Considering Porsche - Looking for feedback

[cphilippou]

Hey everybody.. been doing research for a month or so now as I am ready to purchase a used car. I have narrowed it down to a few options, be it a Porsche, Mazda RX8, or a Saturn Sky Redline.

I wanted to open myself up to be (probably) trolled, or given a hard time by the regulars here, but that's cool. I came across a 2002 Porsche Boxster S with just 45k miles on it and asking $14k. Now I have done the reading and I am fully aware that a Porsche is not a car you buy if you are expecting it to be cheap to maintain. That's cool with me, I get it.

What I am curious about, however, is this 15 year old Porsche but with low mileage. I am mainly looking for a car to last the next 3-5 years. What are the major concerns and issues to possibly expect with a 15 yr/old Boxster S with 45k miles? Thanks all

[JayG]

Start reading threads

[marcoc]

As someone stated start reading the forums and getting knowledge. I purchased my 2001 S about a year ago. I was prepared to do 95% of the maintenance and repairs myself that has saved me big money. I was aware about the IMS/RMS issue and various other small issues. As most will agree with be prepared to spend a good amount of money initially to get things done. For example since my car had little service history and had 58k miles I decided to have the piece of mind and replace the IMS bearing as the clutch/flywheel were replaced and an alignmemnt. That was a hair over $4k. Then the rear plastic window cracks- another $1700 for a glass replacement. Those are the two major repairs I had professionals do. My wife wanted to kill me. All other service and repairs were done by me. I did everything- waterpump/t'stat, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, front motor mount, various interior repairs, 997 shifter and refresh, fuel filter, belt, spark plugs/tubes, and other odds and ends. I have almost $8k into the car with some new 18" Twists powdercoated black. So I guess what I'm saying is do your research and find a good car but be ready to maintain it as it is a performance car. I am OCD so I want things running properly. None of my repairs other than the top and motor mount I HAD to do but many were recommended according to service requirements. I love the Porsche community, this may be my first Porsche but it won't be my last. if you buy a car join PCA and read the forums- they help. Good luck.

[BirdDog]

My advice - whatever you do, don't buy it without a PPI.

Also, does that 2002 come with service history? Receipts for all work done? Was it done by a Porsche dealer?

Read. Read. Read. As many postings on these forums as you can. Educate yourself!

Lastly, as someone else said, if you buy one, join the PCA. You'll meet lots of great people, and like these forums, they'll be a great source of information.

[jcslocum]

These cars are well put together and a low mileage 15 year old Boxster should be very nice. You want to see service records if possible but there are things in any 15yo car that will tending to. Rubber and plastic don't last forever so bushings and shocks could be going bad or squeaking. Coolant tank, water pump, coolant hoses and belt all age and would need checking or tending too.
This would be the same except for the coolant tank on any 15 year old car, so that is pretty much equal.

This Box would certainly be good for 3-5 years of service but don't overpay and buy the best you can afford. There is nothing more expensive than a cheap Porsche.

[Ciao]

Porches will last a lifetime assuming they are maintained well. Usually typical maintenance includes oil and filter change, brake fluid change and spark plugs (longer periods). Other than that maintenance is based on driving habits. Spirited driving=more periodic maintenance; racing=weekly maintenance.

The Mazda, Saturn, and Porche will equally last 3-5 years. Question is which will bring more excitement, attachment, and a smile every time you fire up the machine?

[Burg Boxster]

Originally Posted by Ciao

Porches will last a lifetime...

Everything lasts 'a lifetime' it's whose lifetime which matters - LOL. And Porsche is certainly no exception as some go 300k miles plus, others barely make 20k. Get a PPI, get records, negotiate from there to cover your exposure.

Curious how you developed your alternative car list if meant to be 'apples to apples'?

Good luck

[mikefocke]

knowledge/opinions/facts about buying one of these wonderful cars try this.

[DarkStar]

While, all 3 of those cars are on the "Worst Cars To Buy" list, Out of experience by running a very large Auto Parts Store throughout the country, I get to see whats what.... And I would say the Porsche hands down. I'm not saying this in any sort of Biased opinion. My 986.2S is one of the slowest cars I've ever owned, Hell my last car once upon a time put down 426WHP, 4WD and did 21mpg, while the Boxster is 280ish HP, RWD (Still good) and gets on average 15mpg. Rotaries are junk, always have been.... There are a handfull of people who will argue up and down what a great engine it is, but its more unreliable than a DSM (World Record Holder for fastest 4cylinder but also well known for being extremely unreliable).... And well.... Besides an LSx Engine, Most GM's are Service Queens. They love being repaired. The Sky/Sol is claimed one of GM's biggest flops.... So unless you plan to LSx swap that car, its not worth it.

