Sold the merc getting a 2.7 Box

[haydj]

This is my first posting here as a soon to be Boxster owner.

I've sold my Merc C class as about the worst car I've had (its a long story involving legal action), but because I'm not travelling much anymore I decided to plump for a rag top sports car.

After much deliberation and looking at Hondas, BM's etc. I decided on a 2.7 Boxster. Its a 52-03 model. Dark blue, grey leather, 18 carera alloys, PSM, bose sounds. & its a facelift. 29k miles I'm also reasnably happy with the price at just under 24 private.

I am located in Surrey and visited a number of dealers and viewed various examples before making my decision. I was not wanting a 3.2 as I don't think I'll use the extra performance on the road and I don't want to scare myself.

The car is being inspected at the Porshe dealer next week and I'll then hand over the cash. However there are two small issues which I noticed.

a) the leather is dirty and needs a good clean, being grey leather the dirt has managed to work its way into the cracks. How likley is it that I can get this out?

b) there was a metalic rattle when the engine started. Sounded like the exhaust was loose and needed adjustment to me. I figured if it was serious it would be checked out during the inspection.

c) There was a small amount of noise under breaking - just a slight squeel. I don't think its a problem and I have budgeted for new brakes.

Anyway other than the above the car is outstanding, nice unmarked alloys, lovely paintwork. Seem's ok.

I'm looking forward to it. Really wanting to get on with the purchase.

Haydj

[percymon]

Rattle is the exhaust heat shields - the bolts rust every 2-3 years

The leather should clean up but the dirt will have accelerated the wear in the cracks - Swissol do a redying kit which hides the craks quite well

Brakes - if its been standing after washing or after rain the discs will have rusted up, takes quite a few rapid decelerations to clean them up again

[Denis O]

My 996 Cab has the grey leather which when I bought it was filthy, especially for a 33k miler. I got the Autoglym Leather cleaner and with a bit of elbow grease and a brush it brought it up lovely.

Over on e36.com they all swear by Liquid Leather and having seen some before and after pictures it certainly seems to work well. I'm going to give it a go on mine at some point but it looks fine now so maybe next year.

[haydj]

I went to pick her today.

Got her inspected and it found loads,

RMS gone
Front pads gone
rear pads gone
front disks gone

and to top it off the side of the car had been re-sprayed, - and it hadn't been done well.

Needless to say I walked away. Now I'm carless and relying on public transport

doh

[haydj]

The owner said he knew nothing about it, must have been done by the Garage. Since he purchased the car new, I smelled a rat - hence walked away.

I will try a 3.2, I've only driven 2.7 post facelift and i like them.

DH

[BliarOut]

Well done for walking away. There are loads of good Boxsters out there, it's just a case of finding yours You definitely won't regret it once you get one.

Yes, I've just sold mine, but I would definitely have another

[The Undertaker]

Buy mine its in the classifieds on here, the seal grey one on page 2, and,.........the RMS has been done too !!