Caboose

Hello there Boxster/S Forums. I am a very happy 944 owner who's a pretty new guy to rennlist, I think I've been on here about 6-7 months now!

I've been seen a few Boxster's around here and there.. and well.. we all know about the Porsche bug now don't we? You guessed it, I want one!
Are there any recommendations on what to buy? What to look for? How much to pay? Years of the car to avoid?

Basically, I'm looking to purchase a Boxster in the near future.. possibly within a year or so. Please advise, give praise, laugh..

Thanks!
-Jordan

Tierce

whatever you do, get a PPI.

now that that's out of the way, the early years had problems with cylinder sleeve issues, usually failed in the first 50k miles, but be cautious anyway.

JMHO, try to find an S.

efahl

Jordan,

Drive a bunch, there are a million of them around, so you don't want to buy the first one you test (which also means leave your checkbook at home!).

My search criterion were 2002 S, < 25k mile < $25k. This is extremely realistic, I found many fine examples in the 4-5 months I searched before I ended up buying my current Boxcar.

Find a color scheme you like (my only truly fixed requirement was a Boxster Red interior) and then start searching. You know the routine from owning a 944, get the newest car you can find and all that, bank a few $k for unforeseen repairs, do a PPI when you decided and most of all have fun.

Eric

Caboose

Thanks guys =)
@ Eric
--Yeah I know the routine.. (rolls eyes for the 944 forums) Boxsters aren't as bad as 944's are they?

theiceman

doesn't the 2003 year on have the glass rear window ? I heard this was more desireable !

JFScheck

Purchase a 2003 or 2004 - Great Bang for the Buck!!!

2003 was the first year of the glass window and a modest horsepower increase as well...

perfectlap

^ the 03 and 04's were also the heaviest Boxsters ever made.
I would recommend a 00-02 S model, almost identical in appearance to the 03 and 04 but at lower cost and the intermediate shaft failures seem to affect the version on 03-04's more than the shafts of the 00-02's. The glass window in the 03-04's is nice but you can get a fine GAHH aftermarket top with a glass heated window installed for about $1200.

find an S model and compare it to the 2.7, I would stay away from cars with more than 50K miles as there are tons of garage queens to be found. THe best option is to get a Boxster that is under extended factory warranty or one with a warranty direct(private company) policy.

Tierce

Was going to say I found one for you, but it's an automatic.

If anyone is interested, it's a 2002 Boxster S (Black), 39000 miles, and they're asking 29,990.

Caboose

My budget isn't quite near $29,990 =)
I could finance a car maybe up to $15,000.

I'm only 18 guys =P

Ray S

If that's the case, your selection will be limited by your buget to '97-'99 2.5's (you may find a high mileage 2000 2.7).

If I where you I would focus on '99's. (buy the latest low mileage example you can afford)

Good Luck!

Caboose

I found a 1999 with 100k for $11,500 its a 5 speed and looks pristine, but has some paint flaking on the front bumper b/c it was repainted.. opinions?

Tierce

it could always be repainted again...properly this time. If that's the biggest problem with it, sounds pretty good.

But get a PPI before you make any decision.

Marc Shaw

Why was it painted? Accident? Salvage?

Marc

Tierce

Darn, I shoulda thought of that one.

Can we say, Carfax???

blinkwatt

Front bumpers are repainted all the time. My last Boxster, 99 w/ 55k on it had the bumper painted twice. Don't worry about the bumper so much it's going to have rocks & other stuff hit it while driving,just make sure it's a quality paint job.