Hi guys. Got two cars that meet my requirements for color and price and options but am kinda split between the two. Each car is located out of state and would require shipment to me in Texas or a flight and long drive to pickup. One car is in Florida and the other in CT. Both are from Porsche dealers which I've limited my search to. Here are the contenders.

#1 2005 Boxster. Love the color combo as its rare and most I've found are camaron red/sand beige which I do not like for an interior color. Car has pretty low miles however I talked to the dealer and it just had a rear bumper respray due to "lot damage", is out of warranty, has good brakes/tires left (i.e. meaning they did not put new ones on the car), has passed initial inspection, is a 2 owner car that they got thru their network (not one they originally sold), has not had its 30k service (which they said they'd likely do for me at sale if I wanted...YES) and most concerning showed some seepage at the RMS/IMS (which I inquired IF they had planned to correct before/after sale...not sure what the corrective repair is for this in a 987)! Offered $25000 for the car..waiting for an anwser.

http://www.porscheorlando.com/index....st&PhotoType=1
Porsche of Orlando
9590 South Highway 17-92
Maitland, Florida 32751

#2 is a car I looked at before. 2007 Boxster. Also like the triple black color color combo vs the usual black/sand beige one. Car has more miles but is also a 2007 vs 2005. No body damage, passed its initial inspection, is a 1 owner car (not sure of if they serviced it or not), needs 60k service in next 10k. No evidence of engine damage or IMS/RMS. Offered $24500 2-3wks ago and was refused but dealer countered $25769 + $499 conveyance fee.

http://www.porscheoffairfield.com/
http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...CA29877U710370
Porsche of Fairfield (Service & Parts)
450 Scofield Ave
Fairfield, CONNECTICUT 06825

#3 Is previously seen vehicle similar to #1 except it has ONE-owner California car and a fresh lease return... completed the 40,000 mile service, added new brakes & rotors all around and a new battery. Listed $27775

http://porsche.niello.com/details.ph...orsche_Boxster
Niello Porsche
4525 Granite Drive
Rocklin, CA 95677

So thoughts? Options? Opinions? Interested in each...but I think the 1st vehicle although nice color combo and slightly prefered color doesn't outweigh IMS/RMS issue? Talk to dealers again in AM so comments appreciated.

 

As you know, the 2005 Boxster was the first in the 987 series. I have a 2006 987S. Love it!

My recommendation would be a 2006 or newer. Porsche worked out a few issues after the 2005 MY, including an improved IMS and RMS.

 

2007 engine will have a lot lower chance of developing IMS issues with the changed bearing design. The fact that the 2005 is already showing signs of either RMS or IMS leakage and the dealer hasn't done anything to fix it would steer me clear of it.

 

#1) Are the tires N-rated? A leak in the RMS/IMS area is a bit of show stopper for me, unless the dealer would do an RMS job and upgrade the IMS end plate and bolts (if applicable in this MY).

A risk is the RMS/IMS leak is a precursor to an IMS problem. I'd have to hear the engine run and have the oil filter oil dumped and the oil and filter element checked for any scary stuff as part of my PPI of the car.

#2 I have no real thoughts on other than all other things being equal a 2007 MY is preferrable to a previous MY.

For #3 I'd like to see some service history. Leased cars sometimes get skimpy servicing and sometimes no servicing.

Sincerely,

Macster.

 

Regardless, make sure you get a full PPI, including a DME report, and post results here.

 

That is what scares me the most...the IMS/RMS issues...ie is this a precursor to a very large and expensive problem later on. Dealer offered to fix but didn't say what they would do!

Rob

 

I would make a clear list of criteria you want in your car
1) Color / color combo
2) options
3) Distance
4) Price
5) mileage
6) etc.

Then look for cars that fit those ranges. No point in looking at a red car if you really want black for instance. Porsche made available, seemingly "hundreds" of options. Pick a few that might be important.. say PASM? S vs Non S? Heated seats? Optional hard top? TIP vs Manual?

