Bloody boxster falling apart

[lejolierogue]

Dear enthusiast,

I've had a barrage of problems with my 99 boxster lately. Here's the list of things that were or needs to be replaced/fixed:

1. Water pump
2. Torn serpentine belt (after only 44K miles)
3. Rear alignment
4. Oil leak
5. Fu**ing air-bag light stays on
6. Bloody right side power window no functioning

Changing all four tires was the bloody sword in the gullet too...

Thats all folks ... just wanted to vent.

Later,
le jolie rogue

Sounds pretty reasonable for a 7-year old high performance car. Feel free to vent anytime you want. No problem.

[Pablito]

I replaced the water pump on my 98', beware I could be overheating, check your front fans, radiators and coolant reservoir tank in the back any leaks on those items could trigger overheating, if they haven't failed eventually they will.....Your air bag light is on because of your seat belt buckles, replace those and your light is gone....The serpentine belt, check if by any chance it's not rubbing with a bolt or a tensioner, this can shorten it's life significantly. The oil leak could be your oil separator failing, check where the leak in coming from. Before realigning your rear end check all the cross member bars to see if any is bent, they will change your rear alignment significantly.....Sorry I got nothing for the passenger side window thing.....Good luck

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

Sorry to hear of your troubles. But, I am increasingly coming to believe that the Boxster is a true China Doll. A Great Car, but not worth all the hassle (unlike my Lotus). While I have had no serious issues with my '99 w/ 25k mi. to date, the angst which accompanies owning these cars is slowly starting to wear on me.

I am SERIOUSLY contemplating trading my Boxster next spring for a late model Miata or Corvette, probably an '06. I find no excitement, bragging rights, or prestige in saying that I own a Car which is going to cost me on average $2k-$3k/yr. just so I have a Stutgartt badge on the front.

It would be a great car if the potential for it disintergrating before my eyes weren't so high - and I do 99% of all the work myself, I am an accomplished, ASE Certified Mechanic.

So far as the Driving experience, it's FANTASTIC, but the Ownership experience leaves too much to be desired - at this point, I would not recommend the Boxster to anyone but a direct decendant of the Marquis de Sade.

I have owned 29 two-seat Sports Cars of various marques in my time and the Boxster ranks in the top 5 in driving, but in the bottom 25 in Ownership experience. Fact is, I now wish I'd never bought it and staid my original course to get either a Miata, 'Vette or Viper.

It's really too bad because I expected more of Porsche. My 912 and 914 2.0 of years gone by were much more robust, and frankly I am disappointed that Porsche actually seems to have gone backwards in terms of reliability than they were 25 years ago. While it's true, virtually all performance cars possess an Achilles Heel, the Boxster is simply ridden with them, waaay too many for a manufacturer like Porsche to produce. From RMS to Intermediate Shaft Failures to MAF sensors to bogus coolant recovery tanks to screwed-up electronics, and the list goes on and on. I am sure less secure owners will oppose my views rather than admit they also have made a mistake, but the facts are irrefutable, just because yours (as mine) hasn't greanaded yet doesn't mean the potential isn't there.

It's great to have a Car which will go like Stink, but only if it actually does go like stink on demand. I am no longer at the stage where I'm willing to spend as much time under it as I am in it to experience a great ride.

Prestige has NEVER been one of my criteria for owning ANY car, even though I've owned numerous prestigious cars (assuming a Boxster is prestigious). In fact, if anyone wants to offer me $19k for my Boxster, it's yours.

I have to say that after 16 mos. ownership, I have found little to confirm my choice, but much to condemn it. I have regretted selling virtually every car I've sold through the years, but am convinced that the primary emotion I will feel when selling my Boxster is going to be RELIEF! To any non-Boxster owning Lurkers here, all I can say is BE AFRAID... BE VERY AFRAID!...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[the ant]

Hi,

If you don't mind, can you elaborate a little bit on what sort of problems you are getting?

I am seriously considering a used Boxster but your post really scares me now...

Thanks

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

Sorry to hear of your troubles. But, I am increasingly coming to believe that the Boxster is a true China Doll. A Great Car, but not worth all the hassle (unlike my Lotus). While I have had no serious issues with my '99 w/ 25k mi. to date, the angst which accompanies owning these cars is slowly starting to wear on me.

