Should I Spend A Lot Of Money Fixing My 2000 Porsche Boxster
Guide to Ownership a Used Porsche Boxster
What You Must Know Before Buying a Used Porsche Boxster
If you're in the market place for a used Porsche Boxster, our guide will assistance you find the bargain and avoid the bad investment. There's no fluff or niceties here – at that place are plenty of resources online that bash on about horse ability, cosmetic variants, historical significance and the niceties of the Boxster. All well and skillful, but how practise you tell a good mechanical Boxster from a bad 1? What are the potential pitfalls? What known bug exist and how practice you avert them? We have the answers yous need.
We concentrate on the technical things that might price yous money later if you weren't enlightened of them prior to ownership the car. There are risks if you're not cautious, merely with some insights and careful shopping, at that place are bargains to be had.
What Practise Nosotros Already Know Near The Boxster?
Emerging from a combination of "Boxer" engine and "Roadster," the beginning-generation Porsche Boxster is heading for being 20 years erstwhile. Withal, the Boxster platform exists right upwards to the current production 718. As a result, at that place's extensive knowledge bachelor of common mechanical problems with these cars. The proficient news is the Boxster is by and large reliable and has aged gracefully.
The mid-engine 2-seater roadster blueprint led Porsche sales volume until the introduction of the Cayenne. The Boxster is well counterbalanced, responsive and easy to drive. Maintenance and running costs are at the depression end of the Porsche buying calibration. Mechanically, the design is generally solid, with the exception of a few items highlighted beneath.
In the used automobile market, you lot'll observe Boxster 986 (1997-2004), 987 (2005-2012), 981 (2012-2016) and current 718 versions bachelor. Prices vary, however, in general the Boxster is a bargain with 986 and 987 models at very affordable prices. All models take their own unique prepare of problems, however, as the Boxster has matured, in that location are definitely less catastrophic potential problems with the later versions. That doesn't mean ignore the early on versions, it merely means more than caution is required.
Spare Parts and Repairs
The Boxster is like shooting fish in a barrel to upgrade from both a functioning or cosmetic stand up point. It shares much of the 911 series parts, so availability of replacement components is easy. Most are still available straight from Porsche and a healthy used parts market place exists to fill the gaps. There are plenty of third-political party parts vendors online that can offer parts at lower cost than Porsche directly. In that location is too a good deal of feel and expertise in independent Porsche repair shops to help make the maintenance of your used Boxster cost effective.
Maintenance Costs
You're buying a Porsche, so don't compare running costs to a small domestic hatchback! Aye, parts and some labor costs will be higher than a typical American or Japanese vehicle. All the same, save for a few notable items discussed below, the Boxster is solid and reliable. Yous're going to pay a little more for an oil alter and standard maintenance items, however, don't try to cheap these. Information technology's of import to have the auto inspected and serviced by a professional person with genuine Porsche expertise. A good mechanical understanding of these cars tin help identify issues early and salvage you coin in the long term. See our guide to Porsche repair shops for your local good or contact the states and we'll brand a recommendation for y'all.
Maintenance Schedule
Information technology's of import to understand where the Boxster you're because buying, falls inside information technology's recommended maintenance schedule. Maintenance schedules are based on mileage and elapsed time. Compare the known service history of the Boxster with our maintenance schedules. This should enable you to better understand the asking price, the near future maintenance requirements of the machine and peradventure help place a well maintained Boxster from a neglected i.
Ownership a 7 year quondam car and not realizing major maintenance is due in the 8th yr, is not the smartest thing yous can do!
Pre-Purchase Inspection – PPI
The first stride, one time you've identified a candidate, is to become a thorough inspection by a local Porsche expert. The pre-purchase inspection is designed to identify mechanical problems that may not be clearly evident at first glance. In our buyer guide below we've extensively highlighted those potential issues to be on the look out for. Getting a repair history on the automobile, if bachelor, is helpful and will instantly identify or eliminate potential problem areas.
The number of owners doesn't necessarily matter with a Porsche – the work and records performed practice. Many owners are enthusiasts and will keep all the invoices from services or repairs.
If the seller wont allow you lot inspect the auto, walk away.