How will you use the car - Daily driver? weekend runabout? track/AX maven?

 

That's why you should take a pass on car #1.

Now, if you can adjust your price range a little to get yourself a REALLY nice 987S (not that I'm biased or anything) you should click here:
https://rennlist.com/forums/987-foru...boxster-s.html

 

Get something in writing. However, replacing the RMS and even if necessary installing the upgraded IMS end plate and bolts is not going to upgrade the IMS bearing. The inherent weakness of this assembly is still present.

So you need to remember that. Don't be misled into thinking what the dealer is going to do in any way addresses that weakness.

All the dealer can do is address the most possible sources of an oil leak in that area.

Let me add: If the car is otherwise acceptable to you. If the car passes all other checks and a PPI and comes back with a clean bill of health, if you can agree on a price for the car make the RMS/IMS job part of the deal. And get in writing what this will entail. For instance, remove equipment necessary to access RMS/IMS area. Remove/replace RMS with upgraded seal. At the same time measure the position of the crankshaft relative to the engine block to check if seal leak due to out of position crankshaft. [ If this is found a new seal is useless. The engine needs to be replaced. ] Remove and replace the IMS end plate with the new/improved one (new/improved one in that is has a much better seal (3-ribs vs. one tiny o-ring) and 3 new micro-encapsulated bolts. [Oftentimes an RMS leak is really a leak from the IMS endplate and bolts.]

Of course reassemble the car and road test. And all work/parts must come with a warranty. IRRC 1 year labor, and 2 years parts and I forget the mileage period of the warranty. 24K miles?

If the dealer fails to follow through then that voids the deal.

Or you can seek out a car that doesn't require all the extra work this one requires before you are willing to buy it.

First rule of used car shopping is there is always another car. There are plenty of cars to chose from.

Sincerely,

Macster.

 

Mac that is what is concerning. Sales guy says that they will make the IMS issue right/correct it and his manager has agreed to that and my price offer [which was made BEFORE the IMS details were revealed! No PPI data has been given, just it was inspected and not engine/DME scan data. No service history as they didn't sell or service the car! Only that it was purchased thru their network and is a 2 owner car. Here's the notation in the offer/ buy sheet they emailed me!
[/I]*Note :*BOXSTER SOLD AS IS,PERFORMED ALL SERVICES DUE AND SAFETY INSPECTION AT FACTORY AUTHORIZED PORSCHE DEALER.CUSTOMER OFFER OF $25,500 PLUS TAX,REG,FEES ACCEPTED.BOXSTER TO BE REGISTERED AND TITLED IN MARYLAND.CUSTOMER RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY AND ALL OTHER APPLICABLE TAX,FEES,TITLING FEES IN MARYLAND.

Yikes! Nothing like what your previous post. Makes me more and more unsure of this deal and car! Thoughts?

 

I would ask for DME, PPI and specifically have the IMS inspected by a Porsche dealer. If they say no then walk away. Saving a few thousand now will definitely not make up for the headaches you can run into at a later date.

 

Thanks..is a Porsche dealer I am dealing with on all three car options listed. That's my line of thought as well.

But just got a message that the car was sold to another buyer today. This was after my email requesting all the above which you guys mentioned. Wonder if they disclosed all to the new purchaser? Hope so...if not GL to whomever they are.

 

Keep tabs on that car. It may have been sold, but sometimes deals fall through.

Sincerely,

Macster.

 

Although I too am biased, I will add a few words of 'advice':

Look for a 2006 S you should be able to find a nice one in the upper 20's if you look hard enough. I bought one CPO about a year and a half ago - with PCM with Sport Chrono, Heated Power Seats, Windstop, Bose, etc. for just under $30K with 33K miles on it.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the car. Best handling car I have ever owned (and I have had 2- 911's and an M3).

 

I agree with this advice...

that's a nice car your selling damn!!! me i went the other way 996tt- boxster..but i'm a caraholic...lol!!