picked up an 01 986 S
 

So after a bunch of research here and other places, I picked up a Merdian Silver 01 S with 105k. From everything I read, this was a safer bet than a low mileage non s, not to mention a bit more fun. A PPI done by Scott at German Motorwerks in Ashville, NC revealed that while the car was due for service, it was mechanically sound. Scott has been working on P-cars since he was 14 and really knows his stuff. His report was very detailed and included pictures.

I have yet to drive it as I wanted it fully serviced before doing so. Here is what it's getting:
- New Bilstein's all around, which of course means an alignment.
- pads and rotors on all 4 corners.
- New belts - wow on having to take out the front seats to change them!
- New plugs/wires
- All new fluids (everything!), all new filters
- removal of front bumper to clean out radiators
- full detail and cleaning out the drain plugs under the top, which are a little blocked.

Around 2003 I used to sell for a multiline dealer and was a Porsche salesman that was also certified on BMW's. I had access to everything and when I needed to go for a fun drive to clear my head or take a break, I always grabbed a Boxster. So really looking forward to owning one and driving the snot out of it as much as possible! :D
Some obligatory pics:
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1338384301.jpg
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01/9861338385695.jpg
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1338385785.jpg
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1338385819.jpg

Congrats and I love your driving location.:cheers:

Looks great! Meridian Silver -- that looks kinda on the brown side of silver, like GT Silver Metallic. Is that right? Most silver Porsches from the 2000s are Artic (very neutral), with a few Polars (blueish side of silver) thrown in for good measure

thanks! Yep, it's on the brown side of silver... I thought it was polar silver at first, but it's certainly Merdian, which I like better for a Boxster than Polar Silver.

Did you do the shocks yourself? I am looking at doing ours this weekend. How much time should I allow?

Congrats!

BTW, it's really not necessary to pull the front seat(s) to change out the belt---just pick the side you want to work from and, for that seat, slide & tilt it forward a good bit...FWIW.

Stuttgart - nope I did not, I have a shop doing the repairs. I want to say it was 8 book hours, but they may only be charging me for 5. I think the fronts are really easy and the back might be slightly more challenging. I know there are a bunch of thread here and on Rennlist about it.

Frodo - thanks, good to know - I think they just wanted to be careful and have more room.

Your Purchase
 

Congrats on your '01 Boxster S...I just recently purchased an '02 S as my retirement car and I think we both have the same colour...Meridian Metallic paint code L6A6 found under the front hood. I'll be driving mine out through the Canadian Rockies this summer into B.C. and then down into California wine country. Trying to find cd map updates for the 2002 factory PCM but so far no luck...:confused:http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1338410888.jpg

Looks great - I will have to look under the hood for final confirmation!

Enjoy your road trip -sounds amazing - wish I had the time!

+1 on starting out with a complete update of the service and major wear items like the pads, rotors, plugs, wires, and belt. Previous owners have a tendency to skimp on the maintenance because they know that they are going to sell the car. This way you have a good starting point for future maintenance. Cool color too. Congrat's!

Hey bud I just got a boxster s 2001 as well...but I have PCM 1 but no code...any pointers....craving to even have a radio, but love to keep it original...any ideas on how to get code for my radio?

105K miles mt? How are the motor mounts? I had mine done recently... shifter thanks me every day.
if you flushed the coolant make sure you replace the cap to the newest version if you haven't already.
If the cap is past its shelf date, air will get in... can lead to cracking of that old brittle tank, coolant all over the floor.

Gorgeous car! +1 on the coolant cap.

For your radio code, take a look here and post #55

http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/45577-becker-cdr-220-radio-code.html

A search of this forum will find almost anything:cheers:

Looks like brand new rotors too?

I would love to do a similar trip one day, especially in the Boxster. Enjoy!

When I bought mine (2001 S, Arctic silver) in California, I drove it across the bottom, what's that, the 40?, (follows old Route 66) through Memphis then up through the Blue Ridge mountains and on up to Montreal. Great road trip to try out my new (old) Boxster! What a blast! I was giggling for days!