Hey guys! First post here, was told this would be the best place to get a lot of my questions answered before I bought a Porsche.

Im looking at 1997/1999 models of the boxster, and was wondering what all i should be asking previous owners about their cars and how they were kept. i saw some videos on youtube from 5thGear about some minor things i can check out on each car, but what more is there?

How often does the boxster need maintenance, and how much does it usually cost. 60k miles is what i seem to find as the point of maintenance, but i have a rough time on what actually needs done, and how much of it can be done in a garage.

I appreciate any comments and suggestions!

 

First off welcome and second off try and get as new as possible staying within your budget. We could spend all day listing things to look for but do yourself a favor find one you like and have a ppi done by a reputable dealer so you know exactly what your getting into. GL

 

Search out a website from Mike Fokke lots of good info there for you!

Good luck with the purchase.

 

I think it is less important about what you should be asking the previous owner and more significant to ask where and how to insure you get a proper pre-purchase inspection. The folks in this forum would gladly chime in with recommendations in your area.
Attached are the service schedules for 97-05 Boxster, if you find them helpful.
This big issue with these cars is the propensity for IMS-Intermediate Shaft failures discussed in depth here: http://www.lnengineering.com/ims.html
This is not to dissuade you, but to encourage you enlist a knowledgeable party well versed in identifying and diagnosing the weakness that characterize these cars and help steer you clear of those which are on the brink of imminent failure and also encourage you to take proactive measures to ensure the health an integrity of even a yet unaffected example.

You can expect a 60K on a Boxster to vary depending on whether the repair is done to a limited OE schedule attached or a bit more through aftermarket interpretation. Make sure when you shop you compare apples and apples.
It will probably be a 6 hr project ($600) plus parts-($300) SO, $900ish
It should include:
Oil Change
Air Filter
Pollen Filter
Change Plugs
Change Fuel filter-On the early cars.
Wiper Blades
Brake Fluid Flush**Very Important.
Trans Flush if MT
Check Fault Code History.
Check all Electrical Functions and Lighting.
Set Tire Pressures.
Check All Suspension for tightness and soundness.
Check Brake Wear.