Need your advice! - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Brucelee · 02-20-2006, 06:23 AM

Randall speaks the truth. Suggest you do a search here on buying a used Boxster. We have a pretty impressive array of sound advice on this subject.

Best of Luck

KevinH1990 · 02-20-2006, 06:29 AM

I'm in a situation similar to Boxsterlover's. I'm considering purchasing a Boxster to drive almost everyday. (I have another car that I would drive in snow and heavy rain.)

Among the cars I'm considering is a 98 with 17,000 miles that had the engine replaced in 2005. Does anyone have an opinion about early models with with a new engine? From what I have read on this an other forums, engine replacements in early models is not uncommon.

aBsOlUt · 02-20-2006, 06:40 AM

What Randall said!

Be very clear to the person you are about to buy the car, tell them that you want all the history behind it, carFax it (even if sometimes its inaccurate, it still makes your head calm down).

PPI is the best way to go.

I am buying my car without PPI check its a 2004 with 6900 miles on it but it has the rest of the warranty and I will extend it as well so I will have my peace of mind.

Good luck with such an awesome car!

denverpete · 02-20-2006, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinH1990

I'm in a situation similar to Boxsterlover's. I'm considering purchasing a Boxster to drive almost everyday. (I have another car that I would drive in snow and heavy rain.)

Among the cars I'm considering is a 98 with 17,000 miles that had the engine replaced in 2005. Does anyone have an opinion about early models with with a new engine? From what I have read on this an other forums, engine replacements in early models is not uncommon.

Okay, see you're thinking with the wrong head and ignoring the advice on this thread.

Engine replacements aren't completely "uncommon" but that's mostly because replacing a P engine is potentially cheaper than fixing it.

My opinion on early models with a replaced engine is: "Let someone else buy it". Again, there are plenty of Certified Porsche Boxsters out there. You can ignore the advice and probably get away with it. But don't assume that just because you have a "new" engine you're going to be okay. I'm betting the guy who had to replace the engine out of warranty after less than 17,000 miles didn't think it would fail either.

I'm guessing that the "new" engine has a 1 to 2 year warranty. Oh, wait, it's 2006 so I'm betting it has a 1 year warranty and it's about to expire.

Let me reiterate - These cars aren't cheap to own. Could you buy the '98 for $16,000 and have that new engine last for 100,000 miles? Sure. But the real question is: Do you have an extra $13,000 for a new engine in case you're wrong?

Perfectlap · 02-20-2006, 11:52 AM

get at least a 2000 with the lowest possible miles. If you plant to own the thing for a while I suggest getting an S, its a big differnece. Genearlly speaking sports cars in my opinion should strive to stick to 1 pony of HP for every 100 pounds of weight. Hard to put in words but you feel it as soon as you exit a turn.

Making performance upgrades to this car is very expensive and not a big difference on paper in terms of more HP/Torque. The worst of both worlds.

MNBoxster · 02-20-2006, 12:37 PM

Hi,

IMHO, each Car has it's Merits and it's Drawbacks. Certainly Performance goes to the 2.7 and 3.2. But, that's not of paramount importance to all Owners. I didn't buy mine for Performance. I bought mine mainly as a nice, stylish, Drop Top Boulevard Cruiser. Although I have Auto-X'd it, I don't consider it my Performance Car, I have others which outperform it.

On the Downside, the later models are much more complex w/ eGas, a more responsible DME, redesigned Fuel System, etc. and consequently more expensive to fix and repairs can be more major and offer fewer DIY opportunities, this may concern you.

The 2.5 Models are bound to become the Classics and if you're planning on hanging on to it, they are the 1st True Boxster and offer 99.9% the experience - they're the Pre-A 356's of the Line Up. They will probably be the 1st to rise in Value, this may be of concern to you.

And, remember, this is the Car which Porsche Designed, later Models are improved mainly because you can't keep a Model Static and expect to increase Sales - they Have to improve. The improvements aren't so Large, only by comparison.

The Bottom Line is to buy the Best Car you can find for the Money you have to spend. You'll be much Happier with a Cremepuff 2.5 than with a cronically ailing 2.7 or 3.2. And if an appropriate Later Model doesn't come along now, there's nothing preventing you from upgrading later on. Good Luck!

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

nautiquelfe · 02-20-2006, 12:40 PM

I'm in the opinion that you can buy an early model boxster and be safe, but it is a risk that's not recomended. Check w/ the previous owner to see what's been replaced. I bought a 99 model w/ 45k miles on it back in May 05. Since then i've had to replace brake pads, rotors, oil,plugs, and right now its needing 4 oxygen sensors(that's another $450 +/-). Also the convertible top is scheduled to be replaced next monday on my car. These are just a few of the things that are common replacements on cars of this age. Maybe you'll find one that these things have already been done. I've done as much of the work on the car that I could to cut down on cost so that's saved me quite a bit. I imagine I was in the same situation as yourself. I could afford to buy the boxster but had no idea what the costs of ownership would be. NOT that I regret it though. I love my car but would likely hold out for a more optioned out S model if I were to do it again.

rdancd816 · 02-20-2006, 01:27 PM

I think Mn has it right. I was not even looking for a Boxster until a friend who works at a Porsche dealership introduced me to my current car. He said "if you ever wanted a Porsche I've got a great intro car for you." It happened to be a '97 with ridiculous low miles. It had the PPI and records and I use it for a daily driver. I have put 3,000 miles on the car with no issues so far. It's been driven in snow, sub-zero weather and has been flawless to date. I do anticipate there will be issues, but for the price I will deal with them when they arise. There is simply nothing like finding excuses to drive the car whenever I can. Find the best car you can afford and treat it with respect. Don't abuse it, let it warm up before you drive with "spirit", and be prepared to invest in its future. I have no regrests buying an old one and I plan to keep it all original. Good luck!

Perfectlap · 02-20-2006, 02:04 PM

yes you found a real cream puff. (you posted that pristine red 2.5 right?)

but I have to tell you. I REALLY hate this notion that the Boxster is a "intro" Porsche. Perhaps only "intro" in that a 2nd hand Boxster is very affordable and allot of car for the 2nd hand money. But Its a roadster and there's nothing about a roadster that would make it more of an "intro" car than say a coupe. A GT2/GT3/Turbo definitely not "intro. Porsches", but a standard 911 is very driveable and has the same reliability of the Boxster.

Its apples and oranges in terms of utility.

And its not just the public that put this notion out there. I read an interview with American Porsche driver Patrick Long who said that until he became a full time Factory Porsche driver, Porsche would not lease him a 911. "the apprentice drivers were given Boxsters" said Long. As if to say you upstarts get a lesser Porsche. Sounds more like brain washing to me. "your ultimate goal in life is to drive a rear engine Porsche.

The 3.4 Boxster Coupe aka "CaymanS" will put all that nonsense to bed when people realize the 911 is a beautiful car but not the ideal Porsche sports car for competition.