Need your guys' advice on what to buy. - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

denverpete · 12-29-2006, 01:50 PM

Skip EBAY. I'm not saying that some people here haven't found some nice deals, but they also didn't get them with a PPI.

Can't speak for the prices, but I'd definitely stick with 2003 or above if for nothing more than the glass rear window. The mileage on all of them seem high. Also keep in mind that this is the WORST time to sell a convertible - so you should be able to negotiate pretty well.

If at all possible in your price range, go for the "S". I didn't and while I love driving my Box, I still wish I had the S.

BTW, I saw a 2004 anniversary a few months ago for around the price range you are looking at. A bit more HP than the 2004 S and some other nice features.

Be really careful with the carbon fiber. Check the option codes to ensure that it was factory and not an add-on by the previous owner. Some of the add-ons seem to be pretty cheap.

Bottom line, take your time - don't hurry on this. You'll find plenty of Boxsters which will turn your head. Make sure it has what you want. And make damn sure you get a PPI....

Good luck.

Travis · 12-29-2006, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by denverpete

Skip EBAY. I'm not saying that some people here haven't found some nice deals, but they also didn't get them with a PPI.

Not 100%, But I am sure that is due to the snow flurries blinding you in Denver at the moment.

Bought mine via eBay, I was in California at the time and the Box was in Houston; I won the bid and afterwards all you do is give a small deposit and then you will have XX number of days to have any inspections done and if something comes up you can back out of the deal, and in my case if the PPI failed I negotiated to have my deposit refunded. Just email the seller ahead of bidding to work any details out.

-:Cheers

shaman1204 · 12-29-2006, 03:21 PM

Yeah, I have kind of come to the conclusion that I will have to take my time. Test drove another today, a 2002 base with tip and 35000 miles for $23k. While it was ok, I will probably want the S. But I don't want a super nice one because it will be a city car. Although I do plan on buying a condo with garage this spring/summer, so I can upgrade in a few years. Plus, they want to give me squat as a trade-in for my Jag, and I have babied it. Synthetic every 5000 miles, 10, 20, 30 and 40k miles done by a really good Jag dealership in the city, new tires, brakes, blah blah blah. They want to give me $10,500. I walked. I plan on selling it outright and be able to really negotiate when I find the right one. So keep the tips coming guys and gals, this is an awesome forum and threads like this are very informative, not only for myself, but for the others wanting a 986 as well.

SC986 · 12-29-2006, 05:19 PM

Travis I wonder if we bought from the same people in Houston? I also had a ppi and in my case they actually found three small dents and a hairline crack in one of the cv boots. These were fixed before I bought.

racer_d · 12-29-2006, 05:29 PM

1) As you learned, no dealer will give you money for a trade, especially if you still owe on it. Check places like KBB.com and NADA.com to get realistic values for your trade.

2) Since Boxsters are not as "rare" or special or as old as some other porsches (964's and 993's) you CAN use a guide like KBB or NADA to establish values for the cars you are looking for.

3) Use EBAY as a pricing guide. Track similar cars to what you are looking for and see waht they sell for in the end.

4) Make sure the Jag is gone and cash is in hand when you go buying. Nothing makes a sale go quicker than money in hand. I am not saying to buy the first car you see, but both dealer and private seller move quickly for cash deals, in January, for convertibles.

In my search I asked point blank to "dealers" (non -porsche dealers) selling '98-99s why they thought the cars were $19-21K. All were taken as trades and whel, the trade in value for these cars was much closer to 13-15K. I found mine on Craigslist. 41K miles. MY2000. paid much less than those advertised '98's

Check the local papers, autotrader, cars.com, craigslist etc. You might find what you want easier than you thought! Good luck.

Travis · 12-29-2006, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SC986

Travis I wonder if we bought from the same people in Houston? I also had a ppi and in my case they actually found three small dents and a hairline crack in one of the cv boots. These were fixed before I bought.

I got mine from ExpoMotor Cars, they are pretty big on eBay, and when I was emailing the sales guy prior to bidding, he was the one who told me to get a PPI before committing to the sell (with him or any other). They were really great to deal with and I have not had a single issue since I bought it.

SC986 · 12-29-2006, 05:58 PM

Yeap, I got mine last week from David at Expo Motors.

funster · 12-29-2006, 07:26 PM

I just bought a Bassalt black 2002 S a couple of months ago and I LOVE it! I was wanting to get the 03 because of the glass but I really wanted to stay under $25k. I found a beautiful 02 that was loaded with xenon, Bose, psm, seat heat, full leather, design sport pkg, etc. This car is really nice and in great shape. It had one owner before me and they loved it too. It had 38K mi on it,(42k now) and everything is like new. I think a really nice car is much more important than a glass window and 8hp. Driving this car is beyond fun!