Should I buy this Boxster

[ridetheworld]

Should I buy this Boxster? He is asking 19k but I am trying to talk him down. I have driven Boxster S's but will have to buy this one sight unseen. He has had the water pump and coolant tank replaced as well as brakes, brake flush and oil. I know some people say to stay away from these low mile cars but it isn't that low. I am planning on getting the IMS, RMS and Oil Sump down by Jake Raby next spring. This will be my first Boxster. I have been reading quite a bit on here the past few weeks.

Details from the ad below.

This 2000 Porsche Boxster 2dr S Convertible features a 3.2L H6 PFI DOHC 24V 6 cyl Gasoline engine with 250 HP. It is equipped with a 6 speed tiptronic transmission that you can drive in full automatic or use shifting buttons on the steering wheel. The vehicle is black with a black top and black leather interior. Air Conditioning, Climate Control, Cruise Control, Power Steering, Power Windows, Power Door Locks, Power Mirrors, Leather Steering Wheel, Power Drivers Seat, Clock, Tachometer, Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag, Keyless Entry, Security System, ABS Brakes, Intermittent Wipers, AM-FM, CD Player, Anti-Theft, Alloy Wheels and Rear Wind Deflector.

This truly is a weekend car as evidenced by having only 19950 miles. This Porsche has always been garaged, has no accidents and has been driven by a non-smoker. Tires only have about 5000 miles on them. Porsche is offered As-Is. Every reasonable effort was made to ensure the accuracy of this data.

[fatmike]

I need more information.

First - what do you know about the car? How many owners? Do you have maintenance records? Is there proof (documentation) that the oil has been changed annually -- if not -- I'd definitely walk.

Sounds like the water pump blew. When did that happen? If the car was driven with low coolant or if coolant went were it wasn't supposed to then there could be lasting damage. Unfortunately, a water pump isn't a totally unusual thing to go in a Boxster. I'd be more concerned about the quality of the repair and the actions of the owner (shut the engine and get it towed?) than the incident itself.

What is the condition of the major wear items:
- Top overall, including the plastic rear window?
- Tires (can be worn out at 11K - but definitely worthless if still original)
- Brakes? Seems a little odd to have brakes replaced so soon. Did he track the car?
- Any accident? Fender benders? Dings? Scratches?

Does it have the must-have options? Mine are:
- Glass rear window
- PASM
- Litronic headlights (not sure from the picture)
- Wind deflectors (I see those)

My recommendation is to negotiate the price if your satisfied on your due-deligence. I would seek out a local reputable Porsche specialist (either dealer or independant) and I would make a pre-purchase inspection part of your conditions of purchase. You make the arrangements and pay for the inspection -- the buyer needs to agree to take the car to the inspection. Find someone who knows what they are doing with Boxsters and have them look at "all the usual things".

Good luck with it.

[gschotland]

Seems a little pricey at $19k, esp. given the fact that it appears to have only two options, 18" wheels and the wind deflector. No xenons, PSM, Bose stereo - all desirable options.

Since you'd be paying a premium for this garage queen, I assume it's your intention to keep it a garage queen? If not, why not pay less for something newer in equally exceptional condition that's been driven more regularly? I recently paid $16k for an '02 S with 67k mi in exceptional condition w/service recs.

There are loads of great cars to be had with 30-50k miles in great condition at very reasonable prices. Price aside, a car that's been drive ~2,000 miles/yr just makes me nervous.

[JP308]

Too pricey for todays market. BTW if it's a 6 speed tip, it's very rare as the tip is a 5 speed. I have seen similar, to a little newer S's at reputable dealers for the same money. There are lots out there so don't rush into anything. Low mileage is nice, but at that age I would rather have 40K miles on it so that I knew it was at least driven on a regular basis. Don't skip the PPI, Don't skip the PPI....oh and don't forget to get a PPI. It's a buyers market out there.

just my 2 cents.

[ridetheworld]

Thanks for the replies. Good info. Yeah I saw that about the six speed tip, he is obviously incorrect. What is PSM?

[Poorshoesless]

Originally Posted by ridetheworld

Thanks for the replies. Good info. Yeah I saw that about the six speed tip, he is obviously incorrect. What is PSM?

Porsche Stability Management System

[ridetheworld]

Originally Posted by fatmike

I need more information.

First - what do you know about the car? How many owners? Do you have maintenance records? Is there proof (documentation) that the oil has been changed annually -- if not -- I'd definitely walk.

