Always wanted a Porsche... Finally bought one :)
10-20-2015, 05:42 AM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Always wanted a Porsche... Finally bought one :)
Hello Everyone,
So for more than 2 decades now I've wanted Porsche...
Not sure why it took me this long but I finally bought one!
It's not a 911 but I'll work my way up to that hopefully sooner than later.
I bought a 2003 Boxster S, 6 speed, with Fabspeed after market exhaust and about 95,000 km on it....
Amazing Car!
The power is awesome... sure beats my old Honda Civic lol
But still not as fast as my 05 Kawasaki 636... That things was a beast
I have not owned a car for over a year now so I'm kind rusty on my car maintenance skills/knowledge..
I was hoping I could get some guidance on what I need and should do to make sure I'm doing the right thing before I start having fun with the car.
Overall the car looks clean though.... but it was sitting in his garage for over a year.
I think I got a good deal on it but I'm curious to know what people here have to say about its value and more importantly what is recommended in terms of maintenance and getting it road worthy again.
Background on the car:
Was originally from NYC and was imported into Vancouver in 2009.
Auto checker showed a police report indicating it was in an accident in 2007 but could not find out the exact details... I think the rear was damage based on details I gathered
But... a month later Porsche of Roslyn Heights in New York Certified it so I assume the damage could not have been major, right?
The car was owned by a younger kid, 20 year old and I know he would have driven it a bit harder than most people.
The back tires are pretty much slicks right now... they have no thread left
So the details.
2003 Boxster S (USA car originally, from NYC, but Imported into Canada in 07)
6 speed
96,000 km / 60,000 miles
Fabspeed Aftermarket Exhaust (Received stock exhaust with purchase)
Black Exterior - Paint is clean. No rust or scratches, needs a polish maybe
Grey Interior - Clean, no tears or signs of wear - not pretty but that's ok
Front Tires have 70% thread on them
Back Tires are done ---- like 15% thread
Front & Back brakes are 50%
Clutch I think is pretty much done
- When I shift I have difficulty going from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd... especially if the car is cold. I have shift very slowly or else I hear a bit of grinding and it not going into gear ... gets easier once the car warms up though
The IMS bearing was most likely never changed or addressed (If it has made it so far I'm in the clear---- ???? Bad assumption to make? )
The ignition switch has the problem where when you turn on the car, you need to turn the key back counter clock wise just a bit so the lights, hud and heater/stereo turn on....
- this is a common problem based on what I have read - it's a common issue right? & fix is easy?
The horn doesn't work - It's not the fuse... At least I don't think it is, the fuse was ok when I checked it....
And it has been sitting for a year... so I need to change all the fluids probably?
At least the oil and filter for sure....
And might have been in an an accident were the back may have been hit but since Porsche Certified it it must not have been a big deal I figure.
and lastly the head lights show some yellowing / burn marks and very small cracks... apparently they are they cheaper kind
So... what do you guys think? how much is something like this worth?
Also... Can I post the problems I need help with fixing here or should it be in a separate section?
1. Sitting in a garage for a year - what needs to be changed?
- Full fluid change?
or just oil and filter?
- Oil should be Mobil 1 0w40 obviously
- But Suggestions for filter?
2. Clutch is done... any suggestions?
buy new or used?
Local mechanics who work on Porsche's have quoted for $850 cad.
2b. Should I consider doing something about the IMS since the clutch is done?
There are a few local mechanics who say I should
This topic has of course been beaten to death of course but I'm still confused...
What is the current standing in 2015?
The service person at Porsche in Vancouver said that none of the solutions are really solutions... they are bs...
But online I read that it's a lack of lubrication and that's why the bearings go kaboom...
there is the ceramic bearing solution, there's the add oil solution and I'm sure there are a few others in between all that that I do not know about.
- http://imsretrofit.com/preferred-installers/
- http://lnengineering.com/products/ims.html
3. Back tires need to be replaced
The current tires are
Michelin Pilot Sport Radial X 205/50 ZR17 89Y N3
Michelin Pilot Sport Radial X 255/40 ZR17 94Y
What should I choose for the back? same models are good for the upcoming fall and winter in Vancouver?
