger car. This model year and younger have glass rear windows (so you don't have to get out of the car when you drop the top to crease the plastic window) and better interiors. The 05 models forward have MUCH nicer interiors and bigger engines.

If you can only afford a $13k boxster right now, delay buying one until you can buy a very low mileage garage queen 03S or younger and you will not regret waiting a year or two, I promise!

Negotiate and buy it! If you really want to check you can spend $200 for PPI. Also, Carfax and take it for a test drive..check the roof, oil leaks and clutch.
Don't worry about it...Porsche cars are built like tanks.

Tanks eh??

Yes Porsche is a very cheap car to own and maintain :confused:

I would ideally look or wait for an 03 or newer "S." However, at the least, I would search for 00 and newer cars. High mileage isn't, by itself, a horrible thing, but the degree to which it was maintained and how many things have been replaced recently will have a huge effect on how expensive the car proves to keep running.

Patrick

the thing is, i dont have time and money on my side. im a junior in high school and im looking to spend under $15 for a boxster that i can enjoy during my last two summers at home. so a '00 or newer would probly not be an option...

Suspension parts and emissions stuff wear out on cars of this age. Boxsters have a lot of plastic parts in them too that wear out far earlier than the Porsches of the 70's.

They're built by Germans, but they're not bullet proof like a German tank by any means.

Some guys on this board swear their boxsters are bullet proof, but I always see that they're driving a very low mileage car, a very new car (1-2 years old) or one that the previous owner dumped a bunch of money into to fix up.

Throwing caution to the wind and buying that 97 may possibly be the most expensive car you have ever purchased.

Now if the dealer throws in a bumper to bumper warranty for 3 years or 25k beyond what the car has on it now and the warranty doesn't have all sorts of exclusions, it's worth a second look.

Check my web site for tips for purchasing a used boxster.

jdub, we posted at the same time.

I think you're gonna shoot yourself in the foot. The car will need costly repairs over the next two years and it will be parked if you can't pony up with $600 for this and $1200 for that. These cars also burn through rear tires in 8000 miles or less and they're $200 a pop.

No offense, but you should find another kind of car to buy for the next two years. If I didn't have a great job and a willingness to dump $5000 a year into my car, I could not afford to own it.

You better call your insurance company as well. That might help you make a quick decision on the boxster purchase.

Boxsters certainly are not built like tanks but putting $5000 a year repairs in them is way over the top too. But I agree with Randall, I have a 98 model which had 46K on it. It was taken extremely good care of and I've had no problems thus far. Having said that I would rather have an 03~04 Boxster S. I would just be leary of a car with almost 100K on it no matter the make of car. Good luck with your decision.

well i realize that service will be expensive but im sort of used to expensive services here and there since i currently drive an '02 audi a6 with 64k and it can't seem to go 300 miles without some little thing going wrong. ive looked at other sports cars but the boxster just feels right and im prepared to do what it takes to own one, even if that means spending all my cash to keep it up. i have seen 98 and 99 boxsters with 50 or 60,000 miles for around $15,000. these are out of state tho and i'd have to mess with shipping costs and all that junk.

what i want to know is will it be worth it for the two years that i have the car to buy the cheap high milage or the more expensive lower milage.

- this '97 has branddd new tires with almost no miles on them which is good.

I stopped reading at "I'm a junior in High School". I can't recommend a Boxster to you. Its not a good choice.



/

I have to go with fatmike here. When I was your age, I wanted a GTO my dad had on his lot, someone traded it on a Fiat. Wisely, he said...no. You have the rest of your life to have a great sports car, at your age you might very likely not have the rest of your life if given such a powerful capable sports car. Sorry to sound old & frumpy but how bout a Miata?

in this economy you have to be nuts to buy a high mileage anything.
Way too much supply to be picking through the bottom of the barrel.
Car loan defaults are at an all time high. I wish I could have bough my BoxsterS in this economy. I would have made out like an Oil Man in uhhh 2008.

p.s.
don't buy a car kid. If you've noticed there's a famine and the price of oil is through the roof. Invest that money in some agriculture, fertilizer, and oil exploration stocks and in four years you'll buy yourself a great head start on the rest of your life (and a Ferrari F430) while that Boxster will be worth less. At your age you can afford to take some risks.

