140.6er

Hi all
Im very interested in purchasing a certain 987. I currently own a 09 997.2 and a 2013 Cayenne Turbo. Love both. I do all the maintenance on both of them. Always loved the look of the Boxster.

Im considering a 2008 987 automatic, so my son can drive it. The one I’m looking at is at a dealership offered for 23,000 with about 45,000 miles. I am familiar with a lot of this models issues such as IMS, bore scoring, rear seal etc. This car was serviced at Porsche dealerships and has clean car fax. I’m thinking of offering $18,000. What say you 987 intelligencia.

Kuhl997.2!

Bought my wife a 2008 two years ago. She absolutely loves it. Never seen her enjoy one of her cars more. She would have killed me though had I got an automatic. I would seriously rethink getting an automatic so that your son can drive it. I strongly believe learning to drive a manual makes for a much better driver and just think of the extra quality time you will have teaching him. Well that’s all I have to say about that.

140.6er

Thank you. I have a 911 manual that is incredible.

hoster

If you can get it even for $20,000 that would be a deal of the century :-) - assuming 2 or so owners, no major issues, good condition, etc.

I recently purchased a 2005 Boxster 2.7 (74k) and a buddy has a 2008 S (had a 986 before); and can share some of my experience / thoughts before / after the purchase:

1. You should not worry about the IMS issue as the "newer" IMS apparently has less than 1% failure rate - as some 2005 models still had the older IMS B, I checked the engine number to ensure I had the newer / "improved" IMS B
- SMALLER IMSB: up to (M96/25) 61.504715, up to (M96/26) 62.504094
- LARGER IMSB: from (M96/25) 61.504716, from (M96/26) 62.504095
2. Bore score is mostly on the bigger engines (i.e., "S" models) so I didn't worry / care as I got the "base"
3. Was a FL car so no rust at all (except for the "infamous" exhaust flange / header bolts) so you may want to check the under side
4. No major mechanical issues (last 5+ months), knock, knock - minor "fixes" include the convertible top no closing 100% and using an $3 Walmart elastics to fix it, stereo not displaying but working (also fixed), had to do the infamous "handover" procedure to get my heat seater, homelink and headlight washer working again
5. My buddy with his 2008S - he replaced 1) starter motor, 2) windshield fluid pump, 3) engine or tranny mount (don't remember exactly), 4) headliner sagging a bit
6. Will be "slow" for you as you have a 997 - no low-end torque at all which forces me to rev hard :-)

Since you are already familiar with Porsches, this should be easy to maintain.

In summary, I am happy and luckily no major mechanical issues (knock on wood again). Post some pics if / when you get it!

Oh, I am teaching my teeager son how to drive manual (expecting to replace the clutch soon :-) )....

140.6er

Thank you hoster. Great information there. So do you think the asking price if $23,209 is fair for a 2008 base automatic with 45,000 miles? Am I being ridiculous if I offer $18,000?

hoster

Not sure about an auto as most folks look for manual but you can probably use it as a bargaining chip. If the car has been on the market for a few months maybe the dealer will let it go for lower but again even 20k would be a great deal. Just offer and see what they say. Just quickly browse car sites like cargurus to see the market rpice.

As you have many other options, I would just decide on the max price and walk away if not met.

Good luck and keep us posted!!

quickboxster

I have that car, 08 Tip Boxster, bought it at that mileage, picked mine up for 20 a couple of years ago, just perfect example.

I use mine, I've put about 25k on it and 10 odd HPDE days, you can see how it's used on my posts on my profile. The Tip is fine, hilariously, I leave it in auto at the track, once you start pushing the car the Tip becomes a whole different animal and works pretty well except for the occasional corner where I'll give it a hint to go ahead and grab second gear, though I agree with the idea of a manual just to pass on a dying skill to the future generations.

Keith Guidus

We picked up 2006 Base 987.1 in April from Porsche Palm Springs. 2 owner car with 43K and clean carfax. They usually would auction a 17 year old car but it was in great shape. We paid $22,900 and have since had water pump and AOS done as well as replacing Conti's with PS4 Michelins. We know have 48K on it!

hoster

A few randoml thoughts you may consider these as your bargaining chips:

1. keys - one or multiple?
2. tires - I knew I had old ones going in and replaced with a new set of conti's
3. foam out of vents - run your fans to high and see if you get any foams out of vents (a well known issue)
4. convertible top - condition and alignment (https://www.planet-9.com/threads/987.../#post-2203988)
5. dings / scratches - but difficult to argue with a 15+ year old car unless "major"

Also, if they are not willing to "negotiate" then I would ask something like "ok,,$22000 but you replace AoS, thermostat / water pump, belt, tranny fluid, etc."

pbwillz

I can relate as I bought my 2008 base over the summer and had it transported. It would be nice to see a similar one on the island.

140.6er

Thank you all for the great responses. Looking at one on BAT in Stony Brook, NY. Black on Black on Black. Looks nice but I think I will probably overpay because it will get hyped up on BAT. My opinion is that the 08 with 40,000 miles to 50,000 miles should go for around $20,000-$22,000. The one on BAT is a manual but my son will have to learn. I am going to watch this one and probably bid.

hoster

Good luck and it looks nice! If everything checks out and no major issues (and with Chrono), I would think the reserve may be around 24K - 25K perhaps? If you can get this under 22K, it would be a great deal. Good luck!