4. Horn Does not work... I've checked the fuse and it was fine.. I even replaced it and it still does not work.
5. When I get in the car, even without the key in the ignition, the lights come on in the inside... but there is this slight buzz sound, I'm not sure where exactly its coming from.. its either the speakers or from under than driver side dashboard.....
It's the sound electricity but I'm not sure if that's normal....
6. When I push the clutch in to shift, I hear a click coming from the driver side dashboard... is that normal?
Clutch is pressed in, click, clutch is released, click....
7. on the side of the both seats, there is a lever, what the heck does that do?
Not the one for back adjustment... that one works... but the front one goes up but does not do anything....
8. Rear right taillight is out...
is it recommended to replace both or just the one that's out... both right?
have equal light intensity....
9. The head lights switch... There are 3 dial settings.
Off, Middle, and far right.
When I go from Off to middle, the dashboard lights dim down and become back lit but it's not bright... How do i know how lit up it should be?
From middle to far right nothing happens.... everything remains the same....
Is something suppose to change here?
When I pull it out the fog lights turn on so that's fine....
10. Everything else is fine... anything else I should check? or have checked or do?
Thanks,
I've uploaded a few pictures as well
First I'd like to get it road worthy then I'll consider upgrading and modifying things....
Maybe some nice bucket seats down the road and change the steering wheel.... my leg keeps hitting it when I get in & out of the car
---- why in the world did they not make it adjustable like everything other car.... you can pull it in & out... great... but wtf why no up & down
So for more than 2 decades now I've wanted Porsche...
Not sure why it took me this long but I finally bought one!
It's not a 911 but I'll work my way up to that hopefully sooner than later.
I bought a 2003 Boxster S, 6 speed, with Fabspeed after market exhaust and about 95,000 km on it....
Amazing Car!
The power is awesome... sure beats my old Honda Civic lol
But still not as fast as my 05 Kawasaki 636... That things was a beast
I have not owned a car for over a year now so I'm kind rusty on my car maintenance skills/knowledge..
I was hoping I could get some guidance on what I need and should do to make sure I'm doing the right thing before I start having fun with the car.
Overall the car looks clean though.... but it was sitting in his garage for over a year.
I think I got a good deal on it but I'm curious to know what people here have to say about its value and more importantly what is recommended in terms of maintenance and getting it road worthy again.
Background on the car:
Was originally from NYC and was imported into Vancouver in 2009.
Auto checker showed a police report indicating it was in an accident in 2007 but could not find out the exact details... I think the rear was damage based on details I gathered
But... a month later Porsche of Roslyn Heights in New York Certified it so I assume the damage could not have been major, right?
The car was owned by a younger kid, 20 year old and I know he would have driven it a bit harder than most people.
The back tires are pretty much slicks right now... they have no thread left
So the details.
2003 Boxster S (USA car originally, from NYC, but Imported into Canada in 07)
6 speed
96,000 km / 60,000 miles
Fabspeed Aftermarket Exhaust (Received stock exhaust with purchase)
Black Exterior - Paint is clean. No rust or scratches, needs a polish maybe
Grey Interior - Clean, no tears or signs of wear - not pretty but that's ok
Front Tires have 70% thread on them
Back Tires are done ---- like 15% thread
Front & Back brakes are 50%
Clutch I think is pretty much done
- When I shift I have difficulty going from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd... especially if the car is cold. I have shift very slowly or else I hear a bit of grinding and it not going into gear ... gets easier once the car warms up though
The IMS bearing was most likely never changed or addressed (If it has made it so far I'm in the clear---- ???? Bad assumption to make? )
The ignition switch has the problem where when you turn on the car, you need to turn the key back counter clock wise just a bit so the lights, hud and heater/stereo turn on....
- this is a common problem based on what I have read - it's a common issue right? & fix is easy?
