Thinking of buying Boxter - HELP PLEASE!!!!!!
Discussion
Hi there, need some advice please. I've put down a holding deposit on a gorgeous P reg 1997 2.5 manual Boxter - 46k on the clock. All appears to be in good order with full Porsche service history. I hear that the coolant system can be prone to leakage but apart from this, is there any other common fault or anything in particular should be looked out for when buying one of these machines? Can't seem to find any info on the web, AA & RAC inspections will not do Porsche and short of arranging a Porsche mechanic to go to the showroom and give it the all clear, i'm sure what to do. HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There`s not too much to worry about other than the RMS (rear main seal) which can leak.
Best bet is to look on www.boxa.net - you should find all the info` you need.
Best bet is to look on www.boxa.net - you should find all the info` you need.
You need to bear in mind that you are in slightly uncharted territory as being one of the older cars new age related problems will crop up.
To give you an idea my 98R went in for a routine service and ended up costing £4000 from a specialist. As above the rear main oil seals do go regularly at around £400 to replace. A number of other oil seals were leaking and needed replacing. Three worn shock absorbers ~£500 for 4. Wheel bearing £90. New Cat £525. Lower ball joint arms £300. And various other bits but nothing major. None of this would be covered under a normal warranty as it is mainly wear and tear. And dont forget to add the dreaded VAT.
Just be aware that although the purchase price may be attainable for you the running costs may not. Saying that they are in my opinion the finest car of the genre and great fun. I sold mine however as I was not prepared to spend the cost of a a new car on servicing every year.
YOU MUST HAVE IT CHECKED BY A SPECIALIST or you could be looking at some SERIOUS bills. Mine had a full service history , all but one at OPC, and 60,000 miles on the clockand never missed a beat. There are also some whispers about camshaft bearings going - apparently £4K for new heads or an expensive rebuild.
Caveat emptor as the saying goes...
>> Edited by DRG on Wednesday 19th May 19:18
To give you an idea my 98R went in for a routine service and ended up costing £4000 from a specialist. As above the rear main oil seals do go regularly at around £400 to replace. A number of other oil seals were leaking and needed replacing. Three worn shock absorbers ~£500 for 4. Wheel bearing £90. New Cat £525. Lower ball joint arms £300. And various other bits but nothing major. None of this would be covered under a normal warranty as it is mainly wear and tear. And dont forget to add the dreaded VAT.
Just be aware that although the purchase price may be attainable for you the running costs may not. Saying that they are in my opinion the finest car of the genre and great fun. I sold mine however as I was not prepared to spend the cost of a a new car on servicing every year.
YOU MUST HAVE IT CHECKED BY A SPECIALIST or you could be looking at some SERIOUS bills. Mine had a full service history , all but one at OPC, and 60,000 miles on the clockand never missed a beat. There are also some whispers about camshaft bearings going - apparently £4K for new heads or an expensive rebuild.
Caveat emptor as the saying goes...
>> Edited by DRG on Wednesday 19th May 19:18
DRG said:
You need to bear in mind that you are in slightly uncharted territory as being one of the older cars new age related problems will crop up.
To give you an idea my 98R went in for a routine service and ended up costing £4000 from a specialist. As above the rear main oil seals do go regularly at around £400 to replace. A number of other oil seals were leaking and needed replacing. Three worn shock absorbers ~£500 for 4. Wheel bearing £90. New Cat £525. Lower ball joint arms £300. And various other bits but nothing major. None of this would be covered under a normal warranty as it is mainly wear and tear. And dont forget to add the dreaded VAT.
Just be aware that although the purchase price may be attainable for you the running costs may not. Saying that they are in my opinion the finest car of the genre and great fun. I sold mine however as I was not prepared to spend the cost of a a new car on servicing every year.
YOU MUST HAVE IT CHECKED BY A SPECIALIST or you could be looking at some SERIOUS bills. Mine had a full service history , all but one at OPC, and 60,000 miles on the clockand never missed a beat. There are also some whispers about camshaft bearings going - apparently £4K for new heads or an expensive rebuild.
Caveat emptor as the saying goes...
>> Edited by DRG on Wednesday 19th May 19:18
I checked the service history when I looked at it and it has consistent Porsche Service History, bills and MOT's so all looks fine there. its done 46k so will be due for the 12,000 mile service soon. I'll use this fact as part of the negotiation to get a price discount but what concerns me is that the service will probably be the place where any potential serviceable problems exist as you found. This is where it can get pricey. Also the garage I am getting it from have just recently changed the clutch - would seem a little early for a clutch change and leaves me wondering if the previous owner drove it hard. Any idea how much a Porsche or specialist inspection costs or where/how I can arrange one? Any advice much appreciated!!!!
Whist inspecting my new potential purchase of a 1997 P reg Boxter 2.5 with only 47k on the clock, I noticed that the brake pedal was partially worn to the metal. I have seen the service history along with the MOT's and the HPI check has not highlighted any mileage discrepancies over the years. Thus, I am confident that there is no foul play with the mileage. But, why on earth should the brake pedal give the appearance of a car that has travelled to the moon and back? Perhaps, the previous owner wore shoes with built in sand-blasters or perhaps he drove the poor thing really hard - either way, can anyone tell me if the pedals are prone to this apparent erosion problem? Perhaps this is fair for a 7 year old car
adriancardoo said:
Whist inspecting my new potential purchase of a 1997 P reg Boxter 2.5 with only 47k on the clock, I noticed that the brake pedal was partially worn to the metal. I have seen the service history along with the MOT's and the HPI check has not highlighted any mileage discrepancies over the years. Thus, I am confident that there is no foul play with the mileage. But, why on earth should the brake pedal give the appearance of a car that has travelled to the moon and back? Perhaps, the previous owner wore shoes with built in sand-blasters or perhaps he drove the poor thing really hard - either way, can anyone tell me if the pedals are prone to this apparent erosion problem? Perhaps this is fair for a 7 year old car
I think that is suspicious. You can always find another car. Consider walking away if you are at all unsure.
DRG said:
You got it yet then...?
Al.
Yep, I got her! Picked her up Saturday, took her top down and had some real fun. Gave her a damned good thrashing!
Very pleased with the purchase. Inspection went fine and am confident I got a good one! Don;t think I've ever seen my friends so jelous!!!! Will submit a picy shortly!
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