Question on Boxster Common Engine Failures

I am considering a 1999 Boxster with 13,000 miles. Single owner, engine replaced under warranty in 2003 with 3700 miles at that time. Was driven 8000 miles through 2005 then only 1500 miles over the past ten years. Should I be concerned with IMS, RMS etc.? Thanks.

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This post was auto-generated based upon a question asked on our tech article page here: Pelican Technical Article: Common Boxster Engine Problems and Failures - 986 / 987

[Nick at Pelican Parts]

It is always a concern, sort of like being hit by a bus. You don't have to actively worry about it, but you have to. Inspect the RMS area for oil, if dry, you'll probably be fine for quite some time.

- Nick

[mikefocke]

Depends on if you can verify the frequency of the oil changes and the quality of the oil used.

If it sat there waiting till it got to Porsche's recommended mileage change interval, I'd be really really concerned.

If it got at least yearly oil changes, I'd still be concerned but I also wouldn't be paying too much of a premium for the low mileage aspect of the car.

The good news is, because of the date of the replacement engine, you do have a replaceable bearing. I'd just budget the IMS replacement into your economic analysis.

The bad news is that over the last 10 years, probably almost every start of the car meant it was started with the oil having drained off all the wear surfaces.