Mileage and Service History
In 20 yr quondam cars, college mileage is non necessarily a bad thing. In fact, a Boxster that has been effectively used, could be in a more superior condition than one that has an attractively low mileage reading. Depression mileage cars tin can accept hidden issues, and then you lot'll want to take a good wait through whatever documented history available. A recognizable pattern of servicing on higher mileage cars is essential. On the lower mileage cars, timed intervals between services is the key indicator.
Depression mileage cars can miss their planned service intervals and despite a lack of miles, meaning wear and tear tin can take identify. Look to see when the last time the plugs were inverse – 10 years is the limit before plugs must be replaced. The brake fluid should exist flushed every two or 3 years. Bank check the DOT on the tires – lots of tread doesn't hateful they're good for you! Encounter more examples below.
What'south information technology Similar to Live With?
If you are a fan of top downwards motoring, the Boxster is hard to beat. Information technology'south a great trivial two seat coupe that handles nicely, is well balanced and absurd with the top down.
All generations of the Boxster are piece of cake to drive, park and have fun in. The ride quality and handling has improved through the versions, but even the original Boxster is nimble and fun. The original version is somewhat under powered and you certainly won't be setting lap records in information technology! Later versions certainly have a bit more nada about them, merely in general the Boxster was designed to not compete with the 911, then it will always be behind in operation.
From a applied standpoint, there's not much you can do other than drive it. There's really no room for more than one minor handbag in the luggage area and the two seats provide merely enough room for you and someone you intendance most – at least for now!
Early versions have plastic interior parts that easily get discolored due to wear and tear. However, in that location is a salubrious used parts market that can solve some of those problems easily. Generally, the interior is well laid out and practical. The later versions have better styled interiors than the original.
Without proper care, the convertible top can apace get faded and worn. Replacement typically will run yous $1K but the results are spectacular and brand the car await brand new. The early versions came with plastic rear windows in the convertible meridian that dethrone rapidly. If the top is in practiced condition, y'all tin hands replace this plastic window with a glass i – definitely adds value to the motorcar.
The Boxster has quite big tires. If the motorcar yous buy has 19-inch rims, you lot'll be looking at approx. $1k for a ready of 4 tires. The rear tires will vesture quicker than the fronts on the Boxster due to suspension setup. It'due south really important to stay on top of vehicle alignment – whatever loss of alignment on the rear of the Boxster will eat the inner shoulder of the rear tire apace. This is difficult to come across because it'southward so far under the car, merely check it regularly or you'll be ownership rear tires style more often than you await.
What Would We Purchase?
There was a fourth dimension when the Boxster held the elevation spot in the Porsche sales figures. Withal, the passing years have seen a steady decline in popularity, with new 718 sales (which include the Cayman) reaching a mere 4200 in the United states for the whole of 2021! See our article Different Perspectives for more information.
The Boxster is a wonderful choice for practical top down motoring. Right now, the belatedly 987 version is the likely candidate for all-time value for money although early on 718s are declining in value nicely. The balance with the Boxster used price, is always, what kind of 911 can you buy for the same money?
Late used 987 versions are however selling in the late teens for vehicles with lower mileage with 718 versions simply above them. This is a lot of auto for the money – nearly of the issues with the Boxster were worked out of the blueprint by the time the late 987 reached the showroom. The 718 version currently attracts as well much money and we'd buy an older 911 instead of a similar priced later 718 Boxster.
The bargain is the early 986 or 987 version. Lower mileage version 986s are available for $8K! What a steal! Now, if you can find a 986 that has had work completed on the areas of concern like the IMS begetting and has been well taken care of, you take a great machine for really depression money.
Don't buy an automatic 986 Boxster! Become the one with three pedals. The automatic version is not adept for your sports car brownie and my eighty-twelvemonth-old mother drives one! Someone did write and complain that the 986 automobile was a good car and tin be fabricated to change gear rapidly with the manual buttons. Aye, no. Come ride with me in a 986 with manual trans and I'll prove yous what I mean! The car version is….. deadening – sorry. That'south peachy if you want dull, but not me!
