I guess the obvious caveat to my statement is that I'm ok with accident damage if properly repaired. This one sounds suspect, and I'd definitely walk based on the lies.

Do you know anybody with a regular 986 that you can drive? Or maybe a dealership that has one, even if it is overpriced? I really think you'd walk away impressed, assuming that you drove a good one. I would honestly rate my 986 as being more pure fun than my 996, despite technically being a slower car. I really enjoyed it, and would love an excuse to get another.

Here, blown engine 97 boxster. Owner says it is running but smoking white.

1997 Porsche Boxster mechanics special

Sooo ... is that a complete rebuild / exchange engine?

What is the usual thing people do with their blown up boxsters (aside from selling them on craigslist) :)

G

I have driven them at AX when instructing, so I know their capabilities. I always felt that they are a little underpowered. So the S was nice in that respect.

G

It could be toast......or just need an air/oil separator.

I would buy the Boxster and roll the dice.

Oil and coolant mixing? Worst case scenario needs a new engine. $2900 is about the right price for a possible roller...
G.

Looking at the toast motor boxster this afternoon. Any way to find out if it is the AOS or a sleeve, head etc.? If I see coolant in the oil, it can be both? Let me know soon if you have any wisdom to share!

Called Partsheaven - local dismantler. They sell early boxster engines for about $4k exchange. (Depends on the mileage and exact year, I'd imagine). They say that engines sell fast and more of their boxsters are coming in with bad engines than good ones. :D Still, they'd be able to get me an engine within short time.

So, $2900+4000 = 6900. Not good. There are boxsters running condition for that. Maybe if I can get it for $2k? Are these worth anything in parts? A 97 doesn't have any take offs that someone would want (a 03 and up at least would have a top and headlamps you could sell).

Here, looked at this. Seems too expensive, but would be top down motoring at $3k:
1995 Mazda Miata MX-5 5 speed
95 already has airbags, I was pleased to find out.
How tough is it to get a new diff on a Miata?

G

Here's Wayne's AOS article: Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Air / Oil Separator Replacement - 986 / 987

Common checks are lots of vacuum when removing the oil filler cap, making it difficult to remove. Also your idle changing significantly when removing the cap.

You could part it out, but I don't know if there's $2900 worth of parts in a 1997.

That Miata seems overpriced. I test drove an early one several years ago that was $2500 and mechanically mint. I don't think I'd put much stock in those airbags either, 19 year old 1st generation airbags are a scary concept. My sister in law was hurt by her airbag in a 1990s Taurus after a minor deer accident.

I paid $4200 for my 1995 Miata (with a hard top, $1000 option) 100K miles.

As expected with a car that old I spent a few grand replaceing all the old tired bits with OEM stuff (hoses, belts, seals, gaskets, cooling system).

I have an open diff and would like to upgrade to a LSD... thinking maybe just go to a junkyard and bbuy a entire rear end to swap out.

Just for reference ($360), with all the junkyard we have here in SoCal could probably find one local.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/90-91-92-93-MAZDA-MIATA-DIFFERENTIAL-CARRIER-REAR-AXLE-W-LOCKING-OEM-/310894641808?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories &fits=Model%3AMiata&hash=item4862c3c290&vxp=mtr#ht _1277wt_1124

Bad engine Boxster seller is flaking big time. Told me a guy showed up and got very pushy about buying it and they sent him on his way. So, maybe there is hope it has the AOS issue and not a D-chunk? I am a patient guy - maybe I'll see it tomorrow. Until then, I'll put my search on hold.

There is a $6k 145 for sale at a dealership. I'll test drive it tomorrow. I really like these in silver with red interior:

1997 Porsche Boxster Cabriolet***Great Cond***

I don't think Miatas are for me - for now. Haven't found any nice Camaros. I'd like a 6 speed Z28 or the equivalent Pontiac version ...

