Low Mileage A Concern?

[Mroth]

I'm looking at a 2000 Boxster S with 7,500 miles on it. Wondering if this is a cause for concern. Seems like it should be great - an almost new 7 year old car. But that's not much required maintenance over a 7 year period. Any thoughts?

Also - anything in particular to watch out for on the 2000's?

All help greatly appreciated. Sold my 944 when the kids got too big for the back seat. Last one left for college in August. Time to jump back in the pool!

Michael

[Brucelee]

Assuming the PPI checks out, I would buy the car.

Good luck

[David N.]

I agree with Brucelee...IF the car has a powertrain warranty and you plan to continue to have one.

If not, the price of having an almost new car is this:
-You will be financially responsible for all the things that could POTENTIALLY happen with Boxsters (among them RMS failure, IMS failure, and a couple other issues that tend to pop up) in the first few years of driving them daily. Be prepared.

BTW, I also have a 2000S, and mine had an engine rebuild at 36k miles due to IMS failure (fortunately under warranty).

-David

[rick3000]

I purchased my Boxster at 8 years old with 17K miles. Just make sure regular maintenance was done. The only problem with cars that sit is that things dry up in the hoses. My car had a vacuum leak the first two weeks but was no big deal.

I Bought my 99 with 7,000 miles and its great

[YKS 971]

My 99 has 29k on it and no problems. I was lucky enough to purchase it from a hardcore enthusiast though. Good luck. How much are they asking?

Mroth, don't forget, not all maintenance is based on mileage. For example, the car should have the brake fluid flushed every 2 years. Did the prior owner do this about 3X's already? How many times did they change the oil in those 7 years? Once, 7...zero?

Seven year old performance tires? They could be shot too. Drive belt?

Do a PPI and proceed accordingly.

[rdancd816]

I bought my '97 a year ago with 9,700 on it. It was PPI'd but be aware that doesn't catch every thing. For example the tires looked new but were original and needed to be replaced due to their age. Car had not had the convertible top cables updated and that was $1500.00. It is an everyday driver and now has 24,000 miles. Overall I've been ecstatic with the vehicle.

[mikefocke]

The 2000S is a wonderful car and, assuming you are getting it for a wonderful price, can be a joy to own.

Having said that, are there any service records available for the car that show the oil changed at least 3 times and preferably 7 times? The brake fluid changed recently?

Assume the tires are 7 years old and original. Plan on replacing them at a cost of $1000 for great tires or $800 for average ones. This based on the age of the tires, not their mileage. If the car was stored inside, then there may not be the age deterioration and you may get another year out of these but do change them when the rears get to 4/32".

Do get a PPI just so you learn more about the car and have an idea of what repairs and preventative maintenance will need to be done. If you are absolutely going to buy the car anyway, I'd suggest having a 60k service done on the car ($1,300 or so) just so you know in what shape everything is. That will take care of the belt and the inspections will take care of the hoses and similar things that could go wrong.

Some web pages that might help you include the buying guide and a list of local mechanics. Here

The best deal you'll get is when it is the coldest out and no sane person would be interested in buying a convertible.

[blinkwatt]

That's wayyyyyy to low mileage to buy without a warranty.

To be honest I've noticed most IMS failures(blown engine) occur on 3.2L,not trying to scare you but I want you to know the truth.

The lowest mileage on any Boxster I'd buy is 30k unless it's brand new where it would come with the factory warranty.

[Mroth]

Hey - thanks for all the info and tips. I did get a PPI, which was clean. Bought the car last week and have been having a blast driving it.

Mroth

[Avidhts1]

hello all,
I just dropped off my '03 986, w/ 44K miles, at my local authorized dealership expressing some concerns about various petty problems,(rough idle, rear window defroster connection, a rattling drivers window). My intention was to get a final 'fine-tooth-comb, check-everything-out-before-the-warranty-expires-next-month' once over from my local 'Porsche Authority'. I was advised that a '45,000 mile interval service should be performed... 'fluid exchange, filters replaced, software updated, wheels balanced, etc. From the forum, what should I expect to be a reasonable and customary charge for this type of service?.

[NickCats]

Avid,

I had the 45k mi service done at the dealer in September.

Quoted $560 ( paid $578.69 with tax )

My advice is to call around, quoted price varied tremendously by dealer :

http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12911&page=2&pp=20

$600 +/- seems to be the norm.

Hope this helps...

Nick

[REDBXSTR]

I purchased my 2004 Boxster with 6,589 miles and no problems.