Looking to buy a 2000 Boxster

[Need_for_speed]

Welcome Lew!
Just as a point of reference for price, I purchased my 2000 base 986 back in January for $10k. It had 67,000 miles. It was in excellent condition, always garaged, California car with all service records. I had been shopping for quite some time and had looked at a total of 3 cars: a 2002 S for $12.8k, a 1998 for $9K, and a 1997 for $14K. That last one was hugely overpriced. I offered him $12K since it had a new top, but he declined. I just helped a buddy buy a 2000 S model for $12K.
As others have pointed out, prices are all over the place on these cars. Emotions play a big role. Keep in mind that when these cars show up for auction here in New England, they generally go for $6-8k, depending on condition.
Since I bought the car, I have put around $8k into her: IMS, clutch/RMS, plugs and tubes, AOS, wheel bearings (the rears were shot), water pump, idler pulley, fuel filter, chain tensioners, drive belt, and just about anything else that was rubber or plastic. I would expect your potential purchase will need the same.
These are wonderful cars and exert a mystical hold on you once you drive them. Good luck!

[Gelbster]

Originally Posted by Need_for_speed

Welcome Lew!
Just as a point of reference for price, I purchased my 2000 base 986 back in January for $10k. It had 67,000 miles. It was in excellent condition, always garaged, California car with all service records. I had been shopping for quite some time and had looked at a total of 3 cars: a 2002 S for $12.8k, a 1998 for $9K, and a 1997 for $14K. That last one was hugely overpriced. I offered him $12K since it had a new top, but he declined. I just helped a buddy buy a 2000 S model for $12K.
As others have pointed out, prices are all over the place on these cars. Emotions play a big role. Keep in mind that when these cars show up for auction here in New England, they generally go for $6-8k, depending on condition.
Since I bought the car, I have put around $8k into her: IMS, clutch/RMS, plugs and tubes, AOS, wheel bearings (the rears were shot), water pump, idler pulley, fuel filter, chain tensioners, drive belt, and just about anything else that was rubber or plastic. I would expect your potential purchase will need the same.
These are wonderful cars and exert a mystical hold on you once you drive them. Good luck!

Note this well.
He bought a "good" low miles ,Boxster Base and has almost doubled down on the initial purchase price .He is over $18k ! And that is presumably with a lot of diy. If he had been paying an Indie ,it would have more than doubled the total to over $20K.
Not a criticism, just a financial reality check. Now THIS is the car to buy, not one that needs all the work. Trouble is that if this Poster tried to sell now to recoup his investment($18K) ,he would probably fail because people buy on price.
So buy from a wealthy OCD enthusiast !

[Need_for_speed]

Originally Posted by Gelbster

Note this well.
He bought a "good" low miles ,Boxster Base and has almost doubled down on the initial purchase price .He is over $18k ! And that is presumably with a lot of diy. If he had been paying an Indie ,it would have more than doubled the total to over $20K.
Not a criticism, just a financial reality check. Now THIS is the car to buy, not one that needs all the work. Trouble is that if this Poster tried to sell now to recoup his investment($18K) ,he would probably fail because people buy on price.
So buy from a wealthy OCD enthusiast !

Very true. And the best OCD enthusiasts you could ever find will sell their loved one via the PCA. If I had it to do all over again, that's where I would go to find a used P-car.

When I was researching, I looked at either a 986 with an IMS I could replace, or a 2009 or later model with no IMS to worry about. Unfortunately, the later models are still selling in the mid 30s...well above my budget.

[Gelbster]

Originally Posted by Need_for_speed

Very true. And the best OCD enthusiasts you could ever find will sell their loved one via the PCA. If I had it to do all over again, that's where I would go to find a used P-car.

When I was researching, I looked at either a 986 with an IMS I could replace, or a 2009 or later model with no IMS to worry about. Unfortunately, the later models are still selling in the mid 30s...well above my budget.

We followed exactly the same path to M96 ownership !
With hindsight I made many shameful & expensive errors:
1. Using the word "budget" and Porsche in the same sentence is nonsense. I had no clue !
2. Buying a car with 'fresh LN IMS" -disaster because I did not learn about the gotcha phrase "Prequalification Inspection" until after the engine died - a few weeks after purchase!
3.Until you have read all 25+ "Modes of Failure" from Jake Raby , you are clueless
4.Until you have listed all the special tools,equipment and procedures required to rebuild an M96 you do not understand why a rebuild cost well over $8K.
5. Do you have FAA standard of mechanic skills ? -you will need them- read how to check cylinder bores as an example. And if you don't do this all your 8k is wasted.
6.Have you found some competent, honest M96 Indies who you will enjoy working with? You will be seeing them often !! And one of them should do a PPI on a car the other one suggest for you.
People sleepwalk into Porsche ownership blinded by the "Deutchland uber alles mechanical" nonsense.Think Ferrari and you will be closer to reality. Yes, I work on both !
And this afternoon I am re-installing an M96 .Yes, I rebuilt it and it cost way more than $8k diy.