Boxster 987.1 Purchase Advice

[Muzzer79]

Hi

I've been on the lookout for a second car for some time and a Boxster has been high up on my list.

I'm new to potential Porsche ownership, indeed I'm new to second car ownership - having not been in this (fortunate) position before.

I'm seeking the best car I can get, obviously and in my mind have settled on a 987.1 - probably a 2.7 Manual.

Being a second car that's used as a toy, this is a driving tool so I'm not fussed about spec as I would be in a daily driver - Bose, heated seats and other such trinkets are fairly immaterial - this is a summer-only weekend toy so it's all about driving experience

Trouble I'm having is sourcing a good one. I want to spend sub-£10k and there's cars about at that money but I'm reluctant to buy privately as I'm nervous about potential issues that I wouldn't pick up.

Can anyone recommend specialists dealing in cars at this level?
Or a reputable expert who can do pre-purchase inspections?

Any other buying advice other than the usual what-to-look-for?

[nutsyH]

Stretch your budget and go for a 987.2

[SV_WDC]

There are some guys that will travel to do a PDI with written report. No experience of any myself but looking on FB groups and/or internet searches for reviews might be an indicator

Beyond that, a number of the Porsche specialists can do an inspection at their workshop to give an indication of the quality; they are normally the 111 point check.

Check the Pistonheads & PCGB buyers guides for these cars which will be able to indicate the main things to look for at whatever the mileage/age of the cars are. Some you'll be able to gleam from the MOT history

[CanAm]

Muzzer79 said:

Hi

I've been on the lookout for a second car for some time and a Boxster has been high up on my list.

I'm new to potential Porsche ownership, indeed I'm new to second car ownership - having not been in this (fortunate) position before.

I'm seeking the best car I can get, obviously and in my mind have settled on a 987.1 - probably a 2.7 Manual.

Being a second car that's used as a toy, this is a driving tool so I'm not fussed about spec as I would be in a daily driver - Bose, heated seats and other such trinkets are fairly immaterial - this is a summer-only weekend toy so it's all about driving experience

Trouble I'm having is sourcing a good one. I want to spend sub-£10k and there's cars about at that money but I'm reluctant to buy privately as I'm nervous about potential issues that I wouldn't pick up.

Can anyone recommend specialists dealing in cars at this level?
Or a reputable expert who can do pre-purchase inspections?

Any other buying advice other than the usual what-to-look-for?

Definitely go for a manual; the 987.1 had the old Tiptronic box which is nowhere near as good as the PDK transmission in the 987.2.
On the other hand, if you're not too fussy, the Tiptronic cars should be cheaper

[simonsti]

My daughter has 2008 2.7 sport edition, she bought private, I would say go for it as they are great cars.

[Boy0]

I bought a 2005 guards red 987 2.7 manual from Flat Six Classics in Devon. They have a selection of 986's and 987's and Sean the owner is a really great guy to deal with. Whilst he is a dealer you do get piece of mind and a warranty.

[s10mph]

Its going to be tough to find a sub £10k 987.1 that doesnt have problems such as bore score or ims bearing problems. If your going to buy private, make sure there's no blue smoke from the exhaust after a long test drive. engine needs to be hot before smoke shows its ugly face.

[edc]

s10mph said:

Its going to be tough to find a sub £10k 987.1 that doesnt have problems such as bore score or ims bearing problems. If your going to buy private, make sure there's no blue smoke from the exhaust after a long test drive. engine needs to be hot before smoke shows its ugly face.

Not really because none of the 987.1 Boxsters have a high risk of bore scoring. Similarly IMS bearing can be an issue but isn't super common to go wrong. Probably more likely to experience timing chain issue on a regular BMW.

[Popolou]

OP, been a few threads specifically on this with many pages to each that you should take a moment to read through and all of which within the last two months. For my bit, my advice would be that if you find you can stretch to a 3.2l, the MY06 from engine No. 62504095 onwards is known to be the ones which Porsche fixed before they moved to the 3.4 lump.

[andygo]

edc said:

Not really because none of the 987.1 Boxsters have a high risk of bore scoring. Similarly IMS bearing can be an issue but isn't super common to go wrong. Probably more likely to experience timing chain issue on a regular BMW.

My 987.1 developed high oil consumption. Autofarm, a highly respected Porsche specialist checked out my engine for scoring and it came back with a clen bill of health, evidenced by the photos they provided.

My conclusion was that the bores had become ovalised and so had developed a taste for oil.

Buy a 987.2 is my advice.

[and31]

Popolou said:

OP, been a few threads specifically on this with many pages to each that you should take a moment to read through and all of which within the last two months. For my bit, my advice would be that if you find you can stretch to a 3.2l, the MY06 from engine No. 62504095 onwards is known to be the ones which Porsche fixed before they moved to the 3.4 lump.

I’d definitely look for a late 3.2 S.

[Mark-ri571]

Make sure you get one with the lower VED.
An informative watch:
https://youtu.be/V9EiIXah8dk?si=n2jelXR656uyn-0t

[jimmy p]

The other safer option is the 2.7 Model year 2007-2008 as they have a better ims bearing and qualifies for cheaper road tax.

[and31]

jimmy p said:

The other safer option is the 2.7 Model year 2007-2008 as they have a better ims bearing and qualifies for cheaper road tax.

If it’s a six speed manual 2.7 it’s not cheaper tax as I recall. £735 a year!!