You have to understand that most of the men on this Board are significantly older than you. (Their daughter's boyfriends call them "sir".)

When I was a senior in high school, I found a 1956 Porsche convertible D for $1500. My Dad wouldn't let me buy it. (Actually, he told me I could buy it, but I couldn't park it at our house.) I will never admit it to him, but that was a good parenting decision even though the car would be worth $30,000 or more today.

I bought a low mileage 2000 two years ago. I'm reasonably handy, but the thing can be a distraction from time to time. I'd wait a few years on a Boxster. I had two Miatas and they are almost as much fun and a lot less trouble.

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.

:)

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

I got my 2000 for 14,700 a couple of months ago.. you just have to shop for the deals.

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.

I'm sure that GTO would be worth a scheckle or two as well. Sounds like he's buying a Boxster, I hope he's careful and that his parents enjoy the inevitable traffic court dramas.

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

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

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.

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

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.

Gary,

Very few boxster owners have even cracked the 100K mark, let alone 160K. Granted, boxsters are often not DDs and they have only been around in the USA since 97. What have your experiences been with maintenance of the ol beast?

There are a few other Boxster owners who are on the forum who have more mileage than my car. I think one of them is approaching 190k.

I change the oil every 10,000 miles. Air filter every 20k
Spark plugs, every time I change my means of forced induction ;)

The car is on its second water pump, alternator, air oil separator, passenger side window regulator, water reservoir, and clutch.
I changed the RMS when the clutch was changed.

The drivers seat had a hole in it, so it was changed last Christmas.

My lifters lost fluid at one time and I had to replace an entire bank of them, that was at 90k miles. The Porsche mechanic said the engine was so clean he could not believe the miliage.

I always use Chevron/Texaco or Shell 93octane gas.
Mobil 1 oil.

One of the picky things I di that I think has kept my engine healthy is I NEVER rev over 4k rpms until it is fully warmed up, I avoid short trips. If I need to go to the corner store and the engine is cold I get to take the long way, this has 2 benefits. the car gets to stretch its legs and if my wife is in a hurry she goes herself :D

Common sense goes a long way, pay attension to the car. If something seems odd check it on it.

Good luck and go for a drive!!

Man... so many Red Flags here I hardly know where to begin.

Your profile - 16-18 yrs., limited funds, living in the snowbelt, etc. just screams that, at this time in your life, a Boxster is the wrong car for you .

Insurance - you're going to pay through the proverbial nose to insure it.

Fuel Costs - Compared to most cars out there, the Boxster gets lousy mileage. I imagine that a young person is probaby looking at 20 MPG Max. due to driving style, etc. If the experts are correct and Gas hits $5/gal., what are you willing to give up to keep driving the car?

Maintenance costs - As mentioned, this car needs, or is soon to need, lots of $$ for upcoming or possibly overdue maintenance. Boxsters, unlike a Toyota or Honda don't react well to putting off scheduled maintenance - the car will bite you, possibly leaving you stranded and incurring tow charges. There are few generic parts available for these cars which means that you're going to pay high prices for parts and consumables. Also, living in the snowbelt, you're really gonna need a 2nd set of wheels w/ snow tires - these cars don't do well in snow/ice w/o them, figure another $2k just for this.

An early Boxster - Lots of unresolved issues in the '97s. Add to that the depreciation which is gonna steadily reduce your investment. I'm assuming that you are including the value of your current Audi in the mix - either by selling it or trading it in on the Boxster. In a very short time, you could find yourself with a car you cannot afford to keep, but which you can't sell for enough $ to get another decent ride.

Best advice is to invest the money you have, keep the Audi, study hard and buy yourself a new, or near-new, Boxster in a few years to reward yourself for all your hard work. In the end, that'd be the smartest thing to do.

But, I was your age once too, and I realize how strong the allure can be, and that this advice is the least attractive option and that little, if any, of this is sinking in. Good Luck!

Lots of good info. Thanks.

Lil Bastards advice is right on........not what you want to hear or probably want to do.....but most of us as kids had to learn the hard way...........if you have the 2 seater convertible bug.............get a used older Miata in the best condition and maintenance record that your budget will support.....guage if you can support the maintenance costs on that car..............if you can then multiply it by 4 and that's what the Boxster will run you.....then assess whether or not at this particular point in your life if it makes sense........ Believe me, the girls that want to go out with you because you have a "cool" car will not the the women that will make you happy over the long haul. I own a number of "toy" cars (older Ferriaris, Corvettes, etc.) in addition to a Boxster. I've learned over the years that there is ALWAYS another great car and they will always be available either by private sale or classic/special interest car auctions. A lot of guys my age are buying the cars they lusted after in the sixties and seventies because they can afford them now.....

Hey, there is nothing wrong with shallow or immature girls. Just don't take them too seriously! :D

You can probably get this one for $8500
 

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Price $9,999
Mileage 85,231
Body Style Convertible
Exterior Color Silver
Interior Color Black
Engine 6 Cylinder Gasoline
Transmission Automatic
Drive Type 2 wheel drive - rear
Fuel Type Gasoline
Stereo AM/FM Compact Disc Playr
Doors Two Door
Stock No. 22185
VIN WP0CA2989VS622185
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Honestly its probably luck of the draw and how well the car was maintained. Owner's could have deferred maintenance longer on the higher mileage. Of course, maybe they did it, and the 50k is due for service. I bought a high performance car in high school, on my own dime, and yes almost killed myself multiple times. Take some drivers schools and don't think you're invincible (tough to do I realize). If you learn how to do basic maintenance yourself, the costs to maintain will likely be significantly less. I say do it and just get a PPI on the 90k car to find out where you're at.

1. Sell the Audi.
2. Don't buy a Boxster
3. Get an inexpensive, reliable car that is good on gas until you finish college unless you have very nice, rich parents. (if you did, you wouldn't be looking at a high mileage Boxster)
4. I just paid $15,000 for a 2000 Boxster with 50,000 miles, so if you don't listen to anything on this board and buy the car anyway, know that there are better deals out there.

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

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...1/black912.jpg

Good advice. A college buddy of mine can back up #4 as well. He bought a 97 base last year with 15k miles..... for $17k

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

Everyone has a 911.

Kid,

Don't do it. You can't afford it. I speak from experience.

In 1978 I was 22 and just out of college. I had a little money in my pocket and got an ok starter job. I bought a used Porsche 914. It took every cent I had to buy the car. The clutch went out 1000 miles later. The car sat for two months and I took the bus to work while I earned the money for the clutch job.

About 2 months after the clutch was repaired, the heat exchangers rusted out. Every time I turned on the heat the cockpit filled with exhaust fumes. I spent the winter driving with no heat and the windows open.

In June of that year State inspection was due. It failed because of a blown shock, a bad foglight, the heat exchangers and no broken windshield washers. This time the car sat for 4 months while I earned the money for repairs.

After missing the summer, I got the car back on the road but I realized that it was not reliable enough for a daily driver. I bought a used Impala for $500 and it ran without repairs for 5 years.

Rust finally got the better of the 914. In 1983 it started eating halfshafts. Turns out the upper rear mounts were completely rusted out. Repairs would have cost way more than I paid for the car originally. I gave up.

I had fun with the 914, but If I had waited a few years I could have saved the money to buy a nice one.

Learn form my mistake. If you only have enough money to just afford the purchase price of a car then it must be totally reliable. A '97 Boxster with high mileage is not that kind of car.

REgards,
Alan

Don't buy pre-2003 because of the plastic...trust me on this. Not that my rearview is clouded but go for either 2003 or 04...my sense is that you will be happier because not only will you get glass, you will also have power window control on the console, where it should be :)