Newbie with question and a big hello

[Muzzy2007]

Hi and a big hello,
Newbie with a question so be gentle.im starting my research into my next car purchase,I currently own a Z3.I am looking at buying a 98-2001 Boxter 2.5 or 2.7 and I need lots of info on running costs m.p.g serviceing etc,also what to look for when buying this kind of year car faults and problems.insurance dont seem to be a problem but I have defo got my heart set on one of these fantastic looking cars which I have always liked.I would also like advise on what kind of work I can do on the car myself(I used to own mr2s so have a little knowledge on working on mid engine cars).
Any advise would be much appreciated,many thanks in advance,
Dave.

 

[PORKA]

Hi Tracy Wilkins is the RS for the register and has owned a number of Boxsters herself and would be pleased to help, you can also contact Tony Ruggles at Carrera Enginerring on 01992 892333 for advice.

Tracy is on the forum under CLIFF WILKINS, her husband who has also owned a number of Boxsters, and is also another Porsche nut![]

 

[Glyn]

Muzzy, the 2.5 is a fantastic motor and i found it bomb proof a well balanced motor. A few niggles here and there but no major work needed in 5 years of ownership and --- You can service this car yourself so easilly, just over £120 and that includes changing spark plugs.
The 2.5 has a throttle cable rather than the later e-gas models and an idle speed control valve, Gum does collect in the throttle assembly and the idle valve can clog up which makes it stall rather than idle, but all you need to do is clean it out every 2 years or so and everything will be fine.
I didnt find any particular weak points with the car apart from the rather limited life with the MAF, simple job though to replace and you always know when the MAF is on its way out because it hessitates under hard acceleration half way through the rev range.
A brilliant choice for first Porsche


Glyn

 

[dereksharpuk]

I loved my 2.5 Boxster eventhough I have had a few modern Porsches (see below) []. My only criticism was the plastic back window (it cracks in cold weather or after a period of time). Later Boxsters had glass, but you can upgrade that part of the car.

 

[istanbulian]

Whilst not exactly on point (I had a 2000 3.2S) I too loved by early Boxster. Great engine and the chassis is fantastic. At current prices they have to be an absolute bargain. Treat the rear screen with "Hindsight", take care in the cold and use the "Boxster chop" and the plastic rear screen is not a problem

It's easy to get worried about tales of RMS/IMS failures but take a look across at Boxa.net for some real-world reliability figures.

Great car; great value.

 

[Muzzy2007]

Thanks for your rapid replies,I will keep you posted on what I find.im not gonna rush into this as it my dream car and I need to find a very special example.They do exist it's just finding it.[]
Thanks again,
Dave.

 

[Buddy]

I too had a 3.2S 2000 model, absolutely terrific car which we travelled around France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany on some variable summers.

Finding a good one wasn't easy as it's amazing how many people don't look after their cars, happy hunting.

 

[gouldian]

My 2001 "S" will be 11 years old this coming March and still on original battery. The plastic rear screen is like new as I always place a length of doubled fleece along it before I fold. This prevents rubbing with the movement of the car and hence a completly scratch free clear surface. In nearly 35,000 miles it has never let me down or had any replacement parts other than tyres. Any depreciation from £42,000 in 2001 to whatever its worth now is irrelevant given the sheer untold pleasure of the driving experience over nearly 11 years which has included the Nurburgring and Castle Coombe. You couldn't buy a better car, enjoy!

 

[wealy]

I too am looking at a Boxster as a third car for the summer and I guess no is the time to buy.

Quick question - what is the difference between the normal and the "S"?

 

[Dylan1]

40-50 bhp ,5 and six gears,to mention but two,varies depending on 986 or 987 and differences during the lifetime of both of these,but all share mid engine superb handling []

 

[adamos]

Found 2 3.2s boxsters, both 2002 models, both less then 20k on the clock, both full Porsche history, both less than 12k

 

[Buddy]

The glass rear window came in with the 2003 facelift model which had a few cosmetic upgrades and a few more BHP

 

[spyderman]

Real garage queens, those two. Could have issues - the flat six doesn't like under-use.

 

[Buddy]

I agree with Spyderman, bearings, shafts and seals all need rotating to keep them lubricated but not only that, electronics need regular use to keep them in good running order, in fact doesn't everything benefit from regular operation? From switches to window mech's.

I've known a window mech' to seize because it didn't get operated over a couple of months once.[]