bought from a little old lady

[Quickurt]

Hah! Congrats on the car, I came on the thread thinking it was going to be a new joke!!
If you replace the top. I'd consider the extra to upgrade to a glass window, if you're going to keep the car. Even if you're going to sell it, it should be worth the extra as it will definitely add value. There are threads on the forum (do a search) for uprading. I believe you will have to replace the framework through a dismantler, but you may be able to get a good price on the whole thing (top and frame).

[Lil bastard]

Congrats!

You have a lot of work to do.

Brake/clutch fluid flush and bleed - every two years!

Serpentine belt replacement - five year max!

Plugs - 45k mi.

Air filter (likely)

Coolant flush/fill 5yr./150k mi.

Battery - 5 year max.

Tires - 5 year max.

All these items have both a time and mileage service interval. This car is waaay past many of them.

Cheers!

[lowmiler]

Thanks for the input guys. I'm getting her detailed on tuesday so pics will be coming after that. I have been doing alot of reading here about the diy rear plastic window replacement. I will most likely go that route. The top looks brand new so i can't see replacing the whole thing even if it gets me the glass window. Can and indy do the brake fluid or is it dealer only? I'm afraid of what that is going to cost. I also know someone who has 19" carrera wheels and tires for sale. Might pick those up.

[Lil bastard]

Originally Posted by lowmiler

Thanks for the input guys. I'm getting her detailed on tuesday so pics will be coming after that. I have been doing alot of reading here about the diy rear plastic window replacement. I will most likely go that route. The top looks brand new so i can't see replacing the whole thing even if it gets me the glass window. Can and indy do the brake fluid or is it dealer only? I'm afraid of what that is going to cost. I also know someone who has 19" carrera wheels and tires for sale. Might pick those up.

19's look stupid on a Boxster (my $0.02), ride quality suffers, tires cost more.

Brake fluid/flush is straight up - can do yourself and save some money to replace those dried out tires. Get a power bleeder from Bavauto and 2 Ltr. ATE Blue fluid.

Plastic window is doable, but probably a 7:10. If you haven't done this type of work before, have an auto upholsterer do it.

Cheers!

[RandallNeighbour]

I gotta agree with LB about the 19's concerning ride quality and tire cost. 18's look great and give you LOTS more choice in tires at lower prices and keep the ride better.

Plus, Carrera 19's have an offset that require really large spacers... which translates into accentuated vibrations when your wheels are out of balance and they just might prematurely wear out your wheel bearings.

Welcome to our never-ending world of boxster mods, repairs, and maintenance!

[lowmiler]

I've flushed and replaced brake fluid before but not on a car with abs. Will that be a factor?

What about these wheels? They are the kind I am looking at.

http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22820

[Lil bastard]

Originally Posted by lowmiler

I've flushed and replaced brake fluid before but not on a car with abs. Will that be a factor?

What about these wheels? They are the kind I am looking at.

http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22820

ABS will not be a factor at all. The Boxster does have multiple chambers/bleeder valves in the calipers. Bleed inside valve first, outside last. You may get an ABS light on initial startup, but if properly bled, this will go out once the system pressurizes.

Obviously start with P-side rear and work you way to D-side front.

Definitely recommend power bleeder though. The pump-the-pedal method is a sure way to blow the master cylinder on an 11 y.o. car. Also, since the clutch and brakes share the same fluid reservoir, be sure to bleed the clutch slave cylinder too so you don't contaminate the new fluid.

As far as new wheels, what's on it now? Wheels/tires are a spendy pkg. and my recommendation would be to wait until you're sure the car is well sorted before blowing that $$ on nonessential stuff. No point in being the best looking car stuck in the driveway.

Cheers!

Cheers!

[super66]

Originally Posted by lowmiler

I've flushed and replaced brake fluid before but not on a car with abs. Will that be a factor?

What about these wheels? They are the kind I am looking at.

http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22820

I don't like those rims at all but thats just me....your car would look great with 19's....like mine.....

I will say my winter wheels are 18's and I originally had 18's for the summer...the ride isn't very different to me at all....I love the 19's...but there is obvious truth that they are more to replace...