Porsche Boxter.....buying advice?
Discussion
A couple of days ago I had a budget of 4k and was looking at an MX5 or MR2 for my wife. Somehow this has morphed into an 8k budget for a Boxter!
I know nothing about Boxters, so what do I look for?
I'm aware of the RMS issues, but i gather its not a huge bill. I have a k powered elise, so I'm used to living life on the edge :-)
I know nothing about Boxters, so what do I look for?
I'm aware of the RMS issues, but i gather its not a huge bill. I have a k powered elise, so I'm used to living life on the edge :-)
I've got a nice 2002 3.2S tiptronic pm me if you want more details - its got fsh £7000.
things to look out for
spec is important - extras like Bose, xenons, elec leather seats etc make a big difference to price
look out for
heat shields start to rattle
aircon not working due to condensors corroding
wet carpets
things to look out for
spec is important - extras like Bose, xenons, elec leather seats etc make a big difference to price
look out for
heat shields start to rattle
aircon not working due to condensors corroding
wet carpets
98elise said:
A couple of days ago I had a budget of 4k and was looking at an MX5 or MR2 for my wife. Somehow this has morphed into an 8k budget for a Boxter!
I know nothing about Boxters, so what do I look for?
I'm aware of the RMS issues, but i gather its not a huge bill. I have a k powered elise, so I'm used to living life on the edge :-)
How about IMS issues, and scored bores (due to coolant issues)? These ARE enormous bills...I know nothing about Boxters, so what do I look for?
I'm aware of the RMS issues, but i gather its not a huge bill. I have a k powered elise, so I'm used to living life on the edge :-)
Oh, and it's BoxSter.
Good luck!
As 986's get cheaper, the non-S comes into its own with lower running costs specifically in terms of replacing the brakes. I agree RMS is generally a non-isse but another bogey is that the 5-speed is potentially a more reliable 'box. Although not terribly common overall, I do beleive the 6-speed box in the S is more prone to worn synchros / jumping out of gear. A test drive should highlight this but consider the other standard advise that I like to regurgiate: make sure that the front engine mount is in good condition. Not easy to do a visual inspection but the transmission can be clunky when it is on its way out and it is a worthwhile/relatively inexpensive fix.
Yes the S has more torque and power but which is not to be sniffed at but the difference isn't night and day and probably equates to 1 PAX. i.e. A well driven non-S with one-up should have no little difficulty keeping up with an S with two-up and may even do better on a tight track as there is one less ratio to pfaff-around with
Yes the S has more torque and power but which is not to be sniffed at but the difference isn't night and day and probably equates to 1 PAX. i.e. A well driven non-S with one-up should have no little difficulty keeping up with an S with two-up and may even do better on a tight track as there is one less ratio to pfaff-around with
im looking for an elise just incase your thinking about selling , the reason i ask is im selling an excellent boxster 2.5 http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3827768.htm so there could be a deal done there ???? just thought id ask
the seeker said:
im looking for an elise just incase your thinking about selling , the reason i ask is im selling an excellent boxster 2.5 http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3827768.htm so there could be a deal done there ???? just thought id ask
That a lot of money for a 2.5.I have myself gone for an S after the S1 111S Elise and still happy. I agree that the running costs are much higher.
rallycross said:
I've got a nice 2002 3.2S tiptronic pm me if you want more details - its got fsh £7000.
things to look out for
spec is important - extras like Bose, xenons, elec leather seats etc make a big difference to price
look out for
heat shields start to rattle
aircon not working due to condensors corroding
wet carpets
That sounds like a good price, but as the wife will be driving it, it needs to be a manual.things to look out for
spec is important - extras like Bose, xenons, elec leather seats etc make a big difference to price
look out for
heat shields start to rattle
aircon not working due to condensors corroding
wet carpets
IMS is a complete rebuild, so thousands - bore scoring is a similar sort of thing. Have a search on here (in fact there's a sticky at the top of the forum concerning IMS failure).
In terms of which engine - at your price point I believe it makes no odds. If you start looking at Gen2 987s, then yes, the 2.9 is DFI and so IMS is no problem. Bore scoring remains a bit of an unknown, with some on here saying 5% of engines will fail, others surmising far lower numbers (I'm in the latter camp).
