Boxster S 3.2 986 - Thoughts on a cheap purchase ?
Discussion
I've never owned a Porsche before and find myself in the position of looking for a new fun weekend (and probably station carpark) car.
I've owned convertibles on and off for years, so would like to continue this theme.
Looking on Autotrader I see a fair selection of tiptronic 986 2003/2004 vehicles in the 6-10k range. The price variance seems to be mileage and condition related.
If I was to pick a vehicle at say 8k, with a FSH and 70k miles (it needs to be an auto) then what are the likely costs over a year ? I'm not worried about consumables ... just wondering what is likely to break, wear out etc on a car of this age ?
I'd only be looking to run it for a year, mileage would not be high, it's just for a bit of fun and a change.
ta
Arf
I've owned convertibles on and off for years, so would like to continue this theme.
Looking on Autotrader I see a fair selection of tiptronic 986 2003/2004 vehicles in the 6-10k range. The price variance seems to be mileage and condition related.
If I was to pick a vehicle at say 8k, with a FSH and 70k miles (it needs to be an auto) then what are the likely costs over a year ? I'm not worried about consumables ... just wondering what is likely to break, wear out etc on a car of this age ?
I'd only be looking to run it for a year, mileage would not be high, it's just for a bit of fun and a change.
ta
Arf
Boxa.net would be a good start, massive owner group there.
If you are really lucky, zero expense and great fun boxster S would cost you nothing for a year. Depreciation would be minimum. On average, I would spare 1 - 1.5k for a repair or service bill. They are not cheap to maintain. If you are really unlucky, you might need a new engine nearly the cost of the car, so at least 1-3 months warranty ideal if you are buying from a trader.
If you are really lucky, zero expense and great fun boxster S would cost you nothing for a year. Depreciation would be minimum. On average, I would spare 1 - 1.5k for a repair or service bill. They are not cheap to maintain. If you are really unlucky, you might need a new engine nearly the cost of the car, so at least 1-3 months warranty ideal if you are buying from a trader.
I owned one when it was a lot newer and it was still pricey to run, particularly given its far from the pinnacle of performance. Good car, certainly, but I think the parts and general running costs were disproportionate to be honest. I'd aim for something like a BMW Z4 or Nissan 350Z.
By way of an example, a chunky service on mine needed air con compressor, new clutch, discs and pads and a set of rear tyres. Yes, never going to be cheap but all done at a small independent with 50% of the hourly rate yet still best part of £5k.
By way of an example, a chunky service on mine needed air con compressor, new clutch, discs and pads and a set of rear tyres. Yes, never going to be cheap but all done at a small independent with 50% of the hourly rate yet still best part of £5k.
I bought a 2005 FSH 987 3.2S last year for not vastly more than your target figure and just over 70k miles. Had it about 15 months now, I've done 5k miles in it, has so far been completely reliable. Cost me a major service at a local Indy, £450 inc plugs and drive belt, they fixed a minor oil leak on a tensioner for free while it was in. Replaced the rear tyres, but I got them for very little money from a Boxanet forum member. I was fairly sceptical about the idea of Boxster ownership initially, but I'm very taken with the car now. It hasn't been the financial black hole I was concerned it might have been.
Edited by Heaveho on Thursday 14th September 14:55
They are great if you are handy with the spanners, had mine 3 years as a weekend car and been 100% reliable, expenditure has been routine servicing along with full set of discs and pads so think I have spent around £500 on parts in that time so not too greedy. I have documented everything and retained every single receipt to hopefully maintain some of its value. Mine is a 2003 3.2S now on 56K which I paid £8500K for 3 years ago so deprecation hasn't been a massive factor either looking at current prices.
arfur said:
I've never owned a Porsche before and find myself in the position of looking for a new fun weekend (and probably station carpark) car.
I've owned convertibles on and off for years, so would like to continue this theme.
Looking on Autotrader I see a fair selection of tiptronic 986 2003/2004 vehicles in the 6-10k range. The price variance seems to be mileage and condition related.
If I was to pick a vehicle at say 8k, with a FSH and 70k miles (it needs to be an auto) then what are the likely costs over a year ? I'm not worried about consumables ... just wondering what is likely to break, wear out etc on a car of this age ?
I'd only be looking to run it for a year, mileage would not be high, it's just for a bit of fun and a change.
ta
Arf
Varies. Maybe nothing will break or wear out. My 2002 Boxster didn't have any issues -- other than an early RMS (rear main seal) leak at 25K miles which was fixed under warranty -- until around 80K miles. Then the AOS (air/oil separator) followed by a rear wheel bearing happened. Then O2 sensors. Then a water pump at 172K miles. Fuel pump at 200K+ miles. Coolant tank at 220K miles. VarioCam solenoid/actuator at 260K+ miles. CV dust boots but I forget the miles. "Little" things too like clutch interlock switch, brake light switch, some door/window switches/hardware. Top developed a leak in 2016 and I had it replaced with an aftermarket top. Oh and in amongst all of the above 2 more AOS's. (The car has just about 315K miles now.)I've owned convertibles on and off for years, so would like to continue this theme.