So, if you're in the market for ownership a used Porsche Boxster what should you be paying attending to before you commit to purchase?
Await Out For These Potential Mechanical Bug
IMS Bearing – Cars Up to 2006
The M96 range of Porsche engines fitted to the 911 and Boxster upwardly to 2006 had a catastrophic engine failure associated with the intermediate shaft begetting or IMS. At the end of the intermediate shaft connecting both ends of the timing chain mechanisms, a low toll, self-lubricated ball bearing style bearing was installed – think of it similar a wheel bearing. Like wheel bearings, the IMS life is limited and it tin come autonomously causing significant damage around the engine.
Much hype has been associated with this potential failure by people who have to gain from information technology, yet the anecdotal evidence shows less than 5% of the bearings neglect. Porsche shipped approx. 77,000 vehicles to the USA that could have a bad IMS bearing. Even the most enthusiastic counting of IMS failures produces a total around 3500 or less than v%. This ways in that location are more than than 73,000 vehicles that haven't had the problem yet or take been retrofit with a newer begetting.
The M96 engine cars congenital up to 2000 are less susceptible to the failure than the later ones. The early cars were fitted with a dual row begetting that was more than reliable then the later single row bearing fitted to the M96 engine after 2000.
Failure is expensive and usually results in engine replacement. Most diligent owners opted to preempt the failure and replace the Porsche single row bearing with an LN dual row version. Cars that have had the IMS begetting replaced have a higher value than ones that haven't. And then, replacing the bearing usually brings non only peace of listen, but a fiscal return when you sell the machine.
If the begetting has been replaced, there will be a sticker and serial number of the bearing in the engine lid. All the bearings are serial numbered and recorded with LN Engineering. If the bearing has been replaced in a manual motorcar, you should expect to come across that the clutch was replaced at the same time.
Don't panic if the bearing hasn't been replaced – reduce the cost of the car in negotiation and allow nigh $3K for doing the work. Again, despite the hype, less than five% fail – all you need do is find a local Independent Porsche repair shop that can retrofit the IMS bearing for you.
Overheating – Croaky Cylinder Liners – 986 & 987
The M96 and M97 flat 6 engines fitted in the 986 and 987 Boxster are subject to cracks in the liners of the cylinders. Each cylinder bore in the case half is lined with a one-slice sleeve or liner. The liner material is dissimilar from the surrounding example one-half and sometimes cracks can appear.
Results from a crack vary, merely typically the about common is coolant loss with subsequent engine overheating. Sometimes, a scissure in the cylinder liner tin can take a considerable amount of running time to fully open and cause problems. Commencement, notation the coolant level when the engine is cold. Have your fourth dimension here – yous want to drive the car for 30 mins.
After driving the auto let it sit and idle. The front radiator fans should come on and the engine should maintain a steady temp. If the engine continues to warm and will eventually overheat, walk abroad.
Plough off and take a look at the coolant level – it should have risen and exist falling back toward the cold level. If the level has gone down or is still at the cold level, there could exist a small-scale coolant loss through a cracked liner. The trained nose tin can smell coolant from the exhaust when the engine is running.
A coolant sample should exist free from oil or debris. Let it sit and split if necessary. Just don't open up the cap when the engine is hot! A Porsche repair shop can definitely aid here.
Cylinder Scoring – The Deadly Knocking Noise – 986 & 987
Lift the car and take a listen from beneath while the engine is running. You might need a repair store to do that for you. You'll hear the M96 and M97 apartment 6 engine in the Boxster brand a consequent ticking sound. Much of this is the proximity of your ear to the valve train and the frazzle headers. However, there is a distinctly different sound that identifies with a particular issue that you don't want to hear.
These engines are famed for cylinder scoring – deep gouges in the cylinder liner, usually associated with a knocking noise and somewhen catastrophic engine failure. The root crusade of this result is open to discussion, however, wear in the piston rings and liners causes the piston to wobble. The wobble occurs at the bottom of the stroke and results in the piston skirt dragging against the cylinder wall thereby scoring the liner.
