$250 later... - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

rubberduckie · 03-30-2006, 02:51 PM

Thanks for the reply, and you are absoutly right. I have no intention of trying to fix this myslef. however, I would like to get a general idea of what the problem is so that i can an idea of what this is going to cost me. I dont want to tow the car in just to find out that i can't afford the work. I know that there is no sure way for anyone to know what the problem is without seeing it, but if it is going to be a huge issue i need to know it so that i know it is just going to have to wait until i have the money to fix it. If it is a small ticket problem then it would be somthing that i can do now because i so want this car to be drivable. by honestly, i really only have $900 top to throw at the Box right now (and that may be stretching it). does that sound like enough whther it be the starter, alternator, ect?

docdyh · 03-30-2006, 02:59 PM

hey velvetjones,

why so much if it was covered under warranty? stories like these make me glad I purchased an extended warranty..

2002,
25K miles.

velvet_jones · 03-30-2006, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docdyh

hey velvetjones,

why so much if it was covered under warranty? stories like these make me glad I purchased an extended warranty..

2002,
25K miles.

That's what the P.O. was for. I did not have to pay for it. Thank goodness.

Also, when I had the problem the first thing that happened was my check engine light came on. Thats when I called the dealer. They said "Check the gas cap" DUH! The next day I went out to drive it and it wouldn't start. Just a slugish er-er-er then click click click. I replaced the battery and everything was fine. That evening my wife and I decided to take it out. We drove about 30 miles, the check engine light came back on. We continued for another 10 mi. or so and the head lights shut off. Luckily the fog lights worked enough to get me into a parking lot. It barely had enough juice to get the top up.

rubberduckie · 03-31-2006, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by velvet_jones

That's what the P.O. was for. I did not have to pay for it. Thank goodness.

Also, when I had the problem the first thing that happened was my check engine light came on. Thats when I called the dealer. They said "Check the gas cap" DUH! The next day I went out to drive it and it wouldn't start. Just a slugish er-er-er then click click click. I replaced the battery and everything was fine. That evening my wife and I decided to take it out. We drove about 30 miles, the check engine light came back on. We continued for another 10 mi. or so and the head lights shut off. Luckily the fog lights worked enough to get me into a parking lot. It barely had enough juice to get the top up.

ugggg, that sounds like my baby. new battery, drove fine for one whole day. next morning engine light on and car won't start. I put a charger on the battery over night, but i don't want the Box dead in a parking lot, so I may call AAA again even if i can get her running.

rdancd816 · 03-30-2006, 03:00 PM

Folks on this board will scream at me for this but I have a '97 and found my local Firestone shop has a guy with Porsche experience. They did an oil change and tire swap (snows to summer) for a total of $101.00. I also bought a lifetime alignment from them for about $80 bucks and they use brnad new Hunter equipment. You might call a few local namebrand shops to see if they are willing to diagnose the problem for you. I am not an advocate for the "Big Guys" but if you find the right one they can save you a ton. Good Luck and let us know the outcome.

xclusivecar · 03-30-2006, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdancd816

Folks on this board will scream at me for this but I have a '97 and found my local Firestone shop has a guy with Porsche experience. They did an oil change and tire swap (snows to summer) for a total of $101.00. I also bought a lifetime alignment from them for about $80 bucks and they use brnad new Hunter equipment. You might call a few local namebrand shops to see if they are willing to diagnose the problem for you. I am not an advocate for the "Big Guys" but if you find the right one they can save you a ton. Good Luck and let us know the outcome.

Nobody should scream...An oil change is just that. The Box is nothing special. Same with tires. BUT...I probably wouldn't send my Box there to diagnose a problem. This is where I draw the line.

rdancd816 · 03-30-2006, 03:12 PM

I completly agree...just a little research can pay big dividends. But you're right on.

xclusivecar · 03-30-2006, 03:04 PM

Maybe if you throw a bit of a fuss with the last mechanic you can get some help. You went to him with a problem and the problem persists. Of course this could be one of many problems you may have...but the mechanic should have made sure all was well with the electrical system prior to handing the car back to you. It sounds as if they just replaced the battery without finding the root cause of the problem. The tow should be free, the diagnasosis should be at least discounted, and then...any parts/labor can/will vary tremendously. I think the rule of thumb around here is 1) Buy the most current Boxster you can afford and 2) when buying an older or first model year, such as yours, make sure you have the cash to back it up when problems do arrive. The Boxster will become VERY expensive to maintain if you have the dealership do all the work...but if you learn to do certain things the car can become quite reasonable. On the downside...your $900 is about to go away very quickly. Sorry and good luck!