97 Boxster ... deal / no deal?!

[BirdDog]

I would not even touch this unless you had a pre-purchase inspection by a Porsche dealer or a good indie Porsche shop. It sounds like this guy isn't going to let you do that. For that reason alone, you should pass on it.

Keep in mind that those things you listed are the things that you know about. There are bound to be things that you don't know about, or haven't considered. For instance, the tires. Did you check the date codes on them? It's usually recommended to change the water pump every so often. Has that been done? AOS? Brake fluid? Are those the original 21 year old struts? Brake pads?
He's only owned the car for 2 years? Does he have the complete maintenance records from previous owners?

This is why you need a PPI. A CarFax would be a good idea too (to check for accidents, flood damage, etc).

As rexcramer said, for $12K you can get a nice clean, well cared for one. You'll be spending at least that much just to get the known problems fixed on this one.

Not trying to rain on your parade, but I want you to go in with your eyes wide open. As the old saying goes, "there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Porsche."

[tomob122]

I spoke to him about letting me take it to get a PPI right off the bat; he was a little hesitant because other people are inquiring and wanting to purchase without even mentioning it!!! What hurts me is the not so smart people... ugh...

Water pump has not been changed; tires are from early 2016; brakes were done with the tires; original struts.

Regarding the exhaust, no drone between 2 - 3k.

He has owned the car for 6 years actually. Carfax was clean with him being the 2nd owner.

I have kept myself aware of the parking brake repair, AOS and the water pump going into this potential deal. I figured I would do the clutch, IMS and the RMS this coming winter. I'm wondering if the AOS is potentially the culprit of the check engine light...

I don't know if it is the low mileage on the engine that is keeping me over-interested... but, looking past that being nice how it is only 32k miles, I'm factoring those maintenance costs.

[78F350]

A Boxster that has been cared for by an enthusiast is usually a much better car to buy than one that has just been 'owned'. Given what you have said about the condition of the car and the attitude of the seller, I'd agree that he has some quirks, but not necessarily an enthusiast.

Low miles and clean is nice, but considering the faults, I would not buy this one for a premium price. If I was selling it, I'd fix the problems. If I was buying it, I'd offer significantly less than the asking price and expect to walk away without a deal. I would probably not deal with a seller who is difficult about a PPI.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by 78F350

A Boxster that has been cared for by an enthusiast is usually a much better car to buy than one that has just been 'owned'. Given what you have said about the condition of the car and the attitude of the seller, I'd agree that he has some quirks, but not necessarily an enthusiast.

Low miles and clean is nice, but considering the faults, I would not buy this one for a premium price. If I was selling it, I'd fix the problems. If I was buying it, I'd offer significantly less than the asking price and expect to walk away without a deal. I would probably not deal with a seller who is difficult about a PPI.

Usually easier & better to do light mechanical restoration than cosmetic restoration.

I would not buy any M96 without inspecting whats in the oil filter 1st !

To OP, 1997 Boxster will always be the least desirable M96 powered Porsche.

[mikefocke]

So no major work. Any records of doing a major (30k in the maintenance manual) service?

Do not make an assumption on the check engine light. Know the P-code and get it interpreted. You are dealing with a 20 year old car with all its hoses which can deteriorate over time.

What is the date on the sidewalls of the tires? New looking quality and new year are different.

There were engine problems with the '97s specific to the model year. Just be aware of them.

Re someone's else's comments re significant changes after the '99s, I didn't see them and I owned a '99 and a '01S. Loved em both.

I wouldn't buy this car. Too many unknowns and I can see $3k right off the bat. There are thousands for sale right now. You can do better.

I'd want to know the sellers motivation for selling. See some records of regular maintenance so you don't have to do it all yourself.

[tomob122]

Eyes wide opened here! I really appreciate all the feedback from everyone and already feel a whole lot better about assessing potential deals from here on out.

Just curious, what would you all pay just from seeing everything as it is with this car? I’m going to go the route of shooting off my offer and most likely walking, so just seeing what everyone would throw out there as for a number?

As for servicing some of the items, I would undertake some of the projects, however, I have an indy that I would go to for other projects.

[clickman]

Weird thing about the 97s: you can't go up in wheel size from stock. Apparently the structure won't handle it...

[78F350]

Originally Posted by tomob122

...what would you all pay just from seeing everything as it is with this car? ...

It's a slow night at work. Mind if I ramble a bit?

I took a look at the listings in your local Craigslist market and all the prices look high to me.

Boxster prices can vary a lot by region and time of year. If a thorough PPI confirmed that all the issues are minor fixes that I could DIY I wouldn't go above $7,000 in my local area. Your situation, preferences, and needs are pretty different from mine.

Thoughts...
Fly to LAX, PHX, or DFW, pick up one with no needs and up to 80k miles on it for $6K to $12K. Drive it home to get familiar with it.


"NEVER takes it out when it is wet...." Probably adds about $1,500 to the value. I had a motorcycle like that once, then one day I got stuck out in a thunderstorm ...and that was over.

I saw an ad for a car once that said "never driven in snow" It had a picture of the car outside with about 8" of snow on it. Well, not "driven."

While I agree with what BYpro and MWS said about cosmetics and miles, each car presents a different situation. Do you value a bumper respray against an AOS and water pump? A 70k mile car that is about to need clutch, suspension, and tires vs a 100k mile car that just had everything done? Extremes are easy to evaluate, but most cars are more to the middle of the spectrum.

All my advice and speculation is a bit irrelevant. The most I have paid for (purchase of) a Boxster was $5,000 for my first one. I've bought 10 now counting 2 parts cars and I have never had a PPI done. Still I'll tell everyone to have a PPI done.