2005 Boxster w/blown engine what's it worth?
 

Hello.

I have an opportunity to buy a 2005 Boxster (non-S) with a blown motor. The car appears to be in very good condition otherwise. Cause of engine failure was the IMS bearing. Silver with black interior, 5-speed manual, and about 70,000 miles.

What's it worth as a roller?

If you check the bigger Dismantlers, you'll find an engine for around $5-7K. Figure on $2k in labor and extras. But that is still a gamble. You have no clue about the maintenance or use history of the engine. So the risk-free value of a roller is as a parts-only car. If you buy it to fit a rebuilt an engine ,that would be a different calculation.

Not saying this is the answerer but to start exploring options.

1. What is the value of the car in a the area where you live, let’s pick and arbitrary value of 15K. Gelbster gave you a reasonable rage 9k. Then add another 1,500.00-misc. cost overruns something un expected. Do you want to address the IMSB on the rebuild engine?
2. How about doing a PPI with data download for other problems, brakes, engine-tranny mounts, suspensions, cooling electronics drivetrain, and others system and components to mention a few.
3. How much of the work do you have time, talent, & tools to do and maybe consider your own value for this.
4. What could you get if you took all this money after PPI to get this car where you want it and bought one you could drive without all challenges of fixing this one.

I wish you the best.

$3K-$4K is the standard answer.

Really nice cars with otherwise low miles can fetch a little more ($4500) but there is so much risk in buying a roller that most buyers just won't go much higher.

In addition to the above, are the prior owner history and service records available? Is it the current owner who is selling it someone who has had it for a while, or did they just buy it and the IMSB went? Can they tell you how the transmission shifted, how the steering wheel felt, ie shimmy or solid, when driven at highway speeds? What worked and what didn't? Since you are taking some risk, you should figure what it will cost to make the car right with a healthy contingency and you should pay some discount to that figure. Otherwise there is no value in it to potentially reward you for the risk you're assuming.

3K to 4K sounds about right. I bought an '03 w/45K miles a year ago and paid 3K. Blown motor due to IMSB.

That was a pretty good deal!

Did you find any other problems with the car (other than engine)?

Thanks for the replies - good advice.

I don't think the deal is going to happen though. The seller wants the equivalent of $10,900 US (he actually wants $15,000 Canadian).

I realize it's the 987 body style and it might be mint, but that's a lot of cash for a big question mark and a lot of work.

I really need to stop looking at Craigslist. My girlfriend was actually going to get me a shirt that reads "CL - Cars & Trucks - by Owner"

I'm just wrapping up my 1999 Boxster project. Maybe I should take advantage of this and spend a little less time in the garage instead of rescuing cars.

Cheers.

dude. here is a running 2005 boxster (non-s) in edmonton for $18.5k ...

2005 Porsche Boxster Convertible | used cars & trucks | Edmonton | Kijiji

That is crazy money, if you look on Detroit CL you can buy a low mile 07 that is on there for 14k right now. Non runners are not worth much as these things are expensive to repair. They are worth the parts value at best, 3-4k

Tell the seller to keep your # and call when he's ready to sell for $4K.

Be ready for a call in 2 mo.