Looking to buy a Boxster - anything I should know?

[hamburglar]

Originally Posted by CA_Boxster

It comes down to your priorities and your budget. The Boxsters have been very solid cars and are well-built. High mileage isn't necessarily a problem but get a good PPI on any Boxster you might buy. Better to go to an independent shop that specializes in Porsche for a more thorough inspection. If it checks out on the PPI and you don't have impending clutch, water pump or brake replacement then you can trust the car.

Aside from that, and factoring in your budget (whatever it is):
-'97-'99 was the original Boxster with the weakest engine. Some thought it was a few HP short.
-'00-'02 was basically the same car with a few more HP.
-'03 (I think) got upgrades to the interior materials plus another engine bump if I recall correctly.
-'06-'08 is when the 987 came out (redesign with new chassis) and is a good range to shop for a great car. You'll be in the $20-$30k range, though.

I may be off on some of the timing but these are the groups I'd look at to figure out where your budget puts you, then just look for a clean car with a good PPI. If that $10k number is what you're looking at then I'd target '00-'02. You might have a challenge shopping in MI, though. You could get one from a warmer state and find more inventory.

I would like to spend like $12k at most but would prefer the $10k number. I would love a 2000 Boxster S with higher mileage, but what are my chances of finding one under $12k?

I'm also pretty confused by prices. How could a 1999 with 115k miles be on sale for $8k from a dealer but some private sellers are asking $12k or more for the same car. It seems like a lot of the prices are far below the KBB estimated value.

[V-Rod]

Originally Posted by hamburglar

I would like to spend like $12k at most but would prefer the $10k number. I would love a 2000 Boxster S with higher mileage, but what are my chances of finding one under $12k?

I'm also pretty confused by prices. How could a 1999 with 115k miles be on sale for $8k from a dealer but some private sellers are asking $12k or more for the same car. It seems like a lot of the prices are far below the KBB estimated value.

Hamburgler,

I am repeating what many threads will confirm, but here is my take.

I purchased a 99 base model after reading here and other forums. For me it was price as well as overall condition and history. My thinking was that after a couple of years (97 & 98) they made some significant chassis and engine improvements and the price for a 99 pre-owned boxster was at a sweet spot. 99 and early 2000's had a double row ims bearing and was a superior design as the recent class action lawsuit pointed out. So if you find a good one of these models that has a really good clutch then you should be good to go with regular maintenance for quite some time. If you buy one with a single row bearing, you will be paranoid at every little noise and will be afraid of revs and that is no way to enjoy the boxster experience. The time to do the ims upgrade is the time you do the clutch. So if you purchase a non dual row bearing model then plan on spending a couple of thousand dollars for peace of mind. Or find one with dual row design and a good clutch and enjoy it until it needs a clutch. Even then if you do not want to spend the extra money on an ims you have a less than 1% chance of having a problem. Not bad odds.

One good drive in one with someone that knows how to drive them and you will clearly understand that you do not want to drive them easy. Like they say "drive it like you stole it" why? Because it is just too much fun....

[darknight]

Originally Posted by hamburglar

I'm also pretty confused by prices. How could a 1999 with 115k miles be on sale for $8k from a dealer but some private sellers are asking $12k or more for the same car. It seems like a lot of the prices are far below the KBB estimated value.

It's tough to say; some of the private sellers may have spent a boatload of money and time maintaining his or her ride to like-new standards and subsequently expect to get top-dollar for it when it is sold.

Alternatively, some dealers are known to buy problem cars cheap at auction, and do the minimum necessary to make them sellable and then flip them for a profit. If the price seems really cheap, there is probably a reason for it.

The bottom line is to do as much pricing and test driving as you can now so that you make a better and more informed decision.

[CA_Boxster]

Originally Posted by hamburglar

I would like to spend like $12k at most but would prefer the $10k number. I would love a 2000 Boxster S with higher mileage, but what are my chances of finding one under $12k?

I'm also pretty confused by prices. How could a 1999 with 115k miles be on sale for $8k from a dealer but some private sellers are asking $12k or more for the same car. It seems like a lot of the prices are far below the KBB estimated value.

Similar to the response from a previous poster, I'd say there's a mix of reasons for the prices you'll see on cars. People on this board will know one generation Boxster from another because we drive them, but the general public sees expensive Porsches that all look cool and the styling tends to age well since they evolve rather than make a lot of drastic changes over time. People always made an assumption that I spent a lot of money on my car because they think that about Porsches, but I bought mine used for a deal just like many others do. I just ended up keeping it a long time because I like it so much. Therefore used Boxsters get purchased at all kinds of price points and that makes honing in on a price tough. When I sold my 2000 it was in great condition and I priced it below most of what I saw around me but still ended up having to cut a deal in the end. I knew it was a LOT of car for $10k but people shopping for Boxsters just saw a 13 year old car with lots of others like it for sale.

So I'd say pick a warm weather city in CA and do a search on a site like cars.com in a 100 mile radius and you'll see some funny prices but in general you'll get a feel for the trend. Now that I've owned base and "S" Porsches my opinion has changed a little and I'll say an S adds the extra kick that makes it better, but if I were shopping with your criteria I'd be looking for the newest Boxster I could find in the best condition first, then see if an "s" falls in that pool for you. Boxsters are reliable and it's not like you need to have a tow on speed dial, but things deteriorate with age and use so push that expiration date back as far as possible for yourself. You should be able to get a 2000-2002 with mileage in the 70-90k range at that price, maybe better if you have time to wait and jump on a deal when you see it. Shopping locally in Michigan will make it tough, though. There can't be that many around you.