Hoping to become a first time Porsche Boxster owner - Looking for advice

[Nick_USA]

You should check out the Clubs Buyers guide for the 987 its been professionally written by Peter Morgan a well respected authority of the marque.

987 Buyers Guide

If you need any further help you can also PM me, as one of the Clubs Boxster Technical advisors I will gladly assist.

 

[Southy]

Asking the seller about service history is a must in my view, to make sure that everything that was outlined in the service such as any faults or advisories have been fixed and this is backed up with invoices - same goes for MOT fails. Ensure an HPI or similar vehicle check is done to make sure you are not being a stolen vehicle or one with finance owing on it.

As an additional tool, there's an incredibly useful app for checking the current MoT status and past MoT histories of any vehicle registered with the DVLA going back to 2006. It's called 'MoT History' by AmpSoft and can be downloaded for Android and iPhone. It shows passes, fails and any advisories and is helpful in establishing the general maintenance standard of any vehicle you are thinking of buying (or just to be a bit nosey about your neighbours' or workmates' cars []). I find it invaluable to check out lots that are going through car auctions. It can also help establish if a vehicle has been clocked (or had an odometer replaced) between MoTs.

Alan.

You can also use this, does a similar job, lists all previous MOT history

https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/

 

[AmandaJ]

Thank you everyone for the responses. Really great to have so much advice. I've not yet found 'the one'. I had a slight curve ball on the weekend where I came across a beautiful 2008 mercedes sl350, and my head was turned slightly (Not usually a mercedes fan) However after a test drive it was a strong 'no'. A very heavy and unresponsive drive. So I'm still standing strong with the Boxster, just taking some time.
I do have another question though...should I find one this year, what are your thoughts on owning and driving a Boxster in the winter? I imagine you get some lovely crisp mornings where you can really enjoy it, but in reality, when it's pouring down and cold, are they manageable? I sat in a Boxster this weekend which was a bit drafty, and I was conscious it could be freezing. What are your experiences in the colder weather? I'm still looking at the 987's. I would love a 981 but my budget unfortunately won't stretch that far.

 

[joneslight]

Don't be put off the small (!) 2.7 engine size! My 2004 986 is wonderful and more than enough for British roads!
Winter has never been a problem but it is kept in a garage and I don't have heated seats! Still drives like a dream in the wet and dampness we get. I haven't splashed out on winter tires yet though.
Bought mine off an independent Porsche specialist which took a little of the worry out of the purchase (it was my first one). They are worth looking at and you should get a good warranty too.
Happy searching and the PCGB is a must.

Regards
Nick

 

[Tracy_Wilkins]

Hi Amanda
I have had 4 Boxsters over the years from a 986 to my current 981. All have been my daily drive. I work in the evenings and haven't found them to be a problem for the drive home. I would recommend heated seats but then I think I would in any car. Just my preference really. The 987 is a great car and the roof is so good that the cold weather is not a problem.
Good luck with your search
Regards
Tracy

 

[AmandaJ]

Hi Nick, Tracy,

That's good to know regarding the roof. It was a big question mark for me. Unfortunately I don't have a garage, it will kill me a little having to park the car outside in the rain, but with good maintenance and care I don't think this should cause too much of an issue from what I have seen and heard. Heated seats are definitely on my spec list when searching!

Kind regards,
Amanda

 

[CLIFFWILKINS]

A Boxster is perfectly fine left out in the elements and used everyday.
As long as it has a good sealant on the paintwork and roof no problem.

 

[dpoynton]

I had reservations regarding the roof in bad weather/winter, whilst many people have told me not to worry I have spent £47 on a half car cover from classic additions which covers the roof and glass. Its not the highest quality item around but will do a job at a fair price and is easy to put on and take off.

https://www.classicadditions.com/en-GB/outdoor-car-covers/waterproof-outdoor-half-car-cover/prod_10074

This will protect against the worst of the rain and snow and will avoid the need to scrape the windows on winter mornings.