There's also an argument that a 60,000 mile car, 10 years of age, would have failed if it was going to...again, I don't think that's proven as such.
Speaking in general terms I'd suggest a 2.7 car and pay for an inspection, unless you really MUST have a 3.2. I'm no expert though - I'm sure somebody more technically minded will be along in a minute.
ETA - I say 2.7 as I think the lower powered car will do the job, which is being a bit sexist your missus may much prefer something, ahem, a bit bigger...
In terms of which engine - at your price point I believe it makes no odds. If you start looking at Gen2 987s, then yes, the 2.9 is DFI and so IMS is no problem. Bore scoring remains a bit of an unknown, with some on here saying 5% of engines will fail, others surmising far lower numbers (I'm in the latter camp).
There's also an argument that a 60,000 mile car, 10 years of age, would have failed if it was going to...again, I don't think that's proven as such.
Speaking in general terms I'd suggest a 2.7 car and pay for an inspection, unless you really MUST have a 3.2. I'm no expert though - I'm sure somebody more technically minded will be along in a minute.
ETA - I say 2.7 as I think the lower powered car will do the job, which is being a bit sexist your missus may much prefer something, ahem, a bit bigger...
the seeker said:
im looking for an elise just incase your thinking about selling , the reason i ask is im selling an excellent boxster 2.5 http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3827768.htm so there could be a deal done there ???? just thought id ask
I'm keeping the elise, the boxster is for my wife :-)She refuses to drive (or even get in) the elise.
Exige S said:
98elise said:
I'm keeping the elise, the boxster is for my wife :-)
She refuses to drive (or even get in) the elise.
Non-petrol head wife then...She refuses to drive (or even get in) the elise.
Actus Reus said:
IMS is a complete rebuild, so thousands - bore scoring is a similar sort of thing. Have a search on here (in fact there's a sticky at the top of the forum concerning IMS failure).
In terms of which engine - at your price point I believe it makes no odds. If you start looking at Gen2 987s, then yes, the 2.9 is DFI and so IMS is no problem. Bore scoring remains a bit of an unknown, with some on here saying 5% of engines will fail, others surmising far lower numbers (I'm in the latter camp).
There's also an argument that a 60,000 mile car, 10 years of age, would have failed if it was going to...again, I don't think that's proven as such.
Speaking in general terms I'd suggest a 2.7 car and pay for an inspection, unless you really MUST have a 3.2. I'm no expert though - I'm sure somebody more technically minded will be along in a minute.
ETA - I say 2.7 as I think the lower powered car will do the job, which is being a bit sexist your missus may much prefer something, ahem, a bit bigger...
Whats DFI?In terms of which engine - at your price point I believe it makes no odds. If you start looking at Gen2 987s, then yes, the 2.9 is DFI and so IMS is no problem. Bore scoring remains a bit of an unknown, with some on here saying 5% of engines will fail, others surmising far lower numbers (I'm in the latter camp).
There's also an argument that a 60,000 mile car, 10 years of age, would have failed if it was going to...again, I don't think that's proven as such.
Speaking in general terms I'd suggest a 2.7 car and pay for an inspection, unless you really MUST have a 3.2. I'm no expert though - I'm sure somebody more technically minded will be along in a minute.
ETA - I say 2.7 as I think the lower powered car will do the job, which is being a bit sexist your missus may much prefer something, ahem, a bit bigger...
This looks ok, regularly serviced,low miles, recent tyres, 2.7
http://autotrader.mobi/used-cars/advert/2012134595...
Direct Fuel Injection, thus doing away with the seal/bearing that failed on the older cars. Only found in Gen 2 987 2.9s and 981 2.7s - brilliant engine, but not in the 8k bracket for a few more years yet.
Car in the ad looks solid to me, but I've never owned a 986, just 987s so not the best to comment - all about condition though, so get it inspected is my advice.
Car in the ad looks solid to me, but I've never owned a 986, just 987s so not the best to comment - all about condition though, so get it inspected is my advice.
Edited by Actus Reus on Friday 20th April 18:59
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