'01 Boxster w/ 50k miles BUT has been in crash

[thom4782]

No, not automatic.

Do you know what was damaged in the collision? I would be most concerned about whether the frame was bent in the collision. If so, you may find its impossible to fully align the car. Check the tires to see how they've worn.

A thorough PPI with some knowledge about the details of the damage or repair should help you decide.

[paintboy]

Mine was in a "airbag deployment" front impact in 2007. Was repaired by Porsche accredited body shop in Chicago. Car came with paperwork from repairs. The motor mounts having to be replaced about 6 months ago might be related, but all else is great. All new front end stuff, headlights, suspension, complete respray with the correct paint. Car looks and runs great. Tracks perfectly. I guess it depends on how big the the impact, where on the car, and mostly, who did the repairs.

[eli cash]

Originally Posted by thom4782

No, not automatic.

Do you know what was damaged in the collision? I would be most concerned about whether the frame was bent in the collision. If so, you may find its impossible to fully align the car. Check the tires to see how they've worn.

A thorough PPI with some knowledge about the details of the damage or repair should help you decide.

Damage was front right and back left. So it does not sound like a simple fender bender. I'm imagining a weird 2-part skidding wreck.

I want this car to be my DD, so low miles are pretty valuable to me. My feeling is that a crash is something I could work with, but if it is problematic to the alignment then that's not good.

Sounds like a PPI could sort this out. Like I said, I think I'd prefer a low miles/crash history car to a high miles/no crash car. Does that make sense, or sound like a good plan?

[986_inquiry]

Originally Posted by eli cash

Damage was front right and back left. So it does not sound like a simple fender bender. I'm imagining a weird 2-part skidding wreck.

I want this car to be my DD, so low miles are pretty valuable to me. My feeling is that a crash is something I could work with, but if it is problematic to the alignment then that's not good.

Sounds like a PPI could sort this out. Like I said, I think I'd prefer a low miles/crash history car to a high miles/no crash car. Does that make sense, or sound like a good plan?

low mileage is not that great on Boxsters. When these cars sit awhile it can cause the dreaded IMS problem
IMS Failures Explained | IMS Retrofit

It's better to have a 986 with 70,000+ mileage because the thinking is it's likely been driven regularly and usually IMS occurs on low mileage vehicles.

[Dave S.]

Originally Posted by 986_inquiry

low mileage is not that great on Boxsters. When these cars sit awhile it can cause the dreaded IMS problem
IMS Failures Explained | IMS Retrofit

It's better to have a 986 with 70,000+ mileage because the thinking is it's likely been driven regularly and usually IMS occurs on low mileage vehicles.

I just had my IMSB upgrade done because of this low mileage single row IMSB concern (2003 S). I bought the car in 2008 with 14k miles on it. Now with 25k on the clock the IMSB in my car was in perfect condition when I replaced it last month. I know it's only a single data point, but low mileage in my case was still a good thing. When I bought my car in 2008 it still smelled like a new car and the dealer mechanic that did the PPI said it was the cleanest used Boxster he'd ever seen as he looked at the car from underneath while it was on a lift. My 11 year old car is like brand new with this kind of low mileage and I would still recommend finding a good low mileage unit over a higher mileage car. You'll probably end up doing the IMSB upgrade in any event, so why not strive to find a car with as little wear on it as possible. Be patient and find the right car for you. Know what options are on your must-have list including your preferred color and then wait until the right car comes along.

For me, the options on my must have list were:
1. Glass rear window (meaning no older than 2003)
2. Manual transmission
3. Heated seats
4. Wind stop
5. Color (Seal Grey or on of the Silver colors)
6. Light colored interior
7. 18 inch wheels (colored crests were a nice bonus)
8. PSM (The onboard computer would have been a nice bonus that my car does not have.)
I didn't care about the stereo as I had read that even the Bose upgrade needs some work to sound good so I knew I'd replace the system in any event.

[recycledsixtie]

Originally Posted by Dave S.

I just had my IMSB upgrade done because of this low mileage single row IMSB concern (2003 S). I bought the car in 2008 with 14k miles on it. Now with 25k on the clock the IMSB in my car was in perfect condition when I replaced it last month. I know it's only a single data point, but low mileage in my case was still a good thing. When I bought my car in 2008 it still smelled like a new car and the dealer mechanic that did the PPI said it was the cleanest used Boxster he'd ever seen as he looked at the car from underneath while it was on a lift. My 11 year old car is like brand new with this kind of low mileage and I would still recommend finding a good low mileage unit over a higher mileage car. You'll probably end up doing the IMSB upgrade in any event, so why not strive to find a car with as little wear on it as possible.

I would second this as I bought my 2001 Boxster base with 30k miles on it 2 years ago. It now has 41k miles on it. The accessories have not experienced the wear and tear of a 70k + mile car. I have had installed the IMS Guardian for the ims concern. Original water pump, AOS, coolant reservoir tank etc. Will replace them as they break.Have had done CV joints, replace coolant, accessory belt tensioner. Nothing major. Am a happy camper!

[eli cash]

Ok, so, an update:

Drove a '00 S with about 43K on it. It was superb. It had wear but everything was intact save a few imperfections (lining on top undone in one place). The biggest thing to me is the low mileage.

I feel as if this is the one. This is the first one I could see myself buying. It was the first connection I had. HOWEVER, my budget may keep me out. Without a PPI, I said I would go $11,000. He was straight up with me and said he had $13,000 in his mind on the way over. Also said the dealership told him $12 without looking at the car.

I do not want to get emotional about it. I want to make a good decision. That said, I don't want to pass up a good deal just because I'm a thousand or so off.

What do y'all think?