Which would you buy ?
 

2004 boxster s - 103k miles - 3 owner - all records - original IMS - clutch good but has 50k on it - tires newer, sport seats, sport exhaust, Carrera wheels - $10500

2002 boxster s - 70k miles - 2 owner - many records - original IMS - 2 minor accidents, new clutch, new top, good tires, good brakes- 56k msrp - $14000

2001 boxster base - 60k miles - 2 owner - many records - IMS fix, new brakes, needs rear tires, new battery, new alternator, new clutch - $11000

All things considered equal (assume cars are all good shape cosmetically), and PPI comes back equal. Which would you buy?

If those are the only 3 choices... then probably number 1 with a strong desire to swap out the IMS. Not that I think IMSB's are as fragile as some claim, but I believe it's done a great job of getting that car to 100K and maybe it's time to retire it.

Number 1 seems like the biggest bang for the buck in this line up, but that's assuming they're all in decent condition.

I never buy a vehicle that has been in an accident and I think number 3 is a bit overpriced. If you can get at least $2-3K off of the asking price, then 3 would be back in the running.

Should be noted that number 1 had the IMS seal.changed by Porsche at appx 50k ish. Not the bearing itself but....

In speaking to the mechanic of number 1 he told me a lot about the owner. A 70 year old man who only buys the best and really takes care of his cars. Has about 10 I'm told. That one has all the options I want, as it was heavily optioned.

Number 2 is overpriced in my opinion and those little accidents were very low speed but still, you're right.

The 04, no question, and I'd quickly replace the clutch and IMS and go have some fun...

How quickly if the clutch is still good and IMS seal replaced about 43k ago? What can I expect to pay from an Indy for the work, you think?

There's also a fairly undocumented 05 boxster base with 47k miles for $13900 in great shape, but no records other than oil changes, and recently brake fluid flush, filters, plugs, and transaxle something or other.

it's piece of mind...how quickly do you want that?

3-4K depending on the shop and condition of the flywheel

Thanks , I'll see what else the PPI comes back with and see if I can get the price down a bit.

I would definitely go for the 2004 S.

I would continue the search and if not then #1 2004S

Not particularly in a rush but trying to take advantage of "almost winter" pricing. What do you dislike?

You'll regret not buying a non S versions so I would only look at an S. The 2002 and older have 5 chains with more ramps that wear. Did you mean the RMS seal was replaced 43K ago.
If it was the IMS seal that means whoever pulled the cap and replace 2 o"rings but not the bearing RUN FAST.

RMS too but no I did mean IMS seal, and it was the Porsche dealership back in 2011

+1 on buy the '04.

No need to RUN FAST.
As discussed here, standard procedure for a dealership service dept at that time:
http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/69795-service-records-porsche-ims-fix.html

It wouldn't worry me, but when I had a leaking IMS flange seal, I opted to have an independent shop replace the bearing since they were there anyway. I doubt that the owner of the '04 was presented this as an option.

My personal feeling is this. If you want a weekend warrior, I would tell the buyer to look for an S model.

However, if you want a daily driver, you will be happy with either. Both have enough power to satisfy and both can be comparably equipped as far as creature comforts. And, depending on the year, the base will have more power than the S models in the listings.

That said, there are some cool options that make the S a bit better in my opinion. And all things being equal, I'd definitely pay a bit more for the S. The better brakes and improved suspension can mean a lot to some buyers, and the interior touches, like the white gauges (IMO), may be a draw as well.

I had a large amount of models to choose from and wound up buying a fully loaded manual 2005 base model. It didn't hurt that it also came with an adjustable custom after market suspension and exhaust. And since it is in pristine condition, I am very proud to show and sound it off. As a daily driver, it is an amazingly fun ride and I have had zero regrets.


But as far as the IMS seal goes, that wouldn't scare me off. Though I would have to change out the IMS on that particular model and factor that into the total purchase price (which, in my opinion, still makes the 2004S a good purchase).

100K on an original IMS is good, but I think at some point, you're just pressing your luck on what should be considered a wearable item.

Looks like the seal was done but not the bearing.