Now thats not to say that the Box is perfect, it is not. It is low power, horrible gas mileage, and if you don't know how to work on cars, carries the repair bill of any exotic car. Some people spend thousands of dollars on stuff that should only cost a couple hundred. Parts aren't too costly if you know how to shop.... and this means, stay the hell away from the dealership. If you don't know how to wrench on cars, find a reputable Porsche guy near by. The Stealership will make you give up your children for repairs. The 986/996 was labeled the worst generation of Porsche due to the IMS Failure issue. While if you research it, the failure rate is very small. But 99% of people still swear to change it as soon as possible, I did mine at 80k, And the OEM one looked fine. While I was in there I did RMS, AOS, Clutch, New Axle Boots, Starter, Alternator.... Basically all things that could fail soon that I felt should be changed. I've also done coil packs, and spark plugs..... All easy on this car. Oil changes are super easy, and can be cheap if you know how to shop, I know Walmart sells 5qt jugs of Mobile 1 Synthetic for 22ea.... So that makes the 10qt oil change easier on the wallet.

All in all, I love my car. It attracts lots of eyes and attention. Its not fast but it is fun to drive.

So I say, Go with the Porsche. After having it inspected ofcourse.

[Anker]

How do you manage to get such atrocious gas mileage? I drive my 2004 S in a spirited fashion around the nearby country roads and I get 23 to 25 MPG.

[Porsche9]

The only time I get 15 mpg is driving it at the track. Highway it gets well into the high 20s and in town about 20. If I want mileage that's what my commuter Vw with itS 1.4 TSI is for. Highway it get high 40s on regular.

Back to the program. Go for the Boxster. Get a good PPI done and budget some money for repairs. Basic maintenance is easy for anyone with basic skills. These are old cars at this point they need work.

[cphilippou]

Originally Posted by Burg Boxster

Everything lasts 'a lifetime' it's whose lifetime which matters - LOL. And Porsche is certainly no exception as some go 300k miles plus, others barely make 20k. Get a PPI, get records, negotiate from there to cover your exposure.

Curious how you developed your alternative car list if meant to be 'apples to apples'?

Good luck

Basically my criteria was due to the fact that I don't have kids, but plan to in 3-5 years at which point my wife and I will be getting a SUV. I don't need the space, and don't have a far commute to work. So I wanted something quick to zip around in, possibly convertible, and a coupe.

Originally Posted by DarkStar

While, all 3 of those cars are on the "Worst Cars To Buy" list, Out of experience by running a very large Auto Parts Store throughout the country, I get to see whats what.... And I would say the Porsche hands down. I'm not saying this in any sort of Biased opinion. My 986.2S is one of the slowest cars I've ever owned, Hell my last car once upon a time put down 426WHP, 4WD and did 21mpg, while the Boxster is 280ish HP, RWD (Still good) and gets on average 15mpg. Rotaries are junk, always have been.... There are a handfull of people who will argue up and down what a great engine it is, but its more unreliable than a DSM (World Record Holder for fastest 4cylinder but also well known for being extremely unreliable).... And well.... Besides an LSx Engine, Most GM's are Service Queens. They love being repaired. The Sky/Sol is claimed one of GM's biggest flops.... So unless you plan to LSx swap that car, its not worth it.

Now thats not to say that the Box is perfect, it is not. It is low power, horrible gas mileage, and if you don't know how to work on cars, carries the repair bill of any exotic car. Some people spend thousands of dollars on stuff that should only cost a couple hundred. Parts aren't too costly if you know how to shop.... and this means, stay the hell away from the dealership. If you don't know how to wrench on cars, find a reputable Porsche guy near by. The Stealership will make you give up your children for repairs. The 986/996 was labeled the worst generation of Porsche due to the IMS Failure issue. While if you research it, the failure rate is very small. But 99% of people still swear to change it as soon as possible, I did mine at 80k, And the OEM one looked fine. While I was in there I did RMS, AOS, Clutch, New Axle Boots, Starter, Alternator.... Basically all things that could fail soon that I felt should be changed. I've also done coil packs, and spark plugs..... All easy on this car. Oil changes are super easy, and can be cheap if you know how to shop, I know Walmart sells 5qt jugs of Mobile 1 Synthetic for 22ea.... So that makes the 10qt oil change easier on the wallet.

All in all, I love my car. It attracts lots of eyes and attention. Its not fast but it is fun to drive.

So I say, Go with the Porsche. After having it inspected ofcourse.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Figured I would get trolled like crazy here, as I am no stranger to specialty forums haha. Appreciate the valuable feedback.

[edp986]

I basically did the same thing 4 months ago and I decided to finally get a porsche, I wasn't going to let the repair costs stop me as I can do alot myself. I found a 61K white 02 S and have never looked back..it now has 65K and I love it. the first day I drove I was literally laughing as it hugged that whirly bird exit like a slot car and since then she has had many trips to redline and each one is just as fun as the last.

Become a Porsche guy !! I go to my first PCA wed. night