911 Owner interested in Boxster asks, how dependable are they?

[Sunroof]

Well after many decades of 911 ownership and currently an owner of a restored 911T (1973.5), I have decided to move beyond the garage queen/weekend driver to a daily driver. Here in Atlanta Boxsters are quite plentiful as used cars and the prices for used ones are in line with my budget (18-20K).

I keep hearing of Rear Main Seal issues, costly maintenance charges, and the difficulties on working on then from the home mechanic point of view. Granted its a porsche and that spells $$$$ on parts and maintenance, but historically has the Boxster been above average for repair?

Any input from Boxster owners from the standpoint of cost of maintenance and dependability is greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Bob

[kang]

You might want to post this on tbe Boxster forum.

[jackb911]

Hi, Bob,

My 16th (of 20) Porsches was an early '97 Boxster. It was trouble-free when I owned it, but the subsequent owner had problems with the moveable lid that hides the soft top. It had a plastic part that broke at least twice. I understand there is an aluminum replacement that solves the problem. Oil changes are simple, and with hydraulic valve actuation, there isn't a lot of maintenance involved aside from fluid and plug changes. I absolutely hated the fact that you can't easily see the engine, but it isn't a thing of great beauty anyway. The interior is a bit claustrophobic when the top is up. I never had any engine or transmission issues, and mine was a very early car that was a PCNA demo that was used in auto shows when the Boxster was made available to the public.

It was a fun car, much like the 914-6 was back in its era.

As much as I liked my Boxster, and I liked it a LOT better than the '00 996 that replaced it, it isn't a 911. I wouldn't mind having one as a second Porsche and I assume this is the direction you are leaning toward. Supposedly the 2001-up models are less troublesome that the earlier cars, and some of the '98-99 models have crankcase porosity issues due to a supplier problem. I think the RMS problem exists on some cars, but has been greatly exaggerated on internet forums. Definitely get a PPI, as there are lots of pre-owned Boxsters that were owned by "non-enthusiasts".

Hope this helps,
________________
Jack

'96 993