I am SERIOUSLY contemplating trading my Boxster next spring for a late model Miata or Corvette, probably an '06. I find no excitement, bragging rights, or prestige in saying that I own a Car which is going to cost me on average $2k-$3k/yr. just so I have a Stutgartt badge on the front.

It would be a great car if the potential for it disintergrating before my eyes weren't so high - and I do 99% of all the work myself, I am an accomplished, ASE Certified Mechanic.

So far as the Driving experience, it's FANTASTIC, but the Ownership experience leaves too much to be desired - at this point, I would not recommend the Boxster to anyone but a direct decendant of the Marquis de Sade.

I have owned 29 two-seat Sports Cars of various marques in my time and the Boxster ranks in the top 5 in driving, but in the bottom 25 in Ownership experience. Fact is, I now wish I'd never bought it and staid my original course to get either a Miata, 'Vette or Viper.

It's really too bad because I expected more of Porsche. My 912 and 914 2.0 of years gone by were much more robust, and frankly I am disappointed that Porsche actually seems to have gone backwards in terms of reliability than they were 25 years ago.

It's great to have a Car which will go like Stink, but only if it actually does go like stink on demand. I am no longer at the stage where I'm willing to spend as much time under it as in it to experience a great ride.

Prestige has NEVER been one of my criteria for owning ANY car, even though I've owned numerous prestigious cars. In fact, if anyone wants to offer me $19k for my Boxster, it's yours. I have to say that after 16 mos. ownership, I have found little to confirm my choice, but much to condemn it. I have regretted selling virtually every car I've sold through the years, but am convinced that the primary emotion I will feel when selling my Boxster is going to be RELIEF! To any non-Boxster owning Lurkers here, all I can say is BE AFRAID... BE VERY AFRAID!...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by the ant

Hi,

If you don't mind, can you elaborate a little bit on what sort of problems you are getting?

I am seriously considering a used Boxster but your post really scares me now...

Thanks

Hi,

I have had no problems to-date (hard as that may be to believe with a Car with only 25k mi. on the Odo), but this car is seriously flawed from a design and engineering standpoint. I have owned everything from Morgans, TR3s, XKEs, 240Zs, 328s, 2002Tiis, Elans, Europas, Esprits, MGs, Fiats, Healeys, Minis (real not BMW), and a couple other Porsches. If you have late-model Boxster money, I would seriously consider any number of alternatives before settling on the Boxster. It's a GREAT car to drive, but IMHO, it carries too much baggage to make ownership worthwhile for all but the shortest time...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

I have had no problems to-date (hard as that may be to believe with a Car with only 25k mi. on the Odo), but this car is seriously flawed from a design and engineering standpoint. I have owned everything from Morgans, TR3s, XKEs, 240Zs, 328s, 2002Tiis, Elans, Europas, Esprits, MGs, Fiats, Healeys, Minis (real not BMW), and a couple other Porsches. If you have late-model Boxster money, I would seriously consider any number of alternatives before settling on the Boxster. It's a GREAT car to drive, but IMHO, it carries too much baggage to make ownership worthwhile for all but the shortest time...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Are you saying that you fear that the Boxster is less reliable than a Lotus, Morgan, old Ferrari Triumph or Healey? I'd be very surpised if you say that none of them had an oil leak or questionable electronics. Was the maintanence of the Ferrari actually less costly than the Boxster? Please share more.

[Grizzly]

Yo Ant,

Don't be scared. The Boxster is a great car. Yeah, the newer cars are better than the earlier ones, but they're all fine cars. The older ones just have a bit less power and a couple of...uh... glitches. I own an older one; a '97 in fact. For what I saved by buying an older model rather than a newer one, I'll risk having to fix it from time to time. Same looks, great fun, and ten grand less. So the newer S is faster and I gotta' keep a couple bucks in reserve for the inevitable repair. Whatever.

Some of us tend to forget that cars break. They all break. I don't care what you drive. If you want rock solid reliability, buy a Camry; maybe a nice beige one would be good. The money's comparable to a pre-owned Boxster and you can ride around in absolute anonymity, having exactly zero fun. Guess what? Sooner or later, it will break, and the Toyota dealer will knock your brains out for the repairs. That's just how it works.

