elle Posted 9August, 2017 Report Share Posted 9August, 2017 My dream car has always been a Porsche. I could never afford to buy one new so I was surprised to see how low the prices are on older ones. I’m happy to admit I don’t know much about cars mechanically so I’m looking for some expert advice/opinions here please.I have spoken to a specialist Porsche mechanic who will do a pre-inspection check on any car I’m seriously considering purchasing, but I wanted to get your thoughts on this one please. Is it good value? Am I going to be buying trouble? What can I expect to pay out on repairs over the next 5 years?Any info is appreciated. Thanks! https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Porsche-Boxster-2004/OAG-AD-14864098/?Cr=23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kammo Posted 9August, 2017 Report Share Posted 9August, 2017 Cars are cheap for a reason and you need to do your research, from that time period there is a massive concern around the intermediate shaft bearing, conjecture around how warranted and there are fixes but you should go into things eyes wide open. If you search here or google "porsche IMS bearing" you will find reams of material to go over. Outside of that they are pretty solid cars, I had a 97 Boxster for a while and had no issues with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flamingporsche Posted 9August, 2017 Report Share Posted 9August, 2017 Welcome to the site - lots to learn from the guys & girls here. A Boxster is pretty nice - I just bought one - and is a real value buy for a first P-car.For the car you're showing: Exterior & interior looks nice enough and low mileage for age. If maintenance history is all up to date. Add to price.The faux-wood grain and auto hurt - subtract from price.Probably good buying around $20k. Cost over next 5 years - depends on driving, but factor in a minor service annually, and at least 1 major service. At least $5000 over 5 years doing the minimum, but it doesn't take long to get expensive. Assuming you're in Melboure (buying local Vic car), then check out this http://www.porschemelbourne.com.au/Boxster-and-Cayman for service prices.If you need to do a clutch & IMS bearing, then add another $5k +. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elle Posted 9August, 2017 Author Report Share Posted 9August, 2017 Thanks Kammo, I have been doing lots of research (including asking here) and reading. My heart would have me buy the first Porsche I see, but my head is making sure I look into it properly first.I appreciate your response and I’m just about to Google "Porsche IMS bearing".Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flamingporsche Posted 9August, 2017 Report Share Posted 9August, 2017 If the IMS fails and kills your engine - factor in megabucks (relative to a $20k car) for a rebuild / replacement engine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elle Posted 9August, 2017 Author Report Share Posted 9August, 2017 Thanks flamingporsche. I really appreciate all that info.I read on another site that an engine rebuild can run up to $25k, is that right?And is there any way to prevent the IMS from failing and killing the engine? Or is it just one of those things that can just happen any time? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flamingporsche Posted 9August, 2017 Report Share Posted 9August, 2017 I read on another site that an engine rebuild can run up to $25k, is that right? And is there any way to prevent the IMS from failing and killing the engine? Or is it just one of those things that can just happen any time? I'm not sure about the rebuild - others may comment, but I have seen invoices on 996/997 (same engine series/design) for $14k so expect that as a ballpark.Easiest way to fix the IMS issue is the IMS Solutions (google is your friend here). I believe it is best to do at same time as replacing your clutch because it's (usually) an engine-out exercise. Having said that, there will be Boxsters out there with 200,000km on the clock and no IMS issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucky Phil Posted 9August, 2017 Report Share Posted 9August, 2017 Welcome to the forum. Just keep doing the research before buying. Remember the car you are looking at is 13 years old. They are nice cars to own and drive but when they break the love affair can start to fade really quick as parts are very expensive. The $25K you spend now could soon add up to lots more $$ when things go wrong. It's $25K for a reason. I am not saying do not buy but just always remember "buyer beware" and you should be ok. To give you an example of the cost of these things. My Boxster is under 3 years old. It is still under warranty. The radio/sat nav broke about a month ago. It was covered under warranty but cost to replace $5000. As a result I have taken out the extension to warranty. Keep an eye out for a Porsche Certified used Boxster from a Porsche dealer. You will pay more but will give you some peace of mind. Even if it is an older model they provide a limited warranty and if serviced by Porshe may offer warranty extensions up to the age of 10 years. Keep looking and follow posts on this forum and one day you will buy a car that gives you years of happy motoring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
