Thinking of pulling the Trigger on an 01 S with 115K

[Barchetta]

Hi. I'm looking for anyone to chime in here. I've been looking for the last month for a 986 Boxster S. I found one with 115K miles with an extensive service history. I can tell engine mount, AOS, water pump, as well as several other small things have been taken care of in the last few years. Looks like he put 65K miles on it in the last four years and was not afraid to take it to the dealer! Took it in to have door hinge squeak fixed! Of course, no clutch or IMS, so I'll have to do that going forward. Car looks real clean and he's asking $9500. Thoughts??

[Myoung73]

Sounds like a pretty decent price to me. Clutch and ims probably will run around 2 to 3 k so I think that's decent. Maybe try to get it for 9k and don't forget the ppi by a reputable Porsche shop!

[Chuck W.]

No matter what get a PPI.... Pre-Purchase Inspection. It will be the be money you ever spend. Find a good independent shop and go for it. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Tcar]

So it's a $12,500 car, figure.

That's a single row, small bearing (probably) so you should get it done asap.

Bought an 02 S (114k mi) for the same price exactly, did the bearing, etc. within a week.
The bearing was still ok but the seal had failed so it was just a matter of time.

[Dlirium]

good looking car, appears to be well cared for. My 2000 S just turned 120k. Haven't had the IMS done..."if it ain't broke" and all...

Seems to be at the "non-S" pricepoint..

[Myoung73]

Originally Posted by Tcar

So it's a $12,500 car, figure.

That's a single row, small bearing (probably) so you should get it done asap.

Bought an 02 S (114k mi) for the same price exactly, did the bearing, etc. within a week.
The bearing was still ok but the seal had failed so it was just a matter of time.

Exactly. As a frame of reference last year the 03s I got was advertised for 14k. It was a pretty good asking price based on my shopping around. Very clean car compared to the others I was looking at plus an s vs base. Ppi indicated needed pads and rotors all around as well as ignition coils. Ended up getting the car for 12k due to that and had brakes, ims, clutch, coils, aos, and some other stuff done. Had less miles than the one u are looking at 76,500 at the time. So Imo the asking price for that looks good just get a thorough ppi and factor in some extra for work. Also use ppi results to talk down price if bigger things come up. Good luck!

[Barchetta]

Thanks for the advice so far everybody. He's a few hours away, so I'll see what I can do about a PPI, I was going to call the dealer and see what they said about his last service.

[mikefocke]

Sounds ok but a pre-purchase inspection and discussion with the Porsche experienced mechanic who will do your clutch and IMS is still advised. Beauty.

[johnsjmc]

I picked up a 2001 S with 68000 on it in January for $9300. Dealer had no records (auction car) and had a paint repair to drivers door on carfax. After buying it I found the books and some records behind the spare. Clutch ,tires and water pump at 60,000. I did the IMS anyway. It turned out to be a 2 row one. A couple plug tubes were also leaking and I replaced the AOS while in there.
$9500 seems slightly high considering the miles but condition on a PPI will tell for sure.

[Tcar]

Originally Posted by Dlirium

Haven't had the IMS done..."if it ain't broke" and all...

The problem with that philosophy is that your engine can turn into a boat anchor in about thirty seconds.

[Timco]

PPI and buy.

[Barchetta]

Update: I'm getting a PPI done on Friday. Thanks again everybody, I appreciate all the advice, and I'll take all I can get. Depending on how PPI goes, I'll be driving 2 hours to see it in person and take it for a drive on Saturday, and then hopefully bringing it home to my garage!

Next will be to decide to do clutch and IMS right away. I called a few local Porsche mechanics and 2 to 1 they suggested changing right away. 2 of them said, it's not "if" it will fail, but a matter of "when" it will fail. 'The longer you drive with sealed bearing IMS, the closer you get to grenading the engine'. Their words, not mine.

Will keep you updated. Thanks!