Calling all Porsche lovers

Ferrara_racing · 02-06-2005, 01:41 PM

Hey everyone, I currently drive a 1985 stock 944 in the summer months. After surviving a drastic surgery last year, I have decided to get a new toy. I am thinking about a 2001 Boxster, with 22,161 on the odometer, it's offered for $24,900 and looks extra clean. It also has the sport option. I want all opinions on the switch and whether the driving experience is worth the investment. After all, the 944 gets tickets plenty easy. I am also worried about the cost of maintainence and some severe criticism I read about service costs and reliability. Juviat, you are the man, jump in and tell me whether a 944 to boxster switch will be a good jump. There is also a 1987 911 Targa with only 27K on it, I thought a newer vehicle would be nice for a change. Thanks in advance to anyone who throws in their thoughts...
peace...Tony

AFJuvat · 02-06-2005, 02:33 PM

Go for it.

The boxster has no serious reliability issues. Also, for a 2001, depending on PDI date, you may still have a biot of warranty left on the car.

Definately get a PPI on the car. Fortunately, most of the issues that creep up on Boxsters aren't really that bad in the pocketbook.

AFJuvat

Ferrara_racing · 02-06-2005, 02:46 PM

thanks I appreciate the response. I have read a lot of articles saying the gearbox is sloppy, steering heavy at low speed and that some specs are bettered by the likes of the MR2 and Honda S2000. I like Porsches much better than the Japanise cars, it's surprising to read that the Boxter gets beat by cars like that. I am looking forward to driving one and will pay attention to the cables you spoke of in another thread. Thanks

Doug&Julie · 02-08-2005, 08:52 AM

Base Boxsters aren't that powerful, but in every other aspect, they'll beat those "competitors" hands down. You'll love the driving feel and nothing beats a convertible on a warm summer evening. Plus, the newer features (proper A/C, ventilation) are nice.

FWIW I've had my '99 for just under two years and nothing was needed other than oil changes. Oh yeah...and tires...but that was because they were old and dry, not worn. I've had none of the dreaded RMS issues, clutch is still strong, and so far my top is working flawlessly (knock on wood!). I had an oil change right before winter (in December) and my mechanic said it still looks like an excellent example. I'm going to need a 30k service in spring.

Get a PPI for sure, but you'll definitely be happy with your decision!

Doug&Julie · 02-08-2005, 01:27 PM

OK, I lied....

Oh shi...

Ferrara_racing · 02-13-2005, 05:33 PM

D&J sorry to hear about the engine, sepecially since I'm close to buying a Boxster. Regarding the 30K service, what's involved and how much is it..

AFJuvat · 02-13-2005, 05:43 PM

Replace:

Sparkplugs
Air Filter
Cabin Filter
Oil
Bleed Brakes and Clutch
Top off transmission
Service battery
top off all other fluids
inspect just about everything.

It is around $700 at my shop.

AFJuvat

Doug&Julie · 02-14-2005, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ferrara_racing
D&J sorry to hear about the engine, sepecially since I'm close to buying a Boxster.

Most of the problems like I had show up in the first 30k miles. Mine hit at 29k. Unfortunately, I bought a car with only 12k miles on it and didn't drive it past the 30k mark before my warranty ran out.

If you're getting a 2.5 ('97-'99) I would highly recommend getting one with higher mileage or from a dealer with a warranty. FWIW I would have recommended that even before my episode.

But hey, mine will be for sale before too long...

Ferrara_racing · 02-14-2005, 07:20 AM

that 30 K service is cake if you have a lift, I love you AJ but I'll save my sheckles for the stuff that I can't fix...

chgrec · chgrec's Garage

I just did the 60k on my 97 boxster with no lift. Just a floor jack & stand to remove the rear wheels for the spark plugs....including the polyrib belt, it only took 2 hours to do the entire thing....saved a bundle and it was amazingly easy........

red911 · red911's Garage

chgrec,
Would like to get information from you on how you did the service. I am purchasing a '98 Boxster with 50k miles on it and since I did most of the work on my 83 sc I would like to do the 60k maint myself. The only thing that could be my concern is the polyrib belt. Since I am not that familiar with the car yet maybe you can help

chgrec · chgrec's Garage

All you need to know is right here......
http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=3994
It took longer to get the 2 engine covers off than it did to replace the belt....