Advice Requested On Boxster Purchase

[aspenac]

I'm in the market for a Boxster/Boxster S and wanted find out if there are any specific problems with Boxsters that I should be aware of. I'm looking primarily for a Boxster S between 2000 and 2003. Are there any particular year models that I should avoid due to major mechanical problems? Are there certain year models that are more reliable?

The other question I had is are they fairly dependable or are they a lot of up keep? Like most exotics, I wouldn't expect them to be as dependable as say your typical Japanese car, but I don't want a car that spends more time in the shop than on the road.

Any advice or tips anyone could offer would be most appreciated!

Thanks!

[Stryke]

If you're buying and keeping it I would go with a 2000 Boxster S. You will pay less and take less of a hit on resale when the new shape comes out for 2005. I think that 2000+ were alot better than the 1997-1999 2.5L models as far as reliability.

[adsach]

Reliability on the Boxster is above average(for all makes of cars).

A 2002 is warranted for 2 more years - a 2000 is going out(or already out) of warrantee. These cars are good enogh that I wouldn't hesitate to spend $3000-5000 less for a 2000 than a 2002 - then again, I plan to keep my Boxster for 10-30 more years.

The only reason I would chose a 97-99 2.5L is as a platform for a 3.4L engine swap. The handling is sweet on all Boxsters, but the engine needs more grunt. Heck, My 02S needs more grunt :)

The Boxster S comes with better brakes as well as 50 more HP than the 2.7L base Boxster. The brakes on the S are so good, that I use stock pads at the track for DE with no noticable fade. The S gets worse mileage(13-18?) than the base Boxster (16-22?), but it uses the gas up more enthusiastically.

Expect to be buying premium gas, oil and tires. 13 quarts of synthetic oil (in the S) costs a minimum of $65 for a doit yourself oil change, $125+ at the dealer.

I'm a fan of the factory 030 suspension upgrade or the new PSS9 aftermarket springs.

18" wheels are great for California and the west, they ride pretty rough on the east coast potholes.

I'm a believer in PSM(Porsche Stability Management) unless you have previous experience in a Viper, Porsche Turbo, BMW M series, late model Corvette, or some other moderately light weight muscle car. Most boxsters did not come with PSM.

When I bought my Boxster I thought I was buying just another convertible - it is truly amazing how this car turns a driver into an enthusiast! I never expected I would take this car to the race track - but I did it 4 times. I never expected to drive in speeds over 130 MPH - but I have done it countless times. I have probably been grinning and smiling over 30,000 of my 33,000 miles with this car.

Enjoy your experience!

[thelion]

It's a great car and more reliable than most. The problem areas I've experienced so far are the top mechanism, a click in the steering and the trunk lid release button popping off and disappearing. My car is under warranty but I bet the top and steering fixes would be expensive.

If reliability or gas mileage were the primary criteria you probably would've purchased a Honda Accord with a four cylinder, but you sound like you want a sports car.

If you're considering the Boxster as a sports car, or even a sports car that also needs to be a daily driver, you couldn't have picked a better car to learn to drive quickly with. The Boxster's handling is terrific, it's pretty much vice free, and while it won't beat a Corvette in a pure acceleration contest, a Boxster will out accelerate most cars.

If you start bringing your car to the track, and I'm in the camp of thought that all Porsche should be, you're progressively going to become a quicker driver and you'll want brake upgrades. I have the 355mm Brembos, they're awesome. If I were going to do it all over again I'd probably upgrade at least the front brakes first, then start doing engine mods, the stock brakes on both the 2.7 and 3.2 are OK for street use but if you track the car they really aren't enough.

Anyway, don't analyze it too much or you won't buy one. Just buy the newest one you can afford and if possible, get it with a warranty. Ciao!