Build vs buy, which will make me less poor?

[maytag]

Lonewolfgal makes an excellent and important point; mileage doesn't mean as much on these cars as maintenence does.

I'd go even so far as to say that a well- maintained car with 150k miles is far superior to a poorly maintained one with 40k miles.

And avoid cars that haven't been regularly used. A car sitting for 5 years ages a lifetime. Worst money pit you could buy.

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[Nickanator8]

There is so much valuable advice in this thread, thank you all so very much. I shared this thread with my partner and she commented that everyone here has been super nice and constructive so hats off to the 986 community.

It seems like there are two primary schools of thought being presented here, but with some overlap. From where I stand the overlap seems to be that the car needs to have been used regularly and recently, and more maintenance is always better. But that seems to be where the paths diverge.

On one side, I see people pulling me towards being patient and waiting to a prime example of a Boxster to show up that basically maxes out my budget. Essentially going down the path of "buy the best example you can afford"

On the other side, I'm hearing suggestions that I just kind of lowball people and roll the dice, so long as there is nothing obviously outside of my capability.

I'll call these two camps Best Example and poobox Casino moving forward.

Here is a quick summary of those in favor of the Best Example camp: 78F350 and LoneWolfGal seem to be presenting arguments for buying the best car I can find. Suggesting PPIs, service histories, and a good record of maintenance and regular use.

Here is a quick summary of those in favor of the poobox Casino: elgyqc, maytag, and 78F350 seem to be arguing that buying these 20+ year old sports cars is inherently a gamble, particularly at my specified price point, and that I should embrace the project car nature of where I'm shopping and try to get something for as low a cost as possible so I have more money leftover to repair what needs repairing, though still being mindful of buying a project within my mechanical capabilities.

The eagle eyed among you will notice that 78F350 is in both camps, this is mostly because he seems to give advise by the adage of "do as I say, not as I do" because by the looks of it, they only buy cars in the poobox Casino category.

Does anyone have any objections to how I've tallied their votes?

[maytag]

Originally Posted by Nickanator8

There is so much valuable advice in this thread, thank you all so very much. I shared this thread with my partner and she commented that everyone here has been super nice and constructive so hats off to the 986 community.

It seems like there are two primary schools of thought being presented here, but with some overlap. From where I stand the overlap seems to be that the car needs to have been used regularly and recently, and more maintenance is always better. But that seems to be where the paths diverge.

On one side, I see people pulling me towards being patient and waiting to a prime example of a Boxster to show up that basically maxes out my budget. Essentially going down the path of "buy the best example you can afford"

On the other side, I'm hearing suggestions that I just kind of lowball people and roll the dice, so long as there is nothing obviously outside of my capability.

I'll call these two camps Best Example and poobox Casino moving forward.

Here is a quick summary of those in favor of the Best Example camp: 78F350 and LoneWolfGal seem to be presenting arguments for buying the best car I can find. Suggesting PPIs, service histories, and a good record of maintenance and regular use.

Here is a quick summary of those in favor of the poobox Casino: elgyqc, maytag, and 78F350 seem to be arguing that buying these 20+ year old sports cars is inherently a gamble, particularly at my specified price point, and that I should embrace the project car nature of where I'm shopping and try to get something for as low a cost as possible so I have more money leftover to repair what needs repairing, though still being mindful of buying a project within my mechanical capabilities.

The eagle eyed among you will notice that 78F350 is in both camps, this is mostly because he seems to give advise by the adage of "do as I say, not as I do" because by the looks of it, they only buy cars in the poobox Casino category.

Does anyone have any objections to how I've tallied their votes?

'yer gonna go far.
(that's a "O Brother Where Art Thou" movie reference, haha)

I'd say you've summarized nicely. the only thing you lack is to note that Camp A is wrong, and Camp B is right. haha.

Seriously though; most of my life I've been about the "poobox" as you call it. I call it selective bargain hunting.
For instance:
the first Audi TT roadster I bought had a book value of a little over $11k, but they couldn't sell it because it lacked a clutch and nobody could take it for a test drive. I gave $1700 for it, and put in a $700 clutch.
My first Jaguar was an '03 X-Type (booked at about $12k at the time). I paid $3500 for it, because they said it needed a t-case. I bought said t-case on ebay for $800, but promptly resold it for $750 when I crawled-under and discovered a broken bracket had simply misaligned the input shaft.

What I'm getting at is this: I've been driving nice cars that others wouldn't call "poo boxes". They were nice cars. They simply required a willingness to get elbow-deep into them.

This is especially possible in the euro-car market, where people fear the "high shop-labor rates". While they might jump at a domestic or Asian "mechanic special", they shy away from the Euros. this is why these cars plummet in value so much more aggressively than their Asian or Domestic counterparts.

Lastly; I wouldn't be too patient. A man who waits too long may find the window has closed. Look around at what's available. If none of them are right, then keep waiting. But don't wait if you're looking at the car that you like. JUST MAKE SURE IT LOOKS GOOD.

[78F350]

The eagle eyed among you will notice that 78F350 is in both camps, this is mostly because he seems to give advise by the adage of "do as I say, not as I do" ...

Does anyone have any objections to how I've tallied their votes?

Yes and No.

...and how about an epic Fly-n-Drive adventure? Center on Las Vegas, NV with a 500 mile search radius. Pick three Boxsters within a couple hours of each other, then buy a plane ticket, and roll the dice.




Can you live with purple and chrome wheels?

[Nickanator8]

Originally Posted by 78F350

Can you live with purple and chrome wheels?

The purple I actually love, the chrome wheels... can be changed.

[maytag]

Originally Posted by 78F350

Yes and No.



...and how about an epic Fly-n-Drive adventure? Center on Las Vegas, NV with a 500 mile search radius. Pick three Boxsters within a couple hours of each other, then buy a plane ticket, and roll the dice.

]

This is the best idea yet. love it!


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[78F350]

Your list looks good. I'd prioritize water pump and oil change. The engine mount is probably worn out and it is easier to access a couple of the water pump bolts with the mount removed, so might as well do both together. (Don't support the engine with a jack in the center of the oil pan.)

Does the coolant tank plastic look yellow? -aged plastic ready to crack.

Spark plugs: When I replace them, I replace the spark plug tubes if there is any sign of an oil leak. Clean and inspect the coils for cracks and replace the rubber coil boots if they look degraded.

The vacuum tubing under the intake is going to be brittle. Chances are that it will crack or come apart when you do the AOS. Be gentle or plan to replace it.

What you have written so far shows that you have more awareness than most first time 986 buyers. Everything you need to do to your car has been documented here many times and Youtube videos are great for seeing where other people have made mistakes. Don't hesitate to ask stupid questions.

Many of us have extra parts that aren't listed for sale. Ask if you need any used parts Boxster and Cayman Parts for Sale or Wanted - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners and go to eBay if you want it in a hurry.

Enjoy your new car!