The horn doesn't work - It's not the fuse... At least I don't think it is, the fuse was ok when I checked it....
And it has been sitting for a year... so I need to change all the fluids probably?
At least the oil and filter for sure....
And might have been in an an accident were the back may have been hit but since Porsche Certified it it must not have been a big deal I figure.
and lastly the head lights show some yellowing / burn marks and very small cracks... apparently they are they cheaper kind
So... what do you guys think? how much is something like this worth?
Also... Can I post the problems I need help with fixing here or should it be in a separate section?
1. Sitting in a garage for a year - what needs to be changed?
- Full fluid change?
or just oil and filter?
- Oil should be Mobil 1 0w40 obviously
- But Suggestions for filter?
2. Clutch is done... any suggestions?
buy new or used?
Local mechanics who work on Porsche's have quoted for $850 cad.
2b. Should I consider doing something about the IMS since the clutch is done?
There are a few local mechanics who say I should
This topic has of course been beaten to death of course but I'm still confused...
What is the current standing in 2015?
The service person at Porsche in Vancouver said that none of the solutions are really solutions... they are bs...
But online I read that it's a lack of lubrication and that's why the bearings go kaboom...
there is the ceramic bearing solution, there's the add oil solution and I'm sure there are a few others in between all that that I do not know about.
- http://imsretrofit.com/preferred-installers/
- http://lnengineering.com/products/ims.html
3. Back tires need to be replaced
The current tires are
Michelin Pilot Sport Radial X 205/50 ZR17 89Y N3
Michelin Pilot Sport Radial X 255/40 ZR17 94Y
What should I choose for the back? same models are good for the upcoming fall and winter in Vancouver?
4. Horn Does not work... I've checked the fuse and it was fine.. I even replaced it and it still does not work.
5. When I get in the car, even without the key in the ignition, the lights come on in the inside... but there is this slight buzz sound, I'm not sure where exactly its coming from.. its either the speakers or from under than driver side dashboard.....
It's the sound electricity but I'm not sure if that's normal....
6. When I push the clutch in to shift, I hear a click coming from the driver side dashboard... is that normal?
Clutch is pressed in, click, clutch is released, click....
7. on the side of the both seats, there is a lever, what the heck does that do?
Not the one for back adjustment... that one works... but the front one goes up but does not do anything....
8. Rear right taillight is out...
is it recommended to replace both or just the one that's out... both right?
have equal light intensity....
9. The head lights switch... There are 3 dial settings.
Off, Middle, and far right.
When I go from Off to middle, the dashboard lights dim down and become back lit but it's not bright... How do i know how lit up it should be?
From middle to far right nothing happens.... everything remains the same....
Is something suppose to change here?
When I pull it out the fog lights turn on so that's fine....
10. Everything else is fine... anything else I should check? or have checked or do?
Thanks,
I've uploaded a few pictures as well
First I'd like to get it road worthy then I'll consider upgrading and modifying things....
Maybe some nice bucket seats down the road and change the steering wheel.... my leg keeps hitting it when I get in & out of the car
---- why in the world did they not make it adjustable like everything other car.... you can pull it in & out... great... but wtf why no up & down
10-20-2015, 06:55 AM
#2
Intermediate
Thread Starter
I forgot...
11. The PSM & Air bag light come on and remain on about 5 min after the car has started
--- what is the psm?
Even if I hit the psm button on the center console... nothing happens.
11. The PSM & Air bag light come on and remain on about 5 min after the car has started
--- what is the psm?
Even if I hit the psm button on the center console... nothing happens.
10-20-2015, 06:58 AM
#4
Intermediate
Thread Starter
This is the Radiator panel at the box...
Am I suppose to be able to see the water level from the outside??
I don't see anything... and no light comes on inside indicating the engine is over heating....
Am I suppose to be able to see the water level from the outside??
I don't see anything... and no light comes on inside indicating the engine is over heating....
10-20-2015, 07:00 AM
#5
Intermediate
Thread Starter
when I turn the key....
all lights come on... Oil level is good... a bit high....
all lights go off...
