6mil928

Hi Guy's thought I would pop in here from the 928 section and ask a couple of questions. I've been wanting a convertible lately and like the look of the Boxster. The price on the used 97-99 models can't be beat. I've heard about the engine problems of these years and I've got a couple of questions. First has anyone had their engine rebuilt after failure and what did it cost for just the rebuild? I've seen these motors on ebay going for 6-7 K is this price acceptable? I've seen several 97's selling for below 10K. If the motor goes bad and it costs 6-7 K for a replacement the numbers just don't sound right to me. Thanks for the help guys I look forward to hearing from you. Jason

dennisafrompa

You're right the bean count numbers don't work.....but do you want a Boxster?

A rebuilt, even for a simple 914 motor will run $4K, $12-15k for a newer 911. I think you can get remanufactured 2.5s, in a crate for $6-7 K.

From a purely economic view, a $7K motor in a $10 k car won't make sense, but then is that why you play with Porsche's.

I don't think rebuilds are impossible, but with new and used motors available at these prices, why?

cvhs18472

$10,000 plus $6-7k for a new motor gives you a Porsche which will give you years of pleasure for the price of a newer used Miata. Not all Boxsters fail so the possibility driving the best handeling sports car made for 10k sure seems like a gift. Unless you have already driven a Boxster for more than a test drive you are in for pleasures beyond your dreams. Ed

6mil928

Haven't driven one yet but just trying to figure out what I want before I do so that I don't get hooked by the P-car smell. I'm also looking at the 84-86 911 Cabro's. Anyone have an opinion on those compaired to the Boxster? Thanks for the help. Jason

mytoy986

Funny thing about the 2.5 rebuilts from Porsche. as soon as MOST of the RMS motors were replaced, the 2.5 which used to sell for under $7000. jumped to well over $9000. I guess when they were buying them the price was low. now that you have to buy it, the price sky rocketed!

dennisafrompa

..well the dollar is in the toilet these days and although Porsche overcomes that in its new cars, parts may not be part of the hedge.

6mil928

Call me crazy but 7k + for a used motor that may have high milage(you never know) sounds crazy even if it's for a porsche.

986

The motor comes with 2 year warranty, and it also come with new power steer pump, primary cats, etc. So overall it's not a bad deal.

Also rebuilding an air-cooled motor can easily go above $10k.

Charlie C

The only thing I'll say about a Boxster convertible vs. an 84-86 cab is that the Boxster's convertible top sure looks a LOT better. When the top is down on a Boxster, it's hidden and produces a really nice profile. On the older cabs (before the Boxsters and 996) the folded top stacks on top and is not the nicest look in my opinion.

6mil928

I agree the hiden top looks much nicer.

6mil928

I thought the air cooled motors where cheaper to maintain. Is that not true?

marky522

If your concerned about hte engine sleeve issue in the early boxster, find one with some miles, that is the only true test. Or find one that has already had the engine replaced.

Mark

6mil928

You know I didn't think about that. There is probably a lot of 97-99 models that have had the engine replaced under warranty. Maybe I shouldn't disqualify these older models I just need to ask about the motor and check the story with records. Jason

insite

marky's totally right. don't buy a boxster with under 30k miles. 99% of premature failures of ANY type (IMS, sleeve, etc.) seem to happen under 30k miles of use.

on another note, you might think from reading on the internet forums that these motors fail frequently. there have been some issues, but the vast majority of these cars run extremely well for lots of miles. i take mine to the track quite frequently and drive the h3ll out of it whenever i can. i'm at 126,000 miles with no measureable loss of compression.

these early 2.5L cars are a LOT of bang for the buck. as for motor replacements, the 7k - 9k figures are for rebuilt motors. you can transplant a 996 motor into the car for those prices. decent lower mileage 2.5L motors are frequently available for $3,500 or less.

6mil928

Great advice. insite what year is yours?