TNWhiskey

Hello all, total Porsche Newbie here. My life up to this point has been diesel trucks and Jeep Wranglers. Still own my diesel truck and Jeep wrangler but want to add another FUN car to the mix. Never owned a sports car... YET! So, I am looking to spend 20 to 25K on a good condition Boxster S. Would look at other models, but really wanting the convertible and I realize my price point is lower end. But hopefully can find a nice dependable car for that price. It would not be a daily driver, but more of a weekend/nice weather car.

Recently a 2005 Boxster S caught my eye. Doing my research I found the IMS issue. I think this 2005 has a build date of 6/1/05. Can you tell which IMS bearing it has based on the date of manufacture?

Information on the car - 2005 Boxster S. The car has 64,000 miles. The current owner has owned it since late 2017 and put about 20,000 miles on it. He says he has all maintenance records since he owned it. Asking price $24,000. This seemed a little high to me. Especially when I researched the VIN and found the current owner bought it in 2017 for $17,800. I know the used car market pricing has gone up, but is the $24,000 price a fair current price? Just seems high to me. Any tips or information you can give would be appreciated. THANKS!

BondJ

Porsche changed the design of its IMS in 2005. Problem is, nobody knows when! Chances are, given it was registered in 2005, it will have the early unit. You’ll have to pull the gearbox to check.

TNWhiskey

Thanks for the response. The owner is going to check the engine number and check with Porsche to see which IMS bearing it received. Hopefully that will clear up that issue. While looking I also found another 2005 Boxster S manual transmission with fewer miles (around 24,000 miles) and it has had the IMS retrofit kit installed at 14,000 miles. It is priced higher than the other.

Do you think it is better to go with the low mile vehicle that had the IMS retrofit kit?

BondJ

Just been talking about this in another thread…

the IMS bearing is mostly only an issue if the rear seal fails allowing oil to wash away the grease within the unit. This is unlikely to occur if the seal is kept wet with clean oil (engine regularly serviced). If the seal begins to fail it will leak. If it’s not leaking I’d advise leaving it alone…

Having said this, the bearing is a service item so, if it’s gonna keep you up nights, by all means replace it or pay a bit more for car that has had it replaced. Your money, has to be your choice.

Hal

From a 987 thread a couple of months ago: "According to 2007 Porsche 987 Service Manual, the SMALLER IMS bearing was used up to engine 61.504715 on the M96/25 engine and up to 62.504094 on the M96/26 engine. All engines from 61.504716 and 62.504094 onward have the LARGER IMS bearing according to the service manual."

scootr

GL with your search

TNWhiskey

Thanks for the comments! Really appreciate it. What are thoughts on these two Boxsters.

1st option: 60,000 mile 2005 Boxster S manual I am looking at that I can pick up for $22,000. Not sure on IMS. Appears to be in really good condition.

2nd option: 22,000 mile 2005 Boxster S manual with updated headunit with backup camera and also has had IMS retrofit kit installed for $27,000. Also appears to be in really good garage kept condition.

I really like both. Should the low miles worry me? 22,000 miles seems crazy low for a 17 year old vehicle. Because of their age am I looking at a maintenance nightmare versus buying a newer model like a 2009 or 2010?

BondJ

Within budget, go for lowest mileage available provided…

1: the condition is reflected

2: it’s backed up with a service history to prove. If not, walk.

Pay for a full vehicle inspection by a specialist, do not rely only on the seller’s warranty, unless it’s Porsche approved.

Alternatively go for a 2009-on S with the DFI engine and you won’t have the IMS worries - it doesn’t have one

Chris MI 987

Low miles wouldn't bother me at all. I'd get a PPI for piece of mind. If you don't know the service history, the first thing I would do upon buying is change all the fluids. These cars aren't maintenance nightmares, but like any car you need to follow the maintenance schedule.

ZuffenZeus

The 05 cars would have the 6204 single row bearing known to go pop more than the other 2 versions. Therefore, I would get the car that had the IMS bearing replaced as long as it was done by a certified installer if it's an LN bearing. A prepurchase inspection is a must, but if you prefer to roll the dice and take a risk, just know these car do have their weak points, especially the S model engines.

Bud Fox

option 2

TNWhiskey

Went for a test drive in option 2. It drove great and looked good. Unfortunately option 2 is at a dealer. We somewhat settled on a negotiated price of 27,000 before I went to see it in person. I drove it and mentioned I would like to do a prepurchase inspection with the local Porsche dealer... The dude threw a fit and acted all offended that I would want to have the Porsche dealer look it over before purchase. He said, "I discounted the price $2500 and thought you were ready to buy it today." He acted all offended that I would want it inspected prior to purchase.

Am I missing something or was this guy just a jerk? We had nothing in writing. Test drove it and mentioned having it inspected prior to purchase. He was rude and acted like a little toddler because I wasn't going to just hand over the cash for the vehicle right away.

I really liked the car, but after that experience I DO NOT want to deal with that guy again! Going to test drive Option 1 - Private seller and good communication. Hopefully that goes better!

BondJ

You’re missing nothing. Tell him to f*** off! Any seller that, for any reason, denies the purchaser a full inspection should be treated with suspicion

scootr

That salesman was using the worst intimidation tactic to get you to fix the situation by buying a car you were not yet 100% sold on.
I would tell him I changed my mind - I want to buy nothing from you and I will tell my friends the same.
What's he gonna do? Tell his slimy car dealer friends not to sell you a car?
Besides everybody knows a dealer that comes down $2500 on the phone has more room to come down in person after the car has been inspected and driven

TNWhiskey

That was my exact thoughts. My wife and kids were with me and the dude just had his arms crossed. My wife said he looked like a spoiled toddler with his arms crossed when I mentioned having it inspected before purchase. He literally just stood there with arms crossed and wasn't saying anything... Weirdest most awkward experience I've ever had looking at a vehicle. He wasn't very friendly from the very beginning. Very suspicious to say the least! Sad, because the car on the outside looked like a cherry with low miles.. but who knows the true mechanical side of it without an inspection. I am completely new to Porsche and definitely would feel more comfortable having a professional look it over prior to purchase.