FIFY


"other" 99%

My E46 has been indestructable - same as my Boxster!

I bought my 2003 Boxstrer S about 4 years ago. I had to do a minor mod to the window regulator in one of the doors, but that's it. Cost me some time and about $1 dollar to fix it. Had 14k miles on when I bought it, has around 24k on it now. Runs great and I love it. I had an inspection done on it after I bought it and flushed the brake system for good measure. Change the oil every year and that's really all it's needed. I know your fear about the IMS, but I'm just going to roll the dice on that one.

Reliable, But ...
 

About 95-99% of these cars seem to be totally reliable, at least as good if not better than other vehicles. The problem is the 1% to 5% that suffer destructive engine damage from the defective IMS that Porsche won't own up to. Others will have lots of niggling problems (e.g., Corvettes) but I can't think of any other vehicle that has a total failure rate of 1-5%. I won't drive my Porsche without a warranty of some sort, the risk is low but the price of failure is too high.

158000 kms
 

I bought a silver 98 986 in sept of 11 with 113000kms and it's now up to 158000 with no engines issues. I use Fuchs Titan 5w40 and change every 4000ks. Plus I run the 94 octane which has no ethanal. So far the car has been very reliable, just had to do a rear ball joint because of bad roads and 4 inchs of clearance. But strong car overall

2.5l boxster most underrated motor
 

I was told the Fuchs oil has the right addiditve package for the Porsche seals and rubber used in boxsters. I would recommend it for all boxsters and it has to be 5w40 not 0w40 plus get it out of the engine before it starts to breakdown. So far 45000 km in 8 months. As far as the 2.5l motor not being big enough, it's actually a blessing. The car has more than enough power on the highway and it gets almost 30mpg. Sure your not lighting it up off the line, but you can be downright nasty in a 2.5l boxster. It can out handle anything. You can go around cars like they are standing still. And it's unbelievable in rain and snow-a very underrated winter car. The clutch is pretty stiff for city stop and go so the pdk with 50 more ponies might be the best option for a daily driver. But let's face it it's all about the flat six right behind you whistling away as you feed the horsepower right to the ground pivoting off of 255s, with the intake right next to you. It's the best daily driver out there for 15k. You get the Porsche history and design for a fraction of the price. You can get a used motor for 5k if something unfortunate happens. Until then I'm going to enjoy mine because there is no substitute. And I've owned 928s and a 911, 924, two 944s and some bimmers, a tii screamer. And I love my 98 boxster just as much if not more than any car Ive owned. You still have the big round tach right in your face and I also like the 97-99 pre update gauges, cleaner if you ask me.

I just took my 98 on a 1107 mile long weekend drive. The old girl ran great.