Porsche Inspection Close Calls
Discussion
Back in May 2018 I purchased a 26,000 mile 986 Boxster 2.7 from a chap selling through a dealer on sale or return.
I paid £10,750 for the car, and because of a combination of both the external condition (excellent), the spec (I had to have this one) and the excellent service history; I was foolish enough to not have the car inspected before purchase.
I think it's important to note, I am 20 and this is my first Porsche so I pretty much rushed into buying this one.
Anyway, 8 months later I have paid for the following:
A new clutch
A new flywheel
A new wheel bearing
And narrowly avoiding the £9k IMS issue, I forked out £600 for an IMS Kit and installation.
Porsche have also told me I need to replace the exhaust and suspension - although I'm yet to replace these.
All in all, I have spent over £3k this year on what I assumed would be a fairly low maintenance car, considering the mileage.
What I want to know, is given an inspection, have you had any close calls when buying your Porsche? What was it that made you back out?
I paid £10,750 for the car, and because of a combination of both the external condition (excellent), the spec (I had to have this one) and the excellent service history; I was foolish enough to not have the car inspected before purchase.
I think it's important to note, I am 20 and this is my first Porsche so I pretty much rushed into buying this one.
Anyway, 8 months later I have paid for the following:
A new clutch
A new flywheel
A new wheel bearing
And narrowly avoiding the £9k IMS issue, I forked out £600 for an IMS Kit and installation.
Porsche have also told me I need to replace the exhaust and suspension - although I'm yet to replace these.
All in all, I have spent over £3k this year on what I assumed would be a fairly low maintenance car, considering the mileage.
What I want to know, is given an inspection, have you had any close calls when buying your Porsche? What was it that made you back out?
Moderator edit: no naming & shaming please
Edited by jeremyc on Tuesday 19th February 10:47
What was the fault/diagnosis that lead to clutch/flywheel replacement?
Are you using the Porsche main dealer? If yes consider finding a good independent garage; they're likely to be cheaper on labour costs and much cheaper on parts costs. Coffee probably not as good though.
And why do the exhaust and suspension need replacing?
Are you using the Porsche main dealer? If yes consider finding a good independent garage; they're likely to be cheaper on labour costs and much cheaper on parts costs. Coffee probably not as good though.
And why do the exhaust and suspension need replacing?
randlemarcus said:
Why would you assume a Porsche was a low maintenance car? 
On the bright side, you now have a clear path to a sorted car that's going to cost you less going into the future. Result.
I kind of assumed that because of the low miles I wouldn't have any big costs until I'd put some mileage on her. On the bright side, you now have a clear path to a sorted car that's going to cost you less going into the future. Result.
You make a good point, I think the gearbox is the only thing left to go wrong that's costly
AW10 said:
What was the fault/diagnosis that lead to clutch/flywheel replacement?
Are you using the Porsche main dealer? If yes consider finding a good independent garage; they're likely to be cheaper on labour costs and much cheaper on parts costs. Coffee probably not as good though.
And why do the exhaust and suspension need replacing?
So I used Porsche for the service, excellent coffee and complimentary courtesy car (on another note, how was my excess £50 for a 20 year old on the £65k 718 Cayman S they lent me???), then when they highlighted certain issues, I took it to a local Indy who has really done me a favour on prices.Are you using the Porsche main dealer? If yes consider finding a good independent garage; they're likely to be cheaper on labour costs and much cheaper on parts costs. Coffee probably not as good though.
And why do the exhaust and suspension need replacing?
I think the exhaust mounts (might be the wrong word) are rusty and can only be replaced with a full new system according to Porsche.
The suspension, on the other hand, I can't quite remember. Although I think its one of those things that is recommended to replace although it probably has a bit more life left.
Jamescharman said:
So I used Porsche for the service, excellent coffee and complimentary courtesy car (on another note, how was my excess £50 for a 20 year old on the £65k 718 Cayman S they lent me???), then when they highlighted certain issues, I took it to a local Indy who has really done me a favour on prices.
I think the exhaust mounts (might be the wrong word) are rusty and can only be replaced with a full new system according to Porsche.
The suspension, on the other hand, I can't quite remember. Although I think its one of those things that is recommended to replace although it probably has a bit more life left.
The fault for the clutch was that it essentially broke in 2 while I was driving and the flywheel was damaged at the same time - this was just in traffic I think the exhaust mounts (might be the wrong word) are rusty and can only be replaced with a full new system according to Porsche.
The suspension, on the other hand, I can't quite remember. Although I think its one of those things that is recommended to replace although it probably has a bit more life left.
Old car needs some new parts, shocker.
Parts generally expire on age or mileage. An old car you will be doing a bit of both to keep it in good condition.
