Newby used boxster question
 

I have been looking at Boxsters in the 2000 range and found one that I like and seems to have the fewest problems, but I thought I would run something by this group of professional boxsterphiles:

This car has about 70,000 miles on it. Engine runs nice, clutch feels good, etc. Brakes are great, etc. It was bought by the dealer at auction in texas.

There are a couple of things though:

1) The carfax report shows that the "front crankshaft oil seal" was replaced at 38,000 miles. Because this happened once, is it more or less likely to happen again? There are no leaks now.
2) the front driver seat and several other interior pieces are clearly brand new. The new seat is the most comfortable boxster seat I have found. But Should I worry that this car has had a hard life.
3) the car is priced a couple of thousand dollars under similar cars on the market. More inline with pre 2000 cars.
4) the body and suspension seem fine.


I love driving it. I have always wanted a porsche. Should I take a run at this one? Of the 2000s I have driven, this seems the most solid.

Don't buy without a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) by a Porsche specialist.

Could be a great car, could be a disaster. The PPI will tell you a lot. It's definitely cheap insurance.

There are hundreds of posts about purchase advice. Read them all - carefully.

Is it a "S" or base model? 70k miles to me is a lot as You have no idea what those miles were. I would want to know the service intervals. I would also be wondering why seats were replaces as they aren't cheap. (flood damage, just old ....?).

what is the price. I always check ebay completed auctions to see what similar models went for. I don't know about the seal, but I would think its good that it was replaced.

Base 70k miles sold for $11000(close but I would want to be around $10k)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-PORSCHE-BOXSTER-TIPTRONIC-CONVERTIBLE_W0QQitemZ250471848647QQcmdZViewItemQQp tZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item3a51491ac7&_trksid=p4506 .c0.m245

2000 "S" 67k sold for $12000 (seems like a good price)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000-PORSCHE-BOXTER-S-CONVERTIBLE-GREAT-CONDITION_W0QQitemZ180387564475QQcmdZViewItemQQptZ US_Cars_Trucks?hash=item29ffefcbbb&_trksid=p4506.c 0.m245

one with slighly more miles went for $9100
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000-PORSCHE-BOXTER-5-SPD-CA-CAR-NO-RESERVE_W0QQitemZ200365893439QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS _Cars_Trucks?hash=item2ea6bce73f&_trksid=p4506.c0. m245

an "s" with 77k went for 14900 ( I think is way high)
http://motors.completed.shop.ebay.com/Cars-Trucks-/6001/i.html?Make=Porsche&Model=Boxster&Model%2520Year=2 000&LH_Complete=1&_dmpt=US_Cars_Trucks&_flso=0&_fp os=43078&_fspt=0&_myi=2000&_qfkw=1&_sop=7&_rdc=1

It is a base model.

Base models are cool they still have plenty of power and are a blast to drive. Remember, in this economy time is your friend. I stole my 2001 "s" from california. It had 57k miles and I drove it back from sacremento/sanfran area to ohio(2400 miles). There is nothing wrong with buying a car on ebay. Just do your homework. I would try to look for a private sale rather than a dealer.

If you don't mind me asking, what is your price range and what are they asking for that car? I am only trying to help and I will keep an eye out for some deals. I was in your shoes a couple of months ago. I use to be a new car sales manager, so I know a few tricks and would be glad to help you, or anyone else looking. Just remember, you have the money so you hold all the cards!!

don't get scared by all the service issues(price/ ims failures). Almost all service can be preformed in your garage with a jack and some jack stands. (I am proof of that). This website is great for DIY repairs and maint.
http://www.pedrosgarage.com/Site/Technolab.html

Read this.

http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/mikesporscheboxsterwebpages

Also RandallNeighbor on this site for how not to buy a Boxster.

FWIW, I'm going to be selling my Boxster very soon (like putting it on the market this week). It's a black, '99, base model. Well maintained w/records for all required maintenance. I'm in Elgin, IL. PM me if you're interested and I can tell you more about it. Or, I can recommend places to get a PPI from in the area.

I don't want to sell it (and my wife certainly doesn't want me to sell it), but driving it kills my back and we need to reduce expenses right now.

mptoledo is right. this economy is on your side if you are buying.

you can steal these cars. the market for two seater used porsches stinks. I've seen some boxters listed for sale NOW that were for sale when I bought my car SIX MONTHS ago.... seriously.. and these are nice cars that I'd like to buy... it's just a hard time to be selling this type of car.

you should be able to get an S now, for wha ta base used to sell for. I bought a base...but my deal was from dad...and my situation was unique. if I was buuying right now, on the open market, and not getting a famly members car at a good deal, I would hold out for an S. nothing wrong with a base - I have one and love it and it is still a blast to drive and plenty fast... but if you can get an S for the same money, whynot.

if you want to go cheaper, no reason why you couldn't get a nicely optioned base and get it even cheaper, or go newer/lower m iles.

if you COULD, I would consider getting an 03/04 instead of a 2000'ish if you could afford it. a lot of nice changes in 03 that you will appreicate once you buy 2000 and wish you had the changes..like the glass rear window! the rear end looks nicer on the 03+ too.

i might consider a base 03 intead of a 2000 S. the 03s have 10more hp than the 2000-2002 bases..i think it's 228...whereas the 2000 S is 258...so you're still lower on power than an older S, butnot a ton. try them all and see what you like. if you love the extra power of the S get it..if you like it but don't "have to have it", save money or go newer/lower miles for the same money and ger ta base. there's no right or wrong, it all depends on you, your needs, your budget, etc.

get PPI. you HAVE to do that. I did one and I bought the car from my dad. Not b/c I didn't trust him, but there is stuff that can go wrong that even the seller might not know about and you don't want to find out the hard way after you drive off in it and then have problems.

odds are you won't buy a warranty if you get an older car. once you price them you will not want to get one. so ge tit checked out ahead of time and have peace of mind that you bought a good one.

the boxster is a great car. i cross shoppped a lot of other "fun cars". liek the s2k, RX8 and none of them had the combination of looks,h andling, fun, for hte money.

good luck!