Looking to buy a 987 Boxster, advice needed
12-23-2021, 03:27 PM
#1
Looking to buy a 987 Boxster, advice needed
Hey Everyone,
Looking to buy a 987 Boxster, my budget is ~$20k, has to be manual.
Being doing a lot of research (especially on this forum
) and today I finally went to test drive a 2007 Boxster in a nearby dealer. Fell in love almost immediately.
The car has ~77k miles on it and dealer is asking $22k without negotiation room (you know, those types of "no hassle/no haggle" place). The car looks to be in good shape overall, except for a few things:
the engine and clutch felt great, though - which is what made me fall in love with the car 
After looking at and test driving the Z4 and Miatas, I'm narrowing my search down to the 987 Boxster. S or Base doesn't really matter to me, I think what's important is to find one that was well cared for.
Is the 2006+ (to avoid potential IMS issue) the best bet given my budget in today's market? I know that 2009+ completely eliminated the IMS issue, but searching around they are all out of my budget.
Hope to join the club soon!!
Looking to buy a 987 Boxster, my budget is ~$20k, has to be manual.
Being doing a lot of research (especially on this forum
) and today I finally went to test drive a 2007 Boxster in a nearby dealer. Fell in love almost immediately.The car has ~77k miles on it and dealer is asking $22k without negotiation room (you know, those types of "no hassle/no haggle" place). The car looks to be in good shape overall, except for a few things:
- one cup holder won't stay close
- all the wheel lugs have rust on them (???)
- frunk won't stay open (most likely the hydraulic structs - dealer said they will fix)
- when I turned on the heat, there are a bunch of small pieces of gray/brown foam thingy coming out of all the vents?
- the windshield has a "black line" going down the center - probably not the OEM windshield anymore
- no service records, and dealer can't provide Carfax - only Autocheck which doesn't show much of a service history (???)
the engine and clutch felt great, though - which is what made me fall in love with the car After looking at and test driving the Z4 and Miatas, I'm narrowing my search down to the 987 Boxster. S or Base doesn't really matter to me, I think what's important is to find one that was well cared for.
Is the 2006+ (to avoid potential IMS issue) the best bet given my budget in today's market? I know that 2009+ completely eliminated the IMS issue, but searching around they are all out of my budget.
Hope to join the club soon!!
The following users liked this post:
zuch (12-23-2021)
12-23-2021, 09:35 PM
#2
Instructor
Rusty nuts is a common problem. You can take them off, wire brush them and repaint or you can buy new for relatively cheap. I went the titanium (bling) route. Much nicer.
The foam blowing out of the vents is a common problem but the fix is not as easy. There are a couple of threads on how to DIY it. It is the foam from the heater vent door.
Cup holder might be as simple as a plastic gear. I believe people are 3d printing them. You can check ebay. If you have to replace the entire cup holder unit, it is very expensive.
Frunk is weak struts. Very easy fix.
See if you can get the dealer to fix the foam from the vent, that is the hardest of the fixes. You could try for the cup holder fix as well. If the cup holder door stays shut, just get yourself some of these: https://www.ultimatecupholders.com/ I use these all the time (and my cup holders work).
The foam blowing out of the vents is a common problem but the fix is not as easy. There are a couple of threads on how to DIY it. It is the foam from the heater vent door.
Cup holder might be as simple as a plastic gear. I believe people are 3d printing them. You can check ebay. If you have to replace the entire cup holder unit, it is very expensive.
Frunk is weak struts. Very easy fix.
See if you can get the dealer to fix the foam from the vent, that is the hardest of the fixes. You could try for the cup holder fix as well. If the cup holder door stays shut, just get yourself some of these: https://www.ultimatecupholders.com/ I use these all the time (and my cup holders work).
12-23-2021, 10:05 PM
#3
Rusty nuts is a common problem. You can take them off, wire brush them and repaint or you can buy new for relatively cheap. I went the titanium (bling) route. Much nicer.
