Future Porsche Owner - 05 or 04
 

Looking to buy my first Boxster. Considering an 2004 Base Boxster Tiptronic with 28K miles and a 2005 Base Tiptronic with 41K miles. Like upgrades of 2005, however not sure they are worth the extra money vs. a lower mileage 2004. This will be a daily driver and do have some winter weather (snow). 2005 has PSM 2004 does not. Plan to run with extra set of winter tires. Looking for input as to whether to spend the extra $3K for the 2005 or go for the 2004. 2004 also comes with a Porsche CPO warranty 2005 does not. Options are similar on both vehicles.

Have you looked at a review of the '05 when new
 

and read up on all the differences? The major ones are:

Variable ratio power steering

Stiffer chassis, wider wheel alignment

Bigger brakes

Head airbags

PSM standard

17” wheels standard (18”, 19” optional)

Improved headlights

More cockpit room

Better positioned roll bars

I own an '01S and, if I were buying, $3k for the 987's benefits would be just about right.

I don't buy the most expensive wine. I'm willing to spend considerably less to get what I consider to be 90-95% of the "goodness". But there are things I'm willing to spend more for. Is this it for you?

Any idea of the maintenance history on either?

Styling is a matter of personal taste.

The CPO can't be too much longer on an '04.

Thanks Mike
 

The 2004 is a Certified Pre-Owned through a Porsche Dealer with the 2 year or up to 100,000 warranty. Dealer does not have history of maintenance. Car has had 30K service. The 2005 has no maintenance history from Carmax. Not wild about the red color of the 2005. The low miles and warranty are swaying me towards the 2004. I know I will have extra expenses right away like winter tires. If the 2005 was a different color and I had more history on the car it would be a no brainer.

I would avoid Carnax type places and look form either delaership or private party. Having maintainance records is very important. There are a lot of cars on the market and I wouldn't rush into buying a car. Take your time and find exactly what you want.

My view is that the 04 is the most developed 986 and the 05 is the newest 987. I'd look at 06 or later if you can. As Bruce Anderson says, "Buy the best car you can afford."

SeaNile is right, it is a buyers market.

Boxster Advise
 

Thank you for the input. I now have my sights on a 2006 model. I plan to keep this car for several years. How much is too much mileage to have on a used 2006 model?

04 vs 05
 

Keep in mind that the IMS bearing design changed in late 05, I believe, so if that gives you cause for concern just realize that with the later 05 you don't have the option of upgrading the IMS bearing without a completely tear down.

S

05 Engine Question
 

What does a complete tear down cost in lieu of a IMS bearing upgrade?

Imsr
 

Too many times Porsche used old on new parts just because...or the car has a replacement engine...so while we can generalize the only way to be absolutely positively sure is by examination.

The IMS replacement is normally done at clutch replace time along with the RMS (Rear Main Seal) update. So in round numbers for a stick shift car, $2k. For a 3rd gen IMS design such as an '07 surely is...the same parts and labor would be around $4.5k. But depends on what the labor rate is and how you buy the parts. And there are those who do it all themselves or with help from a friend.

Sorry Late model 2005-2008 have to have the motor removed and motor case split to remove and replace IMS this is, BIG BIG $$$$.

1997-2004 can have IMS removed with out having to remove and split the motor case. therefore labor cost is a lot less.

You can buy a nice 2004 and have IMS, RMS and a new clutch done at an Indy, shop for less then $3,000 or Buy a 2009 or newer Boxster and not have to worry about the IMS, 2009 and up no longer have an IMS.

I would not touch a 2005-2008 W/ a ten foot pole, unless it has a warranty. Good luck Dude. :)

Still Looking
 

Still looking for my first Boxster. Hopefully with Spring approaching more Boxsters will hit the market. I have a question about mileage. How many miles are too many miles when looking for a used Boxster 03-04. What should I make sure has been replaced when looking for a used Boxster this age?

Thanks,

Husker Pete

Finally
 

Just purchased my first Porsche Boxster 2003. Now I know.