5 problems on my 97 Boxster cost $5,125?!?!? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

97Boxsterian · 11-05-2005, 10:00 PM

Thank you for all valuable advices! I appreciate that a lot!
Since the motor mount and RMS leak are covered by the warranty, I am not worried about that. I guess I will fix the rest of problem myself. The priority are:
1) Coolant leak and Mass Air Flow Sensor
2) Top issue
3) Hand break adjustment (may be I just live with it or just fix it when I have nothing to do in the future)

My Box is my wife's daily driver and we drive it out to dinner and grocery market every weekend. We don't feel anything wrong with it except sometime need to try 2-3 times to get the engine. The check engine light of my car never on, I doubt how serious the Coolant leak and MAF problems are. I check the oil and coolant level once a week and found both tank are always full. I notice both RMS leak and coolant in about 3 weeks ago when I bought my Box to a Porsche specialist to do the 30K service. He said it is not so bad and can be fixed in November when my extended warranty ready. I check the ground of my garage and see no coolant drop and just couple drops of engine oil every night. I smell no coolant on the back trunk so I assume my coolant leak is not so bad. I think the service rep from Porsche dealer just makes it a big deal and want my business.

I bought my box in a local used car dealer. I called them several time and they sound like they don't want to be responsible for that. I don't want to spend time with them and I will try to fix my car as soon as possible and may go back to sue the dealer for the money and time I spend on this mass. My advice for all used car shopper: PPI is a MUST and stay away from used car dealership.

11-06-2005, 01:59 AM

hi boxsterian
the mass airflow problem I had did not show on any dashboard light and as you mention the hard starting there is an explanation on your other thread about right amount of air for fuel to ignite your engine, I believe the airflow is more than likely your start problem

Brucelee · 11-06-2005, 07:09 AM

"PI is a MUST and stay away from used car dealership."

I agree a PPI is prudent and always recommend them to my buyers.

My bias here is clear--I am a used care dealer, specializing in Porsche and Corvette.

I can tell you that all dealers like, all people, are not alike.

There are plenty of reputable dealers and then there are those who are not.

This is similar to private party sellers. Some are selling to you with full disclosure, some are not.

Specific to your issues, I can tell you that some of the issues that have arisen would NOT have been detected by most dealers. The coolant leak is certainly one, the MAF the other.

I am not defending nor attacking your selling dealer, I simply do not have enough info to have any informed opinion.

However, broad generalizations are normally avoided because they are so often wrong.

Caveat Emptor and Good Luck with your warranty coverage.

97Boxsterian · 11-06-2005, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brucelee

"PI is a MUST and stay away from used car dealership."

I agree a PPI is prudent and always recommend them to my buyers.

My bias here is clear--I am a used care dealer, specializing in Porsche and Corvette.

I can tell you that all dealers like, all people, are not alike.

There are plenty of reputable dealers and then there are those who are not.

.......

Let me correct my previous comment about used car dealership:
Not all used car dealerships are bad, just need to find a trustworthy one. Not only research on the car before you buy it but also research on the dealership's reputation too.

Brucelee · 11-06-2005, 07:32 PM

"Let me correct my previous comment about used car dealership:
Not all used car dealerships are bad, just need to find a trustworthy one. Not only research on the car before you buy it but also research on the dealership's reputation too."

Absolutely! As I indicated, there are dealerships that give the rest of us a bad name.

Again, if I can assist you with information of any kind, please feel free to ask.

Thanks and good luck!

97Boxsterian · 11-09-2005, 12:59 AM

Problems update:
Porsche Dealer called me today saying my extended warranty will not cover RMS leak because it is an existing condition when I bought my car in a month ago.

Another funny story they told me is the coolant leak is caused by a screw which mount the after-market CD changer was screwed in one of the coolant hose. The one who installed the CD changer for the last owner must be an idiot. The Porsche Dealer guy told me replacing the host is away more time consuming than replacing the coolant tank coz there are lots of coolant hoses go around the engine and underneath the car. He said they need to remove the fuel tank in order to get into the leaking spot of the coolant host.

After searching in renntech.org, I am confident to try to replace the MAF sensor and coolant tank myself. But now, it seems like the problem is not about the coolant tank but the hoses. I guess I have no choice but going after the seller for that. Should I just let the Porsche dealer fix those and then send the bill to the seller? Has anyone ever filed small claim against car seller? Do I have a case here?

Brucelee · 11-09-2005, 07:13 AM

I might be able to help here.

Check your paperwork and see if there is any evidence that the seller provided a warranty of any kind.

Specifically, there should be a Federal Buyers Guide that came with the car and that you signed. Does it indicate a warranty of any kind?

If so, that is enforceable.

If not, you are likely screwed, esp if you signed a document that indicates the car is sold "as-is."

How is it that the warranty company has establised that the car was sold with a bad RMS? Did they do an inspection and note that as preexisting?

kiwiinneworleans · 11-09-2005, 07:47 PM

I brought my 2000 a month ago. I had a PPI completed, and it was noted that CEL had been recently reset (very thorough inspection - inspector noted that the drive cycles had not been completed!). I had written into the sales contract that if the CEL came on within 1 month or 1000 miles, the seller would be responsible for the bill. Sure enough - drove it for 40 miles, and the light came on. Took it to an independent service shop (2 blocks up the road!), they checked codes and it was the MAS. Total job was around $600 (vs $800 - $1000 at the dealer). Called the seller, we discussed amicably, and he agreed reimbursement. Of course, the proof is in receiving the check..... I got it today!! Big ups to the dealer... now if only I could get my title (its on the way...).

Lessons - $150 for a PPI is money well spent. Any agreements get written and signatured by both parties. And if something does go wrong, politeness goes a long way!!

97Boxsterian · 11-06-2005, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olly986

hi boxsterian
the mass airflow problem I had did not show on any dashboard light and as you mention the hard starting there is an explanation on your other thread about right amount of air for fuel to ignite your engine, I believe the airflow is more than likely your start problem

I agree with you. I plan to clean MAF first and see if the problem goes away. If not, I will replace it. Thanks for your opinion!