Should I be nervous buying 2001 Base with just 31K miles?

[Dave S.]

Originally Posted by jnicholson30

So all this Boxster S talk has now made me widen my search a bit here. Here's what I've found in my range, including one S, though with higher miles...

Option 1: 2000 Boxster S with 62K mi "that idles a bit high sometimes when it is trying to cool down but other than that is in perfect condition" - I can pick up for $13.5 plus $350 inspection at dealer and 3 hour drive = $14K

Option 2: 2000 Boxster Base with 40K mi and upgraded factory rims (nice). Also in top condition. Can pick up for estimated $13K plus PPI and shipping = $14K

Option 3: 2001 Boxster Base with 31K mi. Can pick up for estimated $14K plus PPI and shipping = $15K

Any violent opinions either way? ***I should mention that reliability (or at least the greatest chance of it!) is important to me... do the mechanicals in the S make it any more reliable even with the higher miles? Or is it better to get it with lower miles? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

And thanks again everyone for all the great feedback already!

You really have to drive the ones you are most interested in and take in the entire experience. I drove a couple of cars that had serious issues that were apparent when driving them.

[southernstar]

I agree totally with Dave S - you have to drive them and, unless you are purchasing from a Porsche dealer (where they should provide one), get a PPI on any Porsche that is out of the factory warranty period. As to the 2000 S - they are no more or less reliable than the base version, if maintained and driven equally.

Take note that the 60,000 mile point is one where a major service is required (and which should have been done prior to purchase - e.g., changing serpentine belt, brake fluid, coolant etc.); furthermore, it is a point at which numerous owners have experienced the need to replace various components including the clutch, air/oil separator, water pump, coolant reservoir, MAF sensor. My own car is approaching that mileage (57,000 miles) and I am debating replacing the air/oil separator and water pump, even though there are no signs of problems with either to this point.

Brad