Advice - Searching for 986S/S550 - Buyers Help

[SarlechS]

Hi guys,

I'm going to go and see a 986 S tomorrow and was just wondering what things i should be checking aside from the norm (brakes, tyres, rust, electrics etc).

i understand the engine is concealed in the back? is there a quick and easy way to lift the felt without it looking like I'm ripping the car apart to the salesman?

is there anything i can check under the car? suspension? if so where?

is there a way of checking for IMS/RMS failure?

any advice would be much appreciated!

kind regards

SarlechS

 

[georgewlfoster]

The Boxster engine doesn't come much more inaccessible than any other mid-engined car! There's little you can do but check the oil and fluid levels and that there's no oil on the floor!

Hopefully if it's a dealer there should be some sort of engine management report plus the service history of course.

Of all the cars I have bought I had to rely on gut instinct more on my purchase than any before!

On this forum I found a really good independent specialist who did a an overall check of the entire car that took an hour but included a list at the end of all the things that were good about it (phew!) those that needed looking at (few) and those that could do with looking at in the future (again not that many).

Good luck and welcome to the land of grinning idiots

 

[SarlechS]

ORIGINAL: georgewlfoster

The Boxster engine doesn't come much more inaccessible than any other mid-engined car! There's little you can do but check the oil and fluid levels and that there's no oil on the floor!

Hopefully if it's a dealer there should be some sort of engine management report plus the service history of course.

Of all the cars I have bought I had to rely on gut instinct more on my purchase than any before!

On this forum I found a really good independent specialist who did a an overall check of the entire car that took an hour but included a list at the end of all the things that were good about it (phew!) those that needed looking at (few) and those that could do with looking at in the future (again not that many).

Good luck and welcome to the land of grinning idiots

thanks for the swift response, i had a conversation with the garage and he's advised me that the first 30,000 miles of this cars history is currently missing but he's in the process of tracking this down from Porsche Center.

how would i go about checking the oil level on the car? would i have to put the roof in service mode and then disconnect the pipes and undo the 4-8 screws? i'm a bit of a beginner when it comes to messing about with cars i'm not familiar with.

thanks in advance.

 

[Dylan1]

If I was you ,with a car of that age I would definitely get an independent inspection .

 

[georgewlfoster]

Dipstick is in the rear boot. It's very long and flexible. But - turn the ignition on (don't start the engine as yet) and wait a few seconds while the trip mileage indicator on the dashboard does a countdown as it checks the oil for you - it displays a visual indicator of the level in the sump! Only do this while the engine is cold as you can wait ages if it's just been running!

 

[SarlechS]

ORIGINAL: dyllan

If I was you, with a car of that age I would definitely get an independent inspection .

definitely something i will consider, i wasn't sure as this is a relatively low mileage example, it's only covered 40.000 miles and it's on a 53/2003. the tyres were changed about 4000 miles ago with continental sport contact (N2) the brakes were replaced with new discs and pads all round about 7000 miles ago and the starter motor was replaced at 36000. the last owner owned it from 2007 and according the the salesman the owner only drove it every now and then in the weekend and kept it garaged through the weekdays.

ORIGINAL: georgewlfoster

Dipstick is in the rear boot. It's very long and flexible. But - turn the ignition on (don't start the engine as yet) and wait a few seconds while the trip mileage indicator on the dashboard does a countdown as it checks the oil for you - it displays a visual indicator of the level in the sump! Only do this while the engine is cold as you can wait ages if it's just been running!

thank you so much George, i'll be sure to check this tomorrow!

 

[Boxstercol]

ORIGINAL: SarlechS

ORIGINAL: dyllan

If I was you, with a car of that age I would definitely get an independent inspection .

definitely something i will consider, i wasn't sure as this is a relatively low mileage example, it's only covered 40.000 miles and it's on a 53/2003. the tyres were changed about 4000 miles ago with continental sport contact (N2) the brakes were replaced with new discs and pads all round about 7000 miles ago and the starter motor was replaced at 36000. the last owner owned it from 2007 and according the the salesman the owner only drove it every now and then in the weekend and kept it garaged through the weekdays.

ORIGINAL: georgewlfoster

Dipstick is in the rear boot. It's very long and flexible. But - turn the ignition on (don't start the engine as yet) and wait a few seconds while the trip mileage indicator on the dashboard does a countdown as it checks the oil for you - it displays a visual indicator of the level in the sump! Only do this while the engine is cold as you can wait ages if it's just been running!

thank you so much George, i'll be sure to check this tomorrow!

Some people suggest that irregular use can cause problems, apparently they don't like being stood up.

 

[SarlechS]

ORIGINAL: Boxstercol

ORIGINAL: SarlechS

ORIGINAL: dyllan

If I was you, with a car of that age I would definitely get an independent inspection .

definitely something i will consider, i wasn't sure as this is a relatively low mileage example, it's only covered 40.000 miles and it's on a 53/2003. the tyres were changed about 4000 miles ago with continental sport contact (N2) the brakes were replaced with new discs and pads all round about 7000 miles ago and the starter motor was replaced at 36000. the last owner owned it from 2007 and according the the salesman the owner only drove it every now and then in the weekend and kept it garaged through the weekdays.

ORIGINAL: georgewlfoster

Dipstick is in the rear boot. It's very long and flexible. But - turn the ignition on (don't start the engine as yet) and wait a few seconds while the trip mileage indicator on the dashboard does a countdown as it checks the oil for you - it displays a visual indicator of the level in the sump! Only do this while the engine is cold as you can wait ages if it's just been running!

thank you so much George, i'll be sure to check this tomorrow!

Some people suggest that irregular use can cause problems, apparently they don't like being stood up.

it sounds like you are right to be honest with the starter motor going at 35k.

 

[acer]

Hi,
I think it is best to be cautious when viewing and potentially purchasing the car.
There is a book by Peter Morgan very useful,and I think he does carry out inspections.
The list is quite extensive when viewing but main things are 1)service history, no service history up to 30k miles
I would be wary,or would like to see some evidence of own servicing eg oil and filter receipts and filters etc.
2)Main thing to check is car 5or 6 speed,the 6 speed has higher rear cv axles and are more liable to go,mine went at 39k.
Changed the axle myself but a bit of a job.
3)Maf sensor can go,check.
4)Check roof operation ok
5)Check condition of exhaust and clamps liable to corrode
6)Check when brake fluid changed
7)Check radiator condensers not leaking or damaged.
8)Check steering rack and lock to lock.
9)Check or listen to engine on start up no rattles or excessive smoke.
10)Check bodywork by running hand over to feel for any distortions
or signs of repair especially on wings and doors.
11)Check for kerbing or any wheel damage.
12)Make sure tool kit complete.
13)Check no damage underneath where cooling pipes run from front of car.
14)Check no damage to underbody where vehicle has not been jacked up properly.
15)Ask how old battery,if genuine Porsche,(When last charged).
They last about 2-3years if maintained to high level of charge.
Otherwise £170 for genuine Porsche,or £120 Varta/Bosch.
Hope this helps the list can go on,but main thing Engine oil changes,and gearbox Oil changes.
If tiptronic ATF fluid changes,when were these services carried out!