Extended warranties? (shopping for Boxster)

[FrayAdjacent911]

I'm likely going to be replacing my DD with a Boxster, and had questions. I'm going to be looking at 2000-2002 models, since they're in my price range, and shouldn't be potentially as troublesome as 99 and earlier models.

I would like to get an extended warranty, as you just can't beat having a warranty if something goes wrong.

I have actually found a nice 2001 Boxster at a dealer in Houston, at a price I like (gonna try to get it down a little and get a warranty on it), and might be able to pull off trading in my current DD.

Anybody had any experience with purchasing an extended warranty for a 5ish year old Porsche? Approximately what's the cost per year of coverage? Any companies recommended? Any to avoid?

I'm really looking forward to having a Porsche as a project car AND a Porsche as a daily driver... hopefully it'll happen soon!

TIA

M@

[Christien]

I think a thread like this came up a month or so ago, so maybe have a look at that, but IIRC the consensus was they're not worth it. I work in used car financing, which albeit is a far cry from Porsches, but the majority of 3rd party warranties we finance aren't really worth it. They cost $1000-$2000 for 2-3 year coverage and most people only ever make one or 2 claims under it.

You're buying a Porsche, not a Cavalier - POs are much more likely to have taken care of a boxster than a Caravan, therefore less problems likely to come up in the future. Of course boxster problems are twice as expensive as Cavalier problems.

Warranty companies are like insurance companies - they only exist because they take in more than they put out. They provide more peace of mind than actual service. You're probably better off keeping the cash in a 4 or 5% investment and drawing on it as necessary for repairs.

[FrayAdjacent911]

You're probably right, Christien, p-car owners are going to be more prone to take care of them.

The car I'm looking at looks great. Carfax is clean, but DOES show three different ownership changes in it's life. I'm not sure if I should worry about that or not.

[Christien]

Does carfax count dealers as owners? I know the Ontario Ministry of Transportation lists dealers, so when you get a vehicle history it often looks like double the # of people who actually spent time with the car.

Even then, 3 owners doesn't seem that much for a 2000 - original 3 year lease, one short term and one medium term owner maybe.

Maybe getting the dealer of the one you found to throw in a 6-month warranty might be a good indication of the car's condition, in that he's willing to stand behind it.

[FrayAdjacent911]

Carfax apparently shows when a dealer lists it for sale, and then when the DPS (DMV) issues a title in another owner's name. So I know it's been traded in a couple times.

[HardDrive]

I bought a 2002 standard boxster this past March. It was a dealer certified car. I think the Porsche warranty cost around $1500.

I don't know as that a warranty makes sense on paper, but I sure like the peace of mind it gives.

[HardDrive]

Yeah, that rear main seal problem can be a b!tch.

Regardless of what you do, make sure the RMS is inspected.

[FrayAdjacent911]

Yeah, Wayne, I remember the Boxster you scored and got 996 motor for a transplant. How did that work out??


Like I mentioned, the one I'm looking at now (well, found it online and emailed about it) is a 2001 base Boxster with 49k on the ticker, carfax is clean, and actually looking at it, the first owner would likely have been a three year lease. It's at an Acura dealer right now. I'll ask if they certify it or give some short warranty to cover anything that might crop up 'out of the box'.

[stomachmonkey]

For used cars I take the extended.

Paid $1500 for the extended on my 3000GT. Car developed a noisy lifter, dealer did the entire valve train, more than broke even on that one job.

Also got water pump and power antenna covered. Power antenna believe it or not was $350. Not easy to get to.

Extended the warranty on the wifes 01 Tahoe after factory ran out.

Had some work done on the front end last year. They're still ahead on that one but not by much so I'll find something to get my moneys worth.

[FrayAdjacent911]

I'm sure the RMS leak would just be an annoyance. If/when I go look at the car, I'll be looking for a puddle under the car!

I might just see what the dealer offers... if they do a 'dealer certified' kinda thing... or I'll just try to get a short warranty out of them.

Wayne, I can't wait to see how that Boxster turns out! It's gonna kick ass!

[Eric 951]

When I bought my 86 951 7-8 years ago I purchased a "preferred" extended warranty for 350 bucks.
May have been the best 350 bucks ever spent. (well, actually 400 when you figure the 50 deductable)
That warranty paid for motor mounts, W/P, rollers, belts, rod bearings, oil pan gasket, and frontend re-seal--all parts and labor.

I had zero regrets.

[FrayAdjacent911]

Eric, yeah, I would definitely like the peace of mind. I emailed the dealer about what they offer in the way of dealer certification, and the possibility of a short warranty. I figure a year warranty may not cost too much. Maybe something I can extend again before it expires?

We'll see what they say. I'm hoping the dealer will be motivated to sell the car, and will cut me a deal on the whole shebang.

[m21sniper]

Originally posted by FrayAdjacent911
I'm likely going to be replacing my DD with a Boxster, and had questions. I'm going to be looking at 2000-2002 models, since they're in my price range, and shouldn't be potentially as troublesome as 99 and earlier models.

I would like to get an extended warranty, as you just can't beat having a warranty if something goes wrong.

I have actually found a nice 2001 Boxster at a dealer in Houston, at a price I like (gonna try to get it down a little and get a warranty on it), and might be able to pull off trading in my current DD.

Anybody had any experience with purchasing an extended warranty for a 5ish year old Porsche? Approximately what's the cost per year of coverage? Any companies recommended? Any to avoid?

I'm really looking forward to having a Porsche as a project car AND a Porsche as a daily driver... hopefully it'll happen soon!

TIA

M@

Make sure you reasearch this buy, some Boxsters have known serious engine problems.

[m21sniper]

Originally posted by stomachmonkey
For used cars I take the extended.

Paid $1500 for the extended on my 3000GT. Car developed a noisy lifter, dealer did the entire valve train, more than broke even on that one job.

Also got water pump and power antenna covered. Power antenna believe it or not was $350. Not easy to get to.

Extended the warranty on the wifes 01 Tahoe after factory ran out.

Had some work done on the front end last year. They're still ahead on that one but not by much so I'll find something to get my moneys worth.

3000GTs have known defective oil pumps(that can lead to engine failure). If i was you i'd see if you can get them changed out before your warranty expires.

[FrayAdjacent911]

Originally posted by m21sniper
Make sure you reasearch this buy, some Boxsters have known serious engine problems.

Yeah, but it was the pre-2000s that had serious potential issues with the cylinder sleeves separating. 2000+ shouldn't have that issue.

I think the biggest 'common' thing would be the RMS, which would really amount to an annoyance.

I'm pretty confident in this car, since the carfax report is clean, and it's got a decent mileage count for it's age (49k on an almost 6 year old car).

[m21sniper]

Not trying to dissuade you my friend, just doing my best to arm you with the facts.

If you end up with it i wish you only the best of luck.

[FrayAdjacent911]

Thanks Sniper! I've been trying to do my due diligence, since I'll be depending on the car I get. I'd really like the peace of mind of a warranty, at least a short one, so that any issues that might exist could be taken care of in the short term - 'out of the box' for me.

Even if the pre 2000 cars didn't have potential engine troubles, I would probably still be looking at 2000-2002 models.

I think I can work a deal on the one I'm looking at, and end up OK in the long run with the car.

[FrayAdjacent911]

CRAP.

The one I was looking at was wholesaled this morning. CRAP!