New Boxster Owner. Help on maintenance advice!

[Min]

Hello, I would like to make a formal introduction as a new Porsche Boxster owner. After couple years of saving up, I was finally able to buy one last weekend! I bought a 2014 Porsche Boxster with about 5000 miles. I hope to be a huge part of this forum and learn a lot from it.

Now that I actually own a Porsche, I would like some advice on what kind of maintenance to expect in the near future (I plan to keep the car for about next 4-5 years). I always heard about the horror stories regarding how absurd the maintenance cost is and to combat that, I would like to be prepared in order to keep my car in pristine condition and fix it as soon as any problems rise up (fingers crossed).

Also, could anyone direct me to a DIY guide (I tried searching on this forum and got lost) where it shows how to an oil change, brake pads, and other easier maintenances. I plan to do most of the maintenances myself in order to keep the costs down.

I would really appreciate your input and hope to really enjoy my time as Porsche owner and forum contributor!

[Timco]

Pics are going to help us decide where to start.....

[kjc2050]

This is the 986 Forum. You own a 981. Check this out: 981 Chat

General info on Boxsters & Caymans: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_Boxster/Cayman

[jdraupp]

Early and often. That's my maintenance advice. While I've never been under a 981, the 986 is easy to change the oil on. Do it every 5,000 miles. No matter what the dealer says. Make sure to follow the factory recommendations on the 15,000 and 30,000 mile services. You can do them yourself or take it to the dealer. Lastly, find an independent mechanic that is versed in modern Porsches. They will save you coats where you can't do things yourself. And a hint, dicks European auto repair with all the old vw rabbits and mid 80s benzes is not the place to take your Porsche.

Other than that we can't comment to the weaknesses of the 981...you're two generations ahead of us. Though, be glad the letters IMS will mean nothing to you. Is this car a CPO car? That should come with a factory warranty if so. Good luck and congrats.

[jb92563]

Welcome to the world of Porsche.

There is the Pelican website (Porsche Boxster 986/987 (1997-2004) Technical Articles | Pelican Parts)
which is a sponsor of this site and has many of step by step how to's and the DIY forum here. If you want a book then "101 Boxster Projects" is very handy and an easy read with plenty of pictures.

Also google things like "how to do an oil change on a Boxster" and it will turn up plenty of video's.

At this site the "Search" is your first course of action to find something as there are many well documented threads on anything you could imagine, plus some folks get a bit annoyed if you don't make the effort to search for something first.

We also like pictures so adding some at every opportunity is appreciated and will get more people to look at your thread.

It is generally accepted that you need to reserve about $2,000 a year to maintain a 986 Boxster but you can reduce that with DIY and avoiding the dealer when possible. Those expenditures come in the form of Tires, oil changes, Brake Pads/rotors and a few other common maintenance items.

Also, if you have never driven a Boxster to a high level a "Porsche Performance driving school" in your area is one of the most fun and educational experiences you could have. You will become a better, safer driver and learn how to bring out the best in the Boxster as its capabilities are way beyond what the casual driver will ever be aware of. You'll also meet a great bunch of new friends.
These cars come alive under the guidance of a knowledgeable driver as it is truly a drivers sports car.

[BruceH]

Congrats and welcome! Even though this is a 986 forum, anyone is welcome, we just aren't going to be able to give more specific advice. Find a good independent mechanic that specializes in Porsche. That will help with maintenance costs. First learn how to do your own fluid changes, that will help a lot. I can't imagine it is a whole lot different to change the oil on a 981 compared to a 986. And yes, one of the "rules" on this forum is you need to post pictures or it didn't happen