Mint 2003 boxster blown engine at 34k

[KWF]

Looking to the forum for advice:

Facts...mint 34k 03 boxster (certified pre-owned) but outside of warranty--blows engine (local dealer conducting autopsy)

Questions:

1. What are my options?
2. What is the car now worth? Where can I sell it?
3. Dealer's offering 7k trade in...?
4. Should i submit a complaint to corporate?

Thanks!

KWF
Virginia (Ashburn) vehicle is at Porsche of Tysons

[porsche-land]

Hello, we can help you with fixing your Boxster if you're interested in this option. We have a rebuilt engine for sale, or car rebuild yours. You can call me at 773.431.9107 for details. If you sell it as is, it's not going to be worth that much...

[Perfectlap]

You're going to need the autopsy result.
Otherwise how do you know if this will require a rebuild or a whole engine transplant. Both options are expensive but that cost alone is unlikely to get you into something better unless you look at another brand or dig deeper into your wallet for something "better".
I doubt Porsche NA will do anything other than offer a discount on another engine minus labor.

How much did you pay for the car and how long have you had it? Did you replace the IMS bearing proactively?
Porsche recently settled a class action on this issue for 2001-2004 cars.

[Miata2Boxster]

Was it an IMS failure perhaps?

[tnoice]

Jake Raby could build you a heck of a motor for it.

[thstone]

Option 1: Used Engine (eBay or from a donor vehicle). This is typically the cheapest route - simply replace the engine you have with another used engine and do a major (60K) service to get the car back on the road. Future reliability is unknown and you may be right back where you are now (needing an engine replacement) in anywhere from 10K-100K miles. Obviously 10K miles would be a bummer and 100K miles would be awesome - but no one can say for sure which it will be. $3K-$7K.

Option 2: Refreshed Engine. Some shops call them "refreshed" or even "certified pre-owned" and some sellers will even call them "rebuilt" even though they are not really rebuilt. But this option will generally consist of a used engine that has good compression as-is with maybe new timing chain/guides, a new water pump and/or alternator, new thermostat, and a 60K service. Be sure to check exactly which parts are new/replaced because it varies. Again, you may be right back where you are now in anywhere from 10K-100K miles. $4K-$10K with higher priced engines having fewer original miles and/or add'l components replaced and/or coming from better known shops.

Option 3: Rebuilt/Remanufactured Engine. A remanufactured engine where the engine is rebuilt to meet the original spec's, mostly using OEM parts. This is a classic rebuilt engine. Some engines may have updates like IMS/RMS but you'll need to specifically check. This option should give you ~100K miles of service but the reliability is (again) completely dependent on the engine builder and the extent and quality of the updates installed to address reliability issues. Likely to have a warranty of some kind so be sure to check the warranty details. $8K-$12K. Higher priced engines have more high quality parts/updates and/or come from better known shops.

Option 4: High End Fully Rebuilt. The engine is rebuilt from the ground up with lots of new parts and upgrades. Buyer may be able to specify some build details as desired. Engine is probably better than anything coming straight out of the factory brand new. Shops that do this work are top-end and their business relies on a good reputation. Should expect ~100K+ miles but check the warranty details. $12K-$20K. This will give you the most peace of mind (and maybe the highest performance) but it comes at a cost. Be aware that you may not get 100% of the engine cost back in resale value but that really depends on the buyer.

In summary, only you can decide which path is right for you and depends on how long you expect to keep the car, how much you love the car, how much money you are willing to spend, etc, etc.

[Jake Raby]

Originally Posted by tnoice

Jake Raby could build you a heck of a motor for it.

And if it just happens to be an "S" I still have the engine that I used to support the step by step assembly portion of my M96 engine book for sale. I haven't tried to sell it, really...

A lower mileage vehicle warrants more than something thrown together, and created from a smorgasbord of "barely acceptable" components.

Or, you can always take the plunge to my Generation 5 Performer at 3.6, 3.8 or 4.0 liters and over 400HP :-)