HELP ABOUT BUYING PRIVATELY !!Looking for Vin numbers etc

Guest · Aug 30, 2003

Hi All

I' m in the middle of possibly buying a 98 2.5 boxster privately. Could someone tell me where to find the vin numbers etc appart from the one behind the windscreen I dont know where they are. Dont want to buy a cloned rip off etc, have got a hpi on it already looks okay. How do i get access to the engine number easily? Also, the boxster is a 2.5 98. could someone tell me what the lux pack actually consists of? Is it elec windows, seats etc ? ? ?. Can I tell from the vin number what option packs it has with it? Where is the colour code located also? Sorry, so many questions!!!!

As always thanks in advance.

NicD · Aug 31, 2003

the Boxster is a 2.5 98. could someone tell me what the lux pack actually consists

Carl,

Lux pack for 1997 model year:
Leather seats
Air conditioning
Wind deflector
17 inch wheels
On board computer

VIN number gives the model year and car type only (they were all built in Stuttgart in that year).
First part of MY 97 is WPOZZZ98ZVS
for MY 98 is WPOZZZ98ZWS (the V changes to a W)

Contact Porsche Cars in Reading for a list of the options ordered on the car

Guest · Sep 1, 2003

Nic

Thanks for straightening me out on a few things. Have recruited RAC to inspect the vehicle on the mechanical and authenticity side of it. Hopefully, if all okay I should do the deal this week.

Thanks

A Clift · Sep 2, 2003

You should find a sticker under the front bonnet which lists all the options fitted to the car when ordered. eg C16 is UK spec

Grant · Sep 2, 2003

Carl, I would recommend a Porsche centre check over , this is only about £130 & they know the car far better than the RAC. Your local OPC or Porsche HQ (warranty department) can also check out the VIN number for accidents, specification & to ensure it is a UK spec car. It is important to make sure it is a UK specification car with the C16 code as part of the VIN., the vin is in the front passenger side window, & the full coding including country code & specifications is under the front bonnet/boot lid.

Guest · Sep 4, 2003

Nic D,A Clift, Grant.

Thanks for helping me out with this peeps, I did go through with the rac inspection and they uncovered quite a bit of stuff including alot of unknown panel work that the owner didn' t know about etc that had been done, put me right off. And also an oil leak between the gearbox and the main engine. I phoned Stratford Lancaster Porsche up and they thought it would be the main rear crank seal, which on it' s own would start at £1K to repair. So in the end have knocked that one on the head and will build my knowledge up on what to look for when viewing the next. Will also chase Porsche about the check over they do. I was happy with RAC report, alittle expensive but a lesson learnt I think for myself as I was going to hand over the hard earned as I thought it was mint. Just wanted to get a second opinion, luckily!. Will probably use Porsche next time if what Grant says is available.

Anyone Like to say anything else I should put on my check sheet when viewing the next? Common faults on the early boxsters I should look for?

Cheers

Carl

JCB.. · Sep 4, 2003

The oil seal is the main one although the price to repair sounds a bit high.

Some early engines were prone to failure but I would suspect that all the ropey ones have gone by now.

The only other " common" issues are things like the windscreen washer hose coming off and peeling on some plastic door storage flaps caused by sun tan lotion allegedly.