Coolant question and about 90k service
 

My coolant level on the scale is about 3/4 empty, so 1/4 remaining. Should I go get some coolant? Does it HAVE to be Porsche coolant? Porsche themselves quoted me 53 dollars for coolant.

The other question is about 90k service. How much will it cost most likely? I don't want to overpay for it. I'm not taking it to the dealer to get it, but somewhere else where they specialize in european cars, especially Ferrari/Porsche.

If you're at 90K, and there's no history of the coolant being flushed, I would have the shop fully flush your coolant and replace with Porsche approved (but not necessarily Porsche branded) coolant.

As to how much your service will cost, it all depends on how much they do. Plan on oil, filter, air filter, cabin filter, spark plugs, fuel filter, coolant flush, might be wise to change lubricant in the gearbox, you may need pads/rotors, and on down the list. Depending upon the health of your car it could vary considerably.

Patrick

I'm not sure if it was ever flushed, I've had the car only a month so far. As far as the car is concerned, the mechanic told me the only two issues with the car is the clutch and a small seepage of oil from the engine, I'll just have to go up there and find out what it will cost hmm.

Um.. maybe I misread, but why are you driving a car that is only filled 1/4 full of coolant.. and you live in the desert!

While you don't need to buy your coolant at the local dealer, it does need to be formulated / approved for use in a Porsche. Don't just go to the local NAPA and hope the coolant you find is compliant with Porsche spec.

Then, I would look for the cause/leak for your car to have so little coolant to begin with. Could be you found yourself a poorly maintained example that could cost more to maintain going forward.

The key to owning a cost effective Porsche is doing the work yourself.

Almost everything in the 90,000 mile service can be done by the owner. It really is quite easy.

In fact the Boxster is far less trouble and easier to work on than a 944 or an air cooled 911.

Gimme a step by step instruction, and I'll be happy to do it myself :D.

I know very little about engine components, shameful yes but I need to sit one day and just absorb it all in :P.

Is there a list for Porsche approved coolants? I went to an auto supply store and their best answer was to use the "all makes and models" coolant, which I don't trust on my precious car.

There's a lot of info out there, here's a good place to START

Thanks, there are quite a few specific wrenches and things needed, but it will still be much less then taking it to a mechanic, and I get to know my car a bit better! I will be attempting this soon.

Do you have a list of Porsche approved coolants? I want to return the one I got from Porsche, costing 53 dollars.

Info about antifreeze can be found at another great source of INFO

Get the collant replaced and use the right fluid. If you are not competent, have it done.

Do it now.

The car has 90G on it. Take care of it before it bites you back.

Good luck.

:D