I seek some insight
 

I hope to dip into the well of the wisdom contained here. I'm looking at a 2003 Boxster S, 16500 miles with a lot of options. Asking price is 26500. I (and the owner) know the ragtop needs replacing and this is an acknowledged point of negotiation. An inspection revealed a crankcase vent valve wet with seeping oil, some creeks at the dash and drivers door and a popping sound at the recirc door actuator when moving. Which of these issues is critical and should be part of the negotiations? This is my first Porsche (long overdue) and would appreciate any input that would enable me to offer a fair price to the current owner.

First of all, the asking price is outrageous. NADA retail /wholesale is 22k/19k. Top is $1600+, anythinf where they have to dig into the dash is probably $1500-2000+

I wouldn't pay much more than 15k for the car. Its a buyers market out there.

I Have to agree with San Resho 19 to 22 on a 2003 S in good condition from a private owner if USED. Then my opinion may not be the same as the balance of people on the sight 16,500 TOTAL MILES ON A 10 YEAR OLD CAR IS NOT A SELLING POINT. I would not put anything over 12,000 with out a compression and balance test. The motor was dry 80% of the time with that milage.

Let go a bit further
 

The MSRP was 77k. the options listed below are from the sticker ( I have a copy). does this alter the evaluations?

Listed Options:

Seal Grey Metallic Paint
Natural Grey Leather
Self Dimming Mirrors
Rain Sensing Wipers
Power Seat Package (both seats)
Porsche Communication Management II with Navigation System
Digital Bose Stereo with Windstop (cancels wind noise out)
3 spoke aluminum steering wheel
Heated front seats
18" Light Alloy Carrera Wheels (painted to match at Porsche factory)
Cruise Control
Porsche Stability Management System
Lumbar support (left seat)
Parking assist system
Remote CD Changer (6 Disc)
Supple Leather Front and Rear

Exclusive Options:

Aluminum Look Interior Large
Rear Center Console Aluminum Look
Rims and Caps - Exterior Color
Porcshe crested headrest
Nature Leather Code Package
Aluminum/Leather Shifter / Brake Handle

In a word, no. Options aren't given really any weight by NADA or other price guides. I too am concerned by the low miles. Cars that aren't driven generally don't do that well.

Agree with San Rensho on this totally. A car that has sat for close to 10 years is going to have issues. Also, don't let the "what it listed for" price drive you at all. It sounds good in stories at a party, but when the rubber hits the road, its all about wholesale, retail and what its worth to you. If they are trying to make the case of look what I paid for it and this is all you will have to pay to own it...nah that does not hold water. You don't buy Boxsters to make money, they are for enjoyment and driving.

A ten yr old car with 16k miles, wasted top and dash cracks was abandoned outdoors all it's life. Just walk away. Find a 2003 with excellent top and paint, 50K miles, that was garaged, cared for, and well maintained with records. $18,000 :cheers:

Or call me I would let mine go for 7g over nada. I will find another in a couple of weeks and keep the 7g.

I paid around $22 for my '03 S 9 months ago... And that was after the seller agreed to pay for a fair amount of maintenance work on it. And from what I've seen, Cali cars tend to go a bit lower than those in the midwest & east...

Keep looking, you'll find a better car; I wouldn't take one seeping oil; I'm sure you can find a more solid one. Heck for that money, you could be in a 987 if you want.

Don't make the mistake that low miles are better in these cars; it hasn't been driven much, which may mean it's going to be a headache.

thanks to one and all
 

I appreciate all the feedback. the search shall continue

As with any lightly used vehicle, it's condition should be commensurate with the mileage. However, a vehicle with only 16.5k on the odometer with the problems and symptoms that you've described raises some concerns . It sounds like the vehicle wasn't cared for every well .