Opinions on 2000 Base

[LenA]

Local non Porsche dealer has a nice looking 2000 base for sale. As is usual with dealers, there do not appear to be records beyond what can be gleened from Carfax. It is a really nice color combo, and nice options. Mileage is 32k and dealer is asking $14.9. Not too worried about price, have a decent idea of value in the SoCal market.

Question I have is 32k with lack of complete records a show stopper in your opinions, regardless of what PPI might show, or is there preventative actions that could make this car worth considering

Thanks

Len

[RawleyD]

Show stopper for me..

-Not an 'S' model.
-Low mileage means it wasn't driven much at all. This could mean lots of problems

[KevinH1990]

I bought my 2000 base with 30,000 miles on it - but that was 7 years ago. I had a series of problems with it right after I bought it. I had to replace the Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF) and then had a problem with the fuel system that made the car hard to start after fueling. There was also a leaking oil filler tube and then an oxygen sensor failed. Now that I drive it about 8,000 miles per year it seems to have fewer problems. I don't know whether my experience is typical or just a run of bad luck, but there does seem to be some basis to believe that Boxsters have fewer problems when driven regularly. At 32k, you are due for a plug change and some other maintenance items. Since the car doesn't have records you will probably need to do the 30k service to bring the car up to date.

Overall, I really like my 2000. I've done a few upgrades that have made it even nicer. The plastic rear window in the top is the major downside of an 00-02 car vs. the 03/04 cars. I replaced my top with one off of an 04 and the difference is significant. On the plus side, an 00 is likely to have a dual row Intermediate Main Shaft (IMS) bearing which may make a major engine failure less likely. It is also easier to upgrade the audio system on an earlier car than it is on the 03/04 cars.

RawleyD makes a good point about the car not being an S. There are many days I wish I had held out for an S, but the market at the time was $10k higher for an S. Also, if you are going to drive the car frequently, you will be in traffic. I don't use most of my car's potential most of the time, so the lower power when compared to the S may not be as important as you think. The non-S appears to get better fuel economy.

Good luck with the choice you make.

[Topdown986]

I would hold out for a S. I paid $9,500 for my 2000 S a few months back with 62,000 on the clock and all the records back till the purchase date.

[Porsche9]

Originally Posted by Topdown986

I would hold out for a S. I paid $9,500 for my 2000 S a few months back with 62,000 on the clock and all the records back till the purchase date.

You sir got a good deal. Definitely not indicative of the market.

[RawleyD]

Originally Posted by Porsche9

You sir got a good deal. Definitely not indicative of the market.

No kidding!
I waited for 3 months for a dual-row "S" model under 10k$... And it has well over 100k miles.
Very good deal

[san rensho]

Price is way too high. I got my 2000 with 115k miles about 2 years ago for $7500. Body was 8/10, interior 9/10, new glass top.

[Dlirium]

I'm looking at a 2003 S for $13k, but it has 123k miles on it. It's an automatic (wife wants one to match my 200s). KBB.com says it's worth more like $17k...but you know how that goes.

Does seem reasonable, but how worried should I be about the 123k miles on an automatic? Carfax shows 3 owners, and regular maintenance at local dealerships. My 2000 S has 115k, no IMS change and is running great! Blackstone tests say don't bother with IMS yet...

Thoughs?

[Kurt V]

In December 2012 I purchased a 2001 base in Lapis blue with blue interior/blue top. Some decent options and records back to new. 48,000 miles. Paid $12,500. Which I thought was a fair price. The one you are looking at is way over priced.

[ultimate1]

2000 is a great year especially if you get one built in Finland. Low mileage cars are usually engine issues waiting to happen at least in my opinion. I have around 140000 on my base 2000 and can attest that the ims / engine issue did not arise until I got somewhere above 110,000 miles. Not sure of the exact numbers but I would plan on expecting to spend 3 to 5,000 on things that will need replacement and of course worse case $8,000 to $12,000 on an engine rebuild. I would rather buy one that has some history as well as an IMS upgrade from a reputable shop. Otherwise, I would not spend much more than $8,000 on a 2000 Boxster. I have seen a lot of low mileage 996 and 986 in the shop with major engine issues from lack of use. As far as the power difference goes it really depends on your driving. While I would have loved to have gotten an S or wouldn't mind getting one even now, my base is plenty sporty for me plus there are things you can do to improve performance to get it up to S level horsepower. Your best bet would be to find a car with a blown engine and get the engine rebuilt with L/N Engineering IMS upgrade and Tuners Direct Oil Feed. You will spend roughly the same amount of money as the car you are looking at but you will also have the piece of mind in knowing that you will not risk having the heartache / expense of an engine failure.

[Ebell914]

I just bought a 2000 S for $14.7k. Has 53k on the clock now and the PO just put in a new clutch and LNE bearing. The car is in superb condition.

He bought it 3 years ago and it had 31k on it. He had to replace (and I have records/receipts for): mass air flow sensor, CV boots, spark plugs, serp belt, rear window and a couple other things. Long story short, he put $5k into a low mileage car.

Good for me? Heck yeah, cause I think I got a great deal!!

Good luck.

[woodsman]

I'd like to point put that winter pricing is about to be replaced with 'crazy spring pricing'.... not to rush anyone as the best car tends to go to he who waits. Shop 'intensely'.:dance:

[Muzzle of Bees]

This is exactly why I did not post any information here about me being interested in purchasing a Boxster. I did do my research though. You get the full range of emotions here, everything from outright fear to go for it. Not bad, just obvious. Just because the car was worked on does not mean it was done with care. Prices are driven by region, volume, interest etc. One price does not fit all. If you found one optioned the way you want, if the car feels solid and you are happy with the price. It is your decision. All purchases have risk. Have fun, enjoy the car.