97 Boxster. any probs????
12-21-2002, 03:38 PM
#1
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97 Boxster. any probs????
I am considering buying a 1997 Boxster. Did the early year have any problems? Anyone own one? Any advice would be great?
I currently own a 2001 and due to a relocation will only be using it for autox and weekends in the summer. Therefore although I love the 01 I want to reduce my monthly expenses w/o giving up the boxster. 01 was $45, can get a 97 with 50k miles for $20.
I currently own a 2001 and due to a relocation will only be using it for autox and weekends in the summer. Therefore although I love the 01 I want to reduce my monthly expenses w/o giving up the boxster. 01 was $45, can get a 97 with 50k miles for $20.
12-21-2002, 04:29 PM
#2
Drifting
I have a January 1997 with 45k. The early years had problems with the lokasil "liners" which cause major motor damage. It is said this problem usually shows up within the first 16k - but sometimes it happens later. Porous crankcase which seeps oil - but that shows up right away. Top transmission problems - but many older cars have the updated parts - and there is a simple fix for the old style '97-'99 top drive. The was a problem with the ignition switch but there is a recall on that. And I'm sure there are more things I can think of.
My only problem has been that the seals in the power steering rack leak and the fluid fills the boot - so I need to replace the rack one of these days. The rack has changed part numbers several times over the years and Porsche no longer sells a rebuilt rack - so I think it had a seal bad design. But, my friend is the PCA Boxster tech advisor and the shop manager at my local dealer and he says he has not seen problems with the early racks. But, then, I know the owner of a local independent Porsche shop and he just replaced the rack on a '98 for the same problem I have.
Jeff
My only problem has been that the seals in the power steering rack leak and the fluid fills the boot - so I need to replace the rack one of these days. The rack has changed part numbers several times over the years and Porsche no longer sells a rebuilt rack - so I think it had a seal bad design. But, my friend is the PCA Boxster tech advisor and the shop manager at my local dealer and he says he has not seen problems with the early racks. But, then, I know the owner of a local independent Porsche shop and he just replaced the rack on a '98 for the same problem I have.
Jeff
12-22-2002, 12:13 PM
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You cannot use 18 inch wheels. If this is not an issue then go for it. The early cars had motor problems, but if the car you are looking at has 50K then you are safe. It has either already had a engine problem and been fixed or did not have one and will not at this stage. Good Luck, the Boxster is a great car in all of its model years.
12-25-2002, 10:08 AM
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Pebbles,
Porsche does not approve the use of 18" rims on 1997's.
Apparently the 18" rim / tyre combination is capable of inducing fatigue cracks in the chassis of the car.
Later cars were more rigid to overcome this problem.
Porsche does not approve the use of 18" rims on 1997's.
Apparently the 18" rim / tyre combination is capable of inducing fatigue cracks in the chassis of the car.
Later cars were more rigid to overcome this problem.
