Viewing a Boxster
Discussion
Alright all,
I'm going to see a 64 plate,Boxster 2.7 981 with the pdk gearbox, very nice looking car with fsh and low mileage, is there anything I need to look out for when viewing, are they a reliable motor, could just do with a bit of advice from anyone with experience of these cars.
Cheers Mark
I'm going to see a 64 plate,Boxster 2.7 981 with the pdk gearbox, very nice looking car with fsh and low mileage, is there anything I need to look out for when viewing, are they a reliable motor, could just do with a bit of advice from anyone with experience of these cars.
Cheers Mark
Obviously all the usual stuff you would on any car. Expect stone chips especially in front of and behind rear wheels and on the nose.
If it has PSE check the PSE valves aren’t seized.
Check abrasions on the roof aren’t too severe, check roof seats properly when it closes. (Check around the door windows that it looks the same on both sides.)
If it has PSE check the PSE valves aren’t seized.
Check abrasions on the roof aren’t too severe, check roof seats properly when it closes. (Check around the door windows that it looks the same on both sides.)
It should all be straightforward and reliable. As ever, buy on overall condition and service history.
Small things to look out for,
Small things to look out for,
- Which steering wheel is fitted. Mine's a manual car but I believe the base pdk wheel has push-button gear shifting and is much less popular than the paddle-shift option.
- Which stereo is fitted. The base system isn't up to much if you like fancy sounds. There are also variables of connectivity so if you need USB make sure the car actually has it installed.
- If you want Satnav make sure the car's got it.
- If you're expecting to find Cruise Control make sure it's been fitted.
- If you're picky about your air conditioning, make sure the car has the preferred 2-zone Climate Control rather than base A/C.
- For my taste, make sure front and rear parking sensors are installed. The corners of these cars are out of sight.
Litcoat said:
What's PSE
As stated above, it’s sports exhaust, it has vacuum valves to switch from loud<->quiet. They can get stuck, easy to check they are working.See about 2:30 + on this vid
https://youtu.be/nC4VGnYJ4QM
If you don’t know the cars well it’s worth trying to get acquainted with the options. Lots of things you might imagine are standard in fact arent. E.g. Bluetooth phone connection. Make a list of the items that are essentials to you.
The sport design steering wheel (with paddles)was a big must have for me, it looks great, a perfect combination of retro and modern, really lifts the interior look.
Edited by Green1man on Tuesday 28th July 11:33
As said above, aside from the Boxster's condition, mileage, history, etc, the big differential is specification, and the options list can make a significant difference to the quality and enjoyment of the car.
The 3.4S models seem to be more highly specd than the 2.7 models, but the most desirable expected options would be
- Paddle Shift with PDK (retrofittable c.£1k)
- Heated Seats (and doubles the no. of days you can drive with the roof down without dressing like an eskimo)
- Cruise (retrofittable c.£650)
- Dual Climate (the standard aircon is very basic)
- Sports Seats (more grip and comfort)
- PDC F&R (most people will want this as there is no bumper protection)
- 19 or 20 inch wheels (for aesthetics)
- PCM with Nav, Phone, etc (not the best but nice to have)
- PASM, Sport Chrono - nice but probably not essential on a 2.7
- PSE - I'd want it and you also get the twin tail pipes
The 3.4S models seem to be more highly specd than the 2.7 models, but the most desirable expected options would be
- Paddle Shift with PDK (retrofittable c.£1k)
- Heated Seats (and doubles the no. of days you can drive with the roof down without dressing like an eskimo)
- Cruise (retrofittable c.£650)
- Dual Climate (the standard aircon is very basic)
- Sports Seats (more grip and comfort)
- PDC F&R (most people will want this as there is no bumper protection)
- 19 or 20 inch wheels (for aesthetics)
- PCM with Nav, Phone, etc (not the best but nice to have)
- PASM, Sport Chrono - nice but probably not essential on a 2.7
- PSE - I'd want it and you also get the twin tail pipes
Koln-RS said:
As said above, aside from the Boxster's condition, mileage, history, etc, the big differential is specification, and the options list can make a significant difference to the quality and enjoyment of the car.
The 3.4S models seem to be more highly specd than the 2.7 models, but the most desirable expected options would be
- Paddle Shift with PDK (retrofittable c.£1k)
- Heated Seats (and doubles the no. of days you can drive with the roof down without dressing like an eskimo)
- Cruise (retrofittable c.£650)
- Dual Climate (the standard aircon is very basic)
- Sports Seats (more grip and comfort)
- PDC F&R (most people will want this as there is no bumper protection)
- 19 or 20 inch wheels (for aesthetics)
- PCM with Nav, Phone, etc (not the best but nice to have)
- PASM, Sport Chrono - nice but probably not essential on a 2.7
- PSE - I'd want it and you also get the twin tail pipes
Sports seats are standard fit (also available with 14 way electric adj), sports plus seats (in 2 or 18 way electric adj) are options and much better for comfort and grip imv. Buckets are a very rarely fitted option.The 3.4S models seem to be more highly specd than the 2.7 models, but the most desirable expected options would be
- Paddle Shift with PDK (retrofittable c.£1k)
- Heated Seats (and doubles the no. of days you can drive with the roof down without dressing like an eskimo)
- Cruise (retrofittable c.£650)
- Dual Climate (the standard aircon is very basic)
- Sports Seats (more grip and comfort)
- PDC F&R (most people will want this as there is no bumper protection)
- 19 or 20 inch wheels (for aesthetics)
- PCM with Nav, Phone, etc (not the best but nice to have)
- PASM, Sport Chrono - nice but probably not essential on a 2.7
- PSE - I'd want it and you also get the twin tail pipes
Heaveho said:
Drive it on a bumpy road and listen for suspension knocks. A Boxster is the only car I've had that has broken a spring, and that, and what's called " coffin arms " and " tuning forks " are prone to requiring replacement at various mileages.
I take it you haven't had many Vauxhalls. Happened to me in both a Cavalier and an Astra, and not due to any off-road antics either, just normal bumps. 
Some Mercedes have a reputation for brittle springs too.sixor8 said:
I take it you haven't had many Vauxhalls. Happened to me in both a Cavalier and an Astra, and not due to any off-road antics either, just normal bumps. Some Mercedes have a reputation for brittle springs too.
No, it's a lovely offer, but I have a motor trade background, which in part consists of processing warranty claims. Hence, both Vauxhalls and Mercedes are a step too far down the path of unpredictability, so I have owned neither. My Porsche is possibly a mistake, but I knew that when I bought it, and my one and only VW, my Corrado VR6, a great drivers car, was unquestionably the most unreliable thing I've owned in 30 years! Some Mercedes have a reputation for brittle springs too.I like cars, so am prepared to accept some risk and regret in life. If I wasn't, I'd only drive Jap cars. Specifically petrol or hybrid Lexus models, my Evo, and older petrol Toyotas.
As mentioned previously don't take certain options for granted. My Dad bought a 981 2.7 PDK (lovely car) but the spec on it was pretty odd - lacking cruise control and DAB?!
The absolute must have options would be cruise control, heated seats, auto lights & wipers and PCM (with Bluetooth, USB, Nav and DAB).
The absolute must have options would be cruise control, heated seats, auto lights & wipers and PCM (with Bluetooth, USB, Nav and DAB).
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