can i find a decent boxster for $9000
 

I have been looking into boxsters, am i looking at perennial money pit if I purchase a 9000 dollar boxster?

Also can i fit a hockey bag in either of the storage areas or is it destined for the passenger seat?

I dont know about a hockey bag, but I can put my golf clubs in the rear trunk. It takes a bit a finess to get them in there, but they fit. I suspect your hockey stick will be riding in the passenger seat.

There was a '97 at the dismantler in Rancho Cordova outside Sacramento, for $5500 last week. It was allegedly fully functional and showed no damage, but it was a salvage title due to flood.

I believe you can get a decent '97 for $9K, maybe even a '98 or '99. But it would have been easier a month ago when the weather was worse. Convertible prices go up with the temperatures.

I have a friend who is selling his 70k mile 99 blue with tan, top is nearly new. He bought it 7 years ago as a CPO with 60k miles. The major service was done.

I am a hockey player too and I would expect to put your bag in the front seat. You could probably cram it in the back truck if you're not using one of those newer huge bags.

I think he is looking for 10k but its very very nice clean straight car always serviced at the dealer. PM me if you're interested

dismantler Rancho Cordova
 

Saw that one on craigslist, really did not want to deal with a salvage title in case i had to sell it down the road.

Agree on the salvage, because flood damage can be a nightmare, even though everything works now. also recommend a '98 or newer because of a small chassis upgrade allowing 18" wheels to be "allowed" by Porsche.

98s are where you'll find the bulk of the slipped sleeve engines and maybe the porous cases. I would go with 97 or 99 since it has the upgraded top and suspension.

Should be able to buy a nice 2000 or older model all day long for 10k or less in the Northern California. I bought a nice one for that about 2 years ago. Thought I got a good deal on it. I realized it was not my kind of car and sold it 1 month later for what I bought it for. I only got 1 call on it after a week on craigs list. I guess I was lucky to get 10k for it. I am sure they are worth less now.

I thought they were well built cars. Everything on mine worked. Fairly new, should not have many problems. Nice cruiser, get the automatic trans. Not that much power with the Manuel transmission anyway.

Far from a money pit when compared to my old 77 930.

There was a major upgrade in 2000. Don't get earlier! They are worth the extra. PCA Mart has one listedfor 11,500.

I agree don't get earlier than 2000. At one point the engine got bigger and the interior had some improvements.

It's unbelievable that you can by one of these cars in decent condition for less than 10k. They are great cars, and have been rated the best roadster in class ever since it came out in most car magazines, even Consumer Reports sings its praises. The engine problems are real on some percentage of cars, but not as many as the negative reports would indicate. And there are after market solutions now, unlike a few years ago when a replacement engine was the only option. The one big issue that exists in all of them from 97 is the IMS bearing and though it was improved a few times, it wasn't until 2009 when they redesigned the motor and did away with the IMS completely that the issue was permanently resolved by Porsche. The slipped sleeve issues with 98s should be avoided, but other than that you can expand your search from 97 to 04 and find the best one in the best condition you can find in your budget. Regular maintenance is critical, so look to those with good maintenance records that changed the oil more often than the recommended 15k miles, and try to avoid tracked cars. and of course spend the 300-400 bucks for a comprehensive PPI from a shop that has experience working on out of warranty Boxsters, or a dealer if you don't know who else to go to. Dealers are to be avoided if possible, IMHO.

Once you make a purchase have the L&N engineering IMS upgrade done, put on a cold air intake, and enjoy the visceral sound coming from just behind your ear. I disagree on the Tiptronic advice from above, although if you have to drive in heavy traffic every day it may be advisable, but the clutch effort is so minimal I can drive in Atlanta rush hour traffic every day but Friday without getting a tired leg. If the clutch is stiff it needs replacing! These cars make great daily drivers, weekend drivers, and if you are so inclined an early 2.5 version can be stripped of all extra weight and with just minimal upgrades can keep up with GT3s on the track. It is really quite remarkable just how good they are. The interiors get a lot of bad press for being el-cheapo, but they are really comfortable to drive long distances and the two trunks provide ample room for two people and luggage for a two week trip. Good luck on your search.

buyers guide
 

Is there a pelican buyers guide for the boxster?

No affiliation, but here is a 1997 55k mile Boxster, black with black hardtop, for $10,750. Looks like it is at a dealer, so you could probably deal some on it.


Car Classifieds for Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming - ksl.com

1998 Porsche Boxster


No affiliation.

convertible top
 

Says top is need of replcement, how hard to Diy and how much does it typical cost to have someone else do it

Well i am only 3000 miles away, but I just posted mine in the classifieds.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/596240-fs-97-boxster.html

Take a look at this one I am helping a friend sell.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/597296-1999-boxster-77k-miles-10k.html