Help with possible Boxster purchase (questions)

[Coos Bay]

Hi all,

I have owned many Porsche cars over the years but never a Boxster. I'm thinking of buying one locally. Extremely nice 1998 Boxster with 30k miles. This car is near perfect in every way. No oil drips, nothing. Now....my questions:

*Is it a "given that the Intermediate bearing WILL fail? Any idea of how far down the the line. I mean the car only has 30k miles.

*Asking price is $14k. It also comes with a factory matching hardtop. Basically original owner.

*Is 1998 a bad year....decent year? I've heard that 2002 and 2003 were good years. I don't know...never owned a Boxster.

Any tips or pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[mikefocke]

The IMS you have is probably (if original engine) the best of the bunch.

You are buying a 17 year old car and there are parts that age as well as those that wear. Particularly things that are plastic.

Any way of telling how frequently the oil was changed? Any other maintenance history?

The hardtop is worth maybe $800-1400 depending on the season.

Age and condition of tires? That is a $800-1,200 item.

Condition of soft-top?

Do you have access to an experienced water cooled Porsche mechanic?

The person selling is valuing the low miles at around $6k as there are lots of higher mileage 97-99s at the 7 to 8k$ price point.

More than you ever want to know about buying a Boxster here.

[SCUDERIA928]

I own a 97 and a 99.
On the 97 the engine gave up due to IMS failure at 65000. Replaced 2.5L engine with a used 3.4L. Engine failed again due to oil starvation (Another word for IMS failure). Replaced engine with a custom built 3.8L engine. Car has now 72000M.
On the 99 engine failure due to IMS at 55000M. Replaced with another 2.5L. Replaced IMS prior to installation. Car has now 113000M.
If you buy the 98 car make sure that you have the history of the car. Where was the car maintained. Get records if possible.
Immediately after purchase I would replace the IMS immediately. This will ensure the lifetime of the engine.
Ask the owner which oil he used up to this point, the brand and weight of oil. In case that this information is not available, make an engine oil flush and use the appropriate brand and oil. Oil interval is very important. Don't go after those 10000 miles oil changes. 5000 or 6000 miles is a safe margin to abide to.

Good luck!

[Sandia]

Roger:

Had some questions about Coos Bay Porsche resources. Sent you a PM.

John