Build vs buy, which will make me less poor?

[Nickanator8]

Originally Posted by elgyqc

I think your analysis of the two camps is right on. I’d just add that at your budget point you will never find a car that isn’t going to need some work immediately or soon. With a 20+ year old car things wear out.

This comment right here about my budget basically requiring dealing with some jankyness is why I've struggled with the idea of going to the top of my price range for just the base car.

The blue Boxster that I previously posted a list of everything wrong with it just had its price reduced, so I think I'm going to pull the trigger on it. I've gotten the blessing of my partner, but unfortunately, I simply do not have time to buy it this week as we are attending a wedding this weekend and into Monday. Hopefully, I can find time in the middle of next week to buy the car and roll the dice.

I'm still a bit wary of all the body damage that needs attending to, but maybe that will just give me a lot of "content" for a YouTube channel.

Wish me luck! I hope to report back with pictures of my new project by this time next week.

If I did go the route of documenting the build on YouTube, are there any rules against self-promotion here?

[Nickanator8]

Gentlemen, I've officially joined your cult.

Last night I went and looked at the blue, 2000 Boxster S for the second time. After another test drive and brief negotiation, I signed the paperwork and now am $5,000 poorer, but one Porsche richer.

Now comes the "fun" part. I'm going to operate under the assumption that this car needs every service item done until proven otherwise. I'll post some pics and specific issues soon but right off the bat what are the things that should be at the top of my list to get the car on a solid mechanical baseline?

Obviously an oil change is needed, and transmission fluid is probably worth doing as well, but what else should I make a priority to take care of straight away?

Here is my list so far
Engine oil
Engine oil filter
Brake fluid
Engine air intake filter
Cabin pollen filter
Spark plugs
Drive belt
Fuel filter
Clean throttle body
Automatic transmission fluid
Water pump
Air oil separator
Brake rotors
Brake pads

The car has 160k on the clock, what am I missing?

[Gilles]

Congratulations on your new ride! but you forgot the pictures..?

If you are replacing the AOS (air-oil separator), I would like to suggest that you order and change the plastic 'accordion' hoses (that attach to the AOS) as well, as by now, these would be very brittle..

[mikefocke]

Alignment, tire tread depth measurement, tires date inspection, inflation check on all 5 tires, tool kit completeness examination.