Want to be a owner of Boxster 2000 - 2003

[kumar1]

Hi folks: I'm in the market for an old boxster. Few questions to ask.

1. I'm not hands on with vehicles (except for small repairs such as replacing battery, spark plugs, oil change, may be a tire/etc.). How much maintenance I should expect from an old Boxster. Do I have to worry about lot of repairs. Assuming average driving of 5000 miles/yr.

2. Is it too good to be true for a 2000 Boxster with 60K mileage. No repair history but clean CarFax. The vehicle sold from a dealer to another dealer and that was previously owned by a private party.

3. I have a choice between 2000 Boxster (low mileage 60K, auto trans.) and 2003 Boxster "S" (high mileage 100K, manual trans.) for approx similar price point. I heard that 2003 model is much better with respect to engine etc. and has been used in 2004, 2005 & 2006 Boxster-S models as well.

Thanks to all in advance.

[mikefocke]

I suggest reading here. There are perhaps a dozen articles on buying a Boxster as well as lists of resources, best and worst features, etc.

Do you know a good Porsche mechanic that can check a car out for you at your expense via a Pre-Purchase Inspection? If not, you have just increased your chances of a bad experience. The PPI is designed to expose more of the things that can go wrong so you learn what needs to be done to bring the car to a running-reliably condition.

You are asking about cars that are 12-15 years old. Parts age as well as wear. Neither car you suggest has a maintenance history you can access. In that case it would be easy to spend thousands just getting all the scheduled services up to date, tires, alignment, brakes, etc. And then, you would still be liable for some random major failure just as with any car only with a Porsche such can be more expensive.

Had wonderful experiences with 2 Boxsters. Maintained them well. Loved 'em. But I could also afford any repair that could have possibly been needed.

[tonythetarga]

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/892252-2000-porsche-boxster-ims-rms-upgrade-new-clutch.html

Buying from a Pelican is always a good idea. Guys here typically know what to take care of as we're enthusiasts. I have no affiliation with this car. It has the IMS and RMS done plus all records.

OOPS...I see it's sold. Keep looking here. There are cars here and other Boxster or 986 sites. do a search for 986 and you'll see what I mean.

[tcar]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

I suggest reading here. There are perhaps a dozen articles on buying a Boxster as well as lists of resources, best and worst features, etc.

Do you know a good Porsche mechanic that can check a car out for you at your expense via a Pre-Purchase Inspection? If not, you have just increased your chances of a bad experience. The PPI is designed to expose more of the things that can go wrong so you learn what needs to be done to bring the car to a running-reliably condition.

You are asking about cars that are 12-15 years old. Parts age as well as wear. Neither car you suggest has a maintenance history you can access. In that case it would be easy to spend thousands just getting all the scheduled services up to date, tires, alignment, brakes, etc. And then, you would still be liable for some random major failure just as with any car only with a Porsche such can be more expensive.

Had wonderful experiences with 2 Boxsters. Maintained them well. Loved 'em. But I could also afford any repair that could have possibly been needed.

Thanks, good stuff. Site is good.

[johnbergen]

Over the years I have had several Porsches and BMWs and really enjoy my 2000 Boxster S the most of all of them! The power and handling/balance of the car plus the easy top down driving are terrific. I bought the car from a guy who had partial maintenance records. Overall I have had minimal issues with the car. I did have the IMS bearing replaced as preventative maintenance using the Alan ceramic bearing. Expensive but restored peace of mind!

[johnbergen]

LN Engineering ceramic bearing.