Is a cheap (ish) 986 really a risky buy?

[aaruck]

I've read that the 986 engine had some issues that could be catastrophic. Does this apply to all engines? Is buying an old one really that risky? Or do similar risks exist in the competitors such as z4?

[mikefocke]

A bargain 986 is liable to be 15 to 19 years old. What other car of that age has no weaknesses that time and miles has not revealed? There is a well documented one owner '01 Boxster in CA that is a every day driver with 300k+ miles on it, maintained by the dealers (OPCs) since new. Original clutch! Never been inside the engine!

I've owned 2 and both were wonderfully reliable. But I had the cash to remedy anything if it did go wrong. I wouldn't own one without some cash buffer just because, like any expensive car, parts and labor are both expensive and the corner mechanic doesn't have the tools to diagnose problems. If you do the work yourself and buy some specialized diagnostic software (Durametric) for your Windows laptop (or know someone who has it), that changes my thinking a bit.

The best bargain Boxster is one with maintenance records and one where a Porsche specialist has examined it and told you what it was liable to need when (called a pre-purchase Inspection or PPI). Not the cheapest but the best long term buy.

[edh]

Not really...The risk is only the difference between the purchase price & the value as a non-runner...

As well as possible engine issues, the early cars area also likely to need suspension arms / dampers / aircon condensors / rads / expansion tank / hood / clutch plus general maintenance costs so look for one where most of this has been done to reduce your risks of a big bill.

I still think they are the bargain buys of the Porsche range though and great VFM

[scotty_917]

No. I've done it a couple of times with 986's and have never had any major mechanical issues with either car.

Personally, I always check the condition and verify previous maintenance through the service history, including invoices. Pretty bullet proof to be honest, as long as they're looked after.

[andy97]

Given the numbers built then second hand spares from breakers and Indy specialists are in plentiful,supply, and probably not that expensive. I would have thought that there were easily way more spares for Boxsters around then Z4s.

[edc]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

We can debate the absolute numbers but the reality is OEM or aftermarket spares and refurbed or second hand ones are not that hard to come by for a 986 Boxster.