Hey guys-

I'm looking to buy a 2002-2004 Boxster S and I have heard a few things about the engine not being able to be re-built, that after 40k there are major issues, etc.

I'm looking to get one with under 30k, and I'm only planning on driving it on weekends. I was always under the impression that the boxster was relatively bulletproof. Thoughts?

Thanks guys I appreciate it-

 

I was in a similar situation a few years back and talked myself into getting a new S2000 instead... in any case. As a whole that era Boxster S is a fairly reliable car, just be sure to get one that has been serviced regularly and on time, and of course the price of a PPI is a no brainer. That era car is prone to having some potentially expensive oil leaks, so it's wise to have it looked at by an expert. Additionally, a lot can be told by simply driving the car, does it feel tight still? A car that has been abused will have more rattles and not feel as solid as a car that has been enjoyed and respected. Sometimes I think I regret getting the S2000, but it was a completely trouble free experience and there's always time left to pick up a p-car one day

 

the 40K mile thing is not true. The "design flaw" in the engine may or may not manifest itself when it feels like it (research IMS failure).

The "expensive oil leaks" are usually a reference to the RMS weeping some oil. It is expensive to replace the RMS because of the amount of labor to get at it, but my car had a weeping RMS. It is no big deal. It is something you can live with and fix when you do the clutch.

Car will need maintenance, but all cars do. The only unusual thing that happened to my car was having to replace the wheel bearings at about 30K miles.

Other than that it was CV boots (normal), alternator (not sure if normal or not), fluids and tires.

The car was my DD, took it to the track and autocrossed it. Great car and I miss it dearly.

I cross shopped the Honda and BMW and there was no comparison in my mind. Boxster won in a rout!!!!!

 

I guess I have been lucky so far, I have a 04 S now with 50k I got it with 23k over a year ago and have been driving it hard, AX's DE's and I'm not joking about the hard part, the only failure I have had so far is around 43k my motor mount busted, that could be from the extremely hard starts with the 11" wheels on back but no big deal $175 for the part put it in myself . As long as you keep an eye open for oil leaks and change your oil regularly and dont follow porsche guidelines, I change mine every 3k but thats only cause I spend a lot of time on the track you should be ok every 5-6k but thats only my opinion. Happy car hunting, and you will not regret it. the Boxsters handle superbly

 

My wife's got a '98 with 99k miles on the clock. It's had it's share of $700-$1200 repairs, but no RMS or IMS.

J

 

My 02 base has been bullet proof. 233K+ miles on original engine, clutch.

Had some things go wrong over the years: wheel bearing, MAF, O2 sensors, water pump, fuel pump, brake light and ignition switches, passenger door lock, couple of AOSs, radiator fan low speed ballast resister, but nothing major. RMS replaced at around 24K miles under warranty.

Best car I ever owned.

Sincerely,

Macster.

 

233,000 miles on the original clutch?!?!?!?!?

 

Yes. I found the 2.7l engine superb taking off from a stop requiring just a bit of rpms -- a bit over 1K -- then let the clutch out smoothly and the car moves off with very little slippage.

The 2.7l engine's low rpm tractability is outstanding.

Of course I don't downshift and slip the clutch to slow the car but instead use the brakes. Brake pad replacment job much cheaper than a clutch job.

Sincerely,

Macster.

 

It may really be worth the few extra dollars to get into the 987 body style and find a clean 05 !

 

so far so good for me. I have put on about 9k miles since march of 09. I have done the routine 60k service and all looked well while i was under and on top of the car. It's just like any other car, it's going to have it's somewhat sporadic problems and parts are a little more expensive.

 

Been driving boxsters and visiting forums for years...never heard of the 40K melt down.

Great car drive ona daily basis and fun to track.

good luck

 

I've had three with no real issues, and as long as you maintain a rigorous service interval you will most likely be OK. Put 120k on a 97. 70+k on a 2000 996, and at 50k on my 01 986S before I opted to upgrade the engine to a rebuilt 3.6. I changed the oil every 5k rather than the 15k suggested by Porsche. That being said there are some serious issues to be considered. Check out flat6innovations.com and read everything closely before deciding to buy one, then find a nice car, if you still want it, with the idea in mind to upgrading the motor at some point.

 

For what it's worth,
if you can commit to doing much of your own services,
the proposition gets drastically better.

I know this is not an option for everyone,
but with a decent garage,
standard tooling,
and a Bentley manual,
you would be surprised at the stuff you can do!

With all the money you will save on the routine stuff:
oil changes, brakes, suspension repairs, etc,
you can afford to fix an engine if it grenades..

Also,
drive it like you stole it!
They have always preferred that!

-Brad

 

The 987 has a more svelte look, aggressive stance, and I like it a lot, but the price difference between a used 987 and a 986 is just too good to be true if you want a Boxster to drive. I've seen them under 10k for cars in pretty decent shape. Even an well sorted S can be bought for ~15 give or take.

 

Heard alot of the same things about the boxster. Good right ups