5 min later psm and airbag lights come on....
see anything I don't?
all lights come on... Oil level is good... a bit high....
all lights go off...
5 min later psm and airbag lights come on....
see anything I don't?
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10-20-2015, 07:12 AM
#8
Intermediate
Thread Starter
supposedly its hid bulbs... but its kind of yellow and dull....
Is that just the day time running lights?
They are the cheaper head lights right that came with the 03 boxsters?
I'm considering changing them to something better looking... not sure
Is that just the day time running lights?
They are the cheaper head lights right that came with the 03 boxsters?
I'm considering changing them to something better looking... not sure
10-20-2015, 07:19 AM
#11
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Right tail light is out....
Any suggestions on what bulbs to replace with?
I'd like everything to be bright and same level of illumination....
It would be nice for the red to be very red and bright... make it stand out at night
Any suggestions on what bulbs to replace with?
I'd like everything to be bright and same level of illumination....
It would be nice for the red to be very red and bright... make it stand out at night
10-22-2015, 06:23 PM
#12
Racer
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: St Catharines , Ontario
Posts: 256
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1. Sitting in a garage for a year - what needs to be changed?
- Oil and Filter
2. Clutch is done... any suggestions?
If you are strapped wait until you can afford new. I wouldnt put in used unless you are doing your own labour. $850 is reasonable
2b. Should I consider doing something about the IMS since the clutch is done?
Personal preference, if spending another $1500 gives you piece of mind while you are doing your clutch and funds arent an issue why not. They do fail. Not all of them but some do. To each their own. I personally have a tiptronic and my first engine went due to cracked cylinder walls. Removed the IMS after 126,000 miles, 206,000 km. My bearing was fine. Dont believe the hype. Out of the porsches sold the few owners who actually join forums are probably 25% and of those 25% less than 5% fail due to IMS based on surveys Ive seen personally. Again $1500 now or $9000 later?
3. Back tires need to be replaced
Ideal would be to buy a second set for the fall winter but again Vancouver, you dont really have a winter...
4. Horn Does not work... I've checked the fuse and it was fine.. I even replaced it and it still does not work.
Locate horn and manually test it with speaker wire
5. When I get in the car, even without the key in the ignition, the lights come on in the inside... but there is this slight buzz sound, I'm not sure where exactly its coming from.. its either the speakers or from under than driver side dashboard.....
When either door is unlatched the interior lights will come on as with most cars Ive owned. Now the buzzing sound should only be for a few seconds and should be the fuel pump priming. If the buzz is constant you have electrical backfeed....read below
6. When I push the clutch in to shift, I hear a click coming from the driver side dashboard... is that normal?
Im using a tiptronic so I cannot help with this
7. on the side of the both seats, there is a lever, what the heck does that do?
This seat height button goes up and down with the seat bottom cushion, if you are pressing this up, it is at its MAX height. Push the button down towards the floor and the seat with lower
8. Rear right taillight is out...
is it recommended to replace both or just the one that's out... both right?
Replace one . The intensity wont be different from GE to Sylvania. Local canadian tire
If you want to upgrade you can search online for LED tail lights
9. The head lights switch... There are 3 dial settings.
Off, Middle, and far right.
When I go from Off to middle, the dashboard lights dim down and become back lit but it's not bright... How do i know how lit up it should be?
From middle to far right nothing happens.... everything remains the same....
Is something suppose to change here?
0 - Far left is parking lamp - only the right tail lamp bulb should illuminate nothing else
1 - Off position
2 - Running Light - Tail lamps and bumper side marker ON, Headlight OFF
3 - ON - Head lights, tail lights and side marker all ON, pull out for fog light
If 2 and 3 has no change, when your car was imported from USA to CAN the DRL (day time running lights were hacked). Instead of doing this correctly, they most likely jumped a wire to cheat the inspection. RIV inspection requires DRL to be installed on any vehicle from the USA as they are not required across the boarder.