Running an old car like this you either need to be handy with the spanners or have deep pockets.
A £3k first year on something like this isnt bad in the scheme of things, considering what you have had done.
Parts generally expire on age or mileage. An old car you will be doing a bit of both to keep it in good condition.
Running an old car like this you either need to be handy with the spanners or have deep pockets.
A £3k first year on something like this isnt bad in the scheme of things, considering what you have had done.
Jamescharman said:
I think the exhaust mounts (might be the wrong word) are rusty and can only be replaced with a full new system according to Porsche.
The exhaust mounts are separate from the exhaust and bolt on so a full new system seems a bit ott. I have a 3.2 exhaust in good condition you can have for nothing if you want, i believe they fit a 2.7 as well.
R8Steve said:
The exhaust mounts are separate from the exhaust and bolt on so a full new system seems a bit ott.
I have a 3.2 exhaust in good condition you can have for nothing if you want, i believe they fit a 2.7 as well.
Steve that's very kind of you and I really appreciate the offer! I have a 3.2 exhaust in good condition you can have for nothing if you want, i believe they fit a 2.7 as well.
I was about to fit an aftermarket system before my clutch broke so I think I'll hold out for that but otherwise, I would of 100% taken you up on that.
Have a good week!
This sounds familiar - I bought a boxster for 6k with a bit over 60k miles in October 2017 and have had to spend quite a lot getting it sorted; I haven't added it up (too scared) but it has needed: -
Suspension refresh (new shocks and springs and various arms/ball joints replaced)
New clutch (IMS bearing and RMS seal sorted at same time)
New exhaust (stainless steel sporty goodness) but the cats and o2 sensors are expensive
Other odds and sods (coils etc)
It still needs some bodywork to catch some bubbling. I intend to do the brakes when the weather in nicer and some Michelin tyres would be nice.
Its not great that your low mileage one has needed a clutch and an exhaust is looming but ultimately it is an old car and things will need doing as parts wear out. Buying a 15/20 year old car is always a bit of a gamble and while you might not ever get the cost of the repairs back, you can enjoy it without worrying about the IMS - and if you come to get rid one that has had the clutch and IMS bearing done will always be a better proposition than one that hasn't.
Suspension refresh (new shocks and springs and various arms/ball joints replaced)
New clutch (IMS bearing and RMS seal sorted at same time)
New exhaust (stainless steel sporty goodness) but the cats and o2 sensors are expensive
Other odds and sods (coils etc)
It still needs some bodywork to catch some bubbling. I intend to do the brakes when the weather in nicer and some Michelin tyres would be nice.
Its not great that your low mileage one has needed a clutch and an exhaust is looming but ultimately it is an old car and things will need doing as parts wear out. Buying a 15/20 year old car is always a bit of a gamble and while you might not ever get the cost of the repairs back, you can enjoy it without worrying about the IMS - and if you come to get rid one that has had the clutch and IMS bearing done will always be a better proposition than one that hasn't.
Norse_mann said:
This sounds familiar - I bought a boxster for 6k with a bit over 60k miles in October 2017 and have had to spend quite a lot getting it sorted; I haven't added it up (too scared) but it has needed: -
Suspension refresh (new shocks and springs and various arms/ball joints replaced)
New clutch (IMS bearing and RMS seal sorted at same time)
New exhaust (stainless steel sporty goodness) but the cats and o2 sensors are expensive
Other odds and sods (coils etc)
It still needs some bodywork to catch some bubbling. I intend to do the brakes when the weather in nicer and some Michelin tyres would be nice.
Its not great that your low mileage one has needed a clutch and an exhaust is looming but ultimately it is an old car and things will need doing as parts wear out. Buying a 15/20 year old car is always a bit of a gamble and while you might not ever get the cost of the repairs back, you can enjoy it without worrying about the IMS - and if you come to get rid one that has had the clutch and IMS bearing done will always be a better proposition than one that hasn't.
Was is the 986? I think you'd see your money back on it now, or at least most of it! They seem to be on the up ^ £Suspension refresh (new shocks and springs and various arms/ball joints replaced)
New clutch (IMS bearing and RMS seal sorted at same time)
New exhaust (stainless steel sporty goodness) but the cats and o2 sensors are expensive
Other odds and sods (coils etc)
It still needs some bodywork to catch some bubbling. I intend to do the brakes when the weather in nicer and some Michelin tyres would be nice.
Its not great that your low mileage one has needed a clutch and an exhaust is looming but ultimately it is an old car and things will need doing as parts wear out. Buying a 15/20 year old car is always a bit of a gamble and while you might not ever get the cost of the repairs back, you can enjoy it without worrying about the IMS - and if you come to get rid one that has had the clutch and IMS bearing done will always be a better proposition than one that hasn't.
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