This particular thread is about a '99. It needs a water pump, a serpentine belt a window switch and an alignment. Frustrating? Yeah maybe, but friggin' deal. The car is a '99. Look around. A lot of '99 cars are wheels up in the wrecking yard by now. Several of this particular car's "problems" are normal maintenance issues. Inconceivable that an eight year old car needs an alignment and a fanbelt? I think not.

Hey lejolierogue, I'm not picking on you, I swear. I'm just trying to make a point.

Just do your homework. By reading all the information you can find on this forum, you can become an expert in all things Boxster in a hurry. Be certain that you can afford to maintain such a car. They do break. Buy the latest model you can afford and be sure to have Porsche do a Pre-Purchase Inspection before you pull the trigger. Then drop the top and enjoy the crap out of it.

Also, buy the shop manuals and learn to fix it yourself. Most things you can do on your own, and there's a certain satisfaction in knowing you were able to beat the dealer out of his payday.

[Grizzly]

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

I have had no problems to-date (hard as that may be to believe with a Car with only 25k mi. on the Odo), but this car is seriously flawed from a design and engineering standpoint. I have owned everything from Morgans, TR3s, XKEs, 240Zs, 328s, 2002Tiis, Elans, Europas, Esprits, MGs, Fiats, Healeys, Minis (real not BMW), and a couple other Porsches. If you have late-model Boxster money, I would seriously consider any number of alternatives before settling on the Boxster. It's a GREAT car to drive, but IMHO, it carries too much baggage to make ownership worthwhile for all but the shortest time...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Let's see... The car's had zero problems in 25,000 miles, but you're whining like a little girl, threatening to sell it and attempting to save others from a similar fate by pointing them in the direction of other marques? Do I have this right so far?

Then to add insult to injury, are you claiming that your vast experience with the Brits was more satisfying in terms of reliability? I don't remind everyone of it every three minutes like some, but I've had more than my fair share of British car ownership as well. The Brits should be forever banned from producing cars. Period. The world leaders should convene a summit to stop this incredibly annoying practice immediately.

The 240z? Fun car...until it was a week old and had to be junked because the body rusted off of it.

This is far too ridiculous to continue. Sell the car. I'll miss you.

[blinkwatt]

Originally Posted by Grizzly

Let's see... The car's had zero problems in 25,000 miles, but you're whining like a little girl, threatening to sell it and attempting to save others from a similar fate by pointing them in the direction of other marques? Do I have this right so far?

The 240z? Fun car...until it was a week old and had to be junked because the body rusted off of it.

This is far too ridiculous to continue. Sell the car. I'll miss you.

Please come to understand Jim's(MNBoxster) standpoint. He has driven and raced more cars then anyone of us probably,so he has his reasons for his actions. Jim has helped me to understand my Boxster,and cars in generally more then anyone else has,and I havent even met him in person. I can tell you that he KNOWS HIS STUFF, and doesnt B.S. us.
Ant, let me give you my opinoin. I have a 99 with almost 55k on it. I wouldnt take back 1 mile that I have put on it. It was my first car I bought,so I will always be biased towards it no matter what anyone says. I have gone through a Mass Air Flow Sensor($230) which was the previous owners fault,ran a dirty K & N air filter for too long. Granted it can be ALOT to maintain but that can be minimized with learning how to D.I.Y. I have changed my air filter,oil filter,oil,brake pads,serpentine belt,cabin filter all for $220,the stealership charges $180 for oil change,go figure. There is ALOT that you can do to make the car practical to maintain and troubleshot if any problems arise. Just make sure you have a credit card in case something brakes on it in the middle of no where. As always we are here to help and guide,so let us know if you have any questions we wont sugar coat our answers.

[ohioboxster]

This is a great thread. I love the differences in peoples opinions. My opinion like anyone really cares goes something like this. The Boxster is fun to drive although under powered. It has maintenence issues for sure and Im just thankful that Im pretty freakin good with a set of wrenches. Two weeks after I bought it I was working on it, lol. The frustrating part for me is comming from GM to Porsche half the hp and twice the maintence. Then again where I live there are 10 million Vettes and T/A's and very few Porsches. My LS-1 T/A ran 12's in the Quarter and I could beat the hell out of it and it just didnt break. Be thankful there are people and web sites with common interests so when you have a problem you have a great knowledge base. Hell, I couldnt get my key out and knew in an hour what was wrong with it and where to buy the part cheap. I guess in closing my feeling is that if you dont have mechanical skills or a little extra cash for repairs then dont buy a Boxster. I know people that have paid $700.00 for brake jobs that you could do yourself for 100 bucks so keep in mind the guys paying 250.00 for oil changes and 1000.00 for belt, oil etc could take an afternoon and save a ton of money. Im done Just my .02