symsy Posted 9August, 2017 Report Share Posted 9August, 2017 Its a 20k car.. just get a PPI pre purchase inspection , it may be a good one, negotiate hard and pop the 5k in your pocket for issues .. that may arise.Warranty from people that really dont know the cars is a waste of time on many levels… Ask them if they will allow you to repair at a good aftermarket shop, of which there are a few in each major city or just go by one of those workshops and ask them of any good customers cars they know are for sale. They will then have skin in the game they dont like to make bad recommendations and would love to keep the car in their fleet of customers i.e you.As for age and value car you can get one in the 20's remember your buying a 13 year old car yes, but you are in many ways buying a car that originally was engineered at a high level and to a quality level many cars dont get to..even newer ones today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan_189 Posted 9August, 2017 Report Share Posted 9August, 2017 Looks like decent car upon visual inspection, although auto's aren't "rare". Also that wood isn't great but can easily be replaced, it also has aftermarket speakers in the doors.As for the engine you can replace the IMS but at 109k i'd get an invasive pre-purchase inspection done (i.e. have someone drop the sump) install a spin on filter adaptor and go!Also the IMS can be replaced by just removing the transmission only no need to drop the engine (on later M97 engines the IMS bearing replacement requires the engine to be taken apart). In this case being an M96 that's not necessary. Also i'd recommend a LN IMS Retrofit if you're budget conscious. Being a 2.7L sourcing a used engine isn't hard if it was to fail and would be a very good economical route (one on ebay for just over 5k).Watch this video its on a 996 but they are very very similar cars and the things to look for are the same: On second thought that one might be a bit advanced, watch this one first: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elle Posted 9August, 2017 Author Report Share Posted 9August, 2017 You’ve all given me lots to consider, thank you. And lots of reading and watching to do when I get home tonight :-)I do have a Porsche expert ready to do a thorough PPI and I have lots of questions now for him since joining this amazing forum.I’ve read that an IMS failure is less likely on the 987s as the fitted bearing was upgraded in 2006, so would I be better off spending more now to save more later? On this model for example:https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Porsche-Boxster-2007/OAG-AD-14311920/?Cr=0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan_189 Posted 9August, 2017 Report Share Posted 9August, 2017 You’ve all given me lots to consider, thank you. And lots of reading and watching to do when I get home tonight :-) I do have a Porsche expert ready to do a thorough PPI and I have lots of questions now for him since joining this amazing forum. I’ve read that an IMS failure is less likely on the 987s as the fitted bearing was upgraded in 2006, so would I be better off spending more now to save more later? On this model for example: https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Porsche-Boxster-2007/OAG-AD-14311920/?Cr=0 There is a very broad general mentality I once read and it went "buy the best one you can afford" so if you can stretch to the 987 go for it. Same procedure should be followed PPI etc. I'd still set aside a decent budget for repairs as its still a 10 year old sports car although 14k is a fair jump you do get a newer car and an additional .7L displacement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan_189 Posted 9August, 2017 Report Share Posted 9August, 2017 There's a 986 and 987 for sale privately that would be better deals than both the ones you posted here check this out:http://www.pcv.com.au/PorscheClubs/pc_victoria/pc_main.nsf/web/488D86D4F4592802C12570E6004EDFFA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucky Phil Posted 9August, 2017 Report Share Posted 9August, 2017 ^^^I agree the $26500 Boxster S looks to be a good buy. Porsche enthusiast too with service history Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveF Posted 9August, 2017 Report Share Posted 9August, 2017 Good idea on the PPI. Not only will it help with the purchase decision but give you and indication of future work that needs to be done so you can budget accordingly. Enjoy the search as this is part of the fun. As others have said learn as much as you can and ask lots of questions from the gurus here on PFA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grantmr Posted 9August, 2017 Report Share Posted 9August, 2017 ^^^I agree the $26500 Boxster S looks to be a good buy. Porsche enthusiast too with service historyI wonder what the mileage is... it's the exact price I paid for mine 2yrs ago. (with 125k kms)Edit: he also doesn't state what year it is...Edit 2: I emailed him, it's a 2000 with 102k on the clock... and it's sold already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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