2002 986 S on 140K miles and not moved for 2 years. Buy?

2002 986 S on 140K miles and not moved for 2 years. Buy?

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3anascooter

Original Poster:

290 posts

188 months

Sunday 16th January 2022
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Am aware of a car that up until 2 years ago was doing 100 mile a day trips, but has not turned a wheel since (SORNed and not MOT'ed).
Was pretty well maintained up until then, but am not sure of the position re IMS and clutch. Pretty sure the owner has all the paperwork during his time which is around 10 years (and may have more) so I could have a rummage through, if/when it seems like a good idea to even consider the car further.

It would be a sunny day weekend car for me, but would also like to do the Northern 500 and make a trip to relatives at the bottom end of France.

Having sat outside for 2 years is this simply too big a risk to take or at the right price is it worth a shot?...raises the question of course of what would the right price be!!. Having watched this video I am guessing this guy just struck lucky at the price he paid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3ohkh19fsg
Also have read through this thread by Rosewood Red, though sounds a little scary totting up all the things he has "invested" in

Any guidance/thoughts from the wise souls of PH please before I trek off to take a look (its not that local)?

3anascooter

Original Poster:

290 posts

188 months

Monday 17th January 2022
quotequote all
It was a drive to work car (I worked with the owner), but a change of work meant it was a cycle ride away, and with other cars of the driveway for family duties, it got left...and left !!

3anascooter

Original Poster:

290 posts

188 months

Monday 17th January 2022
quotequote all
Many thanks all. The car is a couple of hours away so not too difficult to go take a look. Of course the million dollar question is "what would a good price be" and that price would differ I guess depending on whether I trailer it away as is, or if its mot-ed and drivable home. Maybe easier to spend £9-10k on a fully functioning one, but as with any used car that still carries risks.

3anascooter

Original Poster:

290 posts

188 months

Tuesday 18th January 2022
quotequote all
Thanks gents...and interesting read from Rotary Potato and others in the Readers Cars thread. Planning to go take a look Saturday week and have a bit of lunch with my old colleague. Will report back

3anascooter

Original Poster:

290 posts

188 months

Wednesday 19th January 2022
quotequote all
Thanks KPB1973....i checked with him and seems that he left the frunk chocked open a little, having been caught out before !!

3anascooter

Original Poster:

290 posts

188 months

Friday 28th January 2022
quotequote all
Might be taking a look this weekend.

Owner put a new battery in it, tipped a bit of Mobil 1 in the top (to put a bit of oil up top) and turned the key. It started almost instantly.
Left it to idle until the rad fans kicked in and drove it a couple of metres forward and backward (on drive) so nothing was seized
He did mention a damp patch in the rear boot.

Think he is now considering servicing it and getting it MOT-ed with view to selling as a fully functioning car.
Looks like WYAC values it around £3600 so I'd guess a private sale would bring in a bit more.

Of course the risk he has is how much will a service and MOT cost, depending on what they find...and would the resale price be high enough to get his money back. Also think he might be of the mind to just keep it if he gets it running again, so lets see what happens

3anascooter

Original Poster:

290 posts

188 months

Friday 28th January 2022
quotequote all
Yes be good to keep it on the road whoever the keeper is

SWMBO has suggested a Mercedes ML350 for the trip to Venice and Budapest, so might be hunting some of them down too. Not much on the Merc thread here about them (that i can find)

3anascooter

Original Poster:

290 posts

188 months

Saturday 29th January 2022
quotequote all
Well folks, it was a rather quick look. While I am only 5-11 tall, I have a short body and long legs, and the seat won't go back far enough to be comfy. Previously had a Carrera 996 but of course that had more room (as we didn't use the rear seats)
So a Boxster is off my shopping list.

Car didn't look too bad for being sat outside, though owner had given it a wash and cleaned roof in and out. Usual Boxster issues with slight damp boot, and front carpets (but not under or behind seats). Signs of condensation inside windows and in the VIN number panel. Headlights also showing signs of condensation and rear plastic window has that glazed/opaque look.
While its been parked up the displays on the air con panel have both died with a funny pattern on them so would need an ebay replacement.

So options now are to spend a bit more (about £8K) on a Z4 or an SL350 as I can't think of any other spacious 2 seat convertibles

3anascooter

Original Poster:

290 posts

188 months

Sunday 30th January 2022
quotequote all
I did wonder if the 987 had a little more seat movement/leg room
Have taken the Merc SL off the list as they sound potentially horribly expensive to maintain.

Have added SLK and Mini Cooper S Convertible to the list....the later being rather different to a Boxster !!

3anascooter

Original Poster:

290 posts

188 months

Sunday 30th January 2022
quotequote all
Sadly more likely a SLK 280 post 2008 when there was a bit of a facelift

Am in Essex, so thanks for the offer, but a bit too far away!!