[prOk]

It's really strange to read what goes on here.. To listen to people on this board you'd think every boxster on the planet was falling apart at the seams. The majority of people talking with such fear are owners of 5-7 year old cars.. Seriously, if you were looking at a Honda Civic you'd probably not even consider a 7 year old one because of maintanance and pure age of the vehicle as you know damn well when you bought it things like brakes, tires, belts, tune ups, pumps etc are very likely to need work soon. You make that choice to take the chance on an older car and save some money and drive a porsche, don't expect an older porsche to be any more or less reliable than a similar age Ford. And, never forget that a Porsche is not a Miata, never will be, so put things in real perspective. It's unfair to compare a car that is relatively low performance with units built in the millions to a car that is the exact opposite and expect they both have the same wear and tear patterns.

The RMS thing is an issue, but it is also a very small percentage of the overall boxster market (only those that experience it scream about it). I know a number of people that own boxsters and none of them has even heard of the problem,much less had it. Reading here, you'd think every bloody one is just exploding on sight.

Things like needing basic maintenance like new belts, alignments and such after 5-7 years.. it's unreal that people drive vehicles of any kind and don't think they need basic maintenance like that when they age. Even Yugos needed that kind of upkeep over the course of 7 years.

And, like any make, oddball things happen. My Audi A4 and VW Jetta both had power window issues. Over the course of 3 years on 2 brand new cars I had 7 fail. Strange things with cars is a fact of life, could happen to anything and anyone.

The one person talking so badly about wanting to sell his car for fear of it falling apart as if it's a pile of junk after a long time praising it here and in all reality experiencing *no* issues just kills me Admittedly with all that knowledge i'm surprised you of all people are falling for the hype.

Anyway, enough ranting

[Brucelee]

My take on this issue in brief:

The issues that were raised in the original post were all pretty normal wear items for a 7 yr old car. I have a 99 328I that I just bought and just normal maint items were more than what was listed in the original post.

Second, I get Jim's concerns and issues. I DO think that the Porsche engineers have clearly ignored making the Boxster as robust as I think it should be given the price of the car. The RMS, intermediate shaft issue etc, are clearly not acceptable, esp when they have been going on for 9 yrs or so.

Hey, we are not talking about a $15K throw away car, we are talking about a 60K Porsche.

Having said all that, we do have to remember that most folks here who post are going to be chatting about problems, and there are many others who are out simply driving the car.

My one wish is that the Porsche engineers (maybe all German engineers) would start to focus on reliability and simplicity. That is actually what Porsche did in the early days. It seems that all we get out of Germany these days is more gadgets that will most certainly break and be expensive.

One of the things I like about the late model Corvettes is that the car keeps getting better but not much more complex.

IMHO!

[eslai]

What a fantastic ******************** fest! So when does the line between "too much maintenance" and "it's okay because it's a $150,000 exotic" get crossed?

Someone help me out here--I'm not sure I've seen too many sports cars that WEREN'T a pain in the ass for ownership, especially in recent years.

[Ronzi]

"My one wish is that the Porsche engineers (maybe all German engineers) would start to focus on reliability and simplicity. That is actually what Porsche did in the early days."

???
The 356 motor wasn't so bad, I guess, but the 547 (4 cam 4cyl, mid to late '50s) was one of the most fiendishly complicated motors ever put into a (mostly race) car. Even the early 1500 and 1600 cc Super engines had a Hirth roller bearing crankshaft with a jillion tiny ball bearings in it. Then you get to the '65 911, with a two piece crankcase, six individual cylinders, six individual cylinder heads, and a total of about three times as many parts as a "normal" engine.
Simplicity, not so much, even in the early days.
Reliability? Generally yes, in spite of the complexity.

I do, however, agree with the general premise that Porsche needs to focus more on reliability.
Simplicity? Maybe a nice idea, but look at how many posts complain about not being able to hook an Ipod, or some kind of Bluetooth contraption into their Boxster. People seem to expect everything in every car.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by blue2000s

Are you saying that you fear that the Boxster is less reliable than a Lotus, Morgan, old Ferrari Triumph or Healey? I'd be very surpised if you say that none of them had an oil leak or questionable electronics. Was the maintanence of the Ferrari actually less costly than the Boxster? Please share more.

