Looking at a 2006 Porsche Boxster what to look for
Discussion
Having recently taken the plunge on a 2006 Cayman S, the things I have subsequently learnt that I should have considered are typical issues:
1. Bore scoring (compression check may help identify if this is an issue)
2. IMS (intermediate shaft) issues - they have a poorly specified bearing which can break and lunch the engine, listen for knocking at idle (suggest looking it up online - quite scary)
3. PASM - check it's all working and pukka if it is fitted. I went for a car without on the grounds that replacement parts aren't cheap (dampers themselves are not crazy, but if the controller goes you're looking at big bucks). It does improve ride, though TBH my non-PASM is not offensively harsh, even on 19s
4. Spec: Nav is not great, not worth paying extra for IMO, but if it's there then so be it. Heated seats are good. I have the Bose upgrade but haven't heard a standard stereo so can't say if it's worth it. Sports seats look nice, not sure how the compare for comfort (I have heard mixed reviews).
They are great cars and should feel tight and 'of-a-piece' to drive, though the interior build quality is not as good as I had expected (rattles from tailgate, obv shouldn't be a problem for a Boxster!)
Good luck. I testdrove mine after trying a TT and frankly it felt in a different league. If I knew what I know now and had a little more money I would probably have stretched to get into a later car with the direct injection engine as this seems to resolve all the mechanical issues that the 987.1 has a reputation for.
James
1. Bore scoring (compression check may help identify if this is an issue)
2. IMS (intermediate shaft) issues - they have a poorly specified bearing which can break and lunch the engine, listen for knocking at idle (suggest looking it up online - quite scary)
3. PASM - check it's all working and pukka if it is fitted. I went for a car without on the grounds that replacement parts aren't cheap (dampers themselves are not crazy, but if the controller goes you're looking at big bucks). It does improve ride, though TBH my non-PASM is not offensively harsh, even on 19s
4. Spec: Nav is not great, not worth paying extra for IMO, but if it's there then so be it. Heated seats are good. I have the Bose upgrade but haven't heard a standard stereo so can't say if it's worth it. Sports seats look nice, not sure how the compare for comfort (I have heard mixed reviews).
They are great cars and should feel tight and 'of-a-piece' to drive, though the interior build quality is not as good as I had expected (rattles from tailgate, obv shouldn't be a problem for a Boxster!)
Good luck. I testdrove mine after trying a TT and frankly it felt in a different league. If I knew what I know now and had a little more money I would probably have stretched to get into a later car with the direct injection engine as this seems to resolve all the mechanical issues that the 987.1 has a reputation for.
James
Raize said:
Look for signs of being a real Porsche.
If you find any I suggest you buy it, as it would be a very unique Boxster indeed.
Quite an insightful and positive contribution, well done.If you find any I suggest you buy it, as it would be a very unique Boxster indeed.
Every Boxster I have seen, driven or owned was a real Porsche. Particularly in the way it drives both on the road or track.
Boxa.net is the place indeed.
alan36 said:
Must have nothing better to do than sit and type crap when someone is looking for genuine advise. A real credit to pistonheads.
It's annoying when someone only picks up on one (pretty well delivered and not directly offensive) negative comment and in doing so, ignores some thorough and helpful advice from an earlier poster.second the IMS issue, around the 2006 time I think the problem may have been fixed. I think there's a way to tell from the VIN code, though I spoke to two well respected experts and both told me slightly different (but an important difference) things. Basically everything I was thinking about centered around that issue, since as mentioned above it can lunch the engine (a friend had his go in a 911 and it was a £5k rebuild). Pre-emptive replacements were floated though I can't recall the exact price, maybe £800-£1200
IMS is very much an issue on a 2006 model. But if it's gone past 40k miles with no problems it will probably be ok.
Go for an S - you'll regret it if you don't. They really are wonderful cars. My 986 was definitely the best car I ever owned. For road use I found it better than an Elise - and it has a lot more grunt.
Go for an S - you'll regret it if you don't. They really are wonderful cars. My 986 was definitely the best car I ever owned. For road use I found it better than an Elise - and it has a lot more grunt.
What to look out for when looking at buying a boxster?
Idiots telling you its not a 911/not a real Porsche/hair dressers car/etc...
They are fantasic cars and I regret not buying a boxster S due to being a dad and having 3 kids and living in an area which would probably see some scrote keying it or damaging the roof.
Just buy one!
Idiots telling you its not a 911/not a real Porsche/hair dressers car/etc...
They are fantasic cars and I regret not buying a boxster S due to being a dad and having 3 kids and living in an area which would probably see some scrote keying it or damaging the roof.
Just buy one!
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff