Buying driveable Boxster vs Buying not so driveable boxster

[Russdawg1]

Sorry, just want to confirm, to make sure I have no further questions.

You guys are saying that buying cheap that needs a lot of help usually needs more help and ends up costing more than just buying a car that didn’t need as much help from the beginning.

So we are all in agreement that swapping is difficult and not recommended.

What about engine replacement? Is this same level of difficulty or much more manageable? Etc: Boxster S that had it’s engine blow up cause of IMSB.

Obviously that Boxster will be much cheaper than a running one, would it be more manageable to just hop in another, Boxster S engine, not swapping a different one in?

Thank you guys.

[78F350]

Originally Posted by Russdawg1

... You guys are saying that buying cheap that needs a lot of help usually needs more help and ends up costing more than just buying a car that didn’t need as much help from the beginning.

So we are all in agreement that swapping is difficult and not recommended.

In most cases, Yes.

Originally Posted by Russdawg1

What about engine replacement? Is this same level of difficulty or much more manageable? Etc: Boxster S that had it’s engine blow up cause of IMSB.

Obviously that Boxster will be much cheaper than a running one, would it be more manageable to just hop in another, Boxster S engine, not swapping a different one in? ...

Scattered across the threads in this forum, you will find the stories of sad and anguished people who had a 3.2L engine fail and looked at what had to be done to swap in another to get it back on the road again. They either ended up spending more than the value of their rebuilt car to get it fixed, or sold the car at a great loss as a 'roller'.

Buying a 'rebuilt' 3.2L engine will cost more than your whole budget. Buying a used 3.2L engine will cost most of your whole budget and if you install it yourself, it will void any chance of a warranty. Buying a wrecked Boxster S (from an insurance auction) to pull an unknown quality engine from will probably cost at least $3,500. Then you could find out the engine has a cracked head. Lots of little expenses can add up even when just replacing with the same type engine. Little mistakes and lack of knowledge can turn into big problems along the way.


A Base model Boxster can be just as much fun (if you ask people who own both) and engine replacements are a lot less expensive. You may want to try one out unless you have a need for the 3.2.

Want to buy a bargain that can be worked on? Some problems lower the value but are DIY friendly:

• Suspension parts replacement.
• Coolant tank, AOS
• Window operation and convertible top problems.
• Brakes.
• Minor flood damage. (I probably shouldn't have mentioned this one)
• Cosmetics - headlights, minor dents, paint issues (if you can paint).
• Interior parts - seats, carpet,etc.. .

[nicecar]

9 years on the forum I learned these basics to hold true. There is no such thing as a good deal on a Porsche....Cheap to buy ,expensive to own....It helps if you can wrench. Averages out to about 2000 a year maintenance. Forum is a must have for support of owner for knowledge that helps in repairs and sanity. PPI . Think about cost and time it takes to keep it looking good....Not a car wash car. Good luck. oh IMS change when you do the clutch and Drive it like you stole it. Woody nailed it Buy the S

[Troy.Boxster]

Maintenance really, really, really depends on how crazy you want to go. From my 10+ years of ownership, I doubt I've spent $2K in one year let alone for an average. Perhaps I've been lucky and my experience may not be typical, but it is a data point. But, if you budget high, then you can spend any extra you find yourself with on cool stuff from Fred or whatever else you want. :-)