Help with purchase decision

[Belgirb]

Given apples and apples maintenance, would you advise buying a Boxster with 65K miles and routine maintenance performed, or save $3000 and buy one with ~100K miles, and use the $3000 to replace the IMS bearing, RMS, and clutch? Wisdom appreciated. Thanks. Jim

[Wayne 962]

Hi there and welcome. Honestly, the $3K won't get you very far on a car that's worn out. With 100K cars, you need to start looking at replacing suspension components - they just plain wear out after those amount of miles. I would go with the 65K car hands down.

Also, get a copy of my 101 Projects Book before you buy, so you know what to look for!

-Wayne

[newlife]

Originally Posted by Belgirb

Given apples and apples maintenance, would you advise buying a Boxster with 65K miles and routine maintenance performed, or save $3000 and buy one with ~100K miles, and use the $3000 to replace the IMS bearing, RMS, and clutch? Wisdom appreciated. Thanks. Jim

I agree with Wayne, 65k vs 100k is a big stretch. Go with the lower mileage, and for sure I would get his book and read as many posts on this site you can. You will learn alot and be more confident.

Rod

[mikefocke]

Depends on the maintenance history of the cars in question, how much updating has been done already to them and their condition. And the age and storage of the car. Boxsters are cars that are all too often not driven a lot of miles and items fail both from use and age.

I bought a 6 year old Boxster with 42k miles knowing from the PPI I needed to spend $3k on it immediately for peace of mind (brakes and major service) and that didn't include RMS or IMS! And then another $700 on tires...all within the first 2-3 months of ownership. It was priced appropriately and the seller and buyer both had the benefit of the PPI findings so we both knew the true condition of the car. After that maintenance, it really needed almost nothing for the next 6 years.

I'd expect to negotiate a more than $3k difference is the two cars given the mileage.

[WhipE350]

Hum...I'm usually in agreement with Wayne...but there are folks on the forums that take great care of their cars and you might find one that had many things fixed that needed to be at 100k miles, then you can get the IMS done and drive without the fear many have. Heck you might find one with 100k that has the IMS fix. I don't think this is an easy one way or the other question. Look around you mind find a nice high mileage Boxster.
Now I'll contradict myself, I haven't seen many 100k plus for sale on the forums, most drive them to 200k miles! Most average cars on the street that have 100k miles probably were daily drivers who didn't give a dirt about them.
Remember a lot of 65k mile Boxsters also will need a lot of service. Do some good research and you'll land a nice one.

[intakexhaust]

I would ask myself, what is each Boxster worth and forget the difference. Be prepared to spend money on either one. Just because an IMS bearing was replaced doesn't mean it will last 10,000 or 100,000 more miles. Just because it had all the fancy dealer service done doesn't mean its any better. I personally know from experience. There are probably more owners on this site having more experience and knowledge than many dealer techs. I don't mean to be non-respectful to Porsche dealers as there are some absolute top shelf techs too.

In the Chicago area, there are lots of 50K + mileage Boxsters parked due to mechanicals... and I mean lots of them. As a bonus and thankful to the weaker economy, the demographics of the typical Boxster buyer has hit them. I know of a few who can't afford to keep or fix them if needed. Going into the fall season, Midwest wholesale dealers are really bottom pit offering for them. Do it right and you have a great car for absurdley cheap.

Bottom line ~ Post on this forum searching for a highly recommended Boxster technician near you or the cars area. I would not have the tech who serviced the car be the inspector. Pay extra to have the oils sampled. If the seller doesn't agree. Walk.

[thstone]

Always go with the lower mileage car.

A 100K mile car is likely to need a few more things replaced like shocks, clutch, starter, and/or maybe a water pump or alternator that a 65K mile would not normally need.