1999 Boxster Fair/Good Price

[AlexH]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

get yourself a 2000 or wait until you have the money for an S.
with this economy the market is not really discounting for mileage and year. It's more to do with how badly the seller wants to sell for cash.
It's like buying a 87 Carrera, you're into a whole other ball game with the 2000.

p.s.
a 99 with 60K miles sold for $11K on Ebay last week.

I am supposed to buy a 99 w/ manual that I have not seen in person. I swore I would only consider a manual sports car but....this past weekend I came across an 01 w/ Tip at a small time used car dealer. They deal a lot w/ late models MB, BMW, and Lexus. It has about 83k miles. When first started, the engine is a little rough but after 5 minutes, the engine is creamy smooth. (Is this normal?) It was the first Boxster I actually looked at and drove. The car drives very nice and has no evidence of prior damage.


The Carfax report came up w/ possible odo error/roll back. In '1/04, mileage reported at 23k and 12/04, it jumped up to 133k miles. Curious about the Carfax report I called the MB dealer at Newport and was told of various things serviced there such as (from my recollection):
1. 11/04 reported at 33k miles,
2. 4/05 37k miles for 30k service,
3. 4/06 62k miles,
4. 1/08 back window,
5. 7/08 80, 610 miles, replaced transmission oil cooler valve or something like that.

The dealer has had this car for awhile and on their window is an asking price of $16999 but advertises for $9999. I told the dealer because of the Carfax report the resale value is affected. Eager to move the car of the lot (I think), they accepted $9500. I am a little apprensive about the purchase. I have never owned a Porsche. I maintain my own cars. The last 2 sports car that I owned are 2003 S2000 and 2007 Z4 coupe. The latter one I regrettably traded for an E350.

I put a $500 deposit and will pick it up tomorrow. What do you guys think? Take the deposit back or go for it.

[941MXVET]

I think for $9500 your getting a good deal. I have really grown to like our tip, even though we origionaly pasted on the car at first because of it. You shouldn't regret the tip. IMO I'm not sure you can go wrong at $9500.

[Lil bastard]

Let me start by saying that I don't want to rain on anyone's parade.

But, I am a little suspect of the '01 you've found. You have a mileage discrepancy and the price is almost too good on an '01, even in this economy and equipped with the TipS. You may be satisfied with the explanation about the discrepancy, but it still exists, and it will pop up again if you ever sell the car.

In the final analysis, it's your money and your car. If you're satisfied, that's the end of it.

BUT DON'T EVEN THINK about getting ANY Boxster without a thorough PPI from a qualified Dealer or Independent (one with a PST2 or PIWIS tester)! These cars can/do have issues.

Hopefully, all ends well... on the other hand, it may save you from a $9500 mistake (afterall, that's what it's intended to do). Good Luck!

[Brucelee]

Two quick points.

No need to settle for any Box right now. It is clealy a buyer's market, maybe the best I have ever seen.

Also, if you only have a certain amount to spend and none for repairs, you are likely to be walking al ot. All used Boxes will need repairs and maint. and they don't come cheap.

Heed Lil Bastard's advice above.

Good luck.

[AlexH]

Originally Posted by Brucelee

Two quick points.

No need to settle for any Box right now. It is clealy a buyer's market, maybe the best I have ever seen.

Also, if you only have a certain amount to spend and none for repairs, you are likely to be walking al ot. All used Boxes will need repairs and maint. and they don't come cheap.

Heed Lil Bastard's advice above.

Good luck.

Man....I have today to take back the deposit or like many others have said to have a PPI. With the rain and all not sure it can be done either way. I do feel better if they would let me take it to a nearby shop for a PPI. I don't mind spending $10 G but certainly not on repairs in the near future.

[Paul]

If they will not let you take it in for a PPI, RUN!

[23109VC]

i agree with the above comments - it's a buyers market.

why buy a 99 for 10k when you can easily find a 2000 for the same price.

if you live anywhere near a major metropolitan market - I'd just start hitting auto trader / cars.com and start making your own little spreadsheet.

find the cars that are in your "general" price range and then go up about 5k.

if a guy is asking 15k for his car - and he has had it for sale for 6 months, and you say say I have $10k - i will come buy it today - and hsi car is paid off - he has no note to satisfy and he is in NEED of selling it and NEEDS that cash - he must might say "okay".

i'd start looking at more expensive onesa nd see who is desperate enough to come down a substantial margin. only after exhausting THAT route, would I "settle for an older higher mileage 99. nothign wrong with those cars - they will be just as fun as a newer one - but if you can get newer/lower miles - why not.

[AlexH]

Originally Posted by Paul

If they will not let you take it in for a PPI, RUN!

Thank you all! I did have the mechanic check the car. We found out that the rear left quarter panel was resprayed and was not done as nice. I have seen better paint work than that. On top of that, once the car was on a lift we saw a little of oil drip. Mechanic believes it's from the valve cover. It was worth the effort to have a PPI done. I got my deposit back and said once they rectify the leakage issue, then I would reconsider. It's my way of saying please give me back my deposit.