The sound your listening for is non a tick; it's a rhythmic knock and usually shows upwardly start on the passenger depository financial institution of the apartment six engines – although, information technology tin can appear on any cylinder. The rhythmic knock is the piston changing position at the bottom of the stroke and hit the liner. In many cases, even with the caput off the engine, the scoring cannot be seen until the piston is removed – it tin can be way downwardly at the bottom of the cylinder below the everyman signal the rings meet the walls. Sometimes information technology can be seen by scoping down the spark plug tube, only the best view without disassembling the engine, comes from removing the oil pan and scoping from the within.
The only way out of this is an engine rebuild – So, avoid this auto.
Cam to Creepo Timing Deviation – All Chassis
Timing is everything; especially in comedy and engines! The opening and closing of valves, the piston rising and falling in the cylinder and a spark are required at precise times during an engine rotation. The major moving parts are connected by chains and these ensure the relationship between those moving parts is maintained regardless of the rotational speed. The rotation is measured in degrees of a total circle. So, for example, at degree naught; piston 1 should be at the pinnacle of the cylinder and the intake and exhaust valves closed. This is known every bit acme dead middle or TDC.
Naturally over time, the components supporting those timing chains will wear – the chain itself, guide track, tensioners etc. will all wear and crusade a departure in the precise timing angles between camshafts and crankshaft. The engine direction system is measuring the angles in every rotation and within a range of angles, can adapt the timing of fuel commitment and spark to compensate for article of clothing changes. Still, extended wear tin produce an angle outside of the allowed deviation range and a fault status will exist gear up.
The earlier Boxster experienced issues with stretching timing chains and meaning wear on the timing guide rail. This caused a nasty rattle at startup and generally set up faults during dispatch. Most of these bug were corrected in afterwards cars, but during the life of an engine you should expect that these vital timing components will wear.
You demand a clear picture of where the used vehicle you advise to purchase is in this vesture process. A competent Porsche repair shop tin tell yous what the departure angle between the cam and crank is during a used car inspection. This is a simple read from a diagnostic device and a articulate indicator as to the health of the engine timing.
The alter in angle will affect performance and is almost certainly non something you could pick upward on during a test drive of an unfamiliar car. Replacing the chains, guides and tensioners to correct this problem is not an cheap proposition – it is however, relatively straightforward if your budget allows.
Mistake Codes and Over-Revs – All Chassis
Earlier buying any motorcar, it is essential to be certain when the last fourth dimension the engine management fault codes were cleared and to check the status of the emission monitors. It'south not difficult for a seller to clear the faults merely earlier you make it to test drive. Clearing the engine faults likewise resets the emissions monitor arrangement to a state of "not fix." Emission monitor tests ofttimes occur over multiple drive cycles and subsequently a reset, faults may not return for a significant number of miles. Again, this is easy for a competent shop to cheque or indeed the DIYer using a handheld scanner.
How difficult has the auto been driven? Taking the engine to the red line for RPM is a proficient matter, simply going over the carmine line obviously tin can cause damage. A gear change at red line will really cause the revs to increase slightly momentarily – nothing bad here. But, if y'all select the incorrect gear, the engine revs to go mode over the red line. This is the famous "miss-shift" that has caused many engine explosions.
Thankfully, Porsche engine management records many things and one of the most significant is known as an over-rev situation. Data is permanently stored within the ECU showing running hours and when engine events occurred. There are vi levels of over-revs recorded ranging from the engine being red-lined through to what would exist a potentially catastrophically high RPM event. Events in the first category suggests the car has been properly exercised, but events in the higher categories could be hiding a potential life shortening engine event.
Many Porsche owners like to go to rails days. On the track, gear changes volition occur right around the rpm maximum cerise line. These events will be recorded if they reach the lower levels of the over rev counter. Multiple recorded events in the lower over-rev categories could be a sign of how much track time the machine has experienced.
We recommend you use the aid of a Porsche Repair Store to read this information and give you an assessment.
Oil Leaks – All Chassis
There are some mutual areas where oil leaks occur on the Boxster engine. Most are easily fixed and are part of the normal wear and tear process. I of the most common areas for an oil leak is the engine rear main seal. Meet our common problems page for more data. Leaking oil used to just be seen as a annoying stain on the driveway and a potential fire chance. However, modern cars feature many electronic engine management systems that tin can potentially be severely damaged by oil ingress.
