Good morning, I'm in the market for our first Boxster. Our budget puts us in the 2000-2004 range, approx 60k to 100k miles. I have been reading this board for months and looking forward to our purchase. I was hoping to get some confirmation/opinions on the following
1. We are looking at a 2000 base, 50k. I'm talking with the owner this afternoon and do not believe the IMS has been replaced. The only way to tell if it is a single or double IMS is to remove the transmission? I have read a visual check is necessary but wasn't sure to what extent the transmission has to be removed.
2. What is the thought on length of time for service interval? I'm looking at a 2002S with 90k that had the IMS and clutch replaced about 5.5 years, 35k miles. with LN Engineering IMSB. LN Engineering lists that bearing with a service interval of 4 years / 50k miles. The owner has taken great care of the car and has good service records but I'll admit I fallen victim to the IMS fears I read on the internet.
3. I have read about suspension refreshes needed around 100k, does that only pertain to mileage? I was thinking that all the cars I'm looking at are 16+ years old and the suspension will age whether it is driven or not.
4. I'm pretty sure we have ruled out a 1999 but what does it mean that the blocks were porous? There is a 1999 w/ 67k miles that looks very appealing but I do not understand the block issue. I also know this has the 2.5 engine, I think we would be ok because we are thinking this is a 'gateway' car, planning to upgrade after a few years.
I'm sure I'll have other questions and wanted to start with these. We also understand this will be a much different adventure than our Hondas and this car will take more care / feeding, just trying to go into it with as much information as possible.