Considering Boxster, Have Questions

[RobbieKnobbie]

Originally Posted by LightngSVT

So the 986 was 97-04 and the 987 is the 05-12 with changes in 09 correct? What else changed besides the motor in 09 (same hp/tq?)? When did these cars get "modern" electronics like iPhone integration, bluetooth, nav, etc?

The audio systems of these cars should not be a criteria for purchase. Mostly because they generally suck.

My car, an 06 S, has the factory premium sound system, with Bose amp + speakers but not the PCM (pcm gets you the connectivity features). The sound is slightly worse than the AM radio in the Ford Grenada my folks had when I was a kid. If you're an audiophile, or desire all the gadgets and doo-dads, plan on having the head unit replaced with a aftermarket system.

On the other hand, I find myself driving without the radio on and just listening to the motor. It really is THAT good.

[SoK]

I definately have my days where the radio stays off and I just listed to the car. He's right, it's seriously that good, especially with the top down.

[mcomet]

I agree with radio comments... My 03s radio was very disappointing... Although slightly better when I use a cd vs. radio and have adjusted the bass etc... I plan on putting on a PSE for exhaust ... Have been considering radio and such but not sure if that affects resale. But as mentioned you don't buy this car for the audio quality...heh.

[stephen wilson]

I think the "sound system+" in my '06 is pretty good. Much better than the 986 systems. I would think the "top-of-the-line" Bose with rear speakers would be better yet.

[97 Boxster]

I love the audio in my 986. Its best when the radio is OFF and the top is down.

[Beelzy]

Boxsters have Audio systems??

[RandallNeighbour]

Originally Posted by Overdrive

As I said before, stealing the line from RandallNeighbour, get the youngest car you can afford, and try to go for an S.

yeah, what he said! Um, and what I said too!

No red blooded American sits in their 3 year old Boxster S at a stop light and sees an older base model and thinks, "gee, I wish I'd bought that older one with the smaller motor instead"...

Every year the Boxster models get better in every way and more dependable and faster too. I can't wait until the 2013 Boxster S's are 5 year's old and affordable. It will be difficult for me to ignore them when I buy my turbo

[LightngSVT]

Yep, seems like 4-5 years is the sweet spot where these cars get very affordable. But with the new cars likely in the 65-70k range new I bet they'll cost more 4 years from now than an 08 does (duh I guess ).

The base car I drove really did have a sweet exhaust note, thats a sentance Ive almost never said of a stock vehicle. But...... while not quite an audiophile I am into sound quality both home and car. So an aftermarket headuint w/GPS, amp and speakers isnt a bad job in these cars?

Is it me or does it seem like the market for these cars is pretty small? Cars Ive looked at nearly a month ago are still for sale and dealers are starting to call with the sales pitches.

I guess Ill do some internet shopping this weekend and see whats out there, but the yellow 08 and an 08 Limited base are both really interesting right now, as is the "higher" mileage rs60 that is now advertised just under $40k (price dropped over $1500). Is there a point mileage-wise where these cars take a big hit in depreciation (not condition dependent) or the maintenace / wear items really start to go?

[thstone]

Originally Posted by LightngSVT

Is it me or does it seem like the market for these cars is pretty small? Cars Ive looked at nearly a month ago are still for sale and dealers are starting to call with the sales pitches.

In this down ecomomy it definitely a buyer's market. Even people who have the money don't *have* to buy a Porsche.

Also don't let a seller convince you that their Boxster is any type of collectable; no matter what year or what options or how well its been cared for or how few miles it has. Yes, there are some beautiful cream puff's out there and they might be worth a bit more money but at the end of the day, its still a Boxster.

When you find the right car, drive a hard bargain. Don't be insane and ask for the moon for free but with early 987's falling below $20K the buyer has more leverage than the seller these days. If the seller won't deal, walk away. There will be 3 more cars just as nice right around the corner.

[Perfectlap]

"affordable" and Porsches are somewhat misleading. These cars are expensive to run and maintain period. You should never go in thinking that this will be like owning a mass produced sports car. They require expensive parts and specialized labor. The longer you keep them the more expensiver they get. But on the other hand the newer you buy the bigger hit on depreciation you take. It's a trade off for sure.

p.s.
$1K a year for maintenance? Nope. At least $2K and if you drive in extreme hot or cold temps with crappy roads I'd say closer to $3K and be prepared to have $5K in cash on hand if you should need multiple expensive repairs in one short period. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever left my mechanics shop for anything under $600. And his rates are extremely reasonable, in fact the best in this area. If Porsches were cheap to own everyone would have one.

[ekam]

Originally Posted by Topless

IMS= maybe 1% of all m96/m97 motors built prior to 2009 so your odds are better than a Las Vegas casino that it will never be a problem for you. Cars built from 2009 on are IMS free motors.

Choose wisely!

My motor went but I haven't won anything big at the casinos... :ah:

I still love driving it, but yes beware of poorly maintained cars out there.

[stephen wilson]

Well, in the 2 1/2 years I've had my '06 I've only had to do oil changes, air/cabin filters, brake flush ( I do these myself ) , and 1 set of tires @ $1,200. So I've spent ~ $750 per year.

[rosenfe]

if you are able to do the maintenance yourself, the cost comes down.

[black_box]

mine has been cheap to maintain so far.... although I haven't had any motor / transmission issues either.

[Perfectlap]

p.s.
for the first 70K miles my car exactly one repair. $300 for a premture failure of a throttle body. Up to that point it was easily the most hassle free car I'd ever owned.

Once 70K miles was cross it all started coming in waves. Almost like if one thing in the system goes it triggers failures elsewhere.
It's like the old saying you can pay now or pay later but you will pay. Something folks getting into Porsches with 50-60K miles without major maintenance work by the previous owner should keep in mind.

