Thinking of my first Porsche

[JMW45]

Hi All,

A common question on these forums I am sure so I hope you can point me in the right direction.

Having purchased my first ever sports car nearly two years ago, I think it's time to move on. I currently have a 03 plate Z4 3.0 (re-mapped).

I'm thinking of a Boxster 3.4S probably around 2007 for my budget of +/- £15k.

There are a few around both private and dealer so is there anything I should be looking for in particular or questions I should be asking?

It's worth mentioning that I am useless when it comes to mechanics and technical stuff so is it worth getting a specialist to look over it or would you not bother if it is a clean looking car with a full service history?

Any suggestions gratefully received.

Thanks,

Joe

[Trev450]

Even with a sound mechanical knowledge it is vital to have these cars checked by someone who knows what they're doing prior to purchase. Google M96/97 bore scoring as to why.

[JMW45]

Thanks Trev.

I had heard of this but thought that by the time they brought out the 3.4 boxster (post 2006) it had been resolved.

If this is not the case, how can you check for bore scoring and what is the cost involved?

Cheers,

Joe

[VladD]

To check for bore scoring, you'd need someone to stick an endoscope into each cylinder. Alternatively you could go for the older 3.2 engined car, which doesn't suffer from it at all.

[Trev450]

JMW45 said:

Thanks Trev.

I had heard of this but thought that by the time they brought out the 3.4 boxster (post 2006) it had been resolved.

If this is not the case, how can you check for bore scoring and what is the cost involved?

Cheers,

Joe

The problems are only associated with the 3.4 and larger engines. As VladD says, the 3.2 doesn't suffer from it. You need to ensure that if you do have a boroscope inspection done, it is undertaken by someone who knows what they are looking for as most bores will show some signs of scuffing, but it takes a trained eye to distinguish this from the scoring issues that can blight these engines. Not sure on exact cost but any decent indy should be able to do it for about an hour's labour.

Edited by Trev450 on Tuesday 19th May 13:41

[Orangecurry]

OP - I hope you are nowhere near Yorkshire.

[JMW45]

Orangecurry said:

OP - I hope you are nowhere near Yorkshire.

Orangecurry - why??

[Orangecurry]

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

As the boys have said, it is strongly advised to get an independent inspection before purchase.

[JMW45]

Thanks Orangecurry.

The reason I was aiming for a post 2006 version was I thought that this would avoid the bore scoring issue.

If Trev450 is right in saying that the 3.2 never had this problem then I shall change my focus especially as a 3.4 was at the top of my budget.

Perhaps someone can give me a definitive on this as the bore scoring is the main issue I want to avoid.

986 3.2 258hp engine pre 2004 - no bore scoring issues?
987 3.2 280hp engine 2005 to 2006 - did this have bore scoring issues?
987 3.4 290hp engine 2007 to 2009 - definitely has the potential of bore scoring issues

I want to be clear as I would prefer to buy the latest I can find (within my budget) but without running the bore score risk. Preferably 2005/06 which I think was the 987 engine but only if there are no BS risks.

Cheers,

Joe

[VladD]

JMW45 said:

Thanks Orangecurry.

The reason I was aiming for a post 2006 version was I thought that this would avoid the bore scoring issue.

If Trev450 is right in saying that the 3.2 never had this problem then I shall change my focus especially as a 3.4 was at the top of my budget.

Perhaps someone can give me a definitive on this as the bore scoring is the main issue I want to avoid.

986 3.2 258hp engine pre 2004 - no bore scoring issues?
987 3.2 280hp engine 2005 to 2006 - did this have bore scoring issues?
987 3.4 290hp engine 2007 to 2009 - definitely has the potential of bore scoring issues

I want to be clear as I would prefer to buy the latest I can find (within my budget) but without running the bore score risk. Preferably 2005/06 which I think was the 987 engine but only if there are no BS risks.

Cheers,

Joe

The 987 3.2 does not have bore score issues, but can have IMS problems. I have a 55 plate 3.2.

[JMW45]

VladD said:

The 987 3.2 does not have bore score issues, but can have IMS problems. I have a 55 plate 3.2.

I read that the IMS problem was resolved by early 2005. Is this right?

If so, a late 2005 or 2006 987 should avoid both problems. Or am I being over optimistic?

[VladD]

JMW45 said:

I read that the IMS problem was resolved by early 2005. Is this right?

If so, a late 2005 or 2006 987 should avoid both problems. Or am I being over optimistic?

I'm not that certain about the IMS issues, I believe that the 3.2 can suffer from it. Have a read of the buyers guide on the Hartech web site, those guys seem to know their stuff.

[Fl0pp3r]

Personally i think it would be a shame to limit your search entirely on the basis of what are issues you are unlikely to encounter if you do your homework pre-purchase, and then post-purchase do the right things to minimise any further risk vis a vis IMS or bore scoring as part of your regular maintenance regime. There's plenty of info on Hartech's website and on here for you to swot up on regards the M96/97 engine weak points, or if you don't fancy doing the work on your own dime, by knowing the important points you may be able to find a recent car that has already had the appropriate precautionary work done. These issues are now well known/documented and they can be reliable engines if the right measures are taken.

Good luck with your search! The Boxster will knock the Z4 into a cocked hat!

Edited by Fl0pp3r on Tuesday 19th May 21:47