I am debating buying an 87-89 3.2 Carrera or a 2005 - 2005 Boxster S. I know, two very different cars. If I buy the older 911, I will definitely get a thorough PPI done.

Would any of you be comfortable buying an 05-06 Boxster S with fewer than 50,000 miles without getting a PPI done? I have had good results buying used cars based on only my own inspecton of the car, maintenance records and and AutoFax. But, I have never purchased a Porsche. I have decent merchanical skills and knowledge of cars but I am not a professional.

 

I would get a PPI on the Boxster as well. The main issue I see is related to the IMS Bearing which are known to fail on 987.1's.

 

Sox, either:

1) buy 986 (pre-2005) and change out IMS bearing +/- RMS as needed.

or

2) buy 2006 or later - much stronger IMS bearing where failure is almost unheard of. RMS is also pretty much a gone issue in 987/997.

2005 was a change over year and bit of an unknown.

 

Thanks for the feedback. Was not aware there was an engine difference between 2005 and 2006. I thought the IMS issue was basically the same for all P cars until 2009.