GLWTS

David

 

[jeffreycrowder]

Hi Amanda,
I too have just bought a 2005 mk2 987 2.7 Boxster.
It's a great car and you don't need an S, it's more expensive, less economical and more to tax and insure. The 2.7 is a wonderful beast unless you are used to such high power output, and on our roads more than sufficient.
In my search I found numerous with high mileage and a large number of owners, (85k miles and 8 owners in 12 years) which tend to indicate a loss of interest after a short period of time.
Mine was two owners in 11 years, the second owner, a lady, had the car for the past 8 years.
I think that a long period of ownership indicates a satisfaction with the car.
There have been many good bits of advice from contributors but my advice, in addition to that above is get the care checked out by a Porsche specialist or at least the AA and take their advice. All cars will need some work needing doing, mine needed brakes discs pads and tyres which can be negotiated into the price.
Don't go into a purchase looking only at the surface features and a seemingly great deal, it could be hiding a multitude of problems.
The best answer is to buy from a Porsche dealer with a warranty if you can afford their mark up!
Peace of mind costs!!!
Good luck.

 

[AmandaJ]

Hi Jeffrey,
Did it take you long to find 'the one'? I found the first Porsche to have turned my head in a while last night, full service history with what seems to be a reputable garage dealing in some high end cars (Makes me think that if they're selling this Porsche, it must be a good example!) but it has 70k miles on it. I know that with the right care and maintenance, Porsches can do well with higher mileage, but I'm thinking I need to look for something a little lower. So it's back to square one for me.
Thank you.
Amanda

 

[jeffreycrowder]

Hi Amanda,
I spotted a 2003 986 in my local dealership, took it for a test drive and was totally smitten. I have had many nice cars over the years and this was something else, motoring utopia! It goes, stops, corners and howls like a wild animal but with 8 past owners and 85k miles it was not for me. I am glad I chose the 987 of late 2005/early2006 as it only had £295 road tax. Also you can drop the roof on the move and its much nicer inside than the 986, IMHO!
It took several weeks of trawling through Ebay, Autotrader, etc and once the bug bit I had to have one, come what may.
The more I researched the worse it got because of concerns about the reported problems on anything earlier than 2010.
As it was to be for week end motoring I couldn't afford the £20k + price tags of these cars.
The target of £12k for a good low miler with full service history was my budget plus any additional work, wheels, brakes, etc.
Having got my silver arrow with dark blue hood and leather interior for my budget with two owners and 59k miles on the clock, the last lady owner a hairdresser apparently, including the aforementioned wheels etc, it was great fun.
The one thing I did not consider, my wife did not like the draughts with the roof down.
I should have paid a bit more and bought a 2006 Cayman which is a shame as I also bought a private plate for it 'MK02 BOX' being the new 2005 launch model, the second series Boxster!
So it's going to be sold.
Don't be put off by my story, they are great cars and membership of the local Porsche Club of Great Britain a nice way of meeting similarly minded geeks, as my wife calls me.
If I can assist anymore please feel free to continue our discussions. Unfortunately there seems no way I can attach a photo for you to see my baby.
Kindest,
Jeff

 

[Araf]

The one thing I did not consider, my wife did not like the draughts with the roof down.
I should have paid a bit more and bought a 2006 Cayman which is a shame as I also bought a private plate for it 'MK02 BOX' being the new 2005 launch model, the second series Boxster!
So it's going to be sold.

Don't be too quick to sell the Boxster. The Cayman has a firmer ride and from what I understand you do hear more of the engine noise as the steel roof rebounds the noise into the cabin.
Can't you just leave the roof up on the Boxster, if it serves you in every other way?

 

[jeffreycrowder]

You may be right to advise in keeping the roof up, but did not realise the Cayman was a harder ride!
I thought the Cayman was the same as the Boxster, the standard model being less firm than the equivalent 'S' models?
Can anybody advise if the sound is greater being enclosed with a steel roof. I would have thought there might be more engine noise but less road noise, coming through the soft top seals, etc.
I need to road test them both on a similar road surface, here in Norfolk even the good roads are bad!!!