The foam blowing out of the vents is a common problem but the fix is not as easy. There are a couple of threads on how to DIY it. It is the foam from the heater vent door.
Cup holder might be as simple as a plastic gear. I believe people are 3d printing them. You can check ebay. If you have to replace the entire cup holder unit, it is very expensive.
Frunk is weak struts. Very easy fix.
See if you can get the dealer to fix the foam from the vent, that is the hardest of the fixes. You could try for the cup holder fix as well. If the cup holder door stays shut, just get yourself some of these: https://www.ultimatecupholders.com/ I use these all the time (and my cup holders work).
The foam blowing out of the vents is a common problem but the fix is not as easy. There are a couple of threads on how to DIY it. It is the foam from the heater vent door.
Cup holder might be as simple as a plastic gear. I believe people are 3d printing them. You can check ebay. If you have to replace the entire cup holder unit, it is very expensive.
Frunk is weak struts. Very easy fix.
See if you can get the dealer to fix the foam from the vent, that is the hardest of the fixes. You could try for the cup holder fix as well. If the cup holder door stays shut, just get yourself some of these: https://www.ultimatecupholders.com/ I use these all the time (and my cup holders work).
I will go look into the foam issue, hopefully it doesn't come with a negative side effect?
The cupholder door doesn't shut either
So, all in all sounds like the car isn't in as bad a shape as I originally thought (pending PPI of course)? Curious what do you guys think a reasonable price is?
EDIT: ok I looked into a few threads of doing the foam fix, seems like losing the foam reduces heat insulation, so worst case I *think* I can go without the fix, I'm in NC and probably only gonna drive the car when weather is 50F+
but I will try to push the dealer on that first heehee
Last edited by czhao-27; 12-23-2021 at 10:15 PM.
12-24-2021, 12:28 AM
#4
Instructor
I would insist that the dealer spring for a Carfax. Not having one is a major red flag and you should get one prior to purchase just so you know what is on it. After all, when you go to sell the car, the next buyer is going to see - so best to find out if there are any surprises.
I would take the car to a Porsche dealer for a full PPI because they have PIWIS and can scan the computer deeper than most places. A lack of proper maintenance would steer me below $20k assuming the car is otherwise near perfect.
It may be a great car. If not this car, I would not rule out a 986. The nice thing about a 986 is that you can buy a perfect specimen in your budget and have plenty of money left over to do things like new tires, wheels, exhaust, etc. I had a 986 and now have a 987.2. The 986 is a great car with a connected feeling and analog driving experience.
The IMS bearing is easily replaceable when doing the clutch so it can be serviced for reliability. Last I checked, the IMS bearing in 2005+ required taking the engine apart to replace, although these were a better two-row design. The 1999 and earlier were also a two-row design. The 2000-2004 were the single row and weakest design.
By the way, the antenna is the black line down the center of the windshield and is stock to some Boxsters.
I would take the car to a Porsche dealer for a full PPI because they have PIWIS and can scan the computer deeper than most places. A lack of proper maintenance would steer me below $20k assuming the car is otherwise near perfect.
It may be a great car. If not this car, I would not rule out a 986. The nice thing about a 986 is that you can buy a perfect specimen in your budget and have plenty of money left over to do things like new tires, wheels, exhaust, etc. I had a 986 and now have a 987.2. The 986 is a great car with a connected feeling and analog driving experience.
The IMS bearing is easily replaceable when doing the clutch so it can be serviced for reliability. Last I checked, the IMS bearing in 2005+ required taking the engine apart to replace, although these were a better two-row design. The 1999 and earlier were also a two-row design. The 2000-2004 were the single row and weakest design.
By the way, the antenna is the black line down the center of the windshield and is stock to some Boxsters.
12-24-2021, 09:35 AM
#5
I would insist that the dealer spring for a Carfax. Not having one is a major red flag and you should get one prior to purchase just so you know what is on it. After all, when you go to sell the car, the next buyer is going to see - so best to find out if there are any surprises.
