2003 986 Boxster 2.7 for 9k?

[DocSteve]

Hi,

I'm trying to convince my old man to buy a relatively cheap Boxster - he's retired, in remission from a nasty illness and wants a soft top sports car as a second vehicle and a bit of fun. He's not interested in major performance and he won't be driving it, err, like I would.

We had a look at a few today - some at Junction 17 nr Peterborough: these were ok but scanty history and a few things turned me off. However, we came across a slightly dearer one (9.5k) at a Jaguar main agent. This was taken in as a p/ex but they thought it was good enough to put on their forecourt with a year main dealer warranty. It's a basic 2003 silver / black leather model but looks very well looked after with 52k on the clock. It sounded good when started from cold and I couldn't see anything on basic inspection that would be an issue, other than the rear tyres being at 3mm.

Do you think this is well over the odds for the car? I've had a look around online and prices seem quite variable, but I'm tempted by the main agent warranty and the full Porsche history.

Any other tips appreciated!

Thanks
Steve

[edc]

IMO its at least £1k over priced. Last week I test drove and checked over a 2001 Boxster S with good papers and history, 12 months MOT, 2 brand new tyres, new front brakes, new rads, from a Porsche sales specialist, buyer known to me and paid £7.9k. It is in fantastic condition and I was almost jealous comparing it to my own car.

[mollytherocker]

What does the main dealer warranty actually cover? That's important.

[DocSteve]

mollytherocker said:

What does the main dealer warranty actually cover? That's important.

Looks very comprehensive - up to the purchase price of the vehicle, anything other than consumables and damage resulting from misuse, wrong fuel and water ingress (which I guess could be an issue on a Boxster).

[Hilux2400]

If he's in remission, and I wish him a full recovery, worry is something he does not want. Whilst a Porsche is a delight to drive (speaking as an owner) a good Mazda MX5 or Toyota MR2 are also a great fun vehicles and almost bomb proof. However, in my experience, I think older Porsche water cooled vehicles exist in three states:

1 Leaking fluid

2 Just finished leaking fluid

3 About to start leaking fluid

That's not to say that the Porsche would not be the right vehicle for him at this time. However, good reliability causes a great deal less stress.

H

[996TT02]

I do also seriously think that an MX-5 may be more appropriate.

Mine is a 1991 model and all I have ever done is replace the clutch and brake pads and a set of discs once. 65k on it and it also sometimes sits for months without being used.

Oh and I remember I once replaced the thermostat.

[DocSteve]

MX-5 is certainly another option. He does think the Boxster looks better and we both agree it's a better car. However, the MX-5 may tick most of the boxes for a lot less hassle.

Thanks for the replies so far.

[Tib]

I've just bought a 2000 W-Reg 986S for £6,400. The car has 52,000 miles on and has a specialist service history. Even considering that this was a private sale, you can, certainly buy cheaper. If I were you I'd be looking at between £7-8k for a 2.7 from a dealer. Ensure the warranty is extensive - some of these garages have a warranty which will only pay out a maximum of £1,000 over the life of the policy. If the IMS bearing goes or something similar, that £1,000 won't help you out much. If you can, buy from a known specialist or buy an owners club car with the vulnerable parts already uprated if you want an easy life.

MX-5s are the reliable choice. I had a 90s shape MR-2 previously; I'd steer clear. Excellent driving experience but about as reliable as a Nigerian prince.

[tr7v8]

Now had a Boxster for a year, a 2000 3.2S with 80K miles, had one Major service with my local OPC & a recent Tip fluid change at OPC as well. We also have an early Eunos as my wife's car. The two are just not comparable. The Box is very quick, rides & handles beautifully. The Eunos is nothing like as quick, yes it is reliable but not the experience that the Box is. Do I worry about the Boxsters reliability, no. At some point in the future mine will have a new IMS bearing & at the same time a new RMS which weeps a little. I don't run it on dishwater Mobil 1 oil & once warm drive it hard, these should negate the IMS & bore score issue, which don't affect that many cars anyway.

The 2.7 is less prone to the issues anyway.9k is strong money even for a well warranted car, I'd say 7.5-8K would be better.

[DocSteve]

Well he went for this beast in the end, for 8k. Seemed like a decent car with a good history, plus the vendors seemed to know their stuff and were into Porsches and motorsport - which went down well with me. He's gone for a warranty direct securelite policy on it for some extra piece of mind.

http://www.premiercars-peterborough.co.uk/used/por...

[BertBert]

Hilux2400 said:

However, in my experience, I think older Porsche water cooled vehicles exist in three states:

1 Leaking fluid

2 Just finished leaking fluid

3 About to start leaking fluid

bks

[ALM11]

So much car for the money.
I wish him the best of times with it....he has a Porsche!!

[Actus Reus]

ALM11 said:

So much car for the money.
I wish him the best of times with it....he has a Porsche!!

This.

There's a lot of nay-sayers about, but you only live once, and it's not mega-money you're risking here so, as long as he can afford it, why the hell not? Car looks good enough in the pics, so all the best with it I say.