2002 Boxster S for $18k, good deal?? A couple of Q's

[phatjoe]

Hey:

I'm about to pull the trigger on a car this weekend (tired of searching )

I came across a 2002 Boxster S for $18k. It has a 47k miles on it, and appears to be in top notch condition.

I did a search on cars.com and autotrader.com, and I couldn't find an "S" close to the $18k number. That being the case, I'm still curious if folks are snagging the "S" for a cheaper price than $18k?

This next question may sound funny
I never hold onto a car for more than 2 years. I'm also considering a 2005 Z4, 2.5i, manual, for $17.7k. Come 2 years from now, do you think I'll have a hard time selling the porsche because it will be 9 years old?? The Z4 would only be 6 yrs old.

Thanks....

[impboy]

I'd get a Carfax on the Box first to get some extra history on the car but the way the economy is right now, I'd say if the car is in as great of shape as you're saying, it's a good deal.

[Lil bastard]

$18k can be a good deal, a bad deal, or somewhere in between.

It's a great price for an EXCELLENT '02. It's a BAD deal for an '02 in poor, or abused condition - not always visible.

NEVER buy a Boxster w/o spending at least $300 on a PPI from a dealer or independent who KNOWS what they are doing and looking at. Make a list of the things which need correction and their cost and use this to make the decision and/or negotiate the price of the car.

The old addage: "The most expensive Porsche to own is usually that one which was cheap to buy" should keep ringing in your head.

The world is FULL of used Boxsters. No need to settle for one which could run you into the Poor House.

Forget Carfax, usually nonsense.

Look for ownership history, service history backed up by receipts, and have the car looked at by an expert (PPI).

Weigh all of this and then take the plunge... or not.

Good Luck!

[E Kaplan]

First, I definately agree with getting a PPI.
I purchased my base (non S) 2000 Boxster about 14 months ago for $18,000. I know prices have decreased since, so I think your price for a 2002 S is good (as long as the car is in good shape.
There are alot of cars out there. If you are thinking about getting a new top with a glass window, updated stereo, new wheels, body moldings, etc., You may want to look around and try to find a car someone has spent $ to make the car the way you want it.

Good luck!

[SeanZ4]

I had a black '03 Z4 2.5i for several years. I wanted a Boxster. I bought a 2000 S with 30k mi. on it from a Porsche / Mercedes dealership. I gave them the Z and $2500 cash. Did I pay too much?? Maybe. Maybe not. The Z cars are dropping in value like crazy too. Actually more so than the Boxsters. I belong to several Z car forums and they discuss the same things. My Z was a great car and I had a Z3 before it, but neither one even comes close to the fun-factor my Boxster has!

Get the Boxster!

[impboy]

Since my idea for a Carfax was called "nonsense", what's a PPI?

[Immortal1520]

Make sure to get a report on it. 18K for a Boxster S is a steal if it's in stellar condition. But with how much miles it has and it's current age, it CAN come with a lot of repairs and servicing that you need to do.

[epotter]

I'm 'shopping' for a 2001 Boxster up here in Canada.

I've noticed that the prices seem to range from about 21K to 30K (US).

I have my eye on a nice one that's listed for 22 grand. It's loaded and appears to be in very good condition with 50,000 miles.

I would like to 'pull the trigger' and make a purchase in a few days. But I wanted to get a reaction from the experts out there.

I see that some of you wait for years before buying one.

[Sputter]

Tough to answer not knowing the car. You need to get a PPI done before anything. Don't fall in love with the car, do your homework.

Originally Posted by epotter

I'm 'shopping' for a 2001 Boxster up here in Canada.

I've noticed that the prices seem to range from about 21K to 30K (US).

I have my eye on a nice one that's listed for 22 grand. It's loaded and appears to be in very good condition with 50,000 miles.

I would like to 'pull the trigger' and make a purchase in a few days. But I wanted to get a reaction from the experts out there.

I see that some of you wait for years before buying one.