34dean

Hello all,
I am considering a Boxster for my wife and I and would love to hear some input and advice from the experts. I live in Connecticut and want to avoid pitfalls and make a smart purchase decision. I’d prefer a 2000 to 2004 model as I want the 2.7 L engine.
i’m looking to stay within a $10K budget and would like to find something with lower miles if possible. What should I be looking for and what are some common problem areas to make sure I ask about? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Weazer

They are wonderful cars, however, more suited to the mechanically inclined unless you don't mind the local Porsche dealer's or indie Porsche mechanic's labor rates. Definitely buy a car from an enthusiast as opposed to the internet, the corner mom &pop used car lot or even a Porsche dealership. It will have been loved by an enthusiast whereas the other 3 options are total unknowns. Peruse the Porsche Club of America's local chapter web site for cars for sale, maybe even attend a meeting and get to know a enthusiasts, never hurts to network and learn. As I mentioned, these are wonderful cars, well balanced even if a tad underpowered. They are getting on in years so maintenance is a must, and many cars for sale suffer from deferred maintenance so do your due diligence, get a pre-purchase inspection from a knowledgeable source before you pull the trigger. The most common major problem areas are the Intermediate Shaft Bearing, and the Air/Oil Separator. Look for a car that's had these issues addressed. The rest is just typical used car maintenance; oil changes, coolant, brake fluid and pads, trans fluid, clutch, etc., etc. Best of luck in your search, post some photos if/when you do pull the trigger! .

911-heaven

Welcome. Also in CT and just purchased a 2004 Boxster S. I also have a 2020 Porsche 911 (I am lucky). Guess which one the wife likes? The Boxster! Totally. I think the Boxster is an absolute blast with the roof down.
The 2.7L engine: I would say drive both then decide (Boxster vs Boxster S). Just to be sure. The S is harder to find at $10K admittedly. Mine was $11.6K in excellent mechanical condition and pretty okay cosmetic condition. Dont know how stretchy your budget is but not too hard to find an S at under 12K (if you drove one and changed your mind). If you do decide on the 2.7L, you are in an excellent position because those are such excellent value for cost ($6-10K it seems).
Like Weazer said, these are older so there could be some initial maintenance (not caught or deferred from previous owner) and preventative maintenance costs. CT has so many excellent independent porsche specialists so we're in luck. I think it will cost less to purchase a loved and well maintained vehicle up front even if not the 'best deal'. Hopefully there are service records available.
I would think the low miles means improved cosmetics and low owners (1 or 2 previous owners) who cared for the vehicle mean improved reliability (more so than low miles). If maintained, these vehicles age very well. Just IMO. Also the cost of the Boxsters - you will have to pay up for low miles. Just FYI.
Good luck!

mikefocke

Owned two, loved 'em.

The cars you are looking at are old. So a documented maintenance history showing someone else has already paid for many of the things that can wear or age out over that span is highly desirable. I actually had someone buy one of mine just because of the way I spoke about it. I've written a lot about the buying process here. While some of the info re prices etc is a bit old, if you start there you'll have model year differences and lots more.

In CT, finding a mechanic to do a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) shouldn't be hard. Of course with things opening up and people driving now they may be busy. I'd choose my mechanic before the car. Oh, and they can be a source of recommendations as they may know of a car's condition or an owner's willingness to sell before it gets advertised. Don't buy a car if the seller isn't willing to let you pay for the PPI. The mechanic will look at lots of things a test drive won't reveal to the new to Porsche driver.

I never really felt my 2.5 ('99) was in any way inferior to my 3.2 ('01S). YMMV.

Good luck.

Shawn Stanford

Low mileage is not a virtue in an early Boxster. These cars like to be driven. Both of mine had over 100k when I bought them, and I had no unusual problems; just normal wear-out stuff I DIYed.

34dean

Thank you all for the great input. I am just starting to educate myself on the car and the different models etc. One thing I really want to do is find one from a Porsche enthusiast and that has been properly cared for. I guess I am not so concerned about miles as long as the car has been cared for and has had the problem areas addressed.

If anyone can suggest good sources to look for a car for sales other than the classified section here that would be great. Seems most of the cars on carGurus and alike are at small dealers that know nothing about the car.

911-heaven

There are a number of nice Boxsters on pca.org rn

joseph mitro

cue Macster.....

just curious why you want the 2.7L? I have the 2.5 and I'd rather have the 3.2. but then we always want more power, right?

also check out the forums on 986forum.com as well as the technical writeups on PelicanParts.com. Lots of good information

34dean

Signed up For the 6 month test drive of PCA.
Can’t seem to contact sellers though?

911-heaven

I think must be a pca member and logged in. thou I just looked and saw they want a porsche VIN. Chicken or egg! Hmmm.. You could try calling pca.

34dean

The 6 month test drive I thought allowed membership privileges. I’m logged in but can’t contact sellers. No VIN as I’m just starting to look! 😂

im confused. I sent an inquiry to them.

34dean

I'm in now. PCA admin helped me.

TonyVan

I’d limit my search to a 2003 or later. First year for the glass back window and a glovebox. Previous years only had a slot to keep the owner’s manual, under the steering column.
We have a 2003 S with 6 speed transmission. You Only get a 5 speed in the non-S. We’ve had the IMS updated although the original was in as new condition. I’d also look for heated seats. The heater is great but the heated seats gives you instant gratification.
They’re great long distance touring cars. Having two trunks affords you a lot of storage. Ours has been sold and going to Alaska!
good luck with your search,
Tony

Shawn Stanford

This is a really great deal!

This car is probably 30k or 40k miles from needing anything except oil changes, tires, and brake pads. Nice color, too. Personally, I'd put an orange 70s-style 'PORSCHE' stripe along the rockers and drive the hell out of it. And the drive back from Cali would be a treat. I drove from Oklahoma to Philly in a Boxster a couple years ago. It wasn't 928 or Cayenne comfortable, but it was a damn site better than my old 944 turbo.

ahutcheon

Looks it to me too. We're a year and a half into owning a well-used 135k miles 2001 2.7, and thus far it's an excellent car despite the odd creak and rattle (we live up a gravel road). All day comfortable, surprisingly economical just rolling along, puts a huge grin on my face every time I flick it into a curve, and makes a great noise. And V always wanted a Porsche. Hard to see any down sides to the 3.2, extra gear, heated seats and 60k fewer miles but the Pacific is in the way and the steering wheel would be on the wrong side so I won't try to gazump the OP.

Could be just my prejudice, or it could be that the one I drove was a 2.5, but I'd avoid the tiptronic. It's a good auto-box for its era, but for me it rather blunted both the performance and my feeling of engagement with the car. YMMV, but unless you're buying a manual anyway best to try both first?