Hi guys,

I just wanted to get your opinion on value for this Boxster on AutoTrader. My son is looking to get into one and is on a budget. Apparently has limited service documentation and would require a thorough PPI.

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Porsche/B...PO&orup=4_15_5

Thoughts?

Thanks, Mike

 

Does limited service documentation mean he cannot prove that the IMSB has been changed to a ceramic unit? Here's the thing: A good PPI would cost upwards to $400 if you needed to check everything including what bearing is installed. I would run Durametric software at minimum to check to see if the ECU agrees with chassis VIN and engine serial number is the same as whats stamped on case. Also what type over rev's and engine cycles can give est that can be used to determine if odometer mileage is accurate and engine has been buzzed.

To put a new upgraded bearing is $2K with labour without the 'while your in there' charges for a clutch change. Suspension parts aren't cheap so that's a place that needs a hard look. Check tire dates.

Colour looks good. But check if is been repainted with a paint meter. Any body shop can do this for you.

The price is only competitive - no steal espy with the very little paper work comment. I'm guessing that this car has been flipped (ownership) several times? A one owner car always has paperwork or they can point you to their mechanic for records. A lot of Boxster's of this vintage have come through car auctions.

Size up the seller. How would they react if you came back with a list of issues to solve - would they lower the price? Not saying there are issues - just that if they stand there with arms folded and show very firm on price I might not want to spend money on a PPI, find issues and the guy doesn't want to deal fairly with you. You just spent money and time on a guy wanting to 'unload' a car onto people. Attitude and honesty of seller - do they KNOW their car is a big thing when having to pony up PPI fees. Good luck and remember - there are a million Boxster's for sale - don't buy the first one you see because the price is 'right'.

 

14K for a boxster with only 80K ? id be all over that and then just drive it till it explodes.

But then again for us its disposable income, for your son it could be his life savings so its all relative.

 

All good advise, and yes it's alot of money for him.

Maybe I'm way off, if it was an S with documentation I think the price is justified. Right now I think it's a bit high. Was just looking for opinions.

Mike

 

I'm with Clive, I'd be all over that if I were in the market. 986s are going through auction in the US for $5-7000 USD, but with higher mileage (usually significantly), and that's wholesale price. I think if it passes PPI it's a good buy, even if the ims hasn't been done. Just make sure the $2k is the budget to get it done.

 

I just sold my 2001S for 12k. IMS done, no issues or codes, good tires. But it was a tip. Cost more at purchase, worth less on resale, especially here in Canada where real men drive stick!

 

Boxster market is all over the place because there and nice ones and absolute junk...
Just sold my '99 to my dad...could be re-available for the right money

 

I've been helping a friend look for a Boxster.
He was drawn it to all the low teens $ cars.
Not one has even made it to a PPI.
I think it is what we use to say about air-cooled 911's. It will cost your $20,000, today or tomorrow.

 

Will your son be wrenching and maintaining the car by himself, or taking it to a shop? I'm sure you've factored in the consideration of cost of ownership to keep it alive and well especially for a MY99.

 

^^^^^^^^^^ THIS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

Thanks to everyone's input, sounds like it might be priced right.

Mike

 

Well maintained? I would at least go see it.
Obviously the current owner is handy with filters and photoshop.
Your best bet, would be visual inspection and a PPi.
Reduce the price for needed repairs. Love the price for parts on this car...

 

Unlike the 996, used boxter engines, especially the 2.5L are very cheap. Wreckers sell them from $2K CDN and up. So if it pops, they are cheap enough to just replace it with another one and keep motoring.

 

yup, been looking at boxters for a track toy. The handle extremely well and engine replacements dont cost $10k

 

^^^^^^ me too