Sounds like the water pump blew. When did that happen? If the car was driven with low coolant or if coolant went were it wasn't supposed to then there could be lasting damage. Unfortunately, a water pump isn't a totally unusual thing to go in a Boxster. I'd be more concerned about the quality of the repair and the actions of the owner (shut the engine and get it towed?) than the incident itself.

What is the condition of the major wear items:
- Top overall, including the plastic rear window?
- Tires (can be worn out at 11K - but definitely worthless if still original)
- Brakes? Seems a little odd to have brakes replaced so soon. Did he track the car?
- Any accident? Fender benders? Dings? Scratches?

Does it have the must-have options? Mine are:
- Glass rear window
- PASM
- Litronic headlights (not sure from the picture)
- Wind deflectors (I see those)

My recommendation is to negotiate the price if your satisfied on your due-deligence. I would seek out a local reputable Porsche specialist (either dealer or independant) and I would make a pre-purchase inspection part of your conditions of purchase. You make the arrangements and pay for the inspection -- the buyer needs to agree to take the car to the inspection. Find someone who knows what they are doing with Boxsters and have them look at "all the usual things".

Good luck with it.

He is the third owner. He has the records that were performed at the 15k maintenance as well as the records for the coolant tank and water pump repair. I am not sure about the records for an annual oil change, I will check into that.

He said the top is in good condition, the vinyl rear window has some creases in it. The tries are Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 with 5k on them. The car does not have Litronic headlights. I only have about 17k to play with. I offered him 15.8k

Here is some additional stuff he wrote me.

"Just for your information. There is no major damage on the car. The former owner always had the scheduled oil changes and had some work done on the car which I have the invoices. For example he had the brake system flushed, replaced the serpentine belt, replaced water pump and coolant reservoir and put a new battery in all right around 15000 miles. I bought it from him at 15,500 miles and had the oil changed soon after. I haven't had any problems with the car or done any other service.
There are small scratches on both doors. There are also scratches on the tips of the both side view mirrors. There are small chips from road debris in the front. It is consistent with a 20,000 mile car. The back plastic window is in good condition compared to the others I've seen. It does have a faded scratch in it and about 2 or 3 places where the plastic looks to have bunched up. The previous owner says that could happen when it's cold out. The driver's side arm rest is a little worn. The seats have some creases but no rips on them. The creases are right on the lip and that's probably where I've sat to get into the car. "

[gschotland]

"I only have about 17k to play with."

Better keep some $ in reserve because you're going to need it even for a supposedly pristine car like that one.

[Lil bastard]

If it's a '00 S the Brakes should have been flushed at least 4 times for a truly well-maintained car. Oil s/b changed annually - 8/9 changes. Will need new tires, battery, coolant (150k/5yr.) - unless changed, check plastic window. For me PSM isn't a gotta have, if you can drive, you won't need it.

Lots of choices out there... don't get enamored with the 1st one.

[fatmike]

On a car like this -- time is more important than miles:

Oil annually (show stopper)
Brake fluid every 2

If the oil was changed for the 1st time at 15K miles (in year 4) -- this car wouldn't be for me.

[ridetheworld]

Originally Posted by gschotland

"I only have about 17k to play with."

Better keep some $ in reserve because you're going to need it even for a supposedly pristine car like that one.

I should have worded that better, I meant that is all I am willing to pay. I have money for maintenance issues and have already allotted a chunk of change to send it to Raby's.

[Kirk]

After seeing some "GREAT" cars from the Internet actually in person and being grossly disappointed, I personally would not buy any car "sight unseen". If you're serious about it at least get a local shop to do a PPI, but better yet buy a plane ticket and go see the car (assuming you can get him down to your price). Just because it has low miles doesn't mean it doesn't have issues. I'd be a bit worried about his comment that the car has has no "major" damage. What about minor accidents then? Better invest in a Car Fax too!

The car doesn't look bad. But if you live near a major metropolitan area, then look for something local that's available. If nothing else you'll save on the plane ticket and/or shipping costs. I live near San Francisco and there are literally dozens of Boxsters that come up for sale each month. Be patient and you'll find the right one at the right price.

Make sure you research the options that were available for Boxsters and get one that has most of the options that you want. It can be pricey to add them later. I didn't do this but got lucky and got a car with most of what I wanted later. Still I had to add HID headlights (Litronics) later, which cost me about $700. I was lucky though as many pay twice that for this spendy option. So that's something to look at, what were the options and what do you want...

Kirk