Hey guys, newbie checking in here, this is a very helpful thread being that I am in the market for a 986 "S" (2001-2004). I am currently eyeing a couple of them, a 2002 with 67k with an asking price of $14k and a 2001 with 54K with an asking price of $15K, both private owners selling the cars and in both cases they are the original owners. Both cars are white and VERY clean, no appearent fluid leaks in garage or driveway, both drive well and tight, both have good service/maintanance records, although one of the owners has been getting his car serviced at shop that claims to specialize in german cars rather than an authorized Porsche dealership (not sure if this is a big deal or not) I have not run a CarFax on either of them (yet) but I can not see any evidence of paint or body work. I'm actually in the market for one so I can join some friends at P club, some autocross and other track days, I have a few friends with seemingly endless bank accounts with highly modded 996 tt and a 997 GT2 RS and a couple of Carrera S's. I own an older BMW 3 series that I sometimes join them with at track days but I would like join the Porsche gang but I'm on a budget (about $20k). I am planning on suspension mods, brake mods, wheels, tires, exhaust and ECU mods as well as whatever weight savings I can find. I'm not looking to gut it or turn it into a track only car, primary use will be a fun non DD street car.

BTW, what does a clutch cost, parts and labor? Both cars I am considering have the stock clutches so I am factoring in the clutch costs to my final number. Sorry if I veered slightly off topic.

 

+1 on the independent mechanic VS dealer. You'll find them much cheaper and generally better than the dealer overall. Cost of clutch is directly related to labor and can vary widely. You should be able to do an "ceramic" IMS upgrade at the same time and come in somewhere in the ~2500 range. Both cars sound good, take the one you like the most for a PPI and go from there. Good luck and good choice

 

I think the Boxster and any Porsche is reliable if well maintained. My neighbor has his 2001 S that is still rocksolid and as beautiful as the first day I saw it! My first Boxster, 02 was excellent and I traded it on a C2 cab that was also reliable. I had a Boxster S and now a 997 S, but all of my Porsches have been solid. In fact, I am keeping my 997S cab until the wheels fall off. Just keep up on the regular maintenance, old school for me, oil change every 5k miles and the recommended brake flush every 2 years, etc and they will run! good luck with your purchase!

 

And let's not forget that J.D. power named Porsche the #1 most reliable long term car sold in the states today!

(If anything, I find the 997 & up stuff to be hopelessly complicated, compared to my basic electronics)

-Brad