Looking to purchase: 98 White boxster w/ tiptronic, 17' wheels, w/ 46k miles, some records/books, mint condition in and out for $22000. Here in San Jose area.

Is this a good deal?

 

Jason...$22K sounds like it's in the ballpark for 98 986 prices. Bruce Anderson's Market Update in Excellence magazine this month is on Boxsters and 996s. He estimates 98s are ranging from $19546 to $29750. That's a 10K spread between a low and a high, so the car you are looking at falls toward the lower half. There were a few problems with the first couple of years of Boxsters and they are no longer under warranty. So absolutely do a PPI with a qualified Porsche shop. Pick up the current issue of Excellence, always good info on what to look (out) for when buying a used P car.
Good Luck!

 

thanks. great advise. so should i try to get 99 instead? theres a 99 but about 1500 bucks more.

 

I don't think a '99 will gain you much over a '98. But a '98 is better than a '97. (Side air bags, reinforced suspension for 18" wheels)
I think most of the major motor problems showed up before 30k, so with 46k that motor should be fine.
Definitely get a PPI...check for rear main seal oil leaks and time your top operation (should be just under 13 seconds).
Sounds like a pretty good deal if it's in good shape!
As Robert pointed out, the newest Excellence mag has a buyer's guide. It's a good mag to subscribe to either way.

Good luck!

 

Thanks. all you are very good help!