should I buy this 1997 Boxster?

[husker boxster]

It's not so much if the motor blows that will be the issue. It's the $250, $500, and $1000 expenditures that it needs for each and every little item in order to make this car roadworthy. These "little things" are going to turn you upside down in a hurry.

Before you buy it, sit down and make a list of all the things it needs that you know about. Be sure to include O2 sensors. Do the windows work? How do the CV boots look? Those are items that generally need replacing. How bout the brake fluid, an antifreeze flush? Doesn't sound like this car had much maintenance done to it. Better throw those things in too. Price out the parts at Suncoast or Pelican. Add the labor that your friend will be charging. See what it costs. You'll be shocked.

This car has such a long list of known issues I can't imagine what unknowns are lurking.

At least do yourself a favor and test drive any other Boxster you can. There have to be garage queens available in your area that you can bargain down to the total cost of this mut.