I'm joining the club.....

[tah]

Here's the car I decided to buy. Looked all over about a 150 mile radius from home. Found lots of curb rash, split leather, door dings, wreck repairs...etc....

Highly optioned cars, S models, non S, looked at up to year 93 models (budget).

Found this cherry in my backyard! 97 two owner, 42K miles (4200/year), two options, 16" rims and metallic paint.

This car truly looks like it's been off the showroom for 3 ~ 4 months. Always garage kept and purrs like a kitten.

It goes in for the PPI Wednesday and then it'll be mine unless they find something significant.

My advice to all looking, don't give up and don't settle, keep going they're out there!

Edited September 17, 2007 by tah

[70Sixter]

Congratulations and Welcome. Hope PPI goes well. Enjoy the car!

[cvhs18472]

Good for you. I also looked for a long time and now have a real joy. If possible, please find as much pleasure in yours as I have found in mine. Good Luck, Ed

[Loren]

:welcome:

[seafeye]

:welcome:

When your friends tell you that you bought the "Poor Man's Porsche", show them

all the 996 part numbers all over the car.

You are the smart one for buying a 911 for a 986 price.

Congrats...

[gaspasser19]

:welcome:

When your friends tell you that you bought the "Poor Man's Porsche", show them

all the 996 part numbers all over the car.

You are the smart one for buying a 911 for a 986 price.

Congrats...

Did that engine you replaced have a 996 part # too? :huh: You should brush that chip off your shoulder.

[Chris_in_NH]

Here's the car I decided to buy...

cool, congrats!

i think you'll eventually want the 17" or 18" wheels. IMHO, the Boxster looks much better with larger wheels. i would keep the 16" wheels for winter (you'll need to put winter wheels on them) and look for a used set of 17"s (or 18"s).

Porsche recommended against 18" wheels on the '97 models because supposedly the suspension wasn't strong enough, but '98s and later years can run 18"s without risk. however, many people with '97s run 18"s (even 19"s) without problems. i think the only real risk is if you are racing a 97 with 18"s. you can read a little about it here. http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=11627

since you'll be buying a Boxster, you'll want to take a look at this site. a gentleman by the name of Mike Focke has put together an EXCELLENT Boxster buying guide. it will help you as far as knowing what to look for during the PPI, as well as a ton of other useful information. his site also has tips for mods, hacks and maintenance. BOOKMARK IT - you will need it! ;) http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/mikespor...boxsterwebpages

as far as the 'two options', I think those are standard options, and your car certainly has more. look under the front trunk hood for a square white sticker with lots of (option) codes on it. here is an option decoder for at least 97/98 models. http://www.986faq.com/4-0/options.asp

the Boxster FAQ site is also a great resource, especially for new Boxster owners. http://www.986faq.com/default.asp

http://www.ppbb.com is another Boxster enthusiast site that you might like, and is great for help, questions, etc. the format is very different compared to most other BBSes.

i have a '97 as well, so if you have any questions feel free to PM me anytime...

enjoy!

[seafeye]

:welcome:

When your friends tell you that you bought the "Poor Man's Porsche", show them

all the 996 part numbers all over the car.

You are the smart one for buying a 911 for a 986 price.

Congrats...

Did that engine you replaced have a 996 part # too? :huh: You should brush that chip off your shoulder.

Hey there's no chip...

I have owned a 1972 911, 1993 RS America, 1995 993 Cab and now the 986 (And a BMW 330CIC, Still need a 4 seater!)

Got a lot less speeding tickets with the boxster and love it like all the rest.

And yes the 986 motor has many 996 part numbers on it. Porsche didn't

become the most profitable car maker in the world for nothing.

Maybe people who bought the 911 are subsidizing boxster owners?

Same car less money!

[tah]

Chris_in_NH,

Thanks for the info. I've been to the sites you listed before I opened this thread and they're all excellent sources. I've been lurking here (and elsewhere) awhile now.

I agree on the wheels, but that will have to wait for a little time to pass. Looked at an 01 with the 18" sport wheels and it drove great. Should for a $4100+ option!

As for the "lots" of options you mention, in my case I don't think so. Also the 986faq doesn't seem to have them all.

And I can't find the paint code listed anywhere either.

Here's a shot of my sticker, any help appreciated.

Paint code: L84S?????

The only option I know for sure is the C02 = US Emissions

Tim

Also the PM offer....much appreciated!

[mikefocke]

273 - heated mirrors

329 - CDR 210 Radio

441 prepared for radio

those were stock wheels, this is what I'd consider a base car (nothing wrong with that at the right price). My '99 had 18 option codes, for example.

[tah]

mikefocke......

Thanks, I knew it was a stripper and I'm okay with that. Actually chose this one over an 01 with $11,300+ of options.

Why? Because this one is darn near perfect!

Any help on that paint code?

[Cassiebox]

You are correct, paint code is L84S.

The touch up paint I rec'd from paintscratch.com is a perfect match. Enjoy and congrats:

[Loren]

L84S = Arena Red Pearl (97-99)

[tah]

Thanks everyone.............

One quick question, here in Virginia we have front license plates mandatory.

My local dealer (#$%@^@*'n thieves), wants $50 for the bracket, mount, bolts....etc

Anyone know of a reasonably priced alternative?

Tim

[Loren]

Try Sunset Imports (Porsche Parts at Dealer Cost - link at top of page)

[CJ_Boxster]

Can someone tell me what options i have, my sticker is alittle faded.

[Topless]

Very nice car! I too chose a simple roadster with few options that was very well cared for after looking at a lot of newer, heavily optioned, damaged, beat on cars.

Enjoy!

CJ,

Look here for your options:

http://www.986faq.com/4-0/options.asp

[tah]

newer, heavily optioned, damaged, beat on cars.

Well said, I saw a LOT of these. One dealer called me back about two S's he had that were rough.

I told him that the PO's either did not care about the cars or didn't have the money to take care of them, but neither situation held any appeal for me.

I look at it this way. A highly optioned car is nice but more expensive. If it's not clean then I have to spend even more money to bring it to my standards (which are pretty high).

I don't need memory seats, I can buy bigger wheels and even Porsche's "best" stereo......I will replace. I'm kind of an audio nut and like my sounds full range and distortion free. Almost have never heard this in a factory system. I'm sure the Mark Levinson in the Lexus would be one exception or maybe the Harmon Kardon systems (can't remember who's using them).

It's gotta be clean, to get my green!