Owned both a base and an S (and my base was "only" a 2.5). Difference in enjoyment: Not much at all. I am not a racer. It was a 20 miles to work daily car with some joyrides on the twisties but no DE or race or stop light contests. Some 250 mile one way trips too.

Great insight ! Question: does having the IMS seal change at 53k prolong the life of the bearing itself in theory? For example of the clutch has like another bit of life in it, I wouldn't want to jump on changing it all so quickly.

At what price does the 02 S become the better choice?

There are some who would argue the seal should simply be removed, since the bearing itself is likely to get oil soaked (and therefore loose any grease it's packed with). the thought here is, without a seal, the IMSB would get far more lubrication. So, depending on who you ask, the seal being replaced can be either a good thing or a bad one. Regardless, the IMS bearing is still the original and while you may get another 100K out of it, you may not. It all comes down to how much you wish to gamble.

I'm willing to take my original IMS to the 100K mark or until the clutch needs to be replaced; whichever condition occurs first. If the IMS detonates on my car before then, I'll simply replace the engine since the rest of the car is in such good condition. And that's the gamble I'm willing to take.


As far as your follow-up question on the '02, I would like to see a drop of 4K or more before I would ever consider a car that's been in two accidents and then I would joy ride the hell out of it first to feel the car out. Even minor accidents can impact the overall handling. I've never, ever, been happy with the handling of any of my previous cars after they've been repaired following a collision.

I found this thread very interesting because I'm also in the market. Well maybe not in the market until next year but appears we have a similar budget.

I think I would lean toward #1 just because it is a newer model and an S. If I were to get that one I would immediately replace the bearing/clutch just because that IMS concerns me and I wouldn't be able to enjoy the car. The mileage mildly concerns me so I guess it may have some maintenance bills coming. I have read about suspension refreshing so something to think about.

I also liked the 2001 because it appears to have a lot of maintenance has been completed. A lot depends on the type of IMS bearing that was used. If it was the 'upgraded' bearing it would increase my interest but if it was OEM I wouldn't think about it. IMS bearing just bothers me. The 2001 becomes very interesting comes down another $2k, I'd probably get it and replace the bearing with the upgraded option if it doesn't already have it installed.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

Part 101 212 sure doesn't look like an IMS seal to me. Looks like it is a RMS on the end of the crankshaft. You can look up the parts on the PET pdf that Porsche offers here.

My second Boxster was hit in the rear and an insurance claim was made against the other driver so I'm sure carfax would show it. Superficial bumper damage of over $1k but an affect on handling, no. Better than new after repair. My buyer absolutely didn't question it when I made disclosure and I was prepared with post accident pictures.

The more you know about the car, the more you can pay. The less the bigger the gamble.

Mike, Ignore the yellow highlight on that receipt. Look a few line above for:
996-105-024-01
996-105-112-01
999-707-392-40

In this case, I don't think that the grease seal on the bearing is relevant. The work was done on the IMS flange seal and o-ring.
________________
I'd buy the '04.
I like: The mileage difference between them is not significant to me. More important is knowing it was owned by an enthusiast: IMS... If it worries you change it ASAP, if not, wait 'till it needs other service.
I'll be surprised if that one doesn't sell while you are still considering it. :cheers:

P.S. PPI, PPI, PPI

Thanks, the car is mine pending PPI next week. It was my favorite of many cars I've been considering. I'll see what the PPI yields and report back!

It had a bunch of rear strut replacement last year, based on the records.

Out of curiosity where how/where did you find these cars? I have had a hard time finding cars for sale by owner most everything I found was for sale by dealers.

An ungodly daily management of cars.com, autotrader, eBay, and Craigslist

Forgot to mention that the 04 has the 030 sport suspension, litronics, and pretty much every other available option at nearly 67k MSRP. So yeah I'm going to PPI this week and hopefully post pics soon , proclaiming my official real entry into this forum .thank you for the well informed replies.

We'll.....that makes the decision easier. #1

PPI came back very positive. I am flying down Wednesday to pick the car up and drive it home. Will post pictures in New member area when I do. Thanks for the tips everyone!

Congrats. And enjoy thoroughly