2003 Porsche Boxster S
Discussion
Heaveho said:
For most other Boxsters at that age and mileage, I'd agree, but given how fastidious Ger had been in looking after it, and how well documented the last 5 years of the cars life has been, I'd have payed a premium for that car had I been in the market. There's a lot to be said for being able to see such a detailed and transparent internet history. It really is in outstanding condition.
This. People can be quite ignorant and judge far too quickly on "Oh it's that mileage it's not worth that." Not saying ATM was, but mileage doesn't say everything.I get annoyed at this.
I'll give an example. I went to the garage that I always go to for MOT's and there was a 2004 986 Boxster S in black, like mine. It had the front aero bumper and the side skirts, and factory parking sensors too. It also had 80,000 on the clock. That was all that was good about it, as the paint was faded and unloved, the wheels were corroded and bubbling horrendously, the headlights were yellow, interior leather oily and cracked, handbrake and gearknob worn, and so on. From 6ft it looked fine, but it very much looked like a tired 16 year old car.
Now put mine and that car on AutoTrader, and everyone will say that one is worth more because it's a year younger with less miles and more features. Absolute b
ks. Mine has had so many components replaced, lots of improvements and upgrades, and the car went through a full cosmetic restoration. It's literally immaculate with perfect condition paintwork and interior, and lots of new components underneath , all documented ensuring it's reliability. Knowing all of the common faults have been rectified with a 45 page history since I've owned it, and full main dealer Porsche service history before that, it's more than worth what I sold it for.
So no, I don't think I was asking much at all, I was being fair and the new owner has had themselves a solid car that's in better condition, mechanically and cosmetically, than cars half it's age/mileage.
But of course people will ignore all of that and will continue to judge and think "That's a bit high for the mileage isn't it?", and we're back to square one. Mileage isn't everything.
I'll give an example. I went to the garage that I always go to for MOT's and there was a 2004 986 Boxster S in black, like mine. It had the front aero bumper and the side skirts, and factory parking sensors too. It also had 80,000 on the clock. That was all that was good about it, as the paint was faded and unloved, the wheels were corroded and bubbling horrendously, the headlights were yellow, interior leather oily and cracked, handbrake and gearknob worn, and so on. From 6ft it looked fine, but it very much looked like a tired 16 year old car.
Now put mine and that car on AutoTrader, and everyone will say that one is worth more because it's a year younger with less miles and more features. Absolute b
ks. Mine has had so many components replaced, lots of improvements and upgrades, and the car went through a full cosmetic restoration. It's literally immaculate with perfect condition paintwork and interior, and lots of new components underneath , all documented ensuring it's reliability. Knowing all of the common faults have been rectified with a 45 page history since I've owned it, and full main dealer Porsche service history before that, it's more than worth what I sold it for.So no, I don't think I was asking much at all, I was being fair and the new owner has had themselves a solid car that's in better condition, mechanically and cosmetically, than cars half it's age/mileage.
But of course people will ignore all of that and will continue to judge and think "That's a bit high for the mileage isn't it?", and we're back to square one. Mileage isn't everything.
Edited by geraintthomas on Wednesday 12th August 00:03
Edited by geraintthomas on Wednesday 12th August 00:03
Totally agree Ger.
It depends what someone wants a car for, if you aren't into cars and just want to run an average condition car for a year then shift it on buy based on price and pay the autotrader price.
If someone wants a to buy a car to keep and that they can be proud of then one like yours is the one to buy, mint condition, enthusiast owned and well maintained. Mileage becomes less relevant because everything has been upgraded, maintained or replaced.
In my mind yours was a "keeper" and anyone wanting the best 2003 boxster they can find to keep and enjoy will pay a premium for for it.
It depends what someone wants a car for, if you aren't into cars and just want to run an average condition car for a year then shift it on buy based on price and pay the autotrader price.
If someone wants a to buy a car to keep and that they can be proud of then one like yours is the one to buy, mint condition, enthusiast owned and well maintained. Mileage becomes less relevant because everything has been upgraded, maintained or replaced.
In my mind yours was a "keeper" and anyone wanting the best 2003 boxster they can find to keep and enjoy will pay a premium for for it.
geraintthomas said:
I get annoyed at this.
I'll give an example. I went to the garage that I always go to for MOT's and there was a 2004 986 Boxster S in black, like mine. It had the front aero bumper and the side skirts, and factory parking sensors too. It also had 80,000 on the clock. That was all that was good about it, as the paint was faded and unloved, the wheels were corroded and bubbling horrendously, the headlights were yellow, interior leather oily and cracked, handbrake and gearknob worn, and so on. From 6ft it looked fine, but it very much looked like a tired 16 year old car.
