Found a nice condition 09 Boxster S but it has 65000 miles. Price is 29k. Navigation, PDK, heated seats, wind deflector and full leather. Needs new brakes and tires.

My other option for the same price is a 06 Cayman S fully loaded except ceramic brakes. 40000 miles. It has new tires and brakes. Manual transmission with PASM.

I only have 30K to spend? I love the look of the CS the most but am nervous about IMS issues so I am leaning towards the 09 Boxster S. I would appreciate any advice that members may have about which car to buy and why?


Mark

 

$30K for a 65k mile car is much more than I'd pay. There's too many low mile Boxsters in that price range. I know of a brown 08 Boxster S here in Texas for sale right now with full cocoa leather, under 30k miles, and extremely well maintained. Gorgeous car. Guy wants $35 but would come down I'm sure. If you're not a person who would use the extra power of an S, then you can save quite a lot by sourcing a good low mile Boxster.

The Cayman S sounds like a possible winner, but you have to decide if you want rag top or hardtop. I really like Boxsters, but I know I wouldn't drop the top much.

 

as Steve said, I would look for a non-S low mileage car. I have recently seen a red 2006 Boxster with 6,000 original miles 1 Owner car selling for $25k.


Now that's a steal.




but to choose between those two cars, I would probably go for the 09S (it seems like manual is not a Must for you.) 40,000 and 65,000 isn't much difference considering it's probably not going to be a garage queen.

 

Those are two different cars. First, do you want a convertible? Then there is first and second generation 987s. How long do you plan on keeping the car? The 09 is probably already discounted even with those miles for the tires and brakes but you're going to spend over $2K on those. Check the brake disc for cracks between the holes. If they connect you're going to be spending even more. You don't really want ceramic brakes if you think Porsches are expensive to have work done on that brake job will blow your mind.

If I were wanting a used 987, I'd be looking at the 09 and up. If you're wanting a deal. Then get a low mileage 987S 07 and up. Then do a FVD sump kit and install the 966 oil pick-ups (swirl pots) too, before you do any other mods.

 

I'm going to throw my $.02.

I just ran Manheim wholesale for an 09 Boxster S. Two similar transactions with 50K miles in below average condition sold for $28-29K. I'd say price is about right for a PP sale.

If you have a budget to work with, the Boxster to me is the better buy. The DFI engine is pretty much bullet proof. The Cayman on the other hand is a 987.1 and subject to engine issues. If the car looks good to the eye, pay to have a reputable shop do a thorough PPI. Find out what the service costs will be up to 100K miles too as I seem to remember there is a big $$ service as the miles pile on.

I had an '09 CS and it was a great car. I tracked it and never had a single issue. Great car.

 

Maybe I should just find someone to find me a lower mileage car at auction and then pay the finders fee or commission.

 

Auction cars are not optimal. They're the cars that dealers dump into the wholesale market rather than retail.

High mileage cars at the appropriate price point should not be dismissed. $30K for a DFI car is pretty solid even with the high miles. Even better if it comes from an original owner with a maintenance history. Have the seller refresh the brakes and tires or deduct them from the price.

 

...the 09 Boxster S engine has no IMS Bearing to fail so that's a plus for the 09.
550Rick

 

I may have missed this.........is it from a dealer? If so, is CPO possible on it? If so, negotiate for that at the same price.

 

Manheim shows average wholesale with 65K miles at $28,000 and estimated retail price of $32,000. I'm no expert but pricing seems in line.

 

Perhaps I missed it but on an '09 PDk the critical issue is "Sport Chrono" .Without it the gear change points are very grandpa-ish.For fuel economy. Suggest you read up on the issue if performance concerns you.The rest of the sport chrono package may be of little interest but the change points are of interest?.

 

I'm selling my 2009 2.9 6-speed Black Boxster. I'm asking $28,700, but I'm entertaining offers. I have a new 2015 on the way. I'm in the DC/Baltimore region.