Oil leaks should not exist a barrier to buy, merely they should be considered in terms of the purchase price – what appears to be a minor oil leak could turn into an expensive job. Again, this is where a competent shop should exist able to accurately asses and relay the price of an oil leak repair.
Air Oil Separator
An integral part of the emissions system, the Air Oil Separator (AOS) is designed to extract oil from gases in the crankcase, recycle the oil to the sump and transport the gas through the combustion path to exist burnt and cleaned by the catalytic converters. The AOS has caused numerous bug on Porsche engines.
Every bit the membrane in the AOS fails, oil is sucked into the air intake. Initially this can show up as a bank check engine light for fuel adaptations and the oil can be deposited on the o2 sensors and cause emission faults. Of class, once information technology fails completely and oil is sucked into the intake, the resultant huge clouds of white smoke are fairly obvious. At that indicate, it'southward articulate what needs to exist washed. Nonetheless, replacing the aos sooner, rather than later, is a good precaution.
A failing aos is the likely cause of rear main seal failure, every bit it is in other VAG cars. Crankcase gas is not extracted well plenty, pressure builds in the case under dispatch and escapes out of the rear main seal causing seal failure and the resultant oil leak. A failing aos also causes oil pass into the intake and volition cause the engine management to adjust fuel mixtures. The irresolute mixture tin cause over fueling and atomic number 82 to other more significant problems.
Check to come across when the last replacement of the AOS was completed on the automobile you lot plan to buy. If there is no tape, programme to supersede information technology as a precaution.
Soft Summit – All Chassis
Make sure you lot spend time checking the operation of the roof to ensure it goes up and down smoothly. Many of the known issues with the opening & closing mechanism should accept been resolved during the previous possessor's time. About of the summit bug are usually simple and inexpensive to fix, merely can be annoying if you only find them when you lot want to drop the top on your commencement sunny solar day.
Porsche revised the mechanism that operates the superlative a few times during the life of the Boxster. Older original versions of the mechanism have parts that cannot be serviced. They need to be replaced with the entire revised system. Worth checking the history on the machine to see if whatsoever piece of work on the summit has been recorded.
Chiefly, look for signs of leaks from the roof into the motel. Look behind the seats in item. The rear roof drains can get blocked by leaves and droppings over time. This results in rainwater dripping into an expanse of the cabin in which electronic control units are located. Information technology is unproblematic enough to keep the drains clear, but declining to exercise so can exist an expensive and annoying oversight.
If the top has the plastic rear window, don't be surprised to see this fogged. Check carefully for signs of cracks or degrading of the stitching around this window. This can exist fixed relatively simply past a competent upholstery store.
Bodywork – All Chassis
Corrosion is a rare particular on the bodywork of the Porsche Boxster. Vehicles in the Midwest tin can exhibit some degrading of the lower panels if they have been subjected to route chemicals. Still, well-nigh Porsche owners store their cars over the winter to avert this. The bodywork of the Boxster 986 should be in perfect condition – in many cases the paint will take faded. Make friends with a good detailer who can do some paint restoration for you.
Suspension and Tires – All Chassis
The suspension on the Boxster is very solid. Naturally, over time and mileage wearable tin can occur in plastic or rubber bushings that aid to cushion the ride. Listen out for squeaks or clunks over bumps and bank check for leaks from the suspension struts.
Worn suspension components typically exhibit some noise and will show up as uneven tire vesture. Cheque the tires thoroughly for smooth wear patterns and pay attending to the tire DOT date. This is the engagement the tires were manufactured and you lot'll want to see a date that is no more than 5 years earlier. Depression mileage cars in detail have this problem – the tires do not experience wear because of the lack of mileage. Notwithstanding, tires accept a shelf life and will degrade while they sit down; lots of tread doesn't always hateful a healthy tire. Despite the tread remaining, a tire that is more than than 5 years former could rapidly degrade or fail when you're driving.
On whatever Porsche, make sure you become under the car and have a skillful expect at the inner shoulders of the tires – this is the most common place for extreme habiliment and the most likely to be missed by a walk round the exterior.
