Looking at buying a 2001 Boxster S

[Guest]

Obviously now is a better time than just before summer when everyone wants one. The issue is that I've found a stonking one ... it even comes with a hard top ... looks immaculate ... HPI clear ... 40k miles ... 2001 Y plate and at the money I was after.

The problem being that although it is from a dealer that will put a warranty on it (not a porsche dealer) it is due a service. The last one was done 18 months ago and it has only covered 3000 miles since and not been serviced. Does the 18 month thing cause a problem? If it's been in the garage since it shouldn't be an issue should it? The last service they didn't stamp the book but the receipts etc are available for it.

By the way. Has anyone used www.prestigecarservicing.com and are they any good?

J.

 

[Chris_911]

Get them to undertake the service as part of the deal. Say that you want the car but you'll only buy if they carry out the service due (and agree in detail what service work is to be included) - then keep quiet and be prepared to walk away and let them stew.

I'm surprised that they are not doing this anyway if they are giving a warranty. Maybe the warranty isn't worth a !$%^

 

[Dapster]

Be careful with non Porsche, third party warranties. Some may limit each individual claim or come with an excess payable on every cliam. You can take any used Porsche under 9 years old or 120,000 miles to an Official Porsche Centre (OPC) and after a full 112 point check, take out 12 month warranty with no excess, or claim limit. Can't remember how much this is but it'll be about £700 - £1,000 by the time you fix a few niggles.

On the 986 (ie the generation of Boxster you are looking at), you should have an "annual inspection" done if you haven't covered sufficient miles to make the next scheduled service so by not having attention in 18 months, the owner has missed a service. Also, it's a bit strange that they didn't stamp the book after the sevice....

The 2001 car is on the cusp of the "facelift" - cars delivered the following year had amongst many other improvements more power and torque, some styling mods and the clincher for most people, a glass heated rear window in the soft top.

If it was my money, I'd be tempted to hang out for a 02 model. Otherwise, make sure you get the very best car your budget allows - I would prioritise a cast iron provenance over mileage - these things can take loads of miles if well looked after.

Hope this helps.

 

[bmurphy]

I am to considering doing this earlier next year, but would appreciate some opinions of buying a facelift 2.7 against the 986 S

 

[Black80XSA]

The warranty has just risen to £895 per year - you will need a 112 point check beforehand at the OPC (about £150) and then need to rectify anything they pick up before the warranty will be granted.

Given the low mileage in the last 18 motnhs, i'd be more worried about flat spotted tyres, wheel bearings, dried out rubber suspension bushes than a missed oil change. Low mileage vehicles can take advantage of the annual service system (around £150) which just changes the oil but not the filter, plus a cursory glance round the rest of the vehicle.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

The "Annual Check" for vehicles doing less than 9,000 miles a year, doesn't actually include an oil change.

The oil filter schedule is efectively "every other" oil change.
(however I always ask them to do the filter when I get the oil done).

 

[Black80XSA]

Well corrected Mark []

those that i know on the low mileage system also have the oil and filters changed at extra cost.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for all the feedback. After speaking to the person that owned it before (They were a car dealer but not porsche specific and did the last service) i'm feeling a bit happier about it. I called expecting them not to remember it and it turned out to be his personal car.

I'll book it in for the check and get the Porsche warranty I think. At least then if I go to sell it it'll retain it's value better. I get the impression from everyone I know that's owned one that I'll probably want to keep it forever but hopefully I can trade up to a Cayman in a couple of years.

J.

 

[A Clift]

ORIGINAL: Dapster

The 2001 car is on the cusp of the "facelift" - cars delivered the following year had amongst many other improvements more power and torque, some styling mods and the clincher for most people, a glass heated rear window in the soft top.

If it was my money, I'd be tempted to hang out for a 02 model.

Minor point - it was actually the 03 MY (52 plate onwards) that got the tweeks you mention.

 

[Rockape]

Trade up to a cayman?

 

[SteveW14]

ORIGINAL: bmurphy

I am to considering doing this earlier next year, but would appreciate some opinions of buying a facelift 2.7 against the 986 S

I faced the exact same dilemma earlier this year, in the end I went for an 02 S as the extra performance won me over.

The main benefit of facelift car is obviously the glass rear screen, but even though the plastic rear window on mine can be a bit of a pain (the boxster chop!) I find it easy enough to live with and the engine more than makes up for the minor inconvieniences.

The facelift model did have some nice styling tweaks, e.g. side air intakes and rear bumper.

I suppose in the end it will come down to whether the bit of extra power is important enough to you to compromise a bit on age and or milage along with the rear screen.

 

[daro911]

If you can beg steal or borrow the extra for a "face lift" model its well worth it for all the fine tweaks and extra bits you will be getting for your money

Good luck and pace yourself there are 1000's of good examples out there looking for new homes

 

[Guest]

It has a plastic rear screen but I think it is a facelift model as it has the side vents.

By the way. Does anyone have details of how to take off and put on the hardtop? I don't suppose it can be that difficult but best to be ready in advance.

J.

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: biggles_1

It has a plastic rear screen but I think it is a facelift model as it has the side vents.

The "Glass" back window is the "face lift" You are looking at an earlier car which brings me back to if you can stretch the funds a bit further pace yourself and get a "face lift" example [] Good luck

 

[Guest]

I went to see it and was very impressed. It was in better condition that the main dealer car and seemed to feel much better driving it.

I negotiated a price I was happy with taking into account it needs a service soon and I'm picking it up tomorrow ... I can't wait!

I'll let you all know how it goes.

J.

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: biggles_1

I negotiated a price I was happy with taking into account it needs a service soon and I'm picking it up tomorrow ... I can't wait!

I'll let you all know how it goes.

J.

Welcome to the best mid engined roadster for the money in the world [8D][8D][8D] Happy Motoring & Good Luck

 

[Mark_Bennett]

Congratulations []

Look forward to hearing more once you've had it a while.
[8D]

 

[Guest]

What a great car,

I took it to OPC in Guildford and had the major service and 111 point check done and got a warranty stuck on it. The only thing that needed replacing was the oxygen sensor but although the bill is fairly hefty at least I know it has some backing now and a full checkup.

I've now done about 500 miles in it and when I change my job that will be going up quicker. It's so much fun to drive. I used to have an Impreza which I loved to bits but this is so much more grin factor. The noise it makes is the icing on the cake! Not only that but driving a Porsche certainly carries more jealousy from other drivers. Thanks for all your feedback and here's to a fantastic fun car.

J.