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Old 01-14-2009, 03:51 AM   #1
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Boxsters with reliable engines

To contrast all the negative posts about IMS failures and such, I thought I'd start a thread where folks who have never had a major engine failure could post the year, engine and mileage of their reliable Boxsters. I really like my Boxster and it is a great car.
I'll start but my mileage isn't all that impressive:

2003 Boxster S (3.2L) 15,000 miles and has had no issues. ;-)

Dave S.
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Old 01-14-2009, 04:30 AM   #2
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There have been a couple threads like this lately, but I'll bite.

1999 Boxster (2.5L) 33,000 miles
No RMS, IMS, or slipped sleeve issues (Knock on wood)
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Old 01-14-2009, 04:51 AM   #3
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2002 Boxster S, 3.2, 22k miles. Driven hard at many autocross and D.E. events. I have had no leaks or mechanical issues as of yet.
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Old 01-14-2009, 05:06 AM   #4
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My 2001S has 65K and no issues - and it's been driven quite briskly in the 20K miles I have owned it. As for the IMS failure rate, I think people are getting too wrapped up in worry. I personally know about a twenty people with Boxsters/911s (with the M96 engines) and none of them have had a problem or actually know anyone who has - first-hand knowledge at least. I think some people just need to have something to fret about at any given time (IMS failures, global warming, bird flu, radon, Manbearpig, etc.).
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Old 01-14-2009, 05:10 AM   #5
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rick, you gotta drive that thing more!

MY99 107,650. No major catastrophes (knock wood) Daily driven, autocrossed at least once a month. New shocks, replaced a water pump over a year ago, due for an oil change.
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Old 01-14-2009, 05:19 AM   #6
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2002 S, 15k miles...occasional autocross. Nothing but oil changes (but I will be installing the LN billet oil filter adapter come spring). Out of all the PCA folks I know with Boxsters and 996's, only one case of implosion and that was a '99.
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Old 03-05-2010, 06:21 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kabel
rick, you gotta drive that thing more!

MY99 107,650. No major catastrophes (knock wood) Daily driven, autocrossed at least once a month. New shocks, replaced a water pump over a year ago, due for an oil change.
I like it... 91,000 here, just did an oil change and serpentine belt yesterday, and the starter's bindex is getting relubricated along with new o rings for the spark plug chamber next weekend... Runs like a charm, minus the constant need for expensive maintenance
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Old 01-14-2009, 05:19 AM   #8
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2001S, 41K. I am (on those days when it gets above around 30 degrees in my garage) working on the alternator. (I'm thinking it's just the voltage regulator, but we'll see...) No other engine problems---minor, major or otherwise.

(Knocking on my desk---wood!---as I type. )
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Old 01-14-2009, 05:41 AM   #9
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So far so good. '02 2.7 TIP with around 40k. Did have the RMS fixed under warranty and was told, " This will solve the problem". Fingers crossed etc. Looking forward to spring when I can get out and drive it again.

AKL in the frozen "globally warmed" Northeast.
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Old 09-07-2009, 07:40 AM   #10
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My 99 Boxster

had 58000 trouble free miles when I traded it in.

My 06 which I bought with 12k (now 14k) is going strong.
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Old 09-07-2009, 06:06 PM   #11
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Y2K S with 38k miles, had exhaust manifold on both sides replaced by dealer under warranty (6 months apart). Other than that only oil changes. Driven to have fun every chance I get. BTW, lots of new tires also.
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Old 09-07-2009, 10:44 PM   #12
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Im in.
2002 2.7 5-speed, 86k miles on the original motor.
RMS slowly leaks, but its gona have to wait till clutch goes. Most Porsches leak oil anyways Just replaced AOS, otherwise - engine is trouble free.

It is driven year-around and driven hard. Car often sees triple digit speeds and seems to like it.
If you do most of the work yourself and buy parts online - this cars are not expensive or hard to maintain.

Last edited by al83s; 09-07-2009 at 10:51 PM.
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Old 03-05-2010, 04:21 AM   #13
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I'm in too. 1998 Boxster (with hardtop) Tiptronic with 115400 miles. No leaks of any kind. Runs great although sometimes Tip unit has mind of it's own. Last 10000 miles in 6 months, moderate driving habits. Performed major maintenance: antifreeze R/F/I, trans fluid (about 4 times in 6 months, long story), tune-up, all filters, oil service, new tires, new headlights, etc. Still returns low to mid 20's in CITY and high 20's to 30 MPG on HWY. Ocassionally drive the slop out of it. Drive in all weather, including recent snow (3+ inches).
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Old 03-05-2010, 04:35 AM   #14
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No Porche boxsters last over 20k - don't you people "google" IMS failures?
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Old 11-03-2011, 03:21 PM   #15
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1999 Boxster with 80,000 miles. Original motor "seized" and was replaced in 2003. It has about 50,000 miles on it. I have replaced the RMS, and IMS cover only, with the updated versions, clutch, and coolant tank.
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Old 11-10-2011, 08:57 AM   #16
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Originally Posted by springer123 View Post
1999 Boxster with 80,000 miles. Original motor "seized" and was replaced in 2003. It has about 50,000 miles on it. I have replaced the RMS, and IMS cover only, with the updated versions, clutch, and coolant tank.
yikes good timing!
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Old 11-03-2011, 04:10 PM   #17
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My '99 has 98,000 miles with everything original in the engine. Still runs like its brand new. And I track it a lot. Overall extremely reliable.
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Old 11-09-2011, 07:50 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave S. View Post
To contrast all the negative posts about IMS failures and such, I thought I'd start a thread where folks who have never had a major engine failure could post the year, engine and mileage of their reliable Boxsters. I really like my Boxster and it is a great car.
I'll start but my mileage isn't all that impressive:

2003 Boxster S (3.2L) 15,000 miles and has had no issues. ;-)

Dave S.
I'm on my 3rd M96 car. I had an MY97 986. I sold it with 118k miles, engine never out of the car. had typical issues with ignition switch, cracked overflow tank, one water pump, leaking top into cabin under passenger seat, 1 clutch, but was probably close to needing the second when I sold it.

MY2000 996, sold with ~80k miles. ignition switch, 2 water pumps, idler pulley, leaking o-rings around the plugs at 60k miles service and that's it.

MY2001 986S. Now at 65k miles, purchased with 40k and at about 50k I invested in a Jake Raby 3.6 high performance upgraded motor. I had no leaks, and the IMS looked good when he tore it down. I did it for the extra uumph and because I want to keep the car as long as it still goes.

I've never had an oil leak of any kind in any of the three and never a major failure of any kind. The niggly little things that aren't cheap to fix, but considering I've been driving an M 96 car every day for over 10 years I would have to say my experience is that the cars are super reliable. I am thinking my next Porsche has to be a 996 Turbo. the prices are getting so low they are hard to overlook.
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Old 11-10-2011, 07:09 AM   #19
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Special ordered and bought my 2001 Boxster S new in '01. Just over 19,000 miles on it now without issue. Love the S!

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Old 11-11-2011, 06:58 AM   #20
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'03 S, 85,000 trouble free miles. Two water pump replacements, that's it.
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