Buyer question

[Burg Boxster]

Originally Posted by jdraupp

It's not inadvisable. If you don't replace them at the same time they don't get any younger. At the least they should be replaced in pairs.

No true either. For the countless time...

Error codes showing bad O2 sensor(s) only mean value being reported from sensor is outside of norm. Period.

Before replacing ANY O2 sensor you need to find out WHY it/they caused error code. Could be MAF is bad but you won't know until after you've thrown many $100 at sensors and subsequently a couple more at a new MAF. Maybe mice chewed thru lead wire of one... you only need to replace that one, or for some odd reason one prematurely fails - no need to replace 3 others when they test fine. After all they're sold as 'eaches' for a reason and not pairs or sets like brake pads.

O2 sensors are easily tested w/ a multi-meter to find out if good or not. Only then should you replace bad one(s). Personally, I've had O2 sensors outlast others by more than 20,000 miles regardless of B / S positioning.

Should one replace all four tires and TPMS valve stems every time TPMS light illuminates - or just "in pairs" as you prescribe?

[jdraupp]

Originally Posted by Burg Boxster

No true either. For the countless time...

Error codes showing bad O2 sensor(s) only mean value being reported from sensor is outside of norm. Period.

Before replacing ANY O2 sensor you need to find out WHY it/they caused error code. Could be MAF is bad but you won't know until after you've thrown many $100 at sensors and subsequently a couple more at a new MAF. Maybe mice chewed thru lead wire of one... you only need to replace that one, or for some odd reason one prematurely fails - no need to replace 3 others when they test fine. After all they're sold as 'eaches' for a reason and not pairs or sets like brake pads.

O2 sensors are easily tested w/ a multi-meter to find out if good or not. Only then should you replace bad one(s). Personally, I've had O2 sensors outlast others by more than 20,000 miles regardless of B / S positioning.

Should one replace all four tires and TPMS valve stems every time TPMS light illuminates - or just "in pairs" as you prescribe?

Yeah I'm clear on how you diagnose an o2 sensor issue. I had the same advice when I had an issue with my pre cat o2 sensors. Took a lot of diagnosis. Finally my mechanic found an o2 sensor wasn't conforming and had quite high resistance. Offered to change both. I said just the bad one. A month later the other one went out. So yeah, if they are the same age and one has a confirmed issue, I think it makes sense to replace them in pairs. By your logic if all my tires are old but only one goes flat I should only replace the flat tire right? It's called preventative maintenance for a reason.

[stelan]

There are some good ones in texas, often good drivers for less than 7 or 8k
Houston, san antonio, etc but again that woulb de the tip of the iceberg, from there pcars are a money pit (well worh for us that love them and don't mind wrenching or paying premium part and labor prices)

[BruceH]

The key to your search will be patience. You will eventually find the right car. You will just have to sift through all of the unloved ones. When you find the right one, you will know. At least you will think you know. Make sure you get a PPI once you find the one! Even if you are going to wrench on it, you want to know what you are getting into. There are lots of gotchas on these cars and hopefully the PPI will allow you to buy a project car that is not too much of a project! There is a wealth of information on this forum so don't hesitate to ask. Good luck in your search and welcome to the forum!

[Chuck W.]

Take a look at the Los Angeles market. There are a ton of Boxsters for sale out here. Find one and I'll pick you up at the airport and take you to it. A fun 500 mile drive and you're home!

[Burg Boxster]

I'd ask old or worn out tires but that's moot b/c you wouldn't have any since you replace all every time the TPMS light came on

[jdraupp]

Originally Posted by Burg Boxster

I'd ask old or worn out tires but that's moot b/c you wouldn't have any since you replace all every time the TPMS light came on

I have an 02. No TPMS

I will say I do see your point. Don't fix what ain't broke. My experience was that the o2 sensors in my car were like two old people that had been married 50 years. Once the one died the other one went soon after. Really a sad and poignant love story. For o2 sensors.

[BruceH]

I think 78F350's advice is excellent. Consider it a roller and buy it as such. If you can't get it running, you can either resell it intact as a roller or part it out, depending on how much time you have.

[tada]

Well, I bought it. I checked it out. No blown head gasket. No IMS failure. No CEL. Just wouldn't start. I put the icarsoft on it and found no codes being thrown. Just a low battery voltage indicator. The oil and filter looked good. Radiator coolant was clean. Underbelly had all parts. Engine cover was there unmolested. Even had the windscreens. Paid $4k. Having it flat bedded right now. Got it to start after the owner left by jump starting it. It will idle but barely. Really sounding rough.

[BruceH]

Congrats! We need pictures though or it didn't happen, forum rules Good luck with it, hopefully it will be an easy fix

[kk2002s]

Welcome to the dark side
I hope it's tune up stuff
Maybe you can make a TV show out of it - call it "Wheeler Dealers"

[78F350]

Congrats! If it was as good as the pictures in the ad and the engine is generally intact, it's a great deal and should be a fun project.

I've been working on my most recent project today. I replaced the AOS and ran it a bit. It ran terrible. Misfires on 5 & 6 (p0300, p0305, p0306). My mind quickly went to some expensive worst case scenarios.

...It was just spark plugs. Two Spark Plugs.

[tada]

Ok, here are some of the first pics, including a video of it starting.

Here it is getting loaded up:


Here it is getting delivered:


Only real body damage I can find:


I've got some video of it starting, and subsequently dying upon application of fuel, but I don't know how to post videos here.

[tada]

Here's the video:

[78F350]

Looks like in the video you have a slow blinking light on the temp gauge when it is running - Low coolant level. Just get some DISTILLED Water for now to top it off.

After you get it running well, I'd recommend a coolant flush and replace the water pump, unless you know it was done. I think replacement every 3-5 years is the recommended interval. (search it)

Check your coolant cap in the trunk for a leak. Make sure you have the new style cap. (search it)

Again, congrats!

[tada]

Originally Posted by 78F350

Looks like in the video you have a slow blinking light on the temp gauge when it is running - Low coolant level. Just get some DISTILLED Water for now to top it off.

After you get it running well, I'd recommend a coolant flush and replace the water pump, unless you know it was done. I think replacement every 3-5 years is the recommended interval. (search it)

Check your coolant cap in the trunk for a leak. Make sure you have the new style cap. (search it)

Again, congrats!

Thanks! I'll work on the coolant level tomorrow. As for the stumbling, I'll start checking out the plugs and coil packs, and clean the MAF. And charge or replace the battery. It was unable to even turn over shortly after the video without a jump.

[Retroman1969]

Congrats! It's a good looking car! Hopefully it will turn out to be a good one for you.
Anxious to hear progress reports.

[Steve Tinker]

When you reconnect the battery, you need to calibrate the e- gas throttle.
When the battery is connected, switch on ignition (dash lights on) but don't start the car. Leave ignition on for +/- 1 minute, switch off ign & remove key for +/- 10 seconds and then start car.
This will save time when the engine management system re-learns the throttle body calibrations.