Hi,

That is not what I'm saying exactly. The issues with the Brit Cars were annoying, not life-threatening. And, remember, these cars were of a technology that was essentially from the 1940's and '50's where Metallurgy, Machining and Production techniques were not nearly so advanced as today. And, the Brit Cars were both easy and cheap to fix.

With today's available technology and the price tag of the Boxster, the issues with this car are inexcusable, even more inexcusable for a company with the engineering legacy of Porsche.

So far as my own cars are concerned, I have never had one of them fail to start or strand me. Maintenance has always been performed properly and timely. I was knowledgeable enough to cull the Dogs from the Cremepuffs when I bought them, but with the Boxster, there isn't really any way to do this.

A seemingly perfect car can lose the RMS or Intermediate shaft with no advance warning, neither easy or cheap to fix. The worst thing which ever happened to one of my cars was an intake leak caused a lean condition in my Esprit and the #4 Piston melted. But, I was able to totally rebuild the engine myself in 3 weeks (due to turnaround time at the Machine and Turbo Shops) for under $1,500. 28k mi. later, the car is as reliable as ever and has not experienced even a 1PSI drop in compression on any cylinder. I put slightly over 20k mi. on my Ferrari without a single issue aside from routine maintenance (this model and engine are known as the most reliable though). My 240Z I still own and have owned since new (every available option for '71 with a Sticker Price of $3,045.00), 23k mi. on the ODO and not a speck of rust on it, though I concede that it isn't driven in rain or snow, ever. And, that to make weight (for the SCCA Classes they expected to compete in), Datsun used a lighter weight and lighter gauge Steel making them prone to corrosion.

Some are surprised that I have praised the Boxster while condemning it at the same time. Well, it's quite simple; the Boxster is a Great Driver, but not a good car to own unless you have deep pockets and some mechanical skill to keep it on the road.

Many cars which can hit the edge of the envelope are less robust, often because this is how they derive their exceptional performance. But, the Boxster doesn't reach those heights (many cars available today will outperform it), but it is less robust than it should be. And, we're not talking about faulty power windows here, but serious design flaws in the engine which have remained unaddressed for a decade.

Many cars have flaws, the Datsun is prone to overheating and the Esprit had a tendency for it's Cast Iron Exhaust Manifold to crack, but these issues can be eliminated with aftermarket or upgraded parts such as switching to a Turbo Oil pump and 4-core radiator on the Z and a SS Tubular header for the Esprit (designed, built, and sold by Neil Mickelwright- GM of Forsythe Racing, and a fellow Esprit owner and personal friend). But, the flaws in the Boxster cannot be eliminated, only fixed each time they fail.

And, there's little logic in the statements of some noting flaws in other cars. These may well exist, but the fact that these cars are also flawed, maybe even more flawed, does not alleviate the flaws in the Boxster. It's of little comfort to a Boxster owner to know that the Bimmer, Audi or Vette suffer from some deficiency when they have a $3000 bill for a failed RMS in their hand.

I do not concede that the newer cars are any better. The same engine is used fundamentally unchanged. If the newer cars haven't failed, I say they haven't failed yet. As a whole, they will have accumulated fewer miles than the earlier models. I recently spoke with both the area PCNA Service Rep and the Gen'l. Mgr. of one of the local dealerships at a local event, and the Service Rep said RMS failure is in the 20-22% range depending upon model year, and that it affects all models. The Gen'l. Mgr. said that the quality issues are starting to affect sales as well.

Of the 4 local Boxster owners whom I know personally, three of the four cars have had RMS Failure. One required engine replacement, another failed twice and the third (mine), had the seal replaced at 4k mi. and it's still holding (knock on wood). But, that's a 75% failure rate. I realize that this is far from a statistically relevant sample, but even so, it's too high to be insignificant.

I believe that this is one of the reasons for the rapid depreciation of the Boxster and why so many people can pick them up cheap. But people need to know that a $20k Boxster can become a $30k Boxster with no warning, and for $30k, there are a lot more reliable Sports Cars to be had.

