Advice Please - Thinking about buying a Boxster

[retepnikrap]

Hi
I am looking for some advice and hope some of you can help me out.
I have never had a porsche so I know very little, I am thinking about buying my other half a Boxster for her birthday in October. It would be a weekend car mainly and perhaps would only cover 1500 to 2000 miles a year. I don't have a massive budget and have seen a number of 1999 year cars with around 70k to 80k miles for between £3.5k to £5k, my question is should these be avoided or is it possible to get a reliable Boxter for that type of money that won't be a money pit?

If so does anyone know of an example thats history is known and is a genuine reliable car, maybe a member who has one for sale or alternatively the best place to buy one from. Any other advice would be appreciated, what to avoid etc etc.

Thank you in advance.

 

[bdheng]

I'm sure quite a few people will follow with comments - 95% or more, all positive.
Important thing to watch for is service history. Services alternate between "minor" and " major" every 12k miles. Seems as if the 24k major is sometimes missed.
If you get the opportunity, get it looked at by a local independent guy, prior to buying - you don't say what area you are - if you post that as well, you'll get some good suggestions.
Personally (although others may disagree), I'd go for a 2.7. 3.2's will probably be above your budget and for your intended mileage perhaps not worth the extra.
As said at the start - other comments are likley to follow.
Good hunting.

 

[Dylan1]

no reason for it to be a money pit but your first port of call should be peter morgan or the like to get it thoroughly checked because at that age it just might cost ££££££ so buyer beware
that said bargains can be had and boy will she thank you[]

 

[Tallguy]

Does Peter Morgan do a cylinder compression test and insert a boroscope into the sylinders? If he doesn't then I suggest going to an OPC or an independent who can do this. £220 well spent. It may be a 5K car but an engine re-build will cost you about the same......

I rejected a Cayman earlier this year on the basis of a pre-purchase report done on it. Gearbox was knackered - would have cost £5K +VAT to replace.

£220 well spent.

 

[acer]

[8D]Hi,
The best advice I can give is do the best research before you purchase,
and even the best cars have some fault that you will have to repair or get the job done by an Opc or independent.
Try to buy a car with an owner that's driven the car easy,not hard,
Not easy task!
There are bargains but better to be over cautious.
A car that has been garaged.
Service is important but would not place that at number one on list,because
most just get their paperwork right,would look at owner and check condition of vehicle underneath more than bodywork,check cv joints,gearbox oil change,brake fluid changes,engine oil changes,disc wear/changes,tires,mass air sensor,battery condition,electrical any faults,alternator.
You need to be fairly thorough because parts are not cheap.
Good luck.

 

[Bob987s]

Peter Morgan is an excellent chap, and should start with his book, ideal for first time Boxster buyers lays out all the pros & cons and you can form an opinion from there, well thats what I did.