Looking on Autotrader I see a fair selection of tiptronic 986 2003/2004 vehicles in the 6-10k range. The price variance seems to be mileage and condition related.
If I was to pick a vehicle at say 8k, with a FSH and 70k miles (it needs to be an auto) then what are the likely costs over a year ? I'm not worried about consumables ... just wondering what is likely to break, wear out etc on a car of this age ?
I'd only be looking to run it for a year, mileage would not be high, it's just for a bit of fun and a change.
ta
Arf
Buying a used car is a bit of a gamble. No matter how well maintained the car is and my cars are very well maintained stuff breaks or wears out as the car is used.
Your window of exposure is small though if you keep the car just a year and don't put many miles on it. (I could and did put 20K+ miles on my Boxster some years.) But the water pump can go bad at any time. The car was fine until one day I started the engine and heard a noise and tracked it down to a water pump. With the fuel pump the thing worked just fine day after day after day until one morning out of the blue I started the engine and even before I could get the car backed out of the parking space the engine died and refused to start. Bad fuel pump. Coolant tank was coolant tight until one day it suddenly decided to not be and gushed hot cooalnt out on my driveway. Every AOS was just fine sometimes for 80K to 100K miles until the exhaust was billowing oil smoke and the engine was running rough.
Rockster said:
(The car has just about 315K miles now.)
Sir, we do need some proper pics! 
An article with your car ownership/journey with boxster would be great. I think there was a similar story with a 993 owner a few years back in the states, 300k, super-solid porsche.
You could perhaps create a new thread with your car ?
I relate to your purchase, bought a 2010 987 2.9, which I love.
FSH, clean MOT's and really fresh looking car, interior genuinely looks brand new and unused...however, I put it into Porsche Edinburgh to give it the once over and had to replace the cross over pipes, apparently very common and do genuinely corrode over time, rear brake pipes, air con condensers, and while it was in I gave it a major service where the plugs and brake fluid where changed also.
Things naturally do need replaced over time but I do believe that you wouldn't want your Porsche being anything less than Porsche standard, would agree with previous comments about setting aside perhaps 1500 a year for service etc
Enjoy your car!
FSH, clean MOT's and really fresh looking car, interior genuinely looks brand new and unused...however, I put it into Porsche Edinburgh to give it the once over and had to replace the cross over pipes, apparently very common and do genuinely corrode over time, rear brake pipes, air con condensers, and while it was in I gave it a major service where the plugs and brake fluid where changed also.
Things naturally do need replaced over time but I do believe that you wouldn't want your Porsche being anything less than Porsche standard, would agree with previous comments about setting aside perhaps 1500 a year for service etc
Enjoy your car!
70k+ 14 years old. What is likely to break or leave you stranded? I've had in 2012 a 2000 S and in late 2013 a 2004 Anniversary which I still have. Suspension arms and bushes, AC condensers/radiators, coolant tank and cap, clutch, waterpump, fuel pump, exhaust bolts and clamps, door membranes. They may not all break at once but you might want to plan in changing them on a preventative basis.
Folks, many thanks for the responses, pretty much what I'd hoped for. Basically there is nothing that _always_ breaks but just the usual risk of buying a 13/14 year old car and finding the lemon ... or not.
I'm going to look at a couple tomorrow in the 7-8k range, but will not buy. I'm not in a hurry really, so will make a considered purchase. I basically have a PCP car that I actually really enjoy having. I need to pay it off on Monday (c8k) and just got me started thinking about a change in car. Boxsters of the 986 style I do like, hence the original question.
Other cars I'm thinking about are a Masser 4200 or a BMW 645CI. I guess either of those at a 02-05 could be wallet emptying far in excess of a Boxster
thanks again
Arf
I'm going to look at a couple tomorrow in the 7-8k range, but will not buy. I'm not in a hurry really, so will make a considered purchase. I basically have a PCP car that I actually really enjoy having. I need to pay it off on Monday (c8k) and just got me started thinking about a change in car. Boxsters of the 986 style I do like, hence the original question.
Other cars I'm thinking about are a Masser 4200 or a BMW 645CI. I guess either of those at a 02-05 could be wallet emptying far in excess of a Boxster
thanks again
Arf
If you're looking at those other cars then also look at AMG around 2003 to 2007 ish. I had a 2005 C55 AMG as my practical car alongside a Boxster. Nothing like a Boxster and despite coming up 150+ more bhp it was faster in a straight line for sure but not as fun or good in the twisties.
