Starting my search for a Boxster. Advice?

[wwwcad]

I'm starting my search for a used Boxster and was wondering if you folks had any hints regarding any specific issues I should look for when checking them out. I currently own a 1968 Porsche 912, so I'm looking for some new techology!

Are there any years to avoid in terms of reliability? (I had a 2000 Volvo S-80, the worst they ever built ).

What's the difference in the model numbers?

I know these are probably dumb questions, but I had to start somewhere!!!

[ABQautoxer]

I just finished doing this myself and bought a 02 S a few weeks ago. Like most things budget will drive what models/years are available to you. I don't think you really have to avoid any particular year. 986 = 97-04 987.1 = 05-08, 987.2 = 09-present. Some reading you might consider:

http://www.986faq.com/default.asp
http://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/buyingorsellinga1997-2004boxster
http://www.dancrouchblog.com/boxster-s-faq/

There are lot of others and not all are perfectly accurate but a good start.

[wwwcad]

Thanks, I was seacrhing and came across some interesting histories of the Boxster. I'll check out your sources.

Good to know there wasn't a particularly /badbummer year.

Originally Posted by ABQautoxer

I just finished doing this myself and bought a 02 S a few weeks ago. Like most things budget will drive what models/years are available to you. I don't think you really have to avoid any particular year. 986 = 97-04 987.1 = 05-08, 987.2 = 09-present. Some reading you might consider:

Porsche Boxster (986) FAQ
buyingorsellinga1997-2004boxster - mikefocke2
Dan Crouch Blog » Porsche Boxster S FAQ and Buyer’s Guide

There are lot of others and not all are perfectly accurate but a good start.

[s_wilwerding]

I don't know what your budget is, but if I were buying, I'd be looking for a used 2009 Boxster S. That is when they upgraded the engine to deal with the IMS issues, and so far, the cars don't seem to be having big issues.

If you're looking older, I'd recommend a post-2003.

[MnW's 987S]

I would simply say to make sure you look at and drive both a 986 as well as a 987. Both S and non S if you think the power difference will matter to you.

The most important thing is to decide what it is you really want and then stick to it until you find just the right car. This means drive as many cars as you can and choose which things are your must have's. Then start looking for that car. It took us about 3 months to see many and drive several and decide what we wanted and then another 3 months to find the right car (at the right price) but it was a fun hunt and we couldn't be more pleased with the end result.

[ABQautoxer]

On the flip side, I've been lucky enough to drive all of major versions of the Boxster and I would say there are no bad ones meaning there are none that aren't fun to drive. But like someone suggested, the 03+ are nice because they have a glovebox, glass rear window, etc. The S has quite a bit more umph than the non-S. The newer 05's are just that much nicer IMO but you do pay for it. So back to my original point, the budget would probably dictate a bit of how advice is given to you.

[racer]

iirc, some random facts that may impact your decision.

1997- first year.. some say to avoid first year production cars in general. early cars have a 2.5l, 201hp motor
1998-99 - issues with slipped sleeves and porous blocks

2000 - first year of the 2.7 (217hp) as well as some interior upgrades
2000 - first year of the"S" - 250hp, 6speed, bigger brakes, 3rd radiator

2003 - glass rear window and hp bump to 228; "S" up to 258 hp

2005 - 987 Boxster introduced. 2.7 up to 240hp, Boxster S up to 280hp


Didn't see you mention 986 or 987 boxster?
All these cars can (will?) have RMS and IMS issues which can be catastophic to the engine. That said, they are all great fun cars in their own way.

When I looked for one in 2006, I specifically wanted a year 2000 due to 1) stronger motor 2) nicer interior bits 3) Still available WITHOUT Traction control/psm etc 4) Fit my budget 5) Fear slipped sleeved issues that plagued some earlier cars

If looking now, I would consider an '03 and newer as it has a glass rear window and again, some nice upgrades.

I would also look for an "S" for the improved performance.

[wwwcad]

What are the RMS and IMS issues? Engine/crank failures?

[racer]

Originally Posted by wwwcad

What are the RMS and IMS issues? Engine/crank failures?

RMS = Rear Main Seal. a cheap part, but on some of the earlier cars, the continual failing of seals meant larger issues

IMS = Intermediate Shaft - when it goes, so too does your motor.

Search is your friend.. google Porsche IMS and see what comes up. There are some solutions to prevent IMS issues nowadays.

You also need to come up with a budget to share. No point talking model/year "X" if you can only afford "y" instead.

of note, there is some "demand" for '97-99 cars for their use a Spec Boxster racing cars.

[wwwcad]

Originally Posted by racer

RMS = Rear Main Seal. a cheap part, but on some of the earlier cars, the continual failing of seals meant larger issues

IMS = Intermediate Shaft - when it goes, so too does your motor.

Search is your friend.. google Porsche IMS and see what comes up. There are some solutions to prevent IMS issues nowadays.

You also need to come up with a budget to share. No point talking model/year "X" if you can only afford "y" instead.

of note, there is some "demand" for '97-99 cars for their use a Spec Boxster racing cars.

Thanks, I did finally find it while searching. Looks like there are some things to watch for and some less invasive fixes.

I'm looking for a daily fun driver, no racing or heavy duty runs. My budget is in the $25k and under range. I'm not afraid of an older model if it's in good shape with reasonable mileage.

[dmairspotter]

Check to see how you fit in the 987 (2005 on). I found the 986 fit me better (I'm tall and big) and let me do some mods to get more space that wouldn't work on a 987.

I ended up with a very low mileage 03 S for a little over 20k so what you want is definitely out there.

[wwwcad]

Found a nice 2004, but it's at a dealer so we'll have to do some hard negotiating!

[mikefocke]

Given your location, if you can wait for a few months there will be some very motivated sellers and you'll save a bundle. Amazing the deals you get with the white stuff all over the car. My last Boxster buy I saved about $4k that way...paid for the next 5 years of maintenance, tires, upgrades, etc.