Possible purchase tomorrow

stargate823 · 01-05-2009, 02:34 PM

I am driving to Virginia tomorrow to possibly pick up a 2003 Boxster with 67000 miles on it. What should I look for when I see the car and drive it? Any help is appreciated.

minoclan · 01-05-2009, 02:50 PM

A PPI from a good mechanic with references from this board, SERIOUSLY.

stargate823 · 01-05-2009, 02:57 PM

Apologies. I should have mentioned that I plan on taking it to get a PPI provided it passes my inspection. That said, what are the things that I should personally look for before I commit to a PPI?

Britwrench · 01-05-2009, 03:55 PM

All the books the car came from, a stamped service book and service/repair invoices, both the keys and no stories are the first things.

stargate823 · 01-05-2009, 06:08 PM

Okay. So any engine noises, shift problems, driveability issues? I'd have to think that there is SOMETHING I should look for, good OR bad.

KevinH1990 · 06:38 PM

Check this out:

http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/mikesporscheboxsterwebpages

There is a lot of material in Mike's site - it may take you an hour or two to review it, but you should be comfortable knowing whether to invest in a PPI after you have seen his material.

Which part of Virginia are you thinking of buying the car in?

Good luck.

stargate823 · 01-06-2009, 04:03 PM

The car was located in Stafford Virginia.

I brought her home today! I am so excited about it!

I do have a couple questions.

The car needs to have the ignition switch fixed. You have to finagle it to get the electrics to work. Where is the best place to order the part?

This car has the standard head unit. The speaker on the right side dash does not work. Where is the first place I should look?

The windows go down when you open the door just lik ein my MINI. However there seems to be a delay and if you open the door too quickly the window catches on the top. Is this a common issue or something that can be fixed?

I will have pictures up the second it stops raining here in Baltimore. Woo hoo! I am now an official Porsche owner!

Britwrench · 01-06-2009, 05:20 PM

Sounds a lot like all the normal problems have never been addressed.
You can buy the ignition lock assembly at Pelican, we never replace the electrical part only.

stargate823 · 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Britwrench

Sounds a lot like all the normal problems have never been addressed.
You can buy the ignition lock assembly at Pelican, we never replace the electrical part only.

I had read about the ignition problem so I knew what I was getting into when I drove the car. but are you saying that the other issues are common as well?

I drove her into work this morning and I just can't seem to wipe the smile from my face. I just wish that it would stop raining so I can actually enjoy the car a little more.

Britwrench · 01-08-2009, 07:57 AM

For all the other issues that Boxsters have, read Mike's site.

mikefocke · 01-11-2009, 03:43 AM

[QUOTE=stargate823;4401517]The car was located in Stafford Virginia.

The car needs to have the ignition switch fixed. You have to finagle it to get the electrics to work. Where is the best place to order the part?

The part is a VW/Audi part IIRC. Part number should be in the DIY instructions on my web site. I see these problems fixed all the time with just the electrical part of the switch replaced.

This car has the standard head unit. The speaker on the right side dash does not work. Where is the first place I should look?

The amplifier settings. Any sign the radio was recently replaced...maybe the speaker wires didn't get plugged in right. Got the manual for your radio?

The windows go down when you open the door just like in my MINI. However there seems to be a delay and if you open the door too quickly the window catches on the top. Is this a common issue or something that can be fixed?

Mine delay about a half second and it is something you get used to. Open the door handle slowly and delay a heartbeat before opening the door. Mine never catches but it my be just because I have the rhythm down. May also be because I have to pull the handle twice because I have the door lock on. I have the locks set to lock when I go 3MPH, a dealer setting when they have it hooked up to their diagnostic computer.