Searching for solid, reliable boxter.

[knabini]

Hi, everyone,
I'm new to Boxters, but old enough to 914's.
I'm thinking about buying Boxter and need your opinions and experience about this model.
What I need first is to identify the years and trims that are most reliable or (relatively) easy to fix and maintain with common hand tools.
I do have a reliable mechanic, but he's 60 miles away; so I can only use him for maintenance, not urgent fixes.
What do I have to check when inspecting the car? Where? even, how?
I prefer automatic (Tiptronic) car and intend to get a reliable daily driver.
any and all help will be appreciated.
thank you all...

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Hello - take a look at the links below to learn more about the 986/987 platforms. I would also recommend getting your mechanic involved once you find a potential car during the PPI - this should give you a good idea as to if you should invest in that particular car.

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

Boxster Common Issues

[DMadigan]

The cars have more electronics the later the year. Things such as electric front and rear trunk locks. The cables work fine on my '99.
Look at the year that the IMS bearing was changed and they started having failures which can take out the entire motor. You need to pull the motor to implement one of the fixes.
Do you need a 2.7L or 3.2L? The 2.5 is faster than the 914. Besides, the fun part is leading some tailgater into a corner 10 MPH faster than they can take it.

[knabini]

Dmitry,
thanks for the links - they help to understand the what the issues are/were with Boxster and will let me to avoid the troubles.
DMdigan,
The engine displacement is not my priority, reliability IS. I already read a couple of "articles" about IMS issues, model years. I also understand that is the car (in this case Boxster) is with the high milage (70K, 100K or so), there is, most likely, no problem with IMS seal or it was addressed already.

Looks like 2005 and up models are the better choices, at least this is what I think now.

I will research more....

[phook]

I think there will be trade-offs depending on what route you go with.

1997-1999 - there were issues with d-chunking and cylinder liner cracks - but most will say that if it's lasted this long - it's very likely not an issue unless it's a very low mileage car. So a higher mileage - well maintained version would be a good choice. And it's got the dual-row IMS.

2000-2004 2.7 - I've heard an opinion on a podcast that these are incredibly reliable because they are over-engineered and under-stressed vs the 3.2. I ended up buying a 2000 2.7 with the IMS already changed - I've only owned it for a month tho - so I can't speak to long term reliability yet.

986S - From reading lots of forum threads before purchasing - I believe the 986 3.2 are pretty reliable. I think the community is about 50/50 split on the bore scoring. Some say it'll happen, some say it won't. I honestly don't know what to believe when it comes to reading different opinions from all over lol I'd say 986 3.2 is a good bet - I just didn't want to spend the extra money for an S since I'm focusing on driver mod anyway lol

987/S - I stayed away from budgeting for a 987 because I liked the peace of mind of being able to change the IMS bearing on the 986. You can't change the IMS on the 987 without taking the engine case apart - but I've read that the 987 IMS has a very very low failure rate (1%?)- so it might not even be a concern. I don't know if the 3.2 on the S suffers from bore scoring, but i know the 3.4 in the Caymans do. If you are considering the 987 - I think that's something to look into.

Anyway - I'm no expert, this is just stuff I read while researching before I bought my 986. Good luck! As always - maintenance records + ppi and I think you are good to go.

[tonythetarga]

Originally Posted by DMadigan

Look at the year that the IMS bearing was changed and they started having failures which can take out the entire motor. You need to pull the motor to implement one of the fixes.
.

You do not need to pull the motor to do the IMS repair. The tranny, clutch and flywheel come out to access the trap door for the bearing.

[recycled sixtie]

Yes as mentioned above a PPI is essential when you find one you like. I owned a 2001 Boxster base for three years before I got a CEL and needed engine work. I did drive it in winter and on cold days and the car could have lasted longer if I drove it in summer only.

Yes do your research re frequency of ims failure through the years. I believe the 2000 Boxster base had a more solid bearing. The 2001 not so much. And the 2009 I understand is the first year of the no ims engine.

I believe these cars are great providing the maintenance is done preemptively. Perhaps get a Boxster with the ims done already(you need proof it has been done) or have it done after you buy it. I drive a Miata now but still look at getting a Cayman or 911 in the future.

[mikefocke]

'70 914 owner thru '72. 2 Boxsters since. For cost to fun ratio, the '99. Buy one with a maintenance history that shows someone else has paid for a lot of the things that can go wrong with a ~20 year old car. Loved both of mine, wonderfully reliable. These cars can have failures both due to age and mileage. And due to design too. No car is perfect. And 914 tires were lots cheaper and lasted longer (even though I pushed my 914 far harder than I ever did my '99 or '01S).

More than you wanted to know is also here.

[dangrouche]

Mike, you are the perfect person to answer this as a former 914 owner. I have a '74 2.0 liter 914 and it runs fine, and I've only put on less than 2K miles a year, since owning this one for the past 10 years. I am presented with an opportunity to get a 1999 2.5 986 for a song. The 986 is owned by a mechanic that has his own German repair shop (not strictly Porsche) and has owned it for about five years. I am not too interested in learning a whole new repair procedures on the 986. I have the skills to build a 914 transmission, rebuild calipers, R&R the windshield, and transplant motors. I only cite these to show my ability level. Do you think I have the skills to work on the '99 with any of the frequent issues that arise from the '99 986? The 986 top is 3 years old and one of the projects I would want to do is to replace it with a glass rear window. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[rickharrison]

I restored a 73 914 2.0 back in the day...fun little car. If you can do the work you say you can, these cars are right up your alley.

Go for it...buy the best example you can afford, and find as much info regarding maintenance on it as you can...that's been my Porsche buyer's guide for the last ones I've owned.

Remember that ALL used cars can sting your wallet, even if you think you know everything about it. These cars are approaching 20 years old...**** wears out!

Be educated on the common problems the 986 can have, buy, drive and enjoy!

[jdavis7600]

but it's Boxster, not Boxter.

[RBatsch]

I have a 2008 Boxster S with 241,xxx Kms on it. Most reliable car I've ever owned! Since new, only the brakes (rotors and pads), water pump (181,xxx Kms), shifter cables (230,xxx Kms), starter motor and AOS (238,xxx) and coil packs needed to be replaced. Of course tires, oil and filters, battery and plugs have been too. The clutch is beginning to feel weak, so I'm assuming it will need to be done soon. Pretty bullet proof car if you ask me!!!