Good deal for a 2001 Boxster?
 

Hi there, I am new to this forum and want to buy a used Boxster.

I am located at LA. Just found a 2001 green Boxster for sale by a dealer. This car has only 23K miles on the clock and has clean carfax. The dealer is asking for 12K cash.

I just checked the car. The paint is in very good condition. The interior is also clean.

I did not test drive yet since I found several problems and what to see the if the dealer can fix that.

The major problem is that the window of passenger's door will not automatically lower down a little when the roof is on. So the window will hit the rim of the roof and the door cannot close properly.

Another thing I noticed is that after the engine has been idled for around 1 min. I turned off the engine and I heard a continuous clicking sound from the rear of the car. The sound was like you are bending a thick metal plate. I have the same problem on my BMW and I haven't had the dealer checked this problem yet. I don't know if this is a serious problem or not.

Another thing I noticed that on there is no lining on the doorsteps. I am not sure if they just don't come with them or they were removed.

The dealer said they will try to fix the door problem and will let me know.

I plan to take the car to a professional inspection if they can fix the door problem. The auto center asked 250 dollars (2 hours labor) for the inspection.

I am new to Boxster and this will be my first manual car if I buy it.

Just want to know what you think about this car.

Cheers.


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I don't know what the market is in your location but I just gave $12k for my 2003 with 39000 miles. It wasn't missing any parts or making noises. Maybe green brings a premium in your location but around here the green ones I've seen aren't priced as high as most of the other colors.

Unless it checks out great and the problems are really minor I'd pass and wait for one that's not making odd noises. I looked at probably 10 different car for 6 months until I found mine. Good luck.

Seems high to me as well. I looked at quite a few and ended up getting my 01 for significantly less than that. In the for what it's worth category, that tan seems to fade pretty bad if not taken care of. I looked at one with the same scheme which I really wanted to buy, my wife talked me out of it, that was one of the primary reasons, the interior was faded quite badly.

Something to keep in mind.

Read this board, there are quite a few facebook groups about the 986 and Boxsters, Pelican Parts FAQs, etc. Learn all you can and look at as many as possible. You'll be able to start weeding out the ones that aren't as good pretty easily.

My .02 cents at least. I'm still a newbie to the Boxster thing but know my way around cars.

I love the mileage but I think the thing that worries me is the ticking...It could be just a stick valve but even worse when you have low mileage cars they are prone to IMS failures. It could be that starting to fail. If that is the case, you could have catastrophic failure immanent for the engine. Eitherway, Any car of the era you buy has that potential unles you do an IMS upgrade which typically is about $2000. Some cars already have had that upgrade but make sure there is proof.

I thought the price looked high for an '01, but looking over the LA market, it is not a bad ASKING price. With a PPI reflecting a very good condition and those issues taken care of, $12k wouldn't be bad. The noise could be nothing or could be serious. Don't guess or take our online advice as to the cause - we can not give a good diagnosis. Have a Porsche experienced pro mechanic look at it, or walk away.
While checking your market area, I fell in love with this one for the rare interior (This is Cinnamon Brown/Not Savannah):
https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/ctd/6169785875.html
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That is at the high end of the price scale. For that price, I would expect it to be in pretty good shape and everything working as it should. The window regulator probably needs to be replaced. Maybe both of them? I have had to replace both of mine. They are not the best designed parts.

When you say 'dealer' do you mean 'used car?'

Happy hunting and safe travels.

too high, this is not the S model and problems with car

Yes I mean used car. But the car is not from a private owner.

Thanks for all suggestions. My favorite color is black on black. This car is attractive because of the low mileage.

I will keep looking and focus on a black one.

Thanks again

IMO, Unless they specialize in Porsche, a 'used car dealer' should not be working on this car. I would not trust anything they say unless they back it up in writing/warranty. You must get a third party Porsche mechanic to go over this car carefully.

I am assuming that there wasn't any ticking while the engine was running. Thus, I'd say that the ticking is just the metal expanding from warming up the engine.

Once the engine is turned off, there isn't any internal movement so you can't be hearing a potential valve tappet or IMS issue.

And as others have suggested, the pre-purchase inspection needs to be done by a Porsche specialist, not a general car repair shop. If you need a recommendation, post what part of LA you live in and you'll get several recommendations that are close by.

Yes. The sound is after I turn off the engine. I am at Northridge in West LA. Great if anybody could recommend a Porsche specialist.

Cheers

Duh, I didn't think about that noise. Mine does it too after shut down as the engine cools off.

Mine too. Lot's of hot metal just cooling:)

Well that sure makes a big difference in the diagnosis. All of my cars do that. Still get ppi.

Any of the shops on this list can give you a good PPI
Tech Stations | Zone 8 - Porsche Club of America

Great. Thanks my friend.