Great advice thank you!
I've been looking into the top issue - I really think it's the one outlined here:
http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/73106-roof-issue.html
All adds up with the stretching of fabric (meaning it won't reach all the way), juddering noise as fabric rubs over frame, etc. Because of the hard top, the car is stored roof-down which can lead to shrinkage and this issue. I'm going to take a good look at it again now I know what to check. Still not ruling out anything like transmissions, but I'll be doing some thorough tests.
Yep, many sources confirm exhaust rattle is normal. I'll just live with it, or ask my mechanic to drop a couple of welds on there when it's in for unrelated work in the future.
CEL- I don't have an OBD reader, so unless I take it to a tech, I won't know. I am going to investigate the drain channels and test with some water. I forgot to add, this only happens when the owner parks on his sloped driveway, nose-in, with hard top (that covers things better) off. My hunch is that drains are blocked, and the rain pools on top of the engine cover below the clamshell, before finding it's way down and causing moisture on connections or MAF or something. Apparently this has been going on for a while and only ever happens after a hard downpour, before resolving itself after time to dry.
Bushings - it could be a clunk, I forget what was said. Owner is saying to price in a fix for those though, he seems pretty sure. I'll have to get it checked out (it will come out in an inspection) and see what the deal is. He did say though this only happens after long drives - so inclined to think it's not bump stop riding as that would happen all the time.
As for passing and finding something else... I'm only really interested in this one, truth be told. I know the seller and therefore the history. It's "come along" without me even looking so I either pull the trigger on this one, or I go without. I have another appointment arranged this week where I'll be doing some in-depth checking, and if we can agree on a price, I'll do it. Otherwise it'll be a pass.
It's an 86. Bone stock aside from newer CD player and full stainless exhaust (OEM is NLA).
I'm not too far from you - maybe I'll take a drive up in the summer
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