[LightngSVT]

I guess its all a matter of perspective, to me $30-40k isnt cheap, probably take me 8-12 months to pay off the balance. Compared to the various 911 models these are "affordable" cars, especially used. I can handle $3-5k repairs, but some are saying $500-1000/yr and that seems fine to me, I dont mind doing basic maintenance (filters, brakes, oil changes, etc) myself.

The Cayman is growing on me, seems to be a better DD, but they are hard to find. Im also thinking of selling my Harley, keeping my BMW, adding the Porsche and swapping DD duties between the 2. In that case the Boxster would make "more sense" as it would also be part toy.

Would you think that offering $31-32k for a 22k mile, 08 base Boxster, mint, speed yellow, stick, with power seats, heated seats, Bose, Climate control, painted roll bar, painted crest in wheels is lowballing? Its at a dealer whose had it for 5 months (not Porsche dealer). they started at $37995 and are calling me offering it for $34k. My wife likes the yellow, I do too but Im leaning more towards silver or blue if I can find one.

How is the 5 speed in daily driving or road trips compared to the 6 speed?

If I took a potential car to a Porsche dealer for a PPI, what should I expect to pay? Anything specific to ask them to do / look for?

I almost made an offer on an 08 LE, but without having ever seen one in person Im wondering if its a bit flashy, or over the top? I really like the RS60 but most are well in the $40's, was the red interior available in the base and S cars too? I like it alot but have never seen one, I love the silver / red combo!

[husker boxster]

Originally Posted by LightngSVT

I almost made an offer on an 08 LE, but without having ever seen one in person Im wondering if its a bit flashy, or over the top? !

Yes, an LE is flashy. I was a bit concerned when I bought my LE that I'd flame out on the color in 6 mo. Well, 4 yrs later I still love the color. But it's not stealth. It draws a lot of attn - both good and bad (police like to pull you over if it's after 11pm). I joke that I can be seen from the Intl Space Station. It's also fun to have people hanging out of their cars at stop lights taking pics of you with their cell.

You ask if it's OK to make an offer on the Speed Yellow Boxster. Why not? What can they say, no? The audience to SY is limited - some love them, some don't. You can use that to your advantage when buying it (which may be why the dealer's had it so long) but you may have issues when it's time to move on from it.

An RS60 is a beautiful automobile. The color combo is perfect (and this from someone who isn't a big fan of silver).

In a previous post you asked about changing out systems. If it comes with Bose, you could have issues changing it out. Bose uses a unique amperage than everyone else. Contact an audio store for details. You might be able to change the head unit but speakers might be another story.

[mcomet]

A few thoughts...As I just went thru all this about 2.5 weeks ago...

First as mentioned you can certainly ask for whatever price...then be prepared to negotiate... That said the biggest thing I hear from you is you haven't decided what you want. My advice would be to figure out what it is you want out of the car, type, etc things that are important vs. things that are able do without.

For example in my case I realize I wanted a certain year or later, and the S version. I actually cared less about color, and more about the car and mileage.

Then find the car you are interested in, and get some info from the seller on it. If it sounds good then move forward with a PPI. Let the seller know you will talk about price AFTER the PPI. You don't know what the PPI will show. On the first car I looked at, a silver S it ended up needing quite a bit of work and while I negotiated a price I ended up passing after thinking it over. A good rule is don't get too attached to any car until it is a done deal... It's hard emotionally, I failed on that repeatedly but I tried.

Anyhow after the PPI come back to the seller with your offer and use any info from the PPI to your advantage to negotiate.

I ended up finding the car I have now with less miles and for less cost with a bit less repair work. It also ended up being yellow. Wasn't my first choice but remember I decided I was open... I thought about it and it actually grew on me. Ends up I really like it. Actually I would LOVE the orange above heheh but this is good too. I realized I wanted a special color car as this is a weekend driver for me..and I have had plenty of silver or gray or black cars...I want it to standout ...yellow does. On the ride home we counted yellow cars on the way back..amazing how many silver, gray, etc there are vs. yellow..hehe.

As for the PPI plan to pay around $350 with an actual porsche dealer depending on where you are located. You would probably save around 100 off that with a mechanic... Just make sure it is a good Porsche mechanic if you go that route. They will know what to look for and will give you info but I'd ask about things like tire wear, brakes, battery,clutch pedal etc.. Also if the car is not in the same city ie out of town...feel free to ask them to report on any interior and exterior things they notice as well.

I will say this...I had an isuzu vehicross back in the day... I loved the silver black exterior and the red black interior ...very cool color combo... The rs60 is definitely a nice car. But again I would think about what it is you are trying to get out if the purchase ... Write a list down,think about it,and go from there.

Good luck!

[LightngSVT]

Thanks guys, good advice. On the SL car I was asking more if the offer seemed out of line, I have no issue making an offer to a dealer low or not. They wouldnt call me everyday if they werent really wanting to sell the car.

Though it doesnt come across that way I do have some priorities in line already, top one's are price, year (08+), condition, color matters but I dont have to have a particular color. I think the interior is the coolest part of the LE. But price no object I'd get an RS60 for sure.

[Squozen]

Originally Posted by LightngSVT

Thanks guys, good advice. On the SL car I was asking more if the offer seemed out of line, I have no issue making an offer to a dealer low or not. They wouldnt call me everyday if they werent really wanting to sell the car.

Though it doesnt come across that way I do have some priorities in line already, top one's are price, year (08+), condition, color matters but I dont have to have a particular color. I think the interior is the coolest part of the LE. But price no object I'd get an RS60 for sure.

Cool coloured interiors are definitely the way to go!