Early Boxster Buying

[cuz3003]

Thinking of making a spur of the moment decision and treating myself to an early boxster. I have wanted a 911 for years but budget has never allowed me to get the one I wanted. I have been lurking on here for a while admiring the fine array of cars owned by the members and soaking up the advice given. I have spotted a 98 S manual for sale nearby and am wondering if anyone can give me any advice on the areas to look out for? I have tried the search but it seems to error. The car has realatively low miles and full service history whcih is apparantly a mix of OPC and Specialist. The only other Porsche I have driven is an 87 944 S which I used to own. Any good buyers guides out there I can get my hands on today?

Thanks in advance

Graeme

[andymc]

used these guys for mine http://www.petermorgan.org.uk/
superb, found the car i wanted and got these guys to look it over, just had to turn up and pick it up

[cuz3003]

Yeah may get an inspection but its only up the road so going to see it first. Just wanted some pointers on what to look out for to see if it is worth paying for an inspection or just walking.

[richad027]

You need to check all the usual things for accident damage etc, but I'd be paying particular attention to the roof and rear screen as this will have a plastic one, a new roof or rear screen won't be cheap. Otherwise the general condition of it, what options does it have ?
The other thing you should know is that early boxster engines can fail completely requiring a new engine, most don't but a small percentage do and it now costs £10k to get a new engine from porsche plus the cost of fitting it etc, thats the real risk you take when buying an old boxster.

Richard.

[cuz3003]

Cheers Richard - its had a new rear screen recently (bill for £350 to prove this apparantly), its got full boxster red leather and 17 inch alloys. Engine failure is a worry. Are these early cars affected by RMS issues and can you tell (other than a receipt from OPC\Specialist) if it has been replaced?

[SNDa]

Mousem40's comments on buying a 996 should help you with the boxster as well:

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=&t=429947 

[SNDa]

cuz3003 said:

Engine failure is a worry. Are these early cars affected by RMS issues and can you tell (other than a receipt from OPC\Specialist) if it has been replaced?

RMS - yes
Engine - depends. If it's Porsche who replaced the engine, there may be a stamp in the book / call Porsche centre with the VIN and see if they have any record, otherwise, registering, searching or posting on PCGB (Porsche Club GB) might help if you're in a hurry to get a response.

SNDa

[richad027]

RMS itself isn't a big issue (not compared to complete engine failure) it might have done it might not but I wouldn't worry about it, clearly if there are oil leaks you might want to walk away. But I do know from talking to JZ Machtech that boxster engines are designed and made in such a way that there will be failures, which when the cars were new porsche just said ok have a new engine on us, the problem is that they won't do that for you now, they say its £10k if you want a new engine.
Even the latest engines will have been designed and made in this way too, its just cheaper for any manufacturer to do this (not just cars either , washing machines hoovers just about anything mechanical these days) but the boxsters engines have been improved significantly over time and are much more reliable than the early ones.
Remember a red leather interior is not a desirable colour the price should reflect it.

Richard.

[cuz3003]

Cheers for all the help - I will go for a look and see where we go from there