dealer service - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

chrisg · 07-14-2005, 05:59 AM

I have done a lot of searches and have been lurking around here for a while now,but I would still appreciate some more insight. I am seriously considering getting a pre-owned boxster as an everyday driver but have concerns about needing to ever have it serviced by an authorized mechanic. My closest mechanic is 30+ miles away which makes it a hassle. Closest dealer is about 150 away, so no better. What I'm wondering is what might arise that actually needs dealer service other than the normal scheduled maintenance at the mileage intervals. Normal oil change and small stuff I have no problem doing my self. Mostly what I am looking at is 2000+ 2.7 models in the 35-45kmi. range. Base models without too many dodads and options. But earlier 2.5's, if they are a deal that can't be passed up, are still an option. So, I'm hoping that some of you have some insight as to how daily life will be (I already understand that ownership is going to be a little pricier, but I think it will be worth it). Dare I say that I am waiting for the arrival of the Pontiac Solstice as a second option but it is just not what I have desired for so many years.

RandallNeighbour · 07-14-2005, 02:12 PM

Buy a used boxster with some factory warranty or a CPO car. You'll pay more but everything that could go wrong will be taken care of then.

My 97 has needed lots of things fixed on it, but I didn't inspect it before I bought it. If you can't afford a box with a warranty, then find one with one owner who absolutely loved the car and can show you records of how the car was cared for.

If you find one like I am describing, basic oil changes, brakes, etc. are what you'll be doing to the car for the first two or three years. Now if you decide to mod it with new intake or exhaust, that's a different story.

Just say no to the Pontiac, by the way. It will be a secretary's car, fall apart like every other Pontiac made, have very little "check it out!" value from others after it's been out a year, and you'll be trading it off soon enough. Porsche. There is no substitute.

Rail26 · 07-14-2005, 02:41 PM

Pontiac Solstice? Pontiac Solstice? Wow...I just don't know what to say. YOU HAVE TO GO PORSCHE! If not, it is time to tuck the hangy things between the legs, put on a dress and go to the grocery store because that is what a solstice will do to you. You might as well buy a Volkwagen Cabrio!

Oh my heart...it's the big one...I'm goin' home Liza!

chrisg · 07-14-2005, 04:23 PM

Ouch! I knew if I mentioned the other "P" brand I was opening myself up to that. Can't say I've ever owned anything from them, but in my own defense I haven't heard much about them yet and I am just looking for a "no-frills" sports car. I know deep down that the box is the only thing I'm really going to be satisfied with, I've lusted over them ever since the prototype was shown. I must have had a weak moment. If I want something really no-frills to drive, at least I'll still have my 914 (is that safe to say here?) And thanks Randall, I've been learning alot from your threads. I'll probably take a different route in my purchase than what you did. I gotta go straighten my skirt now.

RandallNeighbour · 07-14-2005, 04:38 PM

Chris, we are kindred spirits. I saw the prototype and said, "that's the Porsche I must own" The wife rolled her eyes.

Then I saw one in traffic on interstate 10 in late 1997. Said to the wife, "that's the Porsche I must own." Now wife adds "you better start saving your pennies now buster because that's not gonna happen with MY savings account." By the way, she added this statement to the rolling of the eyes she had learned to do before.

Finally, I saved up 17k over an 8 year period above and beyond my salary and bought a beat up 97. Gotta say that even though I own the most beat up boxster I have ever seen on the public roadways, I always have a crap-eating grin on my face.

And what's more, I am learning so much about this car and I'm naturally so verbose that all you guys buying used ones can just read my threads of maintenance woe and learn before it happens to you.

BTW, check your private messages.

Rail26 · 07-14-2005, 05:06 PM

Chris, I was only joking. I have a harsh sense of humor sometimes...too many years flying for the military. Cars are like wine...you don't drink something because it is cool...you drink it because you like it. If that wine happens to be "Nighttrain" or "Boones Farm" than so be it if you like it. If you like the Solstice...by all means it is your car! However, I hate to see you settle...you want the Boxster, you need the Boxster, you gotta have the Boxster. I can feel it. Good luck on whatever you choose. Let me know how the sex change goes...Once again JUST KIDDING! Cheers Mate!