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Any problem areas with 2013 Boxters?

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Old 05-14-2016, 08:11 PM
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DBF
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Default Any problem areas with 2013 Boxters?

I am looking to buy a 2013 or newer Boxter that will be primarily a street car (I have a track Porsche). I have had problems with first year of production cars in the past, so just checking if there were any problem areas with the 2013 Boxters. Thanks.
Old 05-14-2016, 08:33 PM
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zedcat
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This is the 981 and it appears to be very reliable. I have only owned mine (GT4) a short while but have been following the model since introduced. The motor (9A1) and PDK were introduced in the 987.2 in 09. Also same block in the 997.2/ 991. Have seen very few issues. I recall some HP fuel pump replacements in the 997.2 early on under warranty and the water pumps are still a bit of a weak spot. My 2012 Cayman's started failing about 25k mi. Replaced under warranty (despite regular track use). You should be able to find one with CPO for extra peace of mind although will cost a bit more. Best of luck.

Last edited by zedcat; 05-14-2016 at 08:36 PM. Reason: corrections
Old 05-14-2016, 08:39 PM
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Marine Blue
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As noted, the water pumps are not the best and typically fail after 35 - 45k miles but outside of that there really aren't any "known" issues. I would also recommend using Techron every couple of years. I just used some for the first time in 5 years and it made a big difference on throttle response. Surprised me.
Old 05-15-2016, 08:13 AM
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meteor10
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I have 18,500 miles on my 2013 Boxster S and have had no problems at all. I realize that is not a ton of miles but by all reports so far, these cars seem pretty solid.
Old 05-15-2016, 10:08 AM
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budrichard
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18K miles on 2013 981B and not a single problem.
About 13 Track Days and a few XC.
You don't need any additives, it's all psychological and without any objective testing, you will believe what the manufacturer tells you to believe.-Richard
Old 05-15-2016, 04:57 PM
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Noah Fect
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Still waiting for someone to explain what those "additives" do in a direct injection engine.
Old 05-17-2016, 12:00 AM
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Thanks - now the search begins!
Old 05-17-2016, 01:51 AM
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Marine Blue
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Originally Posted by budrichard
18K miles on 2013 981B and not a single problem.
About 13 Track Days and a few XC.
You don't need any additives, it's all psychological and without any objective testing, you will believe what the manufacturer tells you to believe.-Richard
Originally Posted by Noah Fect
Still waiting for someone to explain what those "additives" do in a direct injection engine.
It could be anedotal but I'm good with that considering the cost. I've heard from multiple dealers that fuel system cleaners are recommended to remove carbon deposits.
Old 05-17-2016, 07:08 AM
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budrichard
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Originally Posted by Marine Blue
It could be anedotal but I'm good with that considering the cost. I've heard from multiple dealers that fuel system cleaners are recommended to remove carbon deposits.
Pure profit for your Dealer and Manufacturer.
No way for anyone to objectively verify the claims.
PT Barnum said it first.
Use 'premium' gas such as BP and you won't have a probllem.-Richard
Old 10-29-2018, 04:04 AM
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caimanesque
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Default 981 and 987.2

Actually the 981 base engine is a 2.7L and was not used on the 987.2 base which has a 2.9L engine nor was it used on the 987.1 with the 2.7L IMS engine.
Old 10-29-2018, 05:31 AM
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danzibar
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2012 registered UK car with 40k miles, trackdays and commuting car. My exhaust mufflers were replaced under warranty due to the baffles corroding and rattling inside, car lived in Scotland for a while where they use an abnormal amount of salt so I'm putting it down to that.

Other than that nothing wrong apart from a few creaks / rattles here and there when cold, might tackle that come summer time because there's nothing else to do apart from standard maintenance. It's a cheap car to run.
Old 10-29-2018, 10:40 AM
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algiorda
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On my 2013 981, I've got 77,000 miles. I've had a High Pressure Fuel pump fail, and my front headlights are severely de-laminating. I also have a little door card warping at the top. That's about it; not bad for a first year vehicle.
Old 10-29-2018, 11:37 PM
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2013 Boxster S that was an early build. No problems so far and I’ve put about 35K miles on it so far. That said, it has only been on the track a couple of times. I have a Miata that prefer to abuse on the track.

From everything I have read and witnessed, the 981 is a really solid car. I wouldn’t worry if you can find a good example.
Old 10-30-2018, 09:55 PM
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okie981
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Originally Posted by DBF
I am looking to buy a 2013 or newer Boxter that will be primarily a street car (I have a track Porsche). I have had problems with first year of production cars in the past, so just checking if there were any problem areas with the 2013 Boxters. Thanks.
Coil packs are known to fail. Can cause bizarre symptoms if they don't die completely dead but instead die slowly. I started having issues at 32k miles and after 12 track days, using aftermarket headers for last 5 of those days. Easy to replace, easier than spark plugs anyway. Cost is about $45 to $50 each for parts. I'm sure there are cars that go for many thousands of miles more than I did with no coil pack issues. Other than that, I have had zero issues with my car of any type in 35k miles.
Old 11-04-2018, 11:00 AM
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Late 2012-build MY 2013 BS, 36k miles. I'm the third owner, put on 17k in three years. Nothing that has needed a service visit yet. Some gas tank foam squeaking (intermittent), a little windshield sealant goo. CPO just ran out, never been to the dealer in the three years I've owned it. Oil and air filters only.
About 15 track days and too many AX to count. Extra wheels and pads for the track so I'm inspecting quite regularly.
The only things to address are yellowed PPF and some stone chips on the non-filmed panels.
I'm keeping this one for a long time!


Tom



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