Used Boxster - advice sought
Discussion
Hi,
Just wondering if I can get your opinion on a Boxster I'm thinking of buying.
It's an 07 plate with 38k miles on the clock. I've run the chassis number through the Porsche system and have found that it's had a number of minor repairs (sparks, tail light, tyres, hood mechanism, etc.), but it's also had the intermediate seal problem fixed about 4 years ago.
I've read about the IMS problem, and just want to know if it's likely to recur.
The car hasn't had a Porsche approved service since 2009, and I'm not wanting to buy a Boxster that's going to cause me a headache in costs should something go wrong.
What do you guys think?
Tim
Just wondering if I can get your opinion on a Boxster I'm thinking of buying.
It's an 07 plate with 38k miles on the clock. I've run the chassis number through the Porsche system and have found that it's had a number of minor repairs (sparks, tail light, tyres, hood mechanism, etc.), but it's also had the intermediate seal problem fixed about 4 years ago.
I've read about the IMS problem, and just want to know if it's likely to recur.
The car hasn't had a Porsche approved service since 2009, and I'm not wanting to buy a Boxster that's going to cause me a headache in costs should something go wrong.
What do you guys think?
Tim
The Rear Main Seal and IMS are two separate issues. From the sounds of things it's had the RMS replaced, which can only be a good thing, but it could leak again, not the end of the world if it does frankly.
If the IMS bearing had been replaced it would have required major surgery on a '07 car (the cases need to be split)
The IMS bearing and carrier were beefed up and updated three times with the last revision (which an '07 car should have) proving much stronger and reliable with much, much fewer reported failures.
If the money is right and you like the car take a punt or have an inspection done to highlight any problems before having a big service done, factor that into you negotiations though.
If the IMS bearing had been replaced it would have required major surgery on a '07 car (the cases need to be split)
The IMS bearing and carrier were beefed up and updated three times with the last revision (which an '07 car should have) proving much stronger and reliable with much, much fewer reported failures.
If the money is right and you like the car take a punt or have an inspection done to highlight any problems before having a big service done, factor that into you negotiations though.
Chrisp5782 said:
The Rear Main Seal and IMS are two separate issues. From the sounds of things it's had the RMS replaced, which can only be a good thing, but it could leak again, not the end of the world if it does frankly.
If the IMS bearing had been replaced it would have required major surgery on a '07 car (the cases need to be split)
The IMS bearing and carrier were beefed up and updated three times with the last revision (which an '07 car should have) proving much stronger and reliable with much, much fewer reported failures.
If the money is right and you like the car take a punt or have an inspection done to highlight any problems before having a big service done, factor that into you negotiations though.
Chris,If the IMS bearing had been replaced it would have required major surgery on a '07 car (the cases need to be split)
The IMS bearing and carrier were beefed up and updated three times with the last revision (which an '07 car should have) proving much stronger and reliable with much, much fewer reported failures.
If the money is right and you like the car take a punt or have an inspection done to highlight any problems before having a big service done, factor that into you negotiations though.
This is invaluable info - thanks.
The car is actually a 65 plate, but the seller lists it as a 2007 model.
This is my first time buying a used car, and I'm travelling a good 200 miles to see the car. Any idea how I can arrange an inspection when I'm not local to the seller? Do I just arrange with a local garage to have a look? Do I foot the bill?
Sorry to sound so niave.
timchilli said:
Chris,
This is invaluable info - thanks.
The car is actually a 65 plate, but the seller lists it as a 2007 model.
This is my first time buying a used car, and I'm travelling a good 200 miles to see the car. Any idea how I can arrange an inspection when I'm not local to the seller? Do I just arrange with a local garage to have a look? Do I foot the bill?
Sorry to sound so niave.
65 plate?!This is invaluable info - thanks.
The car is actually a 65 plate, but the seller lists it as a 2007 model.
This is my first time buying a used car, and I'm travelling a good 200 miles to see the car. Any idea how I can arrange an inspection when I'm not local to the seller? Do I just arrange with a local garage to have a look? Do I foot the bill?