Now put mine and that car on AutoTrader, and everyone will say that one is worth more because it's a year younger with less miles and more features. Absolute bks. Mine has had so many components replaced, lots of improvements and upgrades, and the car went through a full cosmetic restoration. It's literally immaculate with perfect condition paintwork and interior, and lots of new components underneath , all documented ensuring it's reliability. Knowing all of the common faults have been rectified with a 45 page history since I've owned it, and full main dealer Porsche service history before that, it's more than worth what I sold it for.
So no, I don't think I was asking much at all, I was being fair and the new owner has had themselves a solid car that's in better condition, mechanically and cosmetically, than cars half it's age/mileage.
But of course people will ignore all of that and will continue to judge and think "That's a bit high for the mileage isn't it?", and we're back to square one. Mileage isn't everything.
Completely agree with you - I know i could have bought a cheaper Tuscan, I paid more for a car with slightly higher miles than other cars but the history was massive and it had clearly been totally cherished - cheaper / lower mileage / younger is not always bestI'll give an example. I went to the garage that I always go to for MOT's and there was a 2004 986 Boxster S in black, like mine. It had the front aero bumper and the side skirts, and factory parking sensors too. It also had 80,000 on the clock. That was all that was good about it, as the paint was faded and unloved, the wheels were corroded and bubbling horrendously, the headlights were yellow, interior leather oily and cracked, handbrake and gearknob worn, and so on. From 6ft it looked fine, but it very much looked like a tired 16 year old car.
Now put mine and that car on AutoTrader, and everyone will say that one is worth more because it's a year younger with less miles and more features. Absolute b
ks. Mine has had so many components replaced, lots of improvements and upgrades, and the car went through a full cosmetic restoration. It's literally immaculate with perfect condition paintwork and interior, and lots of new components underneath , all documented ensuring it's reliability. Knowing all of the common faults have been rectified with a 45 page history since I've owned it, and full main dealer Porsche service history before that, it's more than worth what I sold it for.So no, I don't think I was asking much at all, I was being fair and the new owner has had themselves a solid car that's in better condition, mechanically and cosmetically, than cars half it's age/mileage.
But of course people will ignore all of that and will continue to judge and think "That's a bit high for the mileage isn't it?", and we're back to square one. Mileage isn't everything.
I've never done as in depth a thread on my stuff as Ger has on that Boxster, but I'm not unlike him in my general approach to how I want my cars to be. I've got a reasonably well documented ongoing few pages of nonsense with my old MR2 in readers cars, sometimes it just reads like a list of updates with no input from anyone else for ages, other times, it generates loads of interest.
I was keeping at it mainly due to it being quite cathartic, but now I'm starting to see that it does actually have the effect of bolstering the accessible history of the car. I'm sure the continual progress updates and problems and fixes, upgrades etc, have greatly contributed to what seemed like a relatively easy sale for Ger.
I was keeping at it mainly due to it being quite cathartic, but now I'm starting to see that it does actually have the effect of bolstering the accessible history of the car. I'm sure the continual progress updates and problems and fixes, upgrades etc, have greatly contributed to what seemed like a relatively easy sale for Ger.
Hey all, yes I'm the new owner. I looked for the perfect Boxster for SIX MONTHS before finally discovering Ger's beautiful car and purchasing it, only a few weeks ago.
A week after purchase I was informed my team is being transferred back to the US (I'm American) as soon as November 15th.
The car is as magnificent in person as you'd expect.
Since purchase I've actually tried to continue Ger's great work. I replaced the headlamps, installed a new drivers window regulator (£280 at Dove House Porsche) and noticed a coolant leak in the driver's side radiator and installed a new one, replaced fluids, and an oil service at RSR Porsche in Bishops Stortford (completed today, £310).
I've put off showing it to anyone until I felt it was perfect and ready.
Sticking to £7k. There isn't a better one at this price.
Feel free to PM if interested, thank you.
A week after purchase I was informed my team is being transferred back to the US (I'm American) as soon as November 15th.
The car is as magnificent in person as you'd expect.
Since purchase I've actually tried to continue Ger's great work. I replaced the headlamps, installed a new drivers window regulator (£280 at Dove House Porsche) and noticed a coolant leak in the driver's side radiator and installed a new one, replaced fluids, and an oil service at RSR Porsche in Bishops Stortford (completed today, £310).
I've put off showing it to anyone until I felt it was perfect and ready.
Sticking to £7k. There isn't a better one at this price.
Feel free to PM if interested, thank you.
Just spotted that DC03YBN is for sale again on FB. Might be a good winter purchase for someone 
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/48493707...
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/48493707...
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