should I get a 2001 Boxster S
 

My neighbor sells boats and he is considering taking a ~45,000 mile 2001 Boxster S in on trade.

Assuming its in great shape and PPIs, what do most folks think of that year of Boxster? I'm more a fan of later models, but the deal on this might be very good

Depends on what you'd be paying for it. Like any other car, what you pay determines whether or not it's a good deal.

As Porsches go, I like the way the Boxster drives. It's not like my 911, but that's a good thing, in some ways. I would love to DD a Boxster. For one thing, having actual air conditioning during the summer would be great. And in the winter, having a choice of heater settings would also be nice. In my 911, there are two heat settings - "off" and "fire clay pottery".

There are tons of them around so if you dont like this one there will be another in short order.

If the price is right, why not? Factor in the IMS retrofit if not already done.

As an owner of a 2001 Boxster base also with 45k miles on it for the past 3 years these are my feelings.

This has been the most fun to drive car in my life. Conversely when the mechanics of it go south it can be expensive to repair especially in my part of the world. If you can do your own wrenching you can save a lot of $$$.

Also the S model is generally more desired than the base so selling an S is easier.
I do not consider the Boxster a quality car. Things fall apart readily. Get ims done for peace of mind if you buy it. Yes a PPI is required too. Yes trading in a Boxster on a boat? My guess is that he is having a hard time selling it. Please don't be a victim. Make sure it is rock solid or else pass. Cheers, Guy.
PM me if you need any more advice!

I do not now nor have previously owned a Boxster... however it is very, very, very high on my list of cars to own some day thus I have looked at a lot of them.

If the price were right I would snap up a 2001 Boxster S in a heartbeat.

Just my two cents.

Love my 2002 S hard to go wrong it's great . PPI a must like any Porsche and yes IMS should be changed. Use good oil and drive her hard !

I've got a 2001 Boxster, base not S. Owned it for the last two years. I've found it a reasonably easy car to work on. Great/fun car to drive. The only drawback for me is the plastic rear window. Mine is in decent condition, but you have to get out and do the window fold correctly in order to keep the plastic from getting marred. Glass window takes care of that problem.

I didn't replace the IMS bearing. I'm willing to assume the risk. Your tolerance level may be lower than mine. I don't even think about it.

Yes, do it. They are fantastic cars.

One of my best friends had a 2001 Boxster S. First engine blew at ~70k miles. Spent $15k on a new engine (installed at the dealer). It failed catastrophically last year and he sold the whole car for $1500.

$650 plus labor makes that low risk go away. I always wonder about stories such as that, terrible luck or some other issue? I've had 5 M96 equipped cars with their original IMS and RMS, all with over 60k. My current 996 had an LN bearing installed by the PO when the clutch was done at 90k.

I had a 2002 base model, and I loved it. I would absolutely own one again.

That being said, as Rot mentions, the pre-2003 cars had plastic rear windows. They degrade over time. And the tops of the 986 in general were very thin. Basically no sound proofing. I found it difficult to hear phone calls if I was on a rough stretch of highway. I got the removable hardtop with my car, and it made a huge difference during inclement weather. Not sure if that is a concern for you, but just throwing it out there.

how can you possibly go wrong with a car like this.

02' Porsche Boxster S Convertible Season is here! -

I didn't know that there was an expected maintenance interval on the IMS

Am I the only one that doesn't like Boxsters?
I just don't think they're that fun, fast, or well built.
My experience is with an '02 S.

well
DO YOU GET A NEW MOTOR IF THE CURRENT one fails now ?
or is only certain years cars
how long does that recall/program last ?

Price?

You arent alone. Known engine issues, interior materials, the headlights, the hairdresser mystique....

If the above doesnt bother you they are quite capable and fun to drive.