Newbie needing advice! All appreciated

Guest · Jan 16, 2008

Firstly hi to all, I'm new on the forum and I've been saving for a Boxster for the last year and am really excited about purchasing one I can't wait! But I need some advice cause it's a lot of mony to fork out (for me anyways!) and want my decision to be a good one, so with your advice I can buy well.

I am looking to buy a used Boxster and am going to view one in the next few days, it's a 98 2.5ltr and has just over 90K on the clock (for around £9K). I was hoping that some of you guys could advise me on any problems to look out for or any typical ones for the year of car.

Also running costs would be appreciated if any of you guys have been runnuing boxsters for a few years. Many thanks and look forward to hearing your advice and tips soon.

Rob Edwards · Jan 16, 2008

Hi
Try a trawl through the FAQ section - that will throw up some very useful points.

From my point of view, buying a 9k Boxster would mean treading carefully to avoid any horrors, as if things do go wrong, they can be a nightmare to put right.

Firstly, the engine - does it have a FSH, and if so, look for main OPC (official porsche centre) stamps and also non official 'specialists' like Neinmeister/Hartech etc who know what they're doing with Porsche engines.
Does the engine number match the original in the log book?
Any undue rattles or lumpiness when idling or on the move?
If any smoke after start up (sometimes you get a small puff on startup but it should quickly go) then be very concerned.

Interior - does the wear & tear inside match the number on the odometer? If the wheel/pedal rubbers/seats are very worn yet it is showing a lowish miles, again, be wary.

Do all the lights come on when you insert the key? Do they all go out again once engine started?

Check for signs of water ingress/dampness on the carpet - dampness may be evidence of blocked drainage holes - not a problem in themselves (bit of thin wire or compressed air can remedy the blockage) but the ECU lives under the passenger seat - if that gets sodden, it's expensive to replace/fix.

Suspension/tracking - the car should feel VERY planted and stable at speed. Juddering/knocks and wobbling may be down to worn suspension arms/bushes, suspension out of geometric alignment or the wind deflectors in front of the front tyres missing.

The hood - does is work smoothly and sit well when raised? Any jerkiness or skewing may be down to worn cables. Check for wear on the roof - any repairs/holes or fraying? Check the soft rear screen - any cracking or holes? A replacement hood is circa £800 so be careful.

Bodywork - look carefully for signs of any rust - if there are any this is a very likely indicator of bodged repairs - walk away if noticeable, but small chips are to be expected.

All the above sounds daunting, I know, but don't let it put you off looking for a Boxster - there are PLENTY out there - just don't grab the first one that comes along. The Boxster is a very well put together car, but you will only experience the real joy of one if it is in good order and has been well maintained. Go in with your eyes open and buy with your head, not your heart!

If I were you, I would seriously consider having someone 'expert' look at the car for you - Peter Morgan (often advertises in 911 & Porsche World) is a renowned expert (written many books on Porsches including the Boxster) who inspects cars, or pay for a technician from a nearby independent Porsche specialist to look at it before you buy and produce a report on condition. There may be certain points which not serious, could act as a good bargaining tool in which you might recoup the cost of the technician and be assured in your decision.

I sincerely hope you find the right Porsche for you and you enjoy many happy miles in it.

Good luck, and enjoy the search and ownership!
Rob

Guest · Jan 17, 2008

Thanks for your feedback, I'll consider all that you've said when going to view the car on Mon. I was also wondering if there are no Porsche specialists around my area to advise me and to get someone to travel to Birmingham could be expensive, would it be advisable at the very least to get an RAC inspection?

Many thanks.

Rob Edwards · Jan 18, 2008

Hi again
I can't figure why no-one else is offering feedback - usually this forum is very helpful and forthcoming in views - must be a mid week thing[

]!
Well, and RAC inspection can't hurt, but they may very well miss specialist points that only a porsche independent would know about (RMS - rear main seal leakage for example).
There are quite a few specialists in the midlands, so i would use one of them. May cost £200-£300 but well worth the peace of mind and you can then use their comments to bargain down the price so recouping their cost. PCT/Shirleys/Camtune/Paragon are just a few that I would consider - give them a call - they may be nearer than you think.
I'm away to the UK on business until wednesday so I won't be able to post more advice, but I'm sure other members will offer their views at the weekend - there is some very good advice to be had from the forum - normally we're not this quiet, eh chaps?[

]
Get a specialist inspection before you buy, and if possible, arrange a warranty for real peace of mind. Ask when it had it's last major service - usually every 4 yrs/48000 miles I think. Yearly servicing is not too bad - probably around £300 plus consumables, so not much more than a eurobox saloon. It does need to have been properly looked after, but any one of the specialists will give you all the info you need. Don't buy without one!
Oh yes, and join the Porsche club GB![

]
I hope it all goes OK.

Rodney Naghar · Jan 18, 2008

Rob,

You've done such a good job with your summary that we're all left scratching our heads for more info [

]

Other things I would mention are:-

1. Check the coolant expansion tank for an oily residue. (looking at the engine, it will be on the left hand side with a blue screw top) If you see any, walk away as that is likely to mean a leaking head gasket or worse. Likewise the tank itself is prone to cracking, look for staining of the engine bay panels around the tank. That will cost around £250 to fix.

2. Make sure the idle is smooth, and the engine revs freely up above 4000 revs. Any stutter or hesitation could mean cracked coil packs (£30 each) or a MAF sensor (£150) (or a fault in the variocam solenoid (~£400)

3. Rusty discs are not uncommon, and try and feel the inner side for evidence of this (where they are most prone to rust) (>£120 per pair plus fitting)

4.Tyres are around £120 for fronts and £160 for rears, have a look on www.mytyres for a guide. The tyres should be 'N' rated (conform to Porsche spec)

5. Make sure the A/C blasts freezing air at the lowest setting. If not this could mean corroded/split radiators (~£500) or requiring a new filter/dryer canister (~£150)

6. The windscreens are sometimes prone to delamination where the radio aeriel fits through the midle on the drivers side corner (milky whitening of the glass).

7. As Rob mentioned have a good look at the plastic rear screen. If the hood is good, and that is cracked, you can get a replacement bit of plastic sewn in for around £250

8. Check the centre console hinge isn't broken (not uncommon) although this is an easy DIY fix.

9. Check the rear spoiler rises and lowers. (I think its 70mph up and 55mph back down or thereabouts).

Good luck