4.5 mile commute

[surf40]

I’m still looking for my perfect Boxster. The other day on Craig’s List, there was a Boxster that had low miles, and the owner claimed it was a daily driver, but he only had a 4.5 mile commute each way. From what I’ve read here on this forum, this could be a problem because the car really never warms up during each commute, thus putting undue stress on the engine without hot oil lubricating it. Should I steer clear of a car like this?

[Flavor 987S]

How do the maintenance records look? Mainly his/her oil change interval?

[Ghostrider 310]

Do yourself a big favor, don't try to forecast the engine longevity by commute length, I don't think there is any nexus to failure other than an imagined one. It's far more important how he maintained the vehicle and frankly how he drove it in that 4.5 mile stretch.

[Perfectlap]

10 miles round trip doesn't sound that short to me. I guess if it were city driving it might be more seat time giving the oil more time to come up to temp. But I think the fact the car was driven every day is a good thing. That the miles driven were low is another good thing. If this took place in a sunny year round climate that would be the third good thing. Oil changes at least twice a year would be fourth plus.

[ekam]

Won't be a 10 mile round trip if the car is driven to the destination and let it sit for a 8 hr work day...

[Johnny Danger]

I think it's equally important to make sure that the owner has perfectly symmetrical lower extremities and equal length appendages . You wouldn't want too much pre-load on any one side of the vehicle during that short of a commute .

[milliemax]

Tell us more about what you are looking for ???

[Ghostrider 310]

Another key is did he work in manual labor and carry his tools as we See John Danger doing here on a weekend painting gig.

I don't even know what to say, but WTF! - Imgur

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by Ghostrider 310

Another key is did he work in manual labor and carry his tools as we See John Danger doing here on a weekend painting gig.

I don't even know what to say, but WTF! - Imgur

Where's the scaffolding ?

[recycledsixtie]

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

Where's the scaffolding ?

Does it qualify if I carry my golfbag in the passenger seat? Is that symetrical enough?
I count the number of clubs before I load up the Boxster to make sure it is not overloaded. Any passengers have to go in the trunk - they can choose which one they prefer. Miles driven each way typically ten miles. This car can outlive me -original IMS considered. No wonder I end up golfing by myself.

[jcb986]

It's being driven daily like a Porsche should be driven, thus the engine is being lubricated daily. Wheels are turning, brakes are being used, etc. I would have PPI done and also ask to see the underneath of the car looking for oil leaks and or visible issues.

[thstone]

The year of the car, mileage, and maintanence history would be better indicators of engine health than length of commute.

But unfortunately those indicators are probably not very highly correlated in a pure statistical sense. So, as they say, your mileage (and engine reliability) may vary.