All,

I am about to by my first Porsche and I have offered a gentleman $22000 for a 99 Boxster with Sport Package option. It is silver in color and is very clean. The car is actually Certified and has 14 months left on the certified used warranty. It also has 39,000 miles on it. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks

 

i'll jump on it (depends on what area you are located)...I just got mine about 2 months ago..99' w/ 44k miles on it, arena red w/ leather seats (the rest are stock) for 21k plus $2,300 for 4 yrs, 48k mi. extended warranty...it was all worth it...actually, i just got back from one of the semi-twisted runs on the hills here in CA...all i could say is...WOW!

the only thing that i don't like is how the dealer charge you for the services. i mean, I took mine for 45k service and it cost me $450 plus extra $300 for replacing all the fluids (ie...brake fluid, etc..) with new ones and changing my fuel filter...they charge $150 an hour ...the good thing is, i'm forcing my self to be a DIY'er guy but hey, that's the price you paid for owning a Porsche

this is just a beginning of a addiction

 

First of all, the fact that it was certified when the owner bought it gives you a little protection, but I would certainly have a PPI done independently, since its been about a year since the car had a comprehensive inspection.

I'm always a little leary of 99s because of the catastrophic engine failures associated with late 98 and early 99 builds(check the sticker inside the drivers door), but the 39K miles on the car might have gotten you past that risk. I'd also certainly take the VIN to a dealer and get the service history if the seller doesn't have it, of course what you are looking for in an engine replacement, which would be a good thing.

I think the price is a little high. It sounds like its just got basic options, and if its really clean, inspected and has history I'd look to spend more like $20K. $22K should buy you a 2000 base model in great shape with the larger engine, and for not much more you could get a 2000 S, like around $25k.

I think you pay very little premium to move from a 1999 to a 2000, the first "refreshed" year with the larger engines. Its the end of convertible season, there are hundreds of 2000 year model Boxsters for sale, and I am sure one could find a very clean one in the $22K price bracket.

 

Price seem high. Check out autotrader for price comps. There are currently 3 2003 models w/ asking prices less than 25K, all w/ relatively low miles, one with 28,000 mi. now is the right time of the year for great prices on Boxsters. I mention the 2003 models because they where the most updated model of the 986 (along w/ the 2004) and have a glass rear window in the softtop, glove box and a host of mechanical advancements.
Even with 39K mi, a '99 is still an 8 year old car.
With all that said a '99 Boxster is still a great car, all Boxsters are, but you should be able to do better on price.

Aron