2003 Boxster S - Problem after Problem

2003 Boxster S - Problem after Problem

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Mattygooner

Original Poster:

5,301 posts

206 months

Wednesday 15th August 2018
quotequote all
More of a general advice for keeping it healthy and a vent really...

Currently the car seems to be throwing up problem after problem, I literally get around 50 miles under the belt before the next..

Having purchased in early April, it had a seemingly longstanding issue with the axle height sensor which was a active error code, so that sensor was changed along with the Check engine light coming on for O2 sensors so 2 were changed. Another 60 or so miles and the check engine light came on again, error codes being the other 2 O2 sensors apparently.

I ignored those because I was still recovering from th last bill, and because en route to Silverstone classic, the water pump failed. Another big bill and having just got it back from that, a quick drive and the ABS/PSM warning light came on under acceleration. That turned off when the engine was switched off but pressing the brake pedal when stationary turns them back on, could be a simple switch, could be a 150 quid MAF or a 2K ABS unit..

Is this a Lemon, is it just bad luck and does anyone sans car lift self service their Boxster?

It’s approaching 75,000 and I have put on around 1,200 miles since I had it. It’s fabulous when working but it is throwing up more problems and bills than a 30 year old turbo and an E61 M5 combined!

Fizzbomb

484 posts

109 months

Wednesday 15th August 2018
quotequote all
Mattygooner said:
More of a general advice for keeping it healthy and a vent really...

Currently the car seems to be throwing up problem after problem, I literally get around 50 miles under the belt before the next..

Having purchased in early April, it had a seemingly longstanding issue with the axle height sensor which was a active error code, so that sensor was changed along with the Check engine light coming on for O2 sensors so 2 were changed. Another 60 or so miles and the check engine light came on again, error codes being the other 2 O2 sensors apparently.

I ignored those because I was still recovering from th last bill, and because en route to Silverstone classic, the water pump failed. Another big bill and having just got it back from that, a quick drive and the ABS/PSM warning light came on under acceleration. That turned off when the engine was switched off but pressing the brake pedal when stationary turns them back on, could be a simple switch, could be a 150 quid MAF or a 2K ABS unit..

Is this a Lemon, is it just bad luck and does anyone sans car lift self service their Boxster?

It’s approaching 75,000 and I have put on around 1,200 miles since I had it. It’s fabulous when working but it is throwing up more problems and bills than a 30 year old turbo and an E61 M5 combined!
Give Sid a call at Porsche Torque on 01895814446, will give really sound advice, thanks.

Mattygooner

Original Poster:

5,301 posts

206 months

Wednesday 15th August 2018
quotequote all
Thanks, my local indy is superb, but expensive, (relatively) and the other local who did a break fluid change and didn't put the bleed nipple back on leaving me with a puddle of break fluid on my drive as well as an empty break fluid pot, not so much....

Having just "woggled" the break switch and a quick test blast, no warning lights (would come on pressing the pedal whilst standing still last night) so a very cheap fix. Now just the slow trickle of oil underneath to fix..

LordGrover

33,556 posts

214 months

Wednesday 15th August 2018
quotequote all
I can't offer any advice, but that doesn't sound good.
I bought my 2003 2.7 in April and done 4,000 (almost) trouble free miles so far. Love it.
Had to replace broken offside front strut bearing, but that's wear and tear on a 15 year old, 80,000 miles car. Also rear tyres.

They're pretty cheap right now... if you're not committed/attached to that car in particular, maybe move it on and get another?

multispoke

6 posts

70 months

Wednesday 15th August 2018
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Before you spend any more money on it I would suggest having the brake lines checked for corrosion. I had to change all mine and there wasn't much change out of €2K since I did the discs etc at the same time. Boxsters are relatively cheap to buy but can cost a lot to run. If you are going to have it as a daily you might have to go up in the years.

ooid

4,146 posts

102 months

Wednesday 15th August 2018
quotequote all
They are very tiny problems indeed but pretty annoying. I would suggest getting into boxa.net and get some advice to do most of the work DIY. If you order parts online, and learn tips- tricks, would be easy to manage the bills. It is a pretty old car with mid-engine layout, they would require maintenance a lot especially after this age. (the type of maintenance, indies would charge a lot!). If you have no time to do some work on it, and not enjoying the repair bits you can sell it.

kev.RS

215 posts

209 months

Wednesday 15th August 2018
quotequote all
Try a brake switch before you spend loads on more expensive bits like abs pumps