Sorry to sound so niave.
thegoose said:
A 2007 model year car will a VIN like this:
WPOZZZ98Z7U7xxxxx where the "x"s are numbers that relate to that specific car. If the highlighted number is a 6 instead then it's an 06 model year.
Thanks, Goose.WPOZZZ98Z7U7xxxxx where the "x"s are numbers that relate to that specific car. If the highlighted number is a 6 instead then it's an 06 model year.
The chassis on the Boxster I'm looking at is definitely an '07 model then.
I take it the chance of an IMS breakdown in an '07 is less than previous models?
RSoovy4 said:
Don't run one without a Porsche warranty unless you can afford a new engine. Very unlikely to happen, very expensive if it does.
This is something I've been meaning to ask about - warranties.Can anyone recommend a decent UK-based warranty service that's not going to cost an arm and a leg, but is comprehensive enough for me to enjoy driving without worrying about huge repair bills?
timchilli said:
RSoovy4 said:
Don't run one without a Porsche warranty unless you can afford a new engine. Very unlikely to happen, very expensive if it does.
This is something I've been meaning to ask about - warranties.Can anyone recommend a decent UK-based warranty service that's not going to cost an arm and a leg, but is comprehensive enough for me to enjoy driving without worrying about huge repair bills?
RSoovy4 said:
timchilli said:
RSoovy4 said:
Don't run one without a Porsche warranty unless you can afford a new engine. Very unlikely to happen, very expensive if it does.
This is something I've been meaning to ask about - warranties.Can anyone recommend a decent UK-based warranty service that's not going to cost an arm and a leg, but is comprehensive enough for me to enjoy driving without worrying about huge repair bills?
I have a policy with Warranty Direct (Luxury Lite) that covers failure of the engine due to IMS or bore scoring, and yes I have that in writing. Hopefully I'll never need to use it.
timchilli said:
So if I'm buying a used Boxster from a non Porsche garage, I may as well forget about taking out a separate warranty?
After 90 days of ownership you can buy a warranty from Porsche if it passes their inspection. Total cost about £1100.......plus any work they deem necessary when they inspect it.Do also consider a maintenance plan from places like Hartech or Sports & Classic.
thegoose said:
timchilli said:
So if I'm buying a used Boxster from a non Porsche garage, I may as well forget about taking out a separate warranty?
After 90 days of ownership you can buy a warranty from Porsche if it passes their inspection. Total cost about £1100.......plus any work they deem necessary when they inspect it.Do also consider a maintenance plan from places like Hartech or Sports & Classic.
Chrisp5782 said:
The chances of a major failure in an '07 car are tiny, even less if it's a 2.7.
That's reassuring to know. I wouldn't have been comfortable opting for a pre 2007 model.Not too sure about warranty though. The seller is offering a 1 month warranty and said he'd be competitive with other warranty providers in the market.
What services has it had? You say it's not had a Porsche approved service since 2009 - but I assume it has had services somewhere?
Is the dealer a specialist?
As mentioned earlier, an inspection would be a good plan - people can recommend good indy's to do that if they know the general location the car is for sale.
Is the dealer a specialist?
As mentioned earlier, an inspection would be a good plan - people can recommend good indy's to do that if they know the general location the car is for sale.
davek_964 said:
What services has it had? You say it's not had a Porsche approved service since 2009 - but I assume it has had services somewhere?
Is the dealer a specialist?
As mentioned earlier, an inspection would be a good plan - people can recommend good indy's to do that if they know the general location the car is for sale.
Cheers, Dave.Is the dealer a specialist?
As mentioned earlier, an inspection would be a good plan - people can recommend good indy's to do that if they know the general location the car is for sale.
The car is in Doncaster, and the dealer isn't a Porsche specialist as far as I know.
Service history - all I know is that it's had a few minor bits of work done from non Porsche garages. Will have to see the service history book before I can take a view on the quality of the mechanics.
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