Considering a 2003 Boxster

[Targa Me]

Hello Everyone.
I'm from the other part of the world....I own an 84 911 Carrera.

I'm considering buying a Boxster; its a 2003 with 48k miles on the clock. Its an automatic trans.

What is the maintenance like? How reliable are they?

Thanks for your input.

[racer]

2003 is a nice year! First year of the glass rear window AND a small HP bump to 228 (from 217).

As for maintenance, do a search! Lots of folks will weigh in about engine concerns (search for M96 motors); Generally they are quite reliable and the maintenance is quite manageable, especially if a DIY type.

Any car gets expensive to maintain when paying dealer rates. The parts (think brake pads/rotors/oil changes) are quite reasonable imho.

It is WORLDS apart from an '84 911 in just about every tactile/emotional way. I hope the boxster is an addition to the 911 and not a replacement of it.

[randy_k]

Originally Posted by racer

2003 is a nice year! First year of the glass rear window AND a small HP bump to 228 (from 217).

As for maintenance, do a search! Lots of folks will weigh in about engine concerns (search for M96 motors); Generally they are quite reliable and the maintenance is quite manageable, especially if a DIY type.

Any car gets expensive to maintain when paying dealer rates. The parts (think brake pads/rotors/oil changes) are quite reasonable imho.

It is WORLDS apart from an '84 911 in just about every tactile/emotional way. I hope the boxster is an addition to the 911 and not a replacement of it.

I thought 2002 was the first year of the glass window and the upgraded engine?
Randy

[racer]

nope.. '03 also had restyled front and rear bumpers.

[randy_k]

Originally Posted by racer

nope.. '03 also had restyled front and rear bumpers.

Racer, You're correct. Sorry for my fopa. If I had the bucks. A 2003 S would be my target as an owner. Bang for the buck would be hard to approach, with another car. IMHO.
Randy

[Targa Me]

This Boxster would be an addition to the 911, not a replacement.
Thanks for the input !

[Brillo]

As mentioned it can be pricey to be maintained by a dealer, but also by an independent. A number of guys do their own maintenance and save a fair amount of $ that way.

The IMS (intermediate shaft) failure is the biggest concern and it can lead to needing to have the engine replaced. There is a new warning system called the IMS Guardian. There's avery good write-up about it in the November issue of Excellence. Also, there is a preventative fix (after market, not by Porsche). It's fairly costly, around $3K if you have it done.

The other common failures that I am aware of are the RMS (rear main seal), coolant reservoir leaking and the MAF sensor.

I love my 986 and I'm planning on having Tony Callas (Pelican forum sponsor) install the IMS Guardian.

As for your 911 vs. the Boxster, they are different driving experiences in almost every way. I say go for it, I don't think you'll regret it.

[s_morrison57]

Originally Posted by Targa Me

This Boxster would be an addition to the 911, not a replacement.
Thanks for the input !

I'm in the same boat as Targa Me, I want a 03 "S" too and was looking for a Tip so the wife can drive it, it would be her car and I'll be keeping the 87 930.
Trouble is these years are still expensive in Canada, 22-24K for a low milage one, but the bigger problem is that a buddy just bought a 2010 Cayman with the PDK and I'd sooner have that trans as opposed to the Tip, I also like the coupe over the rag top - it all boils down to cash for me, if it was there I'd already have one.
Finn

[recycled sixtie]

Welcome to the forum,
I have a 2001 Boxster base which I bought in May of this year. Yes I think that 2003 model with the defrost rear window is a good choice. I am getting the ims guardian installed asap. Do your research about ims failure. Could be costly if you have total engine failure. I had a Miata for four years and it cost me very little. Expect to pay more for repairs for the Boxster and have an emergency fund in case of problems. A prepurchase inspection is mandatory for these cars. Make sure the cel, or check engine lite illuminates before starting engine. If it does not illuminate, then walk away. The Boxster is a fun car. My wife wanted me to get my next car with air cond. and heated seats. My Boxster meets those criteria well. If you get a good one, it will be a lot of fun. If you get a bad one, it is a money pit which will quickly take away from the enjoyment. Do lots research about this car on the internet.
Hope this helps,
Guy in Edmonton , Canada.

[mikefocke]

But recycled...

What you said can be said about any used car...good ones are great and bad ones are money pits.

I've owned probably 30 cars over my lifetime (beginning in '64 and generally several in the household) my Boxster was certainly among the most cost effective and reliable cars I ever owned. Never a day it wouldn't start and I took it everywhere, through snow and hurricane, to get a pizza and to the trash dump.

Could bad stuff happen? Sure. But bad stuff happened to my wife's Acura, my Honda, my son's Mazda and all have cost more to maintain over the last 5 years than my Boxster.

I used to complain about oil change costs until I got the bill for one on my wife's new Toyota.

Don't overreact to Internet stories.

[PeterCarrera84]

I have been looking for a Boxter last few weeks or more. Well I found an S. Will be flying to another state to pick it up after testing it, its an o3. Then will drive back to Fl.

Will share my return adventure . Don't want to say anything yet. , the trip is 10 days away.

I also own an 84 Carrera for the last almost 8 years, and love it. Will keep it for now.
Looking forward to the road trip home.

[ronster]

Originally Posted by PeterCarrera84

I have been looking for a Boxter last few weeks or more. Well I found an S. Will be flying to another state to pick it up after testing it, its an o3. Then will drive back to Fl.

Will share my return adventure . Don't want to say anything yet. , the trip is 10 days away.

I also own an 84 Carrera for the last almost 8 years, and love it. Will keep it for now.
Looking forward to the road trip home.

Once you start driving it you will take the long way home.

[Oldguy57]

Don't overreact to Internet stories.
Once you start driving it you will take the long way home.
I think this two sentences mentionned by Mike and Ronster are really nice!
Just bought a Boxster 98 with 85000km last spring, it's been an enjoyable and learning experience! now i'm preparing to put the Boxster on hibernation, I allready miss those lovely sunny days driving with the top down!

[PeterCarrera84]

This 6 spd. S that I will be picking up 1150 miles from here is a one owner with a bit over 100k , maint done by Porsche mechanic. after the 50k warranty, ALL recommended done. Rear seal leak corrected by dealer. 12.5 k almost new Hankooks on 17" .
Looking forward to the ride back. I only road tested a 2.7 locally, and thought it was very brisk off the line. Never drove a 3.2.
Will be back.
Peter