Real Newby Question

ThomasW · 07-08-2013, 03:09 PM

I realize there are a million answers to this but my wife and I are looking for a weekend hobby car. We are retired and money is a consideration. Back in the day we enjoyed sporty cars but have been sedan drivers for several years. Last week I drove a dealer's '02 Boxster with 72k miles and really enjoyed the driving experience. They were asking $15.9K for the car. Everything seemed OK and the engine felt strong but the car did NOT shift easily into 2nd gear. It got better as the car warmed up (I'm in FL) and I didn't notice the problem on downshifts, only from 1st to 2nd. Questions:
1. This is likely the well documented shifting problem and should we move on to another car? Finances are an issue!!!!
2. Who, if anyone, near Ocala can fix this? How much?
This is my first day on the forum and all help is appreciated. My next challenge will be navigating back here to see any responses. I'm not a klutz but I'm no mechanic either. Thanks to all in advance.

Fingal · 07-08-2013, 03:13 PM

Second gear popout and/or a grind from 1-2 are common porsche complaints. You must learn the porsche shifting technique which involves a brief pause and a little wiggle in neutral instead of just whipping through the shift. The shifter cannot be rushed.

Get a PPI. These are great cars.

tonythetarga · 07-08-2013, 04:13 PM

$15.9 for an '02 is too much to begin with. Stay tuned into the classifieds here at Pelican and with Pedro's Garage in Miami (google him). There are things to know about Boxster's and things to be careful about. Read up on them in the buyers guide and read comments in the forums.
They are great cars but not trouble free. Know what you are buying and not be surprised after the sale, especially if $$ is an issue. A cheap car that needs a new engine can set you back more than you paid for the car. Ideally, find one that has had the IMS bearing done.

recycled sixtie · recycled sixtie's Garage

You cannot run a Boxster for the same maintenance cost as a Miata. I spend about $1-2k a year on my 2001 Boxster.So far I do my own basic maintenance but the more complicated stuff I take it to my indy garage. The higher the miles the more things need fixing.
Check 986 forum for comments on buying a Boxster. Mike Focke has lots of data too.
Do research on IMS. Ask for service history and a PPI is a must. Don't fall in love with the first one you see. Take your time. Enjoy.

Alphaboy1 · 07-09-2013, 11:23 AM

I have a 2002 Boxster S with 51000 miles on her. She is in Showroom condition. Nothing needed at all. Artic Silver... Tony... Check how much these cars are selling for and take a look at KBB. I understand the prices there are higher typically but it is what it is. Lets not help depreciate our cars anymore.

tonythetarga · 07-09-2013, 01:15 PM

Hi Paul,
Not trying to bring down the market. We all want our cars to be worth more and at this time of year they are, so maybe that's why the 15.9 asking price. For the miles and no IMS upgrade, there are better deals out there. The dealers buy these at auction for 6-8k tops. I'd pay a higher price for a private deal with good records and maintenance over a fast talker and a great detail job that has no idea about the cars history.