Wanted: 97-99 boxster

[captnem]

I am looking for a 97-99 boxster. I would like a black or silver exterior, and a black interior. The car must have below 60,000 miles. If any of you guys have one for sale, let me know...Thanks so much!

-Matt

captnem@hotmail.com

[Brucelee]

Mechanically and performance wise, these are the worst Boxsters to buy.

If you have the money, I suggest 2000 and up.

Good luck.

[RandallNeighbour]

Yup, from personal experience I'd say that's quite accurate. Why do you want such an old boxster anyway? Budget constrictions?

[98Boxster98]

Overall, the 97-99 may be the "worst" to buy but I think you have to ask why you want the car. If it's going to be a daily driver and you're going to sink almost every last dollar into the car to get it, then you're better off getting the latest greatest Boxster. On the other hand, if it's going to be a fun car, you enjoy turning a wrench every once in awhile and if something mechanically catastrophic happened where you might be PO'd but could survive it, then there is nothing wrong with looking at '97-'99. Many Boxster owners don't drive more than 5000 miles a year and you can get a pretty nice car for $15k to $20k. Make sure you get a Porsche Pre-Purchase Inspection. I didn't but I recently got a Porsche Post-Purschase Inspection and the mechanic thought it looked great for a '98.

The killer defects - porous blocks and slipped sleeves are gone by now unless you it happens to be a garage queen. As I see it, it seems like RMS and intermediate shaft failure is pretty much across all model years (same M96 engine.) I view Boxsters with factory replaced engines as a postive since the remanufactured engines are built to tighter specs.

One good thing about the older Boxster is that a lot is known about common failures and many are repairable by the DIYer; convertible top cables and alignment, air/oil separator, ignition switch, assorted microswitches, clogged drains, motor mounts, airbag light, coolant tank, window regulators, MAF and 02 sensors. A lot of basic maintenance isn't so bad; brakes, cabin and air filters, throttle body cleaning, coolant, radiator cleaning, oil change. The shortcoming of having a plastic rear window is somewhat address by third party glass window top suppliers (one manufacturer says that they are working towards providing a DIY DVD and still not counting out Tool Pants in creating one.)

The early Boxsters have taken most of their depreciation at this point and with the advent of Spec Boxster racing, it may slow it down even more. The early Boxster can be a great hobby car (albeit an expensive one.) With a lower investment into it, you stand a better chance of realizing your daydream of putting a 3.4l engine into it someday (snap - that's my daydream.)

Different strokes for different folks.

[986Jim]

I also have a 99 with no problems. The 00 has a 2.7L engine and 217hp instead of 200hp, whoptie do. If 17hp floats your boat then yes the 00 is better than the 99.. As you can see from my current car selection, my boxster is not my "fast" car. The 17hp can be picked up with intake and exhaust etc.. They are just as reliable as the 2.7L cars are just as fast. I'll bet the differen in the 1/4 mile is around 1/10th of a second which on a 14 second car is about one car length in a 1320ft race.

If HP is really what you want get an RX7 or Supra or DSM they make more power cheaper and much more easily. Any of those car can make 400hp cheaply and reliably (Rx7 is debatable tho hahaha..) or dole out 40-60k for a good 911.

No matter what year you buy it will be a fun car and good value for the money. I wanted a 00 originally because of what people said. I drove both and can't tell the damn difference. Maybe for me, I just can't feel a 17hp difference as I own some other fairly fast rides. I bought the 99 as it was the best deal with a lot of extras from Porsche vs the 00 I looked at.

Good Luck!

[Brucelee]

"They are just as reliable as the 2.7L cars"

I would bet that the service techs at the local Porsche dealer would disagree with you there. At least, mine would.

[Topless]

Originally Posted by Brucelee

Mechanically and performance wise, these are the worst Boxsters to buy.

Gee, I had no Idea I owned such a low performance POS. Here I am just frittering away my time with an older car. I guess those boys in the $75000 987 S models are really going to get a complex now if I manage to outrun some of them again in the cones this weekend with nothing more than a good set up and a little driving skill.

The fact is a 98 Box that is still in good shape has proven itself over time. Mine is a sweetie and not for sale. Current year to date costs: Maintenance and repairs $1248, Car payments $0. Smiles per mile... countless.

With the money I have saved on this car I think I'll take my wife on a 3 week vacation in China next spring. Nuf said.

[mccarrm]

Saw soooo much stuff floating back and forth, but I didn't see anyone really answer your question.
I have a '98 Blk/Blk in excellent condition, with 50K miles on it.
It has been very well maintained and has a new clutch and brakes. If you would like photos, please let me know and I will be glad to forward.
Best Regards,
Mike
818-415-4236

[GunNut]

Originally Posted by captnem

I am looking for a 97-99 boxster. I would like a black or silver exterior, and a black interior. The car must have below 60,000 miles. If any of you guys have one for sale, let me know...Thanks so much!

-Matt

captnem@hotmail.com

I realize that this is an old posting, but if you are still looking for a Boxster, I have 1999 silver one with the black 'sport' interior. It has 37,000 miles and looks great! I believe you live in Chicago, so with me in Detroit, you can fly one way using Southwest for like 50 bucks and then drive it home. Give me a call at (313) 235-3767 if you are interested.

[EPIQTodd]

Maybe he wants it to build a Spec Boxster, which can ONLY have the 2.5l motor, so '97-'99.

I will be looking for these off and on for as long as we build spec Boxsters at EPIQ so if you have one (under 50k miles), any condition as long as the engine is working perfectly, keep us in mind.