Discussion
That price range is going to put you into a late 986 or early 987 - this will vary slighly depending on whether you wand an S or not.
Your best course of action is to do a detailed search on here with regards to RMS and IMS. Bore scoring shouldn't be a problem unless you find a cheapish 3.4.
Your best course of action is to do a detailed search on here with regards to RMS and IMS. Bore scoring shouldn't be a problem unless you find a cheapish 3.4.
I'd back up the 986S interior, but I would say that, I've got one. I don't like the interior air vent arrangement on the 987 but would live with it.
My research pointed me to a facelift 2003 'S' with the glass rear screen and a bit more power.
I'd wouldn't say that you 'only' need £10k - £15k for a good one. That's a heck of a wedge for what will be a used car probably 8 y.o. or more. Mine does have a lot of stonchips addmittedly, had 84k miles on it and needed new brakes, but it was £7k.
Many areas of Pistonheads are very helpful with problems, especially the TVR one, and I've read helpful tips in this Boxster area but don't be intimidated by the number of posts in the Porsche forums that seem to me to be just 'look how much money I can spunk on a car.'
My research pointed me to a facelift 2003 'S' with the glass rear screen and a bit more power.
I'd wouldn't say that you 'only' need £10k - £15k for a good one. That's a heck of a wedge for what will be a used car probably 8 y.o. or more. Mine does have a lot of stonchips addmittedly, had 84k miles on it and needed new brakes, but it was £7k.
Many areas of Pistonheads are very helpful with problems, especially the TVR one, and I've read helpful tips in this Boxster area but don't be intimidated by the number of posts in the Porsche forums that seem to me to be just 'look how much money I can spunk on a car.'
What you get will be dictated by what you want to use the car for and how often. For me, I'm on my second 986 this time a 550, as I don't need any of the supposed benefits a 987 brings. It has the added bonus of keeping the difference in the bank or frittering it on minor mods or just more petrol 
I would not be spending your price bracket for any 986, unless its a 550, and even then it would be right at your bottom end. My 550 was 25% less than where your budget starts but I've spent money on it not out of necessity but will. I would have done almost the same on a more expensive one anyway.
I would not be spending your price bracket for any 986, unless its a 550, and even then it would be right at your bottom end. My 550 was 25% less than where your budget starts but I've spent money on it not out of necessity but will. I would have done almost the same on a more expensive one anyway.
Edited by edc on Saturday 7th June 11:25
Was in the same position as you 12 months ago. Loved the 550 anniversary, but for the extra money over the normal Boxster S, after looking around and trying a few out, I found that the 987S was just that more of an all rounder for the similar money as anniversary, so that's the way I went. I was lucky to find a low mileage 2006 example with a full years Porsche warranty which was important to me having done the research and found the usual horror stories. One year further on, no issues whatsoever and really enjoying the 987S.
Try them both for yourself to decide which you prefer and try to get one with some warranty for peace of mind or have an emergency fund, just in case. Good luck!
Try them both for yourself to decide which you prefer and try to get one with some warranty for peace of mind or have an emergency fund, just in case. Good luck!
Zoon said:
I'm potentially looking at buying a 2005 987 2.7. It is worrying me slightly due to the mileage, it's got 70k on the clock. Is it worth getting an RAC inspection or similar? The car isn't very expensive in the grand scheme of things so am I worrying un-necessarily?
Don't bother with a generic RAC/ AA inspection. If you want it inspecting get in to a local Porsche specialist. I've had my 987 2005 Boxster 2.7 since march and have to say it's been an absolute joy to own and drive so far,just returned from a 2500 mile trip in Europe and it never missed a beat handling everything I threw at it from 150mph autobahn blasts to winding mountain roads in the Italian Alps..
Don't let a car with a few miles on the clock put you off,they love regular use,a Boxster that's been standing idle will have far more issues than a car that's been in regular use and do get it inspected by a reputable specialist,you'll be surprised how many issues even a well serviced car can hide.
Don't let a car with a few miles on the clock put you off,they love regular use,a Boxster that's been standing idle will have far more issues than a car that's been in regular use and do get it inspected by a reputable specialist,you'll be surprised how many issues even a well serviced car can hide.
Edited by evojam on Friday 27th June 15:14
Fwiw, we've had our 2001 968 S and it's been the best car I've ever had or driven. An absolute delight, ultra reliable and the only money I've had to spend in eight years is for brakes and rubber. Buy a good 986S for 10k or under, or a nice 987 if over 10k.
Bear in mind a 15k Boxster still has a fair bit of depreciation left in it so I'd say spend what you're comfortable with and buy a car that you will love.
Did I mention they're great?
Bear in mind a 15k Boxster still has a fair bit of depreciation left in it so I'd say spend what you're comfortable with and buy a car that you will love.
Did I mention they're great?
Gassing Station | Boxster/Cayman | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff