boxter 2.5 - how reliable?

[Lowlander]

Hi there.

Considering a 2.5 boxter as everyday transport. With my max budget of 13.5K I'll be looking at an early car (1997-1998) with reasonably high mileage.

Are there any known reliability issues with early boxters?

Had always wanted a 3.2 911 coupe but for the money the boxter looks not bad value.

Thanks.

Martin.

 

[Geoff_Fields]

With that budget I would think that would put you into LHD territory. Maybe a 3.2 Carrera would be a better bet. If you have found a Boxster for £13.5k, that may surprise a few readers of this thread!

 

[NicD]

There were some specific flaws with some of the early cars (eg slipping and porous liners) but generally would have shown up by now, however, there have been many detail improvements over the years, some for reliability - secondary shaft bearings, main seals and so on.

Well looked after cars have no general problems, but the main seal (RMS) can be a small but recurring issue.

Never forget, these cars cost £40,000 when new, and repair costs will be in proportion. This is true of all Porsches (Ferrari etc), of course, so keep this in mind.

Make sure you discuss the likely running costs with a specialist you can trust, and get the car inspected.

 

[Guest]

ORIGINAL: Geoff997

With that budget I would think that would put you into LHD territory. Maybe a 3.2 Carrera would be a better bet. If you have found a Boxster for £13.5k, that may surprise a few readers of this thread!

Agreed. I just bought a 98 LHD 2.5 with a host of extras for £11,900, 53000 miles on clock. Private sale

I've had it for just over a month and 2000 miles and I get a thrill every time I drive it!!

 

[IanHighfield]

Martin,

There are 9 such cars on Auto Trader today - i.e. less than £13K and a few at 70K miles.

No idea on condition etc. but as a daily driver I would personally believe them to be a more wise choice than a 3.2 - IMHO !

Different cars etc. but having not driven a Boxster I cannot comment on the drive but would imagine it to be a great daily car - two of the staff at my work have new Boxsters and clock up 30,000 a year in them - now that does not do for the depreciation.

 

[912UK]

interesting thread as we are looking to buy a boxster ( against my judgement, but she must be obayed) and I have seen many for sale from about 12K upwards. We are looking to spend about £25K I fear the depreciation to be the biggest problem V the shear number of cars for sale.And many of those wanting too much money for the car, Just because ithas a coat of Zymol doesn't mean it just has gone up by £4000. Interesting post I will be doing much more home work before we take the plunge.

 

[Lowlander]

Thanks for all the replies.

I working out in Dubai at the moment and there are plenty of cars out here although very few more than 3 years old !

I'll be back in the UK early next year and will be looking for a car then. I'll probably get flamed for this but I don't believe the early cars are worth the money they are advertised for. 12-13K for a 1997 car with say 70-80K miles seems right. 15K+ is too much in my humble opinion. Of course the free market dictates prices and not me so I'll see what the market is like when I get back to the UK.

Cheers.

Martin.

 

[Lowlander]

Hi there,

following on from my last post can anyone give me an idea on price for replacing the RMS at a specialist?

Also what insurance group is a 2.5?

Thanks again.

Martin.