I have owned 4 Boxster S ( all 986). Between them have covered approx 70k miles. Only thing to go wrong in terms of a breakdown in all those years/miles is a borked battery. Finding a good Porsche specialist who you trust is key. Several garages offer inspections and can give you a list of future maintenance based on current condition which is helpful. Some even offer maintenance plans whereby (for a modest monthly payment) you are insured against labour costs should the worst happen. Most OPC also offer a value service price on 986s. Finding a car that's had the dreaded (but often overstated) IMS upgrade is hugely desirable and such attention to detail is a reasonably good indicator of owners attitude. As are premium matching brand tyres.
The generally desirable options are Litronic Lights (Xenons), full leather interior, upgraded door speakers/Bose (if you like music while you drive), PSM & most seem to like heated seats. Regards spec and colour I have always been more flexible on this and would pick a car on condition and history, rather than setting an exact spec.
With your £8k budget you should be looking at the better 986s out there anyway. And will be able to be choosey. The time of year and desired Automatic/Tiptronic will help you get further value. I would advise to look at a few cars and drive any you can. With a used performance car I buy the owner as much as the car. These cars have long been accessible to the less well heeled echelons of society, who can afford to buy and fuel but skimp on tyres, servicing and preventative maintenance. After all this car has many parts in common with the 996 and was £38k+ new. A figure of £2k per year for servicing/maintenance and tyres seems to be an accurate assessment of the costs, with some years less and some years more. The trick is finding one that's currently in the hands of an enthusiast. Boxanet may be a good place to start. Also, generally better standard of cars with enthusiast owners available on Pistonheads than Autotrader in my experience.
The generally desirable options are Litronic Lights (Xenons), full leather interior, upgraded door speakers/Bose (if you like music while you drive), PSM & most seem to like heated seats. Regards spec and colour I have always been more flexible on this and would pick a car on condition and history, rather than setting an exact spec.
With your £8k budget you should be looking at the better 986s out there anyway. And will be able to be choosey. The time of year and desired Automatic/Tiptronic will help you get further value. I would advise to look at a few cars and drive any you can. With a used performance car I buy the owner as much as the car. These cars have long been accessible to the less well heeled echelons of society, who can afford to buy and fuel but skimp on tyres, servicing and preventative maintenance. After all this car has many parts in common with the 996 and was £38k+ new. A figure of £2k per year for servicing/maintenance and tyres seems to be an accurate assessment of the costs, with some years less and some years more. The trick is finding one that's currently in the hands of an enthusiast. Boxanet may be a good place to start. Also, generally better standard of cars with enthusiast owners available on Pistonheads than Autotrader in my experience.
Edited by billzeebub on Friday 15th September 23:13
billzeebub said:
I have owned 4 Boxster S ( all 986). Between them have covered approx 70k miles. Only thing to go wrong in terms of a breakdown in all those years/miles is a borked battery. Finding a good Porsche specialist who you trust is key. Several garages offer inspections and can give you a list of future maintenance based on current condition which is helpful. Some even offer maintenance plans whereby (for a modest monthly payment) you are insured against labour costs should the worst happen. Most OPC also offer a value service price on 986s. Finding a car that's had the dreaded (but often overstated) IMS upgrade is hugely desirable and such attention to detail is a reasonably good indicator of owners attitude. As are premium matching brand tyres.
The generally desirable options are Litronic Lights (Xenons), full leather interior, upgraded door speakers/Bose (if you like music while you drive), PSM & most seem to like heated seats. Regards spec and colour I have always been more flexible on this and would pick a car on condition and history, rather than setting an exact spec.
With your £8k budget you should be looking at the better 986s out there anyway. And will be able to be choosey. The time of year and desired Automatic/Tiptronic will help you get further value. I would advise to look at a few cars and drive any you can. With a used performance car I buy the owner as much as the car. These cars have long been accessible to the less well heeled echelons of society, who can afford to buy and fuel but skimp on tyres, servicing and preventative maintenance. After all this car has many parts in common with the 996 and was £38k+ new. A figure of £2k per year for servicing/maintenance and tyres seems to be an accurate assessment of the costs, with some years less and some years more. The trick is finding one that's currently in the hands of an enthusiast. Boxanet may be a good place to start. Also, generally better standard of cars with enthusiast owners available on Pistonheads than Autotrader in my experience.
Really useful post ... thanks for taking the time to write it The generally desirable options are Litronic Lights (Xenons), full leather interior, upgraded door speakers/Bose (if you like music while you drive), PSM & most seem to like heated seats. Regards spec and colour I have always been more flexible on this and would pick a car on condition and history, rather than setting an exact spec.