Porsche is living on borrowed time and a past reputation (I do not count the RS Spyder in ALMS or the Race-Bred 911s because they bear no resemblance to the street Porsches at all). These do not even use the M96 engine - I wonder what Porsche knows that we don't?

I don't believe that burying one's head in the sand or putting a Pollyanna face on it does any service to potential owners. Many will still be willing to risk the downside to gain the upside, but they need to be informed of these real and potential problems. I care NOTHING for the Bling Factor or Prestige of owning a Porsche, I've owned cars from most of the prestigeous marques out there in my time, most good, some not so good. I want a fun car with some performance, style, and reliability which isn't going to put me on Prozac or in the Poor House and the Boxster simply isn't the one. It gives outstanding performance, but so far as reliability, it simply fails to deliver.

Those of you on the board for some time can attest that we see a failed Ignition lock, maybe monthly, a failed MAF sensor maybe every other month and a failed RMS at least once every 3 mos. Many may disagree with me now, condemning me for stating that the Emperor has no clothes, but I suspect that in time, I'll gain a few converts...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[eslai]

I don't know, I keep thinking about my friend's GranSport that keeps frying $12,000 hydraulic clutches. It seems to me that any of the nicer, newer sports cars tend to fall to pieces.

BUt yes, for $60,000 I'd expect it to be a little more resilient. Then again, my girlfriend bought a 2006 Civic and the difference between her car and mine is palpable--I didn't think the 987 was very well-engineered until I saw the little annoyances in the Civic.

[rteichman]

Well after yesterday's experience I feel I must chime in on this subject. I was out enjoying driving my car when I pulled into a restaurant for a bite. Noticing the sudden appearance of dark clouds I parked, pulled the parking brake and pressed the top close button.... nothing happened!! After a frantic check of everything I noticed that the "PARK" light was not comming on. Thus the top would not operate... I look at the sky and its getting darker. So I race out of the place and head for home as fast as possible, but alas the rain started before I made it back to my garage and I got quite wet. After I calmed down I had the ash tray out and was mucking about with the wires to the brake switch and it started to work again so I got the top up.

I am ready to sell the car! Why you ask? It was such a minor thing. Well it reminds me too much of my 68 MGB. Like this car, any time I want to take it out it has a problem that needs to be addressed. I can't stand that. Especially after comming from a Miata which in 140,000 miles and 14 years of age never had a single problem. With this car:

A couple weeks after buying the car I decide to take it out on a Saturday night and show it off to my friends in Philly. On my way down I stop for gas only to notice that its low on oil. It was fine when I got the car a few weeks ago. It turned out to be nothing but my evening was wrecked worrying about the possible RMS problem.

Next I am driving for a weekend getaway when my brak wear indicator light goes on. When I bought the car I knew the brakes were low, but the mechanic assured me I had a good 6 months of wear left before the light would come one, and a year before it would be below state limits. I had only put maybe 500 miles on the car at this point, so I was not expecting the issue. My weekend was ruined by worries about the brakes.

Another Friday night and I am about to go down to Philly for the evening when my I notice my water light was flashing. I go back home, pop the trunk, check the level only to find that its OK. I restart the car and the light never comes on. But my evening is now wrecked worrying about what could be wrong. The next day the light flashes again. I check the level...its the same, I check for leaked fluid but don't find anything so I add some fluid and the flashing light problem stops... However the damage has been done, and why did it flash in the first place (the level was midway between low and max)

Then yesterday's fiasco with the rain. I am now terrified of taking the car out. What will happen next? With my Miata there was nothing ever to fix. Even my Audi (which must be one of the least reliable cars around) hasn't let me down to this extent. I am sorry, but there is no excuse for loose wiring/connection on a brake switch. Especially on a car with only 46,000 miles.

Rob

[Brucelee]

Those Miatas are bullet proof I understand. I can relate, I had a couple of Lexus' that ruined me for all cars German.

Yet, I still have a Porsche and BMW in the garage.

Go figure.

just to get back to the original post, i had the serpentine belt broken too, either it snapped the water pump or vice versa, water pump shaft broke and tore the belt, the belt drives everything on the car it seems, so if you have a problem with it surely something else will break.

i understand all your opinions about the Porsches in general, but there is a bigger amount of cars without problems to ones with, so far i can say no major problem on my S, the belt story was on a 97 2.5L, and of course on a forum we do talk about problems that need sorted out rather than just happy motoring!