Considering a higher mileage Boxster

[WCN621]

Wanted to know what your thoughts are on a higher (50K+) mileage generation 3 Boxster. Will continue to enjoy my 3.2 Carrera, but I’m looking to shift to a Boxster as a daily driver. What risks or things I should watch for….or just shift to looking for a lower mileage choice? Thanks for the input.

[CarGuyNeil]

That is not high mileage. Enjoy the car. If you are worried have a PPI done and look into a warranty.

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[tonythetarga]

Almost every Gen and engine has something to be aware of. By Gen 3 are you talking 987.1 or 987.2? They have different engines. One has the last version of the IMS and the .2’s don’t have one.
The newer ones could be prone to bore score (3.4’s) but the 2.7’s aren’t. So you should ask some specific questions on the exact year you’re thinking about.
The ‘06 Boxster or Cayman S has a great engine. So is the 2.7 and the DFI 2.9 engine in the Base cars.

[WCN621]

Thanks for your responses. In respect to the model, I’m considering 2013-2016’s, because I prefer the flat six, not a turbocharged 4. I prefer to secure an “S, so that obviously is a 3.4. I’m not as familiar with the Boxsters, so looking for issues to look out for, nuances, and expected maintenance expenses with a higher mileage car 50-65K. I was told to make sure I have the PDK serviced at about 40K, otherwise costly repairs to repair, but all I see is changing the fluid. I understand there were coolant tank issues, is that prevalent through all or specific years? Thanks for any help.

[tonythetarga]

So you’re looking for a 981. Great cars! The coolant tank can be an issue, but it’s generally been the cap. With that age of car, the tank itself is still in good shape. The car is hitting the 20+ year mark on the early 986 and 996’s are dealing with replacing the tank as they may crack with age.
As far as the PDK goes, I think the oil change is probably all that can be done from a normal service standpoint. As I understand it if they go bad, it’s a replacement of the transmission rather than a repair. Hopefully I’m wrong about that, but I’ve not read about anyone doing rebuilds on them at this point.
I think that’s where a reputable. Independent Porsche service shop would be a good bet to perform a pre-purchase inspection. Good luck with your purchase.

[4sd911]

If your buying a 981 S watch out for the Sport Chrono Package, it comes with dynamic transmission mounts (PADM) they are known to fail and can cost thousands to fix. An after market company may have a fix for this.

As far as the PDK, Rennlist under 981 in the sticky section there is much info on how to work on it your self.

[Sapientoni]

My 987.2 2011 has 281,000+ miles. I'm dropping the engine now to address cam deviations (chain guides and chains, cleaning intake valves -direct injection design).

[MichaelUD]

OMG! How does one accumulate so many miles in just 14 or so years? Well, that speaks highly of the reliability of the 987.2.

[Cajundaddy]

The 2009-2016 are sort of a golden era for the Boxster/Cayman. Highly reliable flat 6 and if you ignore the owner's manual and change the oil every 5k miles they may go 200k before major repair expense. Great cars available at Toyota prices right now.

[DWBOX2000]

I haven’t read all this but try a base, you might prefer the character of it better.