With your £8k budget you should be looking at the better 986s out there anyway. And will be able to be choosey. The time of year and desired Automatic/Tiptronic will help you get further value. I would advise to look at a few cars and drive any you can. With a used performance car I buy the owner as much as the car. These cars have long been accessible to the less well heeled echelons of society, who can afford to buy and fuel but skimp on tyres, servicing and preventative maintenance. After all this car has many parts in common with the 996 and was £38k+ new. A figure of £2k per year for servicing/maintenance and tyres seems to be an accurate assessment of the costs, with some years less and some years more. The trick is finding one that's currently in the hands of an enthusiast. Boxanet may be a good place to start. Also, generally better standard of cars with enthusiast owners available on Pistonheads than Autotrader in my experience.
Edited by billzeebub on Friday 15th September 23:13
So we looked at a 03 today 3.2S at 6700 with FSH (main dealer) 100k miles but in need of a service. It was black with leather and came with a hard top as well. Lots of bills and paperwork and 3 owners. It was a tiptronic.
Interior was totally fine condition, no cracking on seats, no fag burns, in fact pretty damn good condition
Exterior was dink free, but needs a machine polish. Lights need refurbing, but that's all I could see wrong
Mechs sounded fine, needs new discs and pads really and 4 tyres
So in my mind this is a 6700 car that needs about 1500 spending on it to make it look and feel good
Must be honest, cannot fault that for a year of fun with something different.
Arf
arfur said:
billzeebub said:
I have owned 4 Boxster S ( all 986). Between them have covered approx 70k miles. Only thing to go wrong in terms of a breakdown in all those years/miles is a borked battery. Finding a good Porsche specialist who you trust is key. Several garages offer inspections and can give you a list of future maintenance based on current condition which is helpful. Some even offer maintenance plans whereby (for a modest monthly payment) you are insured against labour costs should the worst happen. Most OPC also offer a value service price on 986s. Finding a car that's had the dreaded (but often overstated) IMS upgrade is hugely desirable and such attention to detail is a reasonably good indicator of owners attitude. As are premium matching brand tyres.
The generally desirable options are Litronic Lights (Xenons), full leather interior, upgraded door speakers/Bose (if you like music while you drive), PSM & most seem to like heated seats. Regards spec and colour I have always been more flexible on this and would pick a car on condition and history, rather than setting an exact spec.
With your £8k budget you should be looking at the better 986s out there anyway. And will be able to be choosey. The time of year and desired Automatic/Tiptronic will help you get further value. I would advise to look at a few cars and drive any you can. With a used performance car I buy the owner as much as the car. These cars have long been accessible to the less well heeled echelons of society, who can afford to buy and fuel but skimp on tyres, servicing and preventative maintenance. After all this car has many parts in common with the 996 and was £38k+ new. A figure of £2k per year for servicing/maintenance and tyres seems to be an accurate assessment of the costs, with some years less and some years more. The trick is finding one that's currently in the hands of an enthusiast. Boxanet may be a good place to start. Also, generally better standard of cars with enthusiast owners available on Pistonheads than Autotrader in my experience.
Really useful post ... thanks for taking the time to write it The generally desirable options are Litronic Lights (Xenons), full leather interior, upgraded door speakers/Bose (if you like music while you drive), PSM & most seem to like heated seats. Regards spec and colour I have always been more flexible on this and would pick a car on condition and history, rather than setting an exact spec.
With your £8k budget you should be looking at the better 986s out there anyway. And will be able to be choosey. The time of year and desired Automatic/Tiptronic will help you get further value. I would advise to look at a few cars and drive any you can. With a used performance car I buy the owner as much as the car. These cars have long been accessible to the less well heeled echelons of society, who can afford to buy and fuel but skimp on tyres, servicing and preventative maintenance. After all this car has many parts in common with the 996 and was £38k+ new. A figure of £2k per year for servicing/maintenance and tyres seems to be an accurate assessment of the costs, with some years less and some years more. The trick is finding one that's currently in the hands of an enthusiast. Boxanet may be a good place to start. Also, generally better standard of cars with enthusiast owners available on Pistonheads than Autotrader in my experience.
Edited by billzeebub on Friday 15th September 23:13
So we looked at a 03 today 3.2S at 6700 with FSH (main dealer) 100k miles but in need of a service. It was black with leather and came with a hard top as well. Lots of bills and paperwork and 3 owners. It was a tiptronic.
Interior was totally fine condition, no cracking on seats, no fag burns, in fact pretty damn good condition
Exterior was dink free, but needs a machine polish. Lights need refurbing, but that's all I could see wrong
Mechs sounded fine, needs new discs and pads really and 4 tyres
So in my mind this is a 6700 car that needs about 1500 spending on it to make it look and feel good
Must be honest, cannot fault that for a year of fun with something different.
Arf
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