Should I buy this Boxter??? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

vthakka · 03-21-2014, 04:02 PM

Helllo,

I am looking at a Porsche Boxter 1999 for about $9000.
It has:
47000miles on it,
Clean Car fax,
No rust, Single owner, very well maintained, all dealer stamps and records till 40000 miles,
1 key
Inspection done by Porsche dealer Problems notes wiper, Window regulator, clutch, IMS/rms

I am student and I am breaking my bank for this car it has haunted my dreams since childhood.

I would appreciate if you guys can help me or stop if I am going wrong with this deal.

Davev · 03-21-2014, 04:10 PM

9000$ minus repairs is about 6500$ and that is about right. Plus a bit more $ for the low miles. Good luck in your search. Take your time.

vthakka · 03-21-2014, 04:24 PM

Is there a way to find out if the engine block is damaged after the IMS failure?
I revved this car and it was fine. and owner has made me a final offer of $8500 should I get it or no?

Davev · 03-21-2014, 04:28 PM

IF the IMS has failed- you need to do more research and don't pay 8500$. You need to tell us more about the engine condition. I assumed the RMS was leaking so they recommended replacement along with IMS and clutch.

Have you driven it and if so how did it drive?

vthakka · 03-21-2014, 04:32 PM

Yes if you want I can upload the dealer inspection sheet.
You are right there was oil leak and they suggested IMS/RMS replacement with the clutch.

vthakka · 03-21-2014, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davev

IF the IMS has failed- you need to do more research and don't pay 8500$. You need to tell us more about the engine condition. I assumed the RMS was leaking so they recommended replacement along with IMS and clutch.

Have you driven it and if so how did it drive?

I revved it up in the garage it was too cold to ride it outside. Do you want me to upload the P mechanic inspection sheet.
There was oil leak and that why they wanted to replace the ims/rms with clutch

evomind · 03-21-2014, 04:40 PM

Id buy it.

BIGJake111 · 03-21-2014, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vthakka

I revved it up in the garage it was too cold to ride it outside. Do you want me to upload the P mechanic inspection sheet.
There was oil leak and that why they wanted to replace the ims/rms with clutch

Assuming it was too cold to take the car out, the car was likely not warm... never rev a cold engine. As for the car, sounds a bit too cheap for the miles, likely something terribly wrong with it, research more of the cars and wait on the right one.

vthakka · 03-21-2014, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIGJake111

Assuming it was too cold to take the car out, the car was likely not warm... never rev a cold engine. As for the car, sounds a bit too cheap for the miles, likely something terribly wrong with it, research more of the cars and wait on the right one.

Well the garage was heated and I have looking for such boxter with low mile no luck till I found this one. BTW I am going again to look at it what should I look for in the car when I drive it ?

Davev · 03-21-2014, 04:42 PM

I would suggest you find out much the suggested repairs will cost and then you can decide if you can afford the project. It's your call at the end of the day.
I spent about 6 months looking for mine and its a roll of the dice for sure.

vthakka · 03-21-2014, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davev

I would suggest you find out much the suggested repairs will cost and then you can decide if you can afford the project. It's your call at the end of the day.
I spent about 6 months looking for mine and its a roll of the dice for sure.

Hey Davev is there anything in particular that I should look for when I test drive it tomorrow. I plan to buy it and take it straight to the mechanic for the IMS/RMS and clutch repair will probably even change the serpentine belt.
Is there anything else you would suggest?

BIGJake111 · 03-21-2014, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vthakka

Hey Davev is there anything in particular that I should look for when I test drive it tomorrow. I plan to buy it and take it straight to the mechanic for the IMS/RMS and clutch repair will probably even change the serpentine belt.
Is there anything else you would suggest?

Wait the car still needs the IMS? Make sure you are aware of the costs of this. Also the fact that you think a heated garage means the engine would be a running temp means that maybe more research is necessary for you. I am a young owner of one of these cars, possibly the youngest on the forum and i would have made many mistakes with this car if it wasnt for research before hand and listening to others here on the forum. I wouldn't have known a lick about running temp myself a year ago. Point is these cars are proper European sports cars, this means expect them to be just as fragile and expensive to repair. Take some time to research and also wait on the right car to come onto the market. Biggest mistake would be rushing into the wrong boxster.... wish you luck with your search.

Davev · 03-21-2014, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vthakka

Hey Davev is there anything in particular that I should look for when I test drive it tomorrow. I plan to buy it and take it straight to the mechanic for the IMS/RMS and clutch repair will probably even change the serpentine belt.
Is there anything else you would suggest?

Start here https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/buyingorsellinga1997-2004boxster

Davev · 03-21-2014, 05:26 PM

I think we are suggesting that you take extra time -- because you said you are a student and this will break the bank for you. Sleep on it.

vthakka · 03-21-2014, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davev

I think we are suggesting that you take extra time -- because you said you are a student and this will break the bank for you. Sleep on it.

Thanks Davev and everyone. I am going to take your advice and look for other models/options and see if I can get something. But should I expect the IMS expense on everyone even the 2003 with 67K miles on it this one is in mint condition and has a very good record the only problem is its for $13500

BIGJake111 · 03-21-2014, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vthakka

Thanks Davev and everyone. I am going to take your advice and look for other models/options and see if I can get something. But should I expect the IMS expense on everyone even the 2003 with 67K miles on it this one is in mint condition and has a very good record the only problem is its for $13500

What I am assuming is that you think ims is mandatory. Rather it is not so much optional but preventative, this means arguably it has to be done. But not as soon as you buy the car. Monitor oil filters at frequent oil changes for metal shavings. If you find any you need a bearing, if the car needs a clutch, might as well go for a bearing. If the car is running fine and you are putting the right oil in the car and changing it around every 3 to 5k miles you are fine. More info is the 1997 to "2001.?" Cars have a less likely to fail bearing, while later 01 to 2009 cars are more likely. The benefit of a 2000 is a bigger engine and of an 03 is a glass top and new lights. Some find the 2.5 slow others find it the most like a classic light weight low HP fun porsche. Suggestion is look for a 98 99 or 2000 with less than 85k miles and has been well cared for. Also ask if the cars water pump has been replaced because it is very likely to fail from 70k to 100k.

runjmc2 · 03-21-2014, 07:58 PM

If you are a student breaking the bank...I would NOT recommend a Boxster in this age/price range. You might get lucky and get one that is relatively trouble free....but chances are you are in for an proposition that you are not prepared for. This car is for when you are stable, have a garage and time/money...and a spare care....

nicecar · 03-21-2014, 08:31 PM

the previous post hit the nail on the head

Deserion · 03-21-2014, 10:05 PM

Don't buy an expensive-to-maintain car if just buying it is going to be a tight stretch. Then if something were to break you'll be quite hosed.

Plus, it's best to not rush into a purchase. Find one that really calls to you, once you've built a good repair fund. I had to wait over 13 years from first being smitten to being able to buy one. Mine has been fairly trouble-free in the few years I've had it. Biggest costs being tire replacements and oil changes. But I also have a daily driver and let my Boxster sleep in the garage.

RawleyD · 03-21-2014, 10:11 PM

Find a newer model, for the same price, from a Private seller, that has been taken care of properly.

There are many to choose from.

And NO, you don't want to break the bank on this car as your primary source of transportation.