I would take the car to a Porsche dealer for a full PPI because they have PIWIS and can scan the computer deeper than most places. A lack of proper maintenance would steer me below $20k assuming the car is otherwise near perfect.
It may be a great car. If not this car, I would not rule out a 986. The nice thing about a 986 is that you can buy a perfect specimen in your budget and have plenty of money left over to do things like new tires, wheels, exhaust, etc. I had a 986 and now have a 987.2. The 986 is a great car with a connected feeling and analog driving experience.
The IMS bearing is easily replaceable when doing the clutch so it can be serviced for reliability. Last I checked, the IMS bearing in 2005+ required taking the engine apart to replace, although these were a better two-row design. The 1999 and earlier were also a two-row design. The 2000-2004 were the single row and weakest design.
I would take the car to a Porsche dealer for a full PPI because they have PIWIS and can scan the computer deeper than most places. A lack of proper maintenance would steer me below $20k assuming the car is otherwise near perfect.
It may be a great car. If not this car, I would not rule out a 986. The nice thing about a 986 is that you can buy a perfect specimen in your budget and have plenty of money left over to do things like new tires, wheels, exhaust, etc. I had a 986 and now have a 987.2. The 986 is a great car with a connected feeling and analog driving experience.
The IMS bearing is easily replaceable when doing the clutch so it can be serviced for reliability. Last I checked, the IMS bearing in 2005+ required taking the engine apart to replace, although these were a better two-row design. The 1999 and earlier were also a two-row design. The 2000-2004 were the single row and weakest design.
I think you are right, I haven't completely ruled out the 986 - we just liked the interior of the 987 better. I love how both looks from the outside.
In the end, it was the engine and how it drives that really won me over. My wife, who was not a car person by any means, were riding with me during the test drive, and she LOVED the way it sounds (especially with the top down)
I will have to start looking into 986s now! Only trouble is inventory is so scarce right now...
By the way, the antenna is the black line down the center of the windshield and is stock to some Boxsters.
12-24-2021, 11:01 AM
#6
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Agreed with the others - nothing seems crazy out of whack here. I wouldn't waste too much time with the Carfax, but it's certainly useful if you can get it. Can't a user pay for this, even if the dealer doesn't want to?
The more important things is the PPI... so if the dealer won't let do the Carfax, then you may have even more trouble getting them to allow the PPI... but I think that's more important to get.
Does the dealer offer any return policy? Some of the no-haggle places (particularly the big-named ones) will have one... in which case you can buy it and then get your own PPI. Just be VERY CAREFUL with the return terms. Alternatively, if you can swing it, see if they'll "rent" it to you for a few days or something (I've heard that this is a thing, though I've never seen it myself)... again, offering you a way to get a PPI. Just remember to pre-schedule this as you may not be able to get timed out otherwise.
The more important things is the PPI... so if the dealer won't let do the Carfax, then you may have even more trouble getting them to allow the PPI... but I think that's more important to get.
Does the dealer offer any return policy? Some of the no-haggle places (particularly the big-named ones) will have one... in which case you can buy it and then get your own PPI. Just be VERY CAREFUL with the return terms. Alternatively, if you can swing it, see if they'll "rent" it to you for a few days or something (I've heard that this is a thing, though I've never seen it myself)... again, offering you a way to get a PPI. Just remember to pre-schedule this as you may not be able to get timed out otherwise.
12-24-2021, 01:56 PM
#7
if a seller avoids my seeing a carfax report for any reason whatsoever, i walk away because, IMO they are trying to hide something from you. and i would tell them right up front that i was taking the car to a porsche service center for a PPI, then gauge their reaction. i fhey're not talking, i'm walking.
Last edited by hueyhoolihan; 12-24-2021 at 01:57 PM.
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12-24-2021, 08:13 PM
#8
Agreed with the others - nothing seems crazy out of whack here. I wouldn't waste too much time with the Carfax, but it's certainly useful if you can get it. Can't a user pay for this, even if the dealer doesn't want to?
The more important things is the PPI... so if the dealer won't let do the Carfax, then you may have even more trouble getting them to allow the PPI... but I think that's more important to get.
