Potential owner questions

[brjak]

Hello, I am looking at a 928 or a boxster. from this site i see that it is imperative to replace the timing belt and water pump. Its a major concern for 928s, Are thee any concerns like this for the boosters, 97-01?

thx

[tonythetarga]

Boxsters have a timing chain not a belt. They have a belt for the water pump etc that can be changed by removing the panel behind the seats inside the car. The water pump is also accessed this way. The coolant needs to be drained and then replaced with fresh (preferably). The only issue is ensuring the bleeding is done correctly to get all the air out of the coolant system. It is a DIY job. Get a Bentley manual or search more for a good procedure.
BTW, timing chain ramps could be an issue and may need replacing. It is a good idea to open up your oil filter each change and look for plastic bits in the filter. That is a hint the ramps are failing. If you have metal...that's a completely different problem.

[brjak]

Im looking at a 02 high milage. Same owner since 05, detailed history. Car looks good. Any advice on preventive maintenance over the winter? What are things boxster owners look at servicing every year or two?

[BerneseMtnDog]

Like all cars with high mileage your suspension gets worn out and on a Boxster this can get expensive. I'd look to see quite a bit of work done around 100k miles (shocks, tie rods, control arms, etc..) Water pumps can go for 100K as well as clutches if you don't drive like a lunatic. Listen for any odd noises from the water pump and idler, wheel bearings, etc.. A 2002 model will have the earlier engine mount that goes bad. Look for any oil leaking at the rear main seal (wetness between the engine and tranny.). Make sure the CV joints are good and the boots are not torn. Those are expensive too.

Steve

[brjak]

The oil air separator was replaced last month, water pump in the last 20,000KM. there is a slight oil leak of a couple drops every now and than, ever since the oil air repair.

[mikefocke]

A 928 and 986 are very different cars. Both great cars for their eras but different because of the ~20 years in between the designs. Touring and sports car. Drive both, you should know in 5 miles which has the feel for you.

The list of possible repairs as a high mileage car ages is long for any car. We have seen cars with 250k miles on them still running reliably where others have expensive problems.

Know where the oil is coming from as oil drops can be a sign of serious problems or trivial. A Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) is recommended and should be done by a Porsche specialist.

But is a 986 a delight, heck yes. Owned 2, most reliable of the cars of that era I owned.

[brjak]

Can some one ballpark the prices to repair the following items?

Main seal replacement
CV boot replacement
Motor mount replacement.

We are in negotiations on price. I really could use some assistance in pricing these repairs.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by brjak

Can some one ballpark the prices to repair the following items?

Main seal replacement
CV boot replacement
Motor mount replacement.

We are in negotiations on price. I really could use some assistance in pricing these repairs.

$1,400-$1,600 at Independant USA shop

[brjak]

Thanks for the numbers. Is that for all three?

[BerneseMtnDog]

If you have torn CV boots make sure that the joints aren't bad or repacking them won't help. It should be fairly easy to tell if they are worn out. If you're doing the rear main seal you should do the clutch as well if it's old. I don't know current prices because I do this myself. The motor mount is less than an hour to do.

Steve