Considering a 1997 Boxter

[Kenny Boxster]

Hello BruceH, it's good to see a fellow Texan on the board. The only thing other than the IMS I would be concerned about is the very low possibility of a D Chunk failure. Problems that will hit though is the water pump breaking, Air oil seperator malfunctioning, CV joint boots cracking, and motor mounts disintegrating. These aren't flaws rather, but inevitable wear and tear. I'm not here to scare you, but be expected to have $2,000 set aside in repairs, as expected for any car with age, especially being a sports car. As for those problems, that is what I can think of on top of my head, but don't let it deter you. These cars have much character and fun.

Edit referencing D chunk failure:

"This “D-chunk” problem seems to ironically occur mostly in gently driven cars. Boxsters that are driven hard at the track or on the street do not tend to see this type of damage. At least with respect to the track cars, one theory is that these cars tend to have their oil changed much more often. The problem affects mostly the 2.5 and Carrera 3.4 engines:"
Source: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/13-ENGINE-Common_Engine_Failures/13-ENGINE-Common_Engine_Failures.htm

[John99Boxster]

Bruce....here is an option

http://986forum.com/forums/boxsters-sale-wanted/35807-fs-1999-boxster.html

[BruceH]

Originally Posted by John99Boxster

Bruce....here is an option

http://986forum.com/forums/boxsters-sale-wanted/35807-fs-1999-boxster.html

Thanks, I actually did look at yours as well as the others on this forum. Yours is very sharp and I have actually debated it but I really don't think I want the Tiptronic option. I almost contacted you yesterday in fact, but that one item stopped me. I haven't driven the Tiptronic so you never know. If I find one around here, I might go try it. Yours is impressive though, I love the spoiler.

[pothole]

Originally Posted by Kenny Boxster

The only thing other than the IMS I would be concerned about is the very low possibility of a D Chunk failure.

D Chunk on a 2.5? I don't think so. D Chunk is a 3.4/6 996 lump problem due to think cylinder walls and open deck design. 2.5 actually has thicker cylinder walls than the 3.4/6 engines.

Some early 2.5s had slipped sleeve problems, but I think those were from 98 to 99. A '97 2.5 should be OK in that regard. But as the OP mentioned, it doesn't have enough miles to feel god about the IMS bearing.

I'd be thinking about getting an upgraded bearing onto it, pronto.

[BruceH]

Originally Posted by pothole

D Chunk on a 2.5? I don't think so. D Chunk is a 3.4/6 996 lump problem due to think cylinder walls and open deck design. 2.5 actually has thicker cylinder walls than the 3.4/6 engines.

Some early 2.5s had slipped sleeve problems, but I think those were from 98 to 99. A '97 2.5 should be OK in that regard. But as the OP mentioned, it doesn't have enough miles to feel god about the IMS bearing.

I'd be thinking about getting an upgraded bearing onto it, pronto.

With the IMS problem, I was somewhat under the impression that the early Boxters were less prone to it. My current plan would be to get an oil change as soon as I get it to Texas and have the oil drain plug replaced with one that has a rare earth magnet on it. I spoke with a mechanic at Zims Here in Bedford about the IMS failures and that is what they recommended. Still debating about the Flat 6 Guardian as well, but at that price, I would seriously consider just getting the improved bearing and be done with it. I'm glad that I shouldn't have to worry about D Chunk though!

[97 Boxster]

Sweet another Texan with a 97 (possibly). I love mine and I purchased mine from the original owner with 50k miles about 3 years ago and now I am at 80k. Have done some work (new GAHH glass window top, New tires x2 sets, window tint, painted bumperettes, door lock mechanism, ignition switch and next up is the motor mount). Tons of fun I have had with this car. I shudder to think of ever selling it. Enjoy it if you purchase the 97. Best of luck and look forward to the photos.

[BruceH]

Originally Posted by 97 Boxster

Sweet another Texan with a 97 (possibly). I love mine and I purchased mine from the original owner with 50k miles about 3 years ago and now I am at 80k. Have done some work (new GAHH glass window top, New tires x2 sets, window tint, painted bumperettes, door lock mechanism, ignition switch and next up is the motor mount). Tons of fun I have had with this car. I shudder to think of ever selling it. Enjoy it if you purchase the 97. Best of luck and look forward to the photos.

Thanks, that's what I like to hear! I figure the GAHH top will be in my future as well. This car actually has the factory hard top but I told the guy I really don't want it, so he dropped his price and will try to sell that separately. I figure if I had the hard top, it would mostly just take up space in my garage.

[97 Boxster]

Originally Posted by BruceH

Thanks, that's what I like to hear! I figure the GAHH top will be in my future as well. This car actually has the factory hard top but I told the guy I really don't want it, so he dropped his price and will try to sell that separately. I figure if I had the hard top, it would mostly just take up space in my garage.

If you get this consider the top SOLD .... to me. I will take it off your hands. I have been looking for a black one. I think the black would look good on my guards red car.

[BruceH]

Originally Posted by Kenny Boxster

Hello BruceH, it's good to see a fellow Texan on the board. The only thing other than the IMS I would be concerned about is the very low possibility of a D Chunk failure. Problems that will hit though is the water pump breaking, Air oil seperator malfunctioning, CV joint boots cracking, and motor mounts disintegrating. These aren't flaws rather, but inevitable wear and tear. I'm not here to scare you, but be expected to have $2,000 set aside in repairs, as expected for any car with age, especially being a sports car. As for those problems, that is what I can think of on top of my head, but don't let it deter you. These cars have much character and fun.

Thanks Kenny! Yes, I pretty much figured on spending that amount. I figure there will be issues. I debate looking for one with 60,000 miles vs ones like the one I found with 33,000 miles. I'm curious if anyone has purchased one of these low mile Boxters and what their experience was. This car is owned by a guy with a small collection of assorted vehicles including a 1960 Porsche roadster that is supposedly in show condition. I am hoping he took care of the Boxter as well.

I understand Internet forums can be scary, but no, it's not going to deter me. The ones who have no problems are out enjoying the ride, the ones with the problems are here searching for an answer. I have looked at the other roadsters out there such as the 350Z as well, but they are not a Porsche