Ques. What happen to the Boxter value?

Cali 911 · 04:45 AM

Why are they so cheap? I have seen some as low as $10,000 for a 1997. I have always heard they were good Porsches. Any thoughts?

P.S. did not see the post below mine re: a $9,999 Boxter

Sunroof · 01-30-2008, 05:46 AM

Complex piece of machinery designed for the trained Porsche Mechanic to work on. Expensive maintenance ($600+ for a fluids change as example). Leaking rear main seal issue on older models. Engine replacements expensive.
For the typical garage mechanic, a tough car to work on. Lots of sheet metal to remove to access engine and componments. Frustration with high cost of upkeep. Many coming out of two-four year leases leaving a flood of cars on the market. Although they may be a "deal", know what your getting into!!!!

fxeditor · fxeditor's Garage

Thanks for the reality check Sunroof! I was JUST looking at a 2002 Boxter S on cragslist for sale at $22,000 and thinking hmmmm, that might be a nice addition to the stable. I think now I will continue my search for the perfect 993 instead

CarreraDan · 01-30-2008, 10:30 AM

I don't know guys, I have been discussing the Boxster with some Porsche mechanics and the census so far is it really isn't that bad to work on. The RMS should be corrected with newer cars and from what I am reading on some of the other forums they appear to be very solid vehicles. I agree dealership prices are expensive but why would you not do your own oil and transmission fluid changes? That one actually looks easier than my G50 Carrera I just sold. Do some research before discounting them.

I am torn between the 2003+ Boxster S's and a very good 993 (hopefully S) as I love the wide fenders. I just don't know how DIY the 993 is going to be (ever read about changing spark plugs)? I plan on driving some more examples of both vehicles before deciding what to do. I need to find some good 996's too.

dmcummins · 01-30-2008, 11:36 AM

Ive got a 2000 S and So far all Ive had to do is basic maintenance. Its got close to 60k on it and Ive done the 60K service myself. No big deal so far.

There are alot of them out there so I'm sure there are deals to be had, just like the 996, ect.

The boxer is the wifes daily driver and she is happy with it. If I was buying something for myself I would be looking for a 993, but I'd be paying more most likely. Also what kind of condition are these cheaper cars in? They are starting to get some age on them.

Sunroof · 01-30-2008, 12:54 PM

I was told that the 2002 model and newer was the model to look for. I do not know if thats because the RMS problem was finally resolved or that Porsche finally worked out most of the bugs. The car has been in production for ten years now so something has to give as to their appeal and popularity. I am not bashing the Boxster, in fact their have been times that I would have traded my 1973.5 911 for a Boxster. For handling and overall performance they are excellent.

I experienced 12-years of 944 ownership and spent a small fortune keeping that water-pumper going. Luckily I was able to perform my own work so my fear with the Boxster is that its not the Porsche for the home mechanic and that goes beyond transmission and crankcase fluid changes. In fact I was at a Porsche/Audi shop this past weekend and this guy pulls up with a Boxster with a front headlamp bulb burned out. Simple enough I thought, but the mechanic had to remove the entire light assembly (two-feet long) and change out the bulb that way! Weird engineering to me. Cost him half an hour in labor and cost of a bulb. Thats just not right, unless something else was going on.

Pound for pound, dollar for dollar against the Boxster nothing beats the 993 as a wiser investment. I feel that the Boxster will go by way of the 944, where they will get beat to death with high miles, bought by teens with 5-7K in their pockets thinking that they can buy parts at Autozone and Midas Muffler can do a brake job for under $200!!!!!!

hytem · 01-30-2008, 04:51 PM

Look at the used ones available in your area at msn.com/autos. There are some good buys at Porsche dealerships. Boxsters are very good value. I've wondered why the dealerships were so competitive in pricing vs private sales I've seen in Panorama. I'm guessing their cars are traded by owners who aren't concerned about how much they get in trade for a new Porsche. So the dealers have less in the cars. The safest way to go is a Porsche-certified used one. 2-year new car warranty.

DanielDudley · 02-02-2008, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hytem

Look at the used ones available in your area at msn.com/autos. There are some good buys at Porsche dealerships. Boxsters are very good value. I've wondered why the dealerships were so competitive in pricing vs private sales I've seen in Panorama. I'm guessing their cars are traded by owners who aren't concerned about how much they get in trade for a new Porsche. So the dealers have less in the cars. The safest way to go is a Porsche-certified used one. 2-year new car warranty.

My friends who are pro mechanics say they are wonderful cars, and a nice drive. I was over in the Rennlist Boxster forum the other day and there are a lot of higher mile cars out there that haven't missed a beat. If you are considering one, go to the owners for info.