Advice or buyer's guide

[chaoslost]

Hi all,
Please pardon me if I'm posting this in the wrong place or if it's all been gone over a million times before but I didn't see it so here goes!

I've never owned a Porsche before and just kind of stumbled into a 2002 base Boxster at my local Porsche dealer[/URL] and took it for a drive. It looks great, sounds great, seems to run great, has 40,200 miles, new engine mounts, all new fluids and tires. They are asking $15,991 which I think is crazy and have already talked them down to $14,991 but it has a seeping rear main seal and not a scrap of written maintenance history. So my questions are, am I stupid for even considering this car? If I'm not totally stupid, am I stupid for thinking of buying it at that price? And last of all, if I'm stupid all around does anybody have any suggestions for buyers guides to read up on to be more informed on how to actually go about picking a quality Boxster? Any help would be great!

Here's a link to the car. Cars for Sale: 2002 Porsche Boxster in Asheville, NC 28806: Convertible Details - 361153611 - AutoTrader.com

[recycled sixtie]

It seems like a lot to ask for a 2002. I bought a 2001 Box base just over 2 years ago and I did not pay much more than that. My PPI showed a mist of oil from the rear main seal. However it does not leak enough to replace the oil between oil changes.
Do not buy the first box you see. I bought the 3rd Porsche I looked at. You should check the 986 forum and read "thinking of buying a Boxster". It covers a lot.

You need to have access to the history of work done. That is why I like buying privately. It seems more accessible. Once you find a Box you like get a Pre Purchase Inspection done. Do not be in a hurry. This Box you are looking at is overpriced even though the mileage is low....do not buy the first one you see!
Cheers, G

[Lyle.woodard]

Leaking rear main seal, no IMS fix or new water pump? $12000 tops. Keep looking, you can find a much better deal

[996AE]

1999 Boxster - 3.4L Engine Swap “Panorama” documented three part series
Arena Red/Grey Full Leather


This gorgeous garage-kept Boxster experienced complete engine failure at 14,011 miles. Instead of replacing the original 2.5 liter base engine, the owner elected to upgrade to a 1999 3.4 liter Carrera engine. NOTE: A Boxster S model year 2000 provides 250hp. Stock 1999 Carrera motor 296hp. Add cold air intake and Cayman exhaust its somewhere north of 296hp.

The engine conversion process was completely documented in Porsche Panorama, the official publication of the Porsche Club of America, in a 3 part series ending February, 2011. One of the refinished brake calipers from this car was also featured on the cover of the May, 2011 issue. This Boxster was the subject of a presentation at Porsche Club's Tech Tactics West, December 1 & 2, 2012.

The car is highly optioned. Here are a few highlights;
Full leather interior
Power seats with “Memory” and lumbar support
Five gauge Carrera instrument cluster with multi-information display
Upgraded Bluetooth audio with navigation and backup camera
Litronic (HID) headlamps
Boxster S center radiator
Short shift kit
April 2013 added;
Clear Bra hood, fenders, mirrors and headlamps
Swepco 201 Transmission fluid
RS683 high temp brake fluid
Hankook V12 tires and four wheel alignment

Current mileage 17,200

No scratches or dings on the paint, no accidents or bodywork. Clean Car Fax with fully documented mileage. The stock 5-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly. Convertible top retracts neatly and the back window is clear. The factory Optional 17 inch Wheels have no curb rash with painted center caps.

The 3.4 liter (M96) Carrera engine received all of the important upgrades, including a factory rebuilt case, the latest rear main seal and oil separator, plus an LN Engineering intermediate shaft bearing.

Car runs Mobil synthetic 0-40 motor oil. Oil and filter changed after 1k break in of new motor and again at 17,200 one year and 2k mi. All receipts and original copies of Panorama Magazines come with car, owners-manual, two original keys etc… The assembly has been tested for over 2,500 miles, runs perfectly and doesn't leak a drop of oil. It looks completely stock. The only hint is the Cayman Exhaust and the rumble of the 3.4L of course.



For sale at 19,990 or trade +/- cash for DE car. 714-267-0429

[Cajundaddy]

This is a pretty good buyers guide and a rich source for all things Boxster:

https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/mikesporscheboxsterwebpages