Boxster - what problems?

[89911]

I've been checking out the used Boxster market. I'm in the market for another vehicle along with my coupe. If you thought 993's and 996's are falling, these are depreciating even worse. The only justification I could come up with getting one is it is a convertable and my wife could drive it. (I guess I'll stay home with the 3 kids on those days!) Consumer reports has the 98-00 boxster on its list of cars to avoid. What has been the problems with these? Nagging small stuff or major issues? I like CR but do understand that they can be contradictory. I think they continually pick the Boxster as one of the best sports cars in the market.

[emcon5]

The engine is a little anemic.

I understand that is easily fixed though, a 996 engine bolts right up.

Tom

[pwd72s]

The April Issue of ROAD&TRACK contains a Boxster owner's survey you may find an interesting read...

[jakermc]

Oil leak from rear main seal is single biggest issue. I have an '01 Boxster S that I am very happy with. This board will answer all your Boxster questions: http://www.986board.com/board/986board.htm

[Zeke]

Axccording to my informal survey, 3 year old Boxsters are selling for 80% of their original purchase price. (This does not account for or include any taxes or fees at either end.) Does the 996 truly exceed this in value retention? The '97 Boxes are in the low twenties, they are not fareing well.

[s_wilwerding]

Some people have had problems with leaking main seals (which was already mentioned), others have had problems with something malfunctioning in the engine (I believe because of how some of the engines were cast). Both of these can cause a catastrophic loss of oil and ruin the engine. However, I've never heard of Porsche not paying for a replacement engine if this happens, even if the car is out of warranty.

The Boxster also suffers from some niggling little problems, like the seatbelt buckle's sensor malfunctioning and causing the airbag light to go on. However, if you buy an older Boxster, most of these problems have probably already manifested themselves, or if you buy a newer one, the problems will be fixed under warranty.

Regardless of all the problems, I myself will be taking the plunge in the next few months. I'm looking for a 97 - they're the cheapest, and, surprisingly, have the fewest problems, considering they were the first model year.

[Glass Man]

Milt,
I am the proud owner of a 98 boxter. It hase 26k on it and I can't
find a dam thing wrong with it. I just drove it from Lou.Ky to Tampa Fla.
and back. WHAT A JOY.... So far so good. Glass man

[jmorgan456]

I have had only two little problems: I faulty conv. top sensor and a ruptured coolant hose. both fixed under warranty.

I also had a minor fault on the radio fixed by cleaning the contacts with no probs since.

Most major problems have been discussed above. Other things I have heard about include: short clutch life, random sensor problems, various seal leaks (other than rear main seal ), crank shafts out of alignment (which sometimes causes RMS leakage and results in engine replacement -- not just the seal).

You might want to check out "GT Purely Porsche." Rumor has it they are running a "Boxster buying Guide" this month. It is a UK magazine so the prices are a little off but you will get the idea.

Good Hunting.

[lionbat]

Porsche fixed the problem with Boxster cylinder walls when they produced the 2000 engines. Prior to the 2000 series the cylinder walls in 5 to 7% of the engines produced developed a leak-down problem - it is just a matter of miles.

I have a good 2000 2.5 engine with accessories in my garage so my history on this is biased.

Lionel

[s2per]

My wife's '98 986 turned 75,000 miles this week. Several sets of tires, one set of brakes (yeah, a street car, onl on the track once) and only failure to date is the dreaded top cables. But NOTHING to keep it from running like a German clock.

Plan to keep this one for a loonnngg time......