In relation to your ignition switch Issue and possible buzzing inside the cockpit when they jumped the wire for the DRL I have a feeling they did not do this correctly with use of a diode and there is current backfeeding into the ignition.....Just my guess
11 - Coolant reservoir is in your trunk. Just allows you to top up without over flow
12 - Air Bag and PSM - not on my car so I cant help you with that
13 - The black metal box behind the spare tire and bolted to the bracket is indeed your factory amplifier
14 - Headlights - These are not xenon or HID, these are BASE 996/986 Halogen headlights. You have 2 options for upgrade, you can buy tinted or coloured halogen bulbs (sylvania Silverstars) ask when you go to canadian tire. Or you can buy OEM XENON/HID headlamps with ballast and bulbs Boxster 986 2000-2004 or 911/996 1999-2002 used 500-900 and new $5000
- Oil and Filter
2. Clutch is done... any suggestions?
If you are strapped wait until you can afford new. I wouldnt put in used unless you are doing your own labour. $850 is reasonable
2b. Should I consider doing something about the IMS since the clutch is done?
Personal preference, if spending another $1500 gives you piece of mind while you are doing your clutch and funds arent an issue why not. They do fail. Not all of them but some do. To each their own. I personally have a tiptronic and my first engine went due to cracked cylinder walls. Removed the IMS after 126,000 miles, 206,000 km. My bearing was fine. Dont believe the hype. Out of the porsches sold the few owners who actually join forums are probably 25% and of those 25% less than 5% fail due to IMS based on surveys Ive seen personally. Again $1500 now or $9000 later?
3. Back tires need to be replaced
Ideal would be to buy a second set for the fall winter but again Vancouver, you dont really have a winter...
4. Horn Does not work... I've checked the fuse and it was fine.. I even replaced it and it still does not work.
Locate horn and manually test it with speaker wire
5. When I get in the car, even without the key in the ignition, the lights come on in the inside... but there is this slight buzz sound, I'm not sure where exactly its coming from.. its either the speakers or from under than driver side dashboard.....
When either door is unlatched the interior lights will come on as with most cars Ive owned. Now the buzzing sound should only be for a few seconds and should be the fuel pump priming. If the buzz is constant you have electrical backfeed....read below
6. When I push the clutch in to shift, I hear a click coming from the driver side dashboard... is that normal?
Im using a tiptronic so I cannot help with this
7. on the side of the both seats, there is a lever, what the heck does that do?
This seat height button goes up and down with the seat bottom cushion, if you are pressing this up, it is at its MAX height. Push the button down towards the floor and the seat with lower
8. Rear right taillight is out...
is it recommended to replace both or just the one that's out... both right?
Replace one . The intensity wont be different from GE to Sylvania. Local canadian tire
If you want to upgrade you can search online for LED tail lights
9. The head lights switch... There are 3 dial settings.
Off, Middle, and far right.
When I go from Off to middle, the dashboard lights dim down and become back lit but it's not bright... How do i know how lit up it should be?
From middle to far right nothing happens.... everything remains the same....
Is something suppose to change here?
0 - Far left is parking lamp - only the right tail lamp bulb should illuminate nothing else
1 - Off position
2 - Running Light - Tail lamps and bumper side marker ON, Headlight OFF
3 - ON - Head lights, tail lights and side marker all ON, pull out for fog light
If 2 and 3 has no change, when your car was imported from USA to CAN the DRL (day time running lights were hacked). Instead of doing this correctly, they most likely jumped a wire to cheat the inspection. RIV inspection requires DRL to be installed on any vehicle from the USA as they are not required across the boarder.