Does the dealer offer any return policy? Some of the no-haggle places (particularly the big-named ones) will have one... in which case you can buy it and then get your own PPI. Just be VERY CAREFUL with the return terms. Alternatively, if you can swing it, see if they'll "rent" it to you for a few days or something (I've heard that this is a thing, though I've never seen it myself)... again, offering you a way to get a PPI. Just remember to pre-schedule this as you may not be able to get timed out otherwise.
The more important things is the PPI... so if the dealer won't let do the Carfax, then you may have even more trouble getting them to allow the PPI... but I think that's more important to get.
Does the dealer offer any return policy? Some of the no-haggle places (particularly the big-named ones) will have one... in which case you can buy it and then get your own PPI. Just be VERY CAREFUL with the return terms. Alternatively, if you can swing it, see if they'll "rent" it to you for a few days or something (I've heard that this is a thing, though I've never seen it myself)... again, offering you a way to get a PPI. Just remember to pre-schedule this as you may not be able to get timed out otherwise.
12-24-2021, 08:16 PM
#9
if a seller avoids my seeing a carfax report for any reason whatsoever, i walk away because, IMO they are trying to hide something from you. and i would tell them right up front that i was taking the car to a porsche service center for a PPI, then gauge their reaction. i fhey're not talking, i'm walking.
12-24-2021, 08:38 PM
#10
Mmmm looking at another 987 and saw this in the Carfax report, I can't assume that the IMS was replaced, right? If not, what could they be doing? This is at 28k miles. 2006 boxster base.
Merry Christmas!
Edit: actually, 2006 shouldn't have the serviceable IMS...? So hmmm 🤔
- Vehicle serviced
- Transmission checked
- Driveshaft seal replaced
- Front crankshaft oil seal replaced
- Engine cleaned
- Transmission removed and reinstalled
- Drive belts checked
- Fluids checked
- Oil and filter changed
- Tire condition and pressure checked
Merry Christmas!Edit: actually, 2006 shouldn't have the serviceable IMS...? So hmmm 🤔
Last edited by czhao-27; 12-24-2021 at 08:45 PM.
12-31-2021, 09:54 PM
#12
I'm back, the search continues... found another candidate in another state about 4 hours away, it's a 2006 base model with ~53k miles, I am in the process of getting as much info as possible from the dealer first.
The carfax report didn't show much service history and i was told the car was serviced at local Porsche specialist - I will try to reach out to them to see if I can get a service history (although I don't expect it to be that easy...). From my research, usually around this age & miles, the water pump probably need, or should, be replaced?
Also, I noticed that the front & rear tires are different. Front are Nexen Priz AH8 while the rear are Nexen N5000 (very new) - is this a deal breaker? I know mixing front & rear is not recommended, and I just can't seem to find ANY information on that Nexen N5000 online...
Again thanks for all your help and Happy New Year!
The carfax report didn't show much service history and i was told the car was serviced at local Porsche specialist - I will try to reach out to them to see if I can get a service history (although I don't expect it to be that easy...). From my research, usually around this age & miles, the water pump probably need, or should, be replaced?
Also, I noticed that the front & rear tires are different. Front are Nexen Priz AH8 while the rear are Nexen N5000 (very new) - is this a deal breaker? I know mixing front & rear is not recommended, and I just can't seem to find ANY information on that Nexen N5000 online...
Again thanks for all your help
and Happy New Year!
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czhao-27 (01-01-2022)
01-01-2022, 06:11 PM
#14
Racer
Not sure where you are located but I saw a nice 986 BS under $20k on BAT this AM. CA AZ car is a plus. Look here > https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...-boxster-s-84/
GL with the search
GL with the search
The following users liked this post:
czhao-27 (01-01-2022)
01-01-2022, 06:18 PM
#15
Not sure where you are located but I saw a nice 986 BS under $20k on BAT this AM. CA AZ car is a plus. Look here > https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...-boxster-s-84/
GL with the search
GL with the search