Is this Boxster a good deal?

[cantdrv55]

I think it is if it checks out.

2001 Boxster S
130 k miles
New top with glass window
Condition very good int and ext
6 speed
2 owners
Private party seller both times
$8500

He was going to trade it in but dealer was only giving $6500 so he said GTH!

[onewhippedpuppy]

Hell yes. It's really hard to find a Boxster S for under $10k. Assuming that it's mechanically and cosmetically sound, buy it!

[Nostril Cheese]

A few things to check..

CV Joint boots. The use of the six speed in the S puts the CV joints at a different angle. They wear out frequently.

Has the water pump been changed? If not, plan to change it.

Use a good diagnostic software or the PIWIS and check cam deviation. This is a sure fire way to check if the IMS is going. The IMS problem is a bit overblown by some people, but it does happen. Replacement isnt that bad for a DIYer. Change the rear main seal and chain tensioners while you're at it.

If all checks out, enjoy the car. They are fun little rockets to drive.

[Cajundaddy]

A very sharp price on a well maintained car with receipts. PPI and buy!

[aigel]

I have followed the S and the lowest I have seen is $12k for higher mileage. Definitely anything under $10k is GREAT, if it checks out. That's a TON of car for the money. I'd jump on it - but I need another car like a hole in my head.

G

[cantdrv55]

Same here. Don't really need another car but I just want one. Dunno, might sell the SC if the Boxster sings to me.

[trekkor]

Score!!


KT

[Rick V]

Originally Posted by cantdrv55

Same here. Don't really need another car but I just want one. Dunno, might sell the SC if the Boxster sings to me.

Don't do that, keep them both.
I drive my Boxster every day and have the SC in the garage and drive it when the mood hits, they are very different cars. Once the novelty of the new wears off you will regret getting rid of the SC and keeping the Boxster. You already know the SC value is going up, I doubt Boxsters will ever really be "wanted cars".
The Boxster is one of the best cars for fun you will ever come across, I love mine and I really don't like convertibles.

[sc_rufctr]

Great price but at 130k miles I would be concerned. Does it have a full service history?
What about the tyres? Are they good? Do all four match? Etc etc...

Converting to Kms that's over 200,000 and personally I would consider that very high regardless of price.
My daily is close to 300,000 Kms and still going well but it's only a matter of time before I'll be looking for something newer.

If it all checks out then go for it but slow down and really be critical of the car. Buy with your head not heart.(if possible)

[petrolhead611]

Sure, factor in the cost of any necessary replacement tyres when making your offer, but that is an easily quantifiable matter, so nothing to wory about compared to unkown mechanical problems.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by petrolhead611

Sure, factor in the cost of any necessary replacement tyres when making your offer, but that is an easily quantifiable matter, so nothing to wory about compared to unkown mechanical problems.

@ 130k that's my biggest concern. How good are these motors/gearboxes?

Assuming it won't have the IMS or D chunk issue.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by Nostril Cheese

Use a good diagnostic software or the PIWIS and check cam deviation. This is a sure fire way to check if the IMS is going. The IMS problem is a bit overblown by some people, but it does happen.

I've never read of this IMS detection method before, thank you for posting this information.

I've got 130k on my 1977 911, how different is that from 130k on a Boxster-S?

Like someone said, an under 10k "S" looks like a quick sell price.

I had to look up the D-Chunk issue, never heard of it before.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/13-ENGINE-Common_Engine_Failures/13-ENGINE-Common_Engine_Failures.htm

Excess vibration and twisting from the normal operation of the engine appears to be causing some cracking in these liners, resulting in a small chunk of the liner breaking off. This “D-chunk” problem seems to ironically occur mostly in gently driven cars. Boxsters that are driven hard at the track or on the street do not tend to see this type of damage. At least with respect to the track cars, one theory is that these cars tend to have their oil changed much more often. The problem affects mostly the 2.5 and Carrera 3.4 engines: the 3.2 Boxster S engine appears to be unaffected because it has thicker cylinder walls than the 3.4 engine. When this failure happens, you will see oil and coolant begin to mix together, or a slight unexplained coolant loss.

The car in question is a 2.7 L, right?

[onewhippedpuppy]

Boxster S is 3.2. There are lots of M96 engines over 100k, except for the occasional IMS they are very reliable.

[aigel]

Update???

[cantdrv55]

Silence from the seller. He might have sold it to someone else while I was away on business. I told him I couldn't come by to see it until next weekend.