Hey all, new to the Boxster world, not new to the Porsche Universe though

I have a friend who is looking at used Boxsters. She is looking in the MY range 02-08(ish). I told her I'd post on here and ask the all-knowing 6speeders what to look for and what to avoid...

Are there years which are worse than others, or are they all pretty rock-solid? Any known issues to look for (i.e. the early 996s and their 2nd gear pop out...)? A/C systems good? Tiptronic OK, or should she steer clear and only look for manuals? She's not concerned with gutsy performance, just wants a fun, reliable daily driver. Thanks in advance, I'm off to search the forum to see what I can see

 

OK, so I've been digging around a little bit now, and I see that the biggest "complaint" about pre 09 cars is the IMS. I'm curious as to how many people have actually experienced a bearing failure...? Is there a somewhat easy way to tell if this has been upgraded in a 986--or do I have to trust the dealer/seller as to whether it has been addressed or not?

 

Find a 986 with 100K on the clutch and do the clutch, RMS and IMS all at the same time. Hopefully with some $$$ help from the seller. Most 987 05-06 have the upgraded newer bearing, only internally accessible. Good luck!

 

Thank you

 

When I started to search for a Porsche, that was the biggest “complaint” I found... the IMS.

I swear I read that there was a way to tell if it had been changed. Call your local dealership and ask (unless someone steps up here)

I may be crazy but I thought I read there was a way to tell.



Mark

 

Unfortunately, no. You can tell by looking but you have to drop the transmission 1st.

Here's the breakdown:

2006-2008 Cayman - updated IMS.
2006-2008 Boxster - updated IMS.
2005 Boxster - crapshoot. Some have updated IMS while others don't. This is even though all have M97 engines.

It is important to note that there have been 2 IMS revisions. IMS failure in later Gen 1 987 is pretty much unheard of (I think 2007-08). Even in 986 and 2005-2006 models, IMS failures have been overly hyped and very exaggerated over the internet. Not saying it's not worrisome, but very rare overall.

 

Thanks, I knew someone with more knowledge than I would know... (which would be just about everyone.)


Mark

 

lol.

 

Thanks for the info guys. I found a 2007 with 44,000 miles on it for $26,000. Graphite gray on black. Not an S, but I think that's an amazing deal for an '07. Going to look at it this weekend to see if it's "too good to be true..." I'll keep you posted and ask questions if I have any about the car.

 

I haven't been paying close attention to used base prices, but I think that's a very good deal indeed (comparing to S prices that I know slightly more about). Good luck, and please keep us updated.

 

I went to look at it during lunch since the dealership is close by. I didn't have a chance to drive it, but it started well and purred nicely. Cold a/c. Top, paint, leather all pretty flawless. Really nice car. I had them hold it so my friend can come look at it--I think she'll love the car.

VIN is WP0CA29827U712494 By any chance, does anyone know the car?

 

Is the IMS issue only on manuals or does it apply to automatics too? I'm not a mechanics buff and don't fully understand the issue.

Also, I am confused whether it was resolved by 2008 models.

Thanks in advance.

 

Austin,

Though I can't answer that question, I came across a pretty good article that describes the how's and why's. Here's a link if you're interested in reading more.


Mark

 

First DO NOT PURCHASE A USED PORSCHE WITH A SERVICE RECORD.
Now in civil tones, the IMS Bearing issue, while real, is not the impediment to owning one of these wonderful cars as it may seem. <10% of these and similar year Caymans suffer either from IMS or seal issues. A simple LN Engineering replacement or another will resolve this issue. In retrospect- I’m old and presume a bit of wrenching is always in order, the Boxster and Cayman are reliable and fun cars to have in your life, as long as you are not still some sort of brat that equivocate horsepower to one’s particular efficacy. That said these cars are worth more then their worth re current sales. DO! demand an inspection and service records, plug in the analyzers to determine how many times the rev-limiter was engaged. MAKE AN INFORMED PURCHASE DECISION.!

 

I do believe the IMS issue was resolved in the Boxster in 2007. As for the great deal....I found my 2008 in great condition for just under $15,000, but in mid 50K miles. It's very fun to drive. I really love mine and it has way more storage room than I expected. It looks like new. The stereo sucks, but the engine sounds so sweet. They are a blast to drive in town.