New Owner--Should I purchase a Durametric?

[mikefocke]

I'll be the contrarian here.

No, you don't need the Durametric SW/HW to own a Porsche. What you are seeing here are people with problems..you won't necessarily have problems.

You can generally get by by having access to a good Porsche mechanic. More expensive and not as self satisfying as doing it yourself but you do save the money on tools.

Next option is see if a nearby auto parts house will read the codes for you if you have some sort of problem or you have a solid check engine light (flashing, you stop and get it towed to a mechanic).

Or do you have a friend who already has code reading capability? The local car nut?

Next would be a simple code reader. Not nearly as capable as the Durametric but gives you access to many of the more common diagnostic codes the Boxster puts out. Unless you have some experience in trouble shooting, most things which would require the Durametric are going to be beyond you anyway. Actron is a typical brand.

And last but certainly not least, if you want to learn about the inner workings of the car, then by all means buy the Durametric.

(Owned a '99 and then an '01S and never needed anything beyond a simple code reader and only bought that when I needed one. Used it on other folks other brand cars as well as on my wife's Acura. If you are near Sanford, I'd be glad to read your codes for you.)

[mistermac99]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

I'll be the contrarian here.

No, you don't need the Durametric SW/HW to own a Porsche. What you are seeing here are people with problems..you won't necessarily have problems.

You can generally get by by having access to a good Porsche mechanic. More expensive and not as self satisfying as doing it yourself but you do save the money on tools.

Next option is see if a nearby auto parts house will read the codes for you if you have some sort of problem or you have a solid check engine light (flashing, you stop and get it towed to a mechanic).

Or do you have a friend who already has code reading capability? The local car nut?

Next would be a simple code reader. Not nearly as capable as the Durametric but gives you access to many of the more common diagnostic codes the Boxster puts out. Unless you have some experience in trouble shooting, most things which would require the Durametric are going to be beyond you anyway. Actron is a typical brand.

And last but certainly not least, if you want to learn about the inner workings of the car, then by all means buy the Durametric.

(Owned a '99 and then an '01S and never needed anything beyond a simple code reader and only bought that when I needed one. Used it on other folks other brand cars as well as on my wife's Acura. If you are near Sanford, I'd be glad to read your codes for you.)

Very good advice Mike. This forum has really proved to be a benefit to me as a new owner.
I have only owned this Boxster for one week now. I have located a great mechanic who only works on Porsche, and highly recommended by a friend who used to work with him at a dealership, but he now has his own business. Met with him Friday, and was very, very pleased. I would imagine he could check the code at any time, if necessary.

I am a very quisitive person, and dive right into anything that I take on. So, being able to analyze and even diagnose my vehicle, or understand what makes it tick, would also be great! So I may keep my eyes peeled for one if comes up for sale on this site.

We are sort of neighbors, as I live near Hickory, NC. Thanks again for the advice.

Kind of off topic, but do you belong to a local Porsche club, and if so, do you find it beneficial and enjoyable?

[recycledsixtie]

I have a 2001 Boxster base with 40k miles and have covered 10k miles in a year of ownership. Have not had a need for a durametric. So far no CEL lites or any significant problems. Got Wayne Dempsey's book 101 Projects and a couple of trips to my indy shop has precluded the need for the Durametric. I don't buy stuff unless I have to. I have IMS guardian installed now. I don't worry about it and just do what is necessary!

[Topless]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

I'll be the contrarian here.

No, you don't need the Durametric SW/HW to own a Porsche. What you are seeing here are people with problems..you won't necessarily have problems.

You can generally get by by having access to a good Porsche mechanic. More expensive and not as self satisfying as doing it yourself but you do save the money on tools.

Next option is see if a nearby auto parts house will read the codes for you if you have some sort of problem or you have a solid check engine light (flashing, you stop and get it towed to a mechanic).

Or do you have a friend who already has code reading capability? The local car nut?

Next would be a simple code reader. Not nearly as capable as the Durametric but gives you access to many of the more common diagnostic codes the Boxster puts out. Unless you have some experience in trouble shooting, most things which would require the Durametric are going to be beyond you anyway. Actron is a typical brand.

And last but certainly not least, if you want to learn about the inner workings of the car, then by all means buy the Durametric.

(Owned a '99 and then an '01S and never needed anything beyond a simple code reader and only bought that when I needed one. Used it on other folks other brand cars as well as on my wife's Acura. If you are near Sanford, I'd be glad to read your codes for you.)

+1
I have owned my Box for 7 years now, diagnosed several CEL error codes and made repairs without ever left wanting for a Durametric. My simple $39 Actron pocket reader tells me what I need to know and I don't really "need" to know everything.

Caveat: I am a simple guy who likes simple tools for common DIY repairs. I no longer own a lift and don't really want to own every specialty tool needed to completely disassemble and re-assemble my entire car. I prefer to leave that stuff to the pros. YMMV