In relation to your ignition switch Issue and possible buzzing inside the cockpit when they jumped the wire for the DRL I have a feeling they did not do this correctly with use of a diode and there is current backfeeding into the ignition.....Just my guess
11 - Coolant reservoir is in your trunk. Just allows you to top up without over flow
12 - Air Bag and PSM - not on my car so I cant help you with that
13 - The black metal box behind the spare tire and bolted to the bracket is indeed your factory amplifier
14 - Headlights - These are not xenon or HID, these are BASE 996/986 Halogen headlights. You have 2 options for upgrade, you can buy tinted or coloured halogen bulbs (sylvania Silverstars) ask when you go to canadian tire. Or you can buy OEM XENON/HID headlamps with ballast and bulbs Boxster 986 2000-2004 or 911/996 1999-2002 used 500-900 and new $5000
01-01-2016, 01:53 AM
#14
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Status Update----- Current situation = F!#$kity F!$k F!#k
The car now has a check engine light & red blinking light by temp gauge.
I put the car up for sale and got offers of 7.5k & 8.5k....
So now I need to decide what to do.....
The car is an American Import and considered "Grey Market" and it does not have paper work history....
But based on my research and thinking this car should sell for 17-20k come spring and summer time, in fully working condition of course and maybe with some minor upgrades......
I have the original exhaust which I can sell..... and the Fab Speed exhaust gives it an awesome howl and is $2k USD it self.....
So as my friend said today... when you have incurred a large problem in life.... chuck it by breaking it down into smaller pieces and chip away at it.....
I've come up with a few scenario's to help with the decision making process:
The car now has a check engine light & red blinking light by temp gauge.
I put the car up for sale and got offers of 7.5k & 8.5k....
So now I need to decide what to do.....
The car is an American Import and considered "Grey Market" and it does not have paper work history....
But based on my research and thinking this car should sell for 17-20k come spring and summer time, in fully working condition of course and maybe with some minor upgrades......
I have the original exhaust which I can sell..... and the Fab Speed exhaust gives it an awesome howl and is $2k USD it self.....
So as my friend said today... when you have incurred a large problem in life.... chuck it by breaking it down into smaller pieces and chip away at it.....
I've come up with a few scenario's to help with the decision making process:
01-01-2016, 02:00 AM
#15
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Scenario #1
- Sell at current condition = loose 6.5k to 7.5k...
or maybe even more if the check engine light shows greater problems than suspected once they do a code reader they may offer less.
Scenario #2
- I have a Porsche specialized mechanic fix it.....
- Cost: TBD
- Pro: Makes resale a lot easer. It's from a Porsche Specialized mechanic and can show documentation to prospective buyer.
- Con: Have to pay tax on everything and they mark up their parts by 10-15%
Scenario #3
- I have my regular non-Porsche specialized mechanic fix it
- Cost: TBD
- Pro: Can find parts myself making it cheaper & No tax if paid in cash.....
- Con: Since cash that means no paper work... makes resale a problem as buyer may not believe me.
BUT can take pictures of work being done or even video
--- Biggest con: since he's not specialize, they may miss something or not do something right like the Specialized mechanic.??
and I have probably have do to some research to explain to him the issues and how to fix it.....
Scenario #4
I try and fix what I can myself and the problems I can't have to go to the mechanic.
Scenario #5: The car get's "stolen" mysteriously one night... haha just kidding
- Sell at current condition = loose 6.5k to 7.5k...
or maybe even more if the check engine light shows greater problems than suspected once they do a code reader they may offer less.
Scenario #2
- I have a Porsche specialized mechanic fix it.....
- Cost: TBD
- Pro: Makes resale a lot easer. It's from a Porsche Specialized mechanic and can show documentation to prospective buyer.
- Con: Have to pay tax on everything and they mark up their parts by 10-15%
Scenario #3
- I have my regular non-Porsche specialized mechanic fix it
- Cost: TBD
- Pro: Can find parts myself making it cheaper & No tax if paid in cash.....
- Con: Since cash that means no paper work... makes resale a problem as buyer may not believe me.
BUT can take pictures of work being done or even video
--- Biggest con: since he's not specialize, they may miss something or not do something right like the Specialized mechanic.??
and I have probably have do to some research to explain to him the issues and how to fix it.....
Scenario #4
I try and fix what I can myself and the problems I can't have to go to the mechanic.
Scenario #5: The car get's "stolen" mysteriously one night... haha just kidding