Hi everyone,

I've been lurking the forums for a while now and today I decided to sign up! The more lurking I had been doing, the more serious I am becoming in purchasing a used boxster.

I currently own a 2008 Lexus IS 250 and I think I'm ready for something a little more fun. I'm looking for a 2001 - 2003 boxster S. I know this question has been asked a few times before, but it seems that it's a bit difficult in getting a straight answer (due to emotions that maybe lead to exaggerations). Is the maintenance of an older boxster really that bad? I used to have a 1999 honda prelude and the maintenance was obviously minimal. I don't know what the costs are for my IS250 is yet, b/c it's only 1 yr old. The only thing I've had done was an oil change and 1 yr inspection that costed just under $300. For those who have older boxsters, are we talking about double these costs and double the frequency for repairs? I would only be driving this car maybe 2,000km / year tops since winters really put a damper on driving these cars.

Thanks so much,
Mike.

 

Welcome! Bottom line - if you want a Boxster (or better yet an "S" model) buy the newest one you can afford, with a warranty if possible. And don't pay too much attention to the people who complain about problems - the vast majority of Porsches are trouble-free and will give you years of enjoyment. Do a search of the classifieds here and other sites such as the 986forum and Petes Boxster Board for numerous cars that might work for you.

 

Welcome Mike!

Good choice on purchasing a Boxster! I've owned mine for 2.5 years and have not had any issues at all with her. All i've done is her oil changes and when she reaches her 60K, she'll have her check up done. She's my DD, as well as my weekend autoX car, and I couldn't have asked for a better car. She's been mechanically sound since day one.

Best wishes!

 

Welcome! You might find these articles interesting about how owners view their cars, including maintenance:

OWNERS RANK PORSCHE® AS THE TOP AUTOMOTIVE LUXURY BRAND
http://www.porsche.com/usa/aboutpors...&id=2008-06-30

Porsche® brand first in J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality Study
http://www.porsche.com/usa/aboutpors...&id=2008-06-04

 

I've got a Boxster and a Carrera. They have both been absolutely reliable. I think you will find the consumables (tires, oil, brake pads, rotors, etc) more expensive, than a IS or a prelude. However, other than those "consumables", my Porsches are no more expensive than my Toyota truck.

Good Luck.

 

I have had my 03 Boxster S for 3 years now. It has been trouble free. The only major thing was changing the clutch. Just change the oil once a year (or 15K miles) and I change the tires every year. Just put the first new battery in3 moths ago. I drive it about 10k miles a year and enjoy it more each time I drive it. Just purchased a Lamborghini Gallardo and refused to get rid of my Boxster (my wife would get rid of me if I got rid of it). Buy it and you will never regret it......put the top down and enjoy the ride.

03 Boxster S...SPEED YELLOW

 

Trouble with cars is like the news. No problems no news. Problems lots of news.

 

2,000 km a year? It's not a Ferrari, they're meant to be driven! I did 20k km since I got the car last June.

 

wow, thanks so much for your feedback guys. I drive about 10,000km per year as I take the subway to work rather than driving. And since this would be my 2nd car, I would drive it far less. I'm guessing 2k KM / yr is the max I would drive it.

haha, i know, it's not a ferrari, but it's going to be a a weekend car for me

anymore feedback would be much appreciated!!

thanks again!

 

LOL, great point, its like buying a hunting rifle and never shooting it. I drove 2400 miles the first 4day. The more you drive it the better you get to know how it drives. My Box took everything I threw at it; then looked back at me grinned and called me a *****!!

Remember, Practice makes Perfect!!