Cheers,

G

Interesting proposals. I certainly have considered the Saab turbos particularly the Viggen for its spaciousness and economy. My more probable choice would be the XKR or XK8 because of its style and suspension. It harks back to the cream of the 60s sports racers styling. What I'd really like is a 4200 Maserati, but its thirst for premium fuel makes it too expensive to run. The 996 cab can be a bargain. Think the 3.6 engine on my shelf is good. Hmmmm.....

For the money, that Boxster isn't half bad. The headlights are roasted inside, typically from running too high a wattage aftermarket bulbs. New halogen lights can be had for a few hundred used, unlike the Litronics they are actually cheap. Expect the red interior to be faded, because the red seems particularly bad at dealing with the sun. The different parts fade at different rates too, so it's a kaleidoscope of orange and red. Overall though, looks like a decent driver at a good price assuming it's mechanically solid.

I'd like to like the older Camaro and Firebird, but I can't. They are CHEAP inside and a real rattle trap. Comparably priced Mustangs aren't a Lexus by any means, but they are much better than the F-body cars. I think the Mustang is a better dance partner on a twisty road as well, and the DOHC V8 sounds fantastic with a good exhaust system. $10k would probably buy a decent 2000-ish Cobra convertible, which gives you a fantastic handbuilt motor, better seats, better suspension, and something a bit more special than the garden variety hairdresser car. 1999 and 2001 gets you 320 HP and IRS in the Cobra, there were no 2000 or 2002 models. 2003 steps up to the supercharged "Terminator" Cobra that is quite a bit more money on the used market.

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/7645/dsc4658z.jpg

Also don't forget about the Saleen and Roush Mustangs, they can frequently be found pretty cheaply as well.

I hated my 2003 Maserati coupe. Sounded like sex but the engine was really the only high point. It was like cramming a race motor and gearbox into a luxury cruiser, it just didn't work as a cohesive package.

You better know what you are doing when looking at cheap Porsche's with the water cooled engine. Lots of hurt/dead ones out there due to AOS, IMS,slipped cylinders,D chunk etc. you need to know how to look for these. Also as a recent 2002 Boxster S owner I can tell you repairing the transmission is expensive. I had to have 2nd gear repaired and while in there did a 2nd gear upgrade to the support bearings. Cost was $2800.00 :eek: But now it shifts like butter. Get a good one you will love it, get a bad one and watch money drift away from the bank account :D

To bad your not closer to me. I'd make you a deal on my 2000 S that the wife use to drive. We are getting ready to move and it would be one less thing to deal with. Its got a little over 100k and its also a tip. But the top was replace a few years ago and its been a good car.

It does have some foam coming out of the vents lately. I guess its just getting old. Maybe I'll put it on craigslist and see if it sells, if not I'll just haul it down to Florida.

Plane tickets are cheap, road trips are fun.:)

The vents all have a foam weatherstrip type stuff where they meet the ducts to seal them. It gets dry and crusty with age. The vents are easy to remove if desired, and the seal could be replaced with hardware store self adhesive weatherstrip.

I sent DMC a PM. :)

Quit telling him how easy things are to fix on his boxster. :)

G

So I looked at the silver and red 97 boxster at the used car dealer. Overall has some patina - all original paint - but nothing wrong with it except for the central locking and a foggy rear window and of course the burnt headlamps. The car drove well stayed cool, no leaks, normal crank case pressure, good tires and brakes. It had the same first owner until it went on the auction circus. The carfax shows full dealer services up to 70 k miles.

I think I can't go too wrong if I can get it for 6k out the door. If it blows up, I can just throw it out! I'd drive it as is - the oil looks new too and I'd get to the headlamps and locks whenever ...

What does the brain trust say?

G

Oh I forgot - it shifted nice except for up shifts in 2nd that were a little stiffer than the other gears. Down into second was effortless. Is this an issue?

Also, power was good. Not great but nice enough for cruising and a spirited drive when there is an opportunity!

G

Honestly that sounds pretty good. The 1-2 shift is always the most difficult in these cars, it shouldn't be "hard" but it is the least smooth. If it doesn't grind or pop out of gear it may just need a fluid change.

I responded to your PM. But these arn't rare cars, I would just keep looking out there. Just have the money ready when you find what you want.