Need Some Input

Furrymonki · 08-23-2006, 04:59 AM

I am contemplating buying a 1999 Boxster with 51K miles on it and with Tiptronic. I have had a PPI completed at the local Porsche dealer in Northern Virginia (HBL) and they found seepage at the RMS and a couple of other places. The owner is having all this taken care of (under an extended warranty) As I understand it, this is a common problem with earlier Boxsters and the upgraded seal should take care of the issue.

My concerns are;

1. Would the Boxster be a good daily driver - year round? I drive about 15 miles each way to work, a combination of highway and country road. No backed up traffic in the direction I go. But in the winter months we do get a few days of snow and or ice. I drive about 9K - 11K miles a year total.

2. Are Boxsters considered reliable cars? I see such mixed information on various BB's that I just am not sure. This would be my only car. Am I courting disaster?

3. Once the RMS is repaired with an updated one, how long should I expect to be safe before having to go through this again?

4. Finally, does anyone have any experience or recommendations for good service shops in the Northern VA area? I live in Loudoun County near Dulles Airport. I've heard of the following shops that are fairly close to me;
-Curry's
-Ptex
HBL (Porsche Dealer)

I will appreciate any input or recomendations that you all can offer.

Many thanks,

Scott

Furrymonki · 08-23-2006, 11:08 AM

No opinions?

Porsche_Daddy · 08-23-2006, 04:23 PM

I'm surprised the car had an RMS issue being a tiptronic. The majority of cars with RMS leaks are manual. I would suspect the new RMS to be trouble free if installed correctly. Boxsters have their issues (earlier ones more so than later ones) but they are pretty reliable cars all in all. I wouldn't hesistate making a boxster a daily driver. They are also pretty good in the snow I hear. I hope this helps some.

Furrymonki · 08-23-2006, 04:28 PM

Thanks Porsche_Daddy, I appreciate the info. The RMS on the 99 Tip Boxster was not leaking badly or anything. Seeping was more like it. But also seeping on both banks as well.

I've also heard now that the coolant tank tends to go and it is rather expensive to fix. Do you have any info on that?

Thanks,

Scott

thomschoon · 08-23-2006, 08:25 PM

There are several good shops in NOVA, I have used RPM, do a search over at www.dorkiphus.com as it is a great local board

trj911 · trj911's Garage

I had a 99 tip and loved it. I did not use it as a daily driver but I would have done so without any hesitation. The RMS should not be a problem since the dealer is fixing it. Have fun!

Furrymonki · 08-24-2006, 04:38 AM

Thanks all, I appreciate the info. I did post on Dorkiphus yesterday and received a lot of input there as well.

Thanks!

Scott