Boxster? I don't even know her!

I mentioned to my wife the other day that she should get a Boxster. I was looking at ads and didn't realize they had gotten as affordable (old) as they have.

Well now she's kinda keen on the idea. Found an ad for a nice looking one on craigslist and waiting to hear if we can see it today. 44,000 miles and comes with a hard top. So what do I need to know about Boxsters before I wind up owning one?

Funny, it seemed like a really good idea when I was just throwing it out there, but the thought of actually owning and maintaining one has me a little nervous. I keep seeing money draining from my bank account. Is that the case, or an I being paranoid?

Does the soft top actually work?

When I think of Boxsters, I think of all the times I had to fix the tops. And we only had two regular customers with them. The problem is, there's one motor, and a big speedometer cable sticks out of each end. When (not if) one of the cables breaks, the top mangles itself, sometimes mangling the inner fender in the process.

Fun fact: I made an intake manifold from the J-pipes from a Boxster muffler.

I've worked on Porsches professionally. That has soured me. That said, I owned a miata when I worked on Boxsters and I'd buy a miata. The Boxster has more power stock, but the miata is 95% of the car the Boxter is at 1/2 the cost.
Not knocking the Boxster, just my opinion.

What year Boxster are you looking at? the 2000+ models were much better than the earlier ones in many ways.

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2850173734.html

This one- other than spelling the name wrong, it looks good in the ad.

Knurled wrote: Does the soft top actually work? When I think of Boxsters, I think of all the times I had to fix the tops. And we only had two regular customers with them. The problem is, there's one motor, and a big speedometer cable sticks out of each end. When (not if) one of the cables breaks, the top mangles itself, sometimes mangling the inner fender in the process. Fun fact: I made an intake manifold from the J-pipes from a Boxster muffler.

Would it make sense to replace the cables prior to failure? Has the aftermarket come up with an upgraded part or some sort of solution?

There are a lot of options in this kind of price range. It's funny how quickly this thing has changed. At first she was sure she wanted something with four doors and room to haul stuff. I was pretty keen on a Lexus is 300 Sportcross. That was around the holidays. Now we're talking about a Boxster. lol

Well, thanks for the feedback. We'll see. I like the idea of the Porsche, but we'll see. Guess it may be time for a "what car" thread - if I can get her to nail down what she really wants. And I can already see what the answer may be...

Yeah, power tops are pricey to fix. Check for leaky rear main seal. They also tend to leak oil at the spark plug tubes in the heads. Early cars like this had issues with the intermediate shaft failing and cylinder sleeves moving. If it runs good, it's probably fine. YMMV. Ask for service records and at get a Pre-purchase inspection. Hardtops aren't too common, nice bonus! Car looks clean in the photos, nice color combo.

Any truth to something I heard a while back about the electronics being at the lowest point on the floor pan and if the car ever gets rained in, it messes up some expensive electronic circuitry?

That's true of many German cars. VW/Audi is particularly bad for putting electronics UNDER the passenger footwell, in a drainless bowl.

What do they care as long as you lease another model in three years? People who keep cars forever are no longer part of their business plan, they want to sell to the iPhone crowd, gotta have the latest gadgets and stuff.

The zombie apocalypse? It's already happened. They don't want brains, they want apps.

Definitely get it PPId with a special look at the IMS bearing - well, not look but get them to check if there are odd noises etc coming from that area. Also check if it's been replaced already, they seem to have a lifespan of around 40k from what I read on t' Intertubes.

1988RedT2 wrote: Any truth to something I heard a while back about the electronics being at the lowest point on the floor pan and if the car ever gets rained in, it messes up some expensive electronic circuitry?

It's the alarm control unit under the seat.

Knurled wrote: That's true of many German cars. VW/Audi is particularly bad for putting electronics UNDER the DRIVER'S footwell, in a drainless bowl.

FTFY - 99 Passat - Body Control computer - right where the salt water goes in the winter!

I have nothing to add except that I owned a 2001 986s for a couple years and really loved it. Ours needed nothing besides preventive maintenance while we had it. A well cared for one is a joy.

Im waiting for an answer to the power top cables question.

I just saw that today also on craigslist. I'm in Colorado Springs. Nice see someone localish.

fast_eddie_72 wrote: http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2850173734.html This one- other than spelling the name wrong, it looks good in the ad.

It does look good, but 1997s are notorious for the niggling troubles of the first few years. You know, the IMS stuff, and the case porocity issues. There is about a 7% chance that your engine will lunch itself. (then again, that's why they are so cheap...)

1997 Boxsters have a recurring problem with the airbag light. It's actually a problem with the seat belt switch. It's not really a big deal but was an embarrassment for Porsche. I think that price is high for a 1997. A friend recently bought a 2001 Boxster S for about that money.

I love them and wholeheartedly recommend them. I've written several lengthy posts about them.

David

I'm surprised by son (BradLTL) hasn't jumped in here. He has owned a 97 2.5 and then an 03 Boxster S. He preferred the early car. I drove them both and wouldn't compare either one to a Miata as someone did in an earlier post. (I've owned a Miata as well as several other Porsches) The chassis dynamics of the early cars are just excellent. Loved it. The S obviously has more punch but also a small, but perceptable, lag in the drive by wire throttle. Annoying. I haven't owned a Boxster yet but an early car is on my shopping list.

As provoked, I'll chime in...

My 97 was a more enjoyable car, my 03 was a better car. If I were buying for my wife, I would buy the 03. If I were buying for me... I would be hard pressed not to get the 97.

I had the top break on my 97, and it was only about $300 to get fixed at a dealer. Not terrible. When I sold my 03, the buyer pointed out that one of the cables was broken on the top, but it didn't impact its functioning.

As mentioned get a PPI, a pre-purchase inspection. I would recommend asking the local chapter of the PCA who is the best at this, it is NEVER the dealer. Find the PCA Technical Director.

Also, if you like driving with the top down, I would recommend staying away from the black interior... it will bake you. The gray interior was a million times better in the summer.

There are a couple other issues that come up on these cars...

• RMS. The Rear Main Seal can fail. This has varying degrees of impact from a few drops of oil the garage floor; to major failing rear-ends, etc.
• Cylinder lining. Your mileage will vary dramatically here. Reports have them failing at 40k, others report very high miles with no issues. My recommendation... budget and extra $5000 into the purchase price. If/when the engine goes kaput, swap it to a 3.2 or 3.4l engine from a 996.

Some pictures of mine...

Final piece of advice... buy it!!!!!!!!!!!

Several good shops in Denver can PPI it for you. Eurosport Ltd is good...

Also... this website will ruin your afternoon...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/

I too have been looking. Gotta sell another car before pulling the trigger.

I will get a late 97/98. the plan is to drive the car and if/when the motor goes put the 996 3.4 in it.

If you are seriously going to buy one spend some money on the Durametric software. At least, try to find someone with access so that you can investigate prior to buying. the IMS bearing failure is well documented and will produce a cam deviation reading in the software before it grenades. Not too hard to replace with a few special tools and the bearing update. Plenty of reading on the subject on PP or Rennlist.

I think that price is too much for a 97. Even with low miles. I would probably go for a higher mileage version myself as they would (should?) have had the case, Dchunk or IMS problems solved by now. Low mileage cars that sit may not have noticeable issues.