Transmission & Clutch – All Chassis
The transmission and automatic transmissions on the Boxster are mostly highly reliable. Both should change gear smoothly and without any hesitation. The auto transmission can be scanned for faults merely rarely has issues. Fluid services tin can be performed on both transmissions and the duration of the fourth dimension interval is quite high. Look for previous indications this has been done or understand where the motorcar is in terms of fourth dimension related fluid changes for the manual. Typically, issues with the automated manual commonly spell replacement – not cheap!
How long does a clutch last?
The reply depends on who is driving the machine! Nosotros've seen customers destroy a clutch in 15K miles and we've also seen many that accept more than 100K miles on them. Vesture on the Boxster clutch should exist very noticeable. Engine revs will increase while the machine does not advance. This is commonly associated with a nasty burning aroma. A slipping clutch spells problem.
When the clutch slips it very quickly does damage to the flywheel. Replacing the flywheel on the Boxster is simple during the clutch piece of work, merely typically adds $700 to the overall price in parts solitary! Check the used Boxster you lot plan to purchase for clutch replacement history and plan to have to practice the piece of work at some point in the future.
Brakes – All Chassis
The brakes on the Boxster are generally excellent. Brake pad material does dethrone over time, then again on depression mileage examples cheque to run into when the final brake service was performed. The brake fluid should exist changed every few years regardless of mileage. Again, a competent shop should be able to measure the wet content in the brake fluid and recommend the next flush interval. If in doubt, flush the fluid.
Wait for new pads on onetime rotors. Both the pads and rotors should ever be changed at the aforementioned fourth dimension. Used car centers are famed for only replacing the pads on old rotors and challenge the auto has new brakes. At that place should be a wear lip on the rotor and the size of that lip volition make up one's mind how much mileage remains. Worn rotors crack or disintegrate which can exist particularly unpleasant when driving!
Coolant radiators and air-conditioning condensers – All Chassis
The design of the Boxster has the placement of the coolant radiators and air-conditioning condensers low down in the front bumper. The position and open vent nature of the design leaves them not only susceptible to stone impacts, but likewise to corrosion due to the buildup of droppings and dirt that is stuck close to the side of the radiators.
These front ducts demand to exist cleaned out regularly or protected by an aftermarket screen. The front bumper has to exist removed to reach the radiators and most owners never do it.
Accept a flash light and wait closely to see whether the front air intakes are full of rotting leaves and droppings when you inspect the Boxster. Damaged or corroded coolant radiators and AC condensers cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Check the AC works and expect for signs of a dry white powder stain under the bumper comprehend – this is a telltale sign of a modest coolant leak.
Exhaust and Catalytic Converters – 986 – 987
The exhaust on the older Boxster is now starting to show upwards as an effect. Cracks in the exhaust manifolds are condign more mutual. Oftentimes the crack is after the collector and in the main pipe ahead of the catalytic converter. Replacement of the header section is required.
For the older Boxster, Porsche does non provide the exhaust header parts whatever more, so aftermarket replacement is the simply pick. The same is true for the catalytic converter sections, which over time will need to be replaced to maintain emission standards. Often the catalytic converters degrade internally and will fall apart. This can atomic number 82 to a nasty rattle or worse a blocked exhaust – this is to be avoided if at all possible.
Hullo or Good Buy
The older Boxster is an excellent way to enter the Porsche ownership earth for easy money. Ownership allows you access to the PCA regions around the state and can turn you lot into an enthusiast, without breaking the depository financial institution! The Boxster is very pretty and a fun car, so await past the sparkle and practice your research. Uncovering a expert one as they historic period is not ever simple, only they can be tremendous fun to own for a relatively small investment. Later on versions, such as the 981, remain extremely strong cars and enjoy relatively few bug.
We strongly recommend making friends at your local Independent Porsche repair shop.
Source: https://www.pcarwise.com/local-help/used-porsche-buyers-guide/buying-a-used-porsche-boxster/
Posted by: mcclurecirt1946.blogspot.com
0 Response to "Should I Spend A Lot Of Money Fixing My 2000 Porsche Boxster"
Post a Comment