New member, new owner of '97

[twoburgers]

1997 Boxster 2.5 tip, w/ 16" wheels - 1,206 miles (still smells new)

Guards Red w/ black leather, traction, heated seats

Given the low miles (garaged and no rain), I plan to have the brake fluid flushed and change the motor oil along with the filter. The oil has been changed once - in 2004. RMS weeps - will watch it. The trans was removed and sent to Atlanta for service (plasitc piece siezed?). I understand all fluids and gaskets were replaced in the trans at that time. Also plan to replace wipers (if needed) and the engine and cabin filters just because they are so old. The tires look OK. Everything appears to work. Is there anything else I should be looking or listening for? As my garage is filled with stuff, the car will remain covered outside. I plan to use it when the weather is nice. I have not checked the top cables (for 3/4" end length) yet. I should mention I already broke the air inlet "grill" trying to de-snorkel (part is on the way...). Rather than try to mod the heck out of this one, I think I am going to leave it stock and save for a new S (some day...). Appreciate the comments - this site has been helpful so far.

Chris

Richmond, VA

Edited April 5, 2008 by twoburgers

[Tool Pants]

Take the plastic off the seats and steering wheel and drive it....

[twoburgers]

Take the plastic off the seats and steering wheel and drive it....

Now I'm pissed, the orig owner didn't give me those... :D

[kbrandsma]

Welcome, I purchased mine in July 07. The previous owner had only driven it 100 miles in the past 2 years. I noticed that at about 80 mph there is a slight shimmy. I think the tires will eventually need to be replaced. I'm going to try and have them re-balanced first and see if that helps. Good luck and welcome again!

[Chris_in_NH]

wow. i can't believe someone would buy a car and let it sit, virtually un-used for 11 years. that is shameful.

hopefully you will use the car as intended. ;)

below are a number of very helpful Boxster sites that contain TONS of information, and answers to most of the frequently-asked questions. you will want to 'bookmark' (if you are using the Firefox browser) or 'add to Favorites' (if you are using the Internet Explorer browser) these sites so you don't have to type the address every time you want to visit them. here are the sites:

http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/mikespor...boxsterwebpages

http://www.986faq.com/

http://boxster.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page

http://www.pelicanparts.com/PartsLookup/HT...USA_KATALOG.htm (this is a visual parts catalog where you can look at diagrams of parts and ballpark prices for those parts)

http://www.ppbb.com is another great Boxster forum that you will want to join. most people here are also members at PPBB (Porsche Pete's Boxster Board).

http://www.bombaydigital.com/boxster/projects/ (this link contains detailed instructions with pictures on how to change your brake pads, rotors, power window motor, and many other helpful projects)

some of the best (and cheapest) parts suppliers are:

Sunset Imports in Oregon http://www.sunsetimports.com

Suncoast Porsche in Florida http://www.suncoastporsche.com

AutohausAZ in Arizona http://www.autohausAZ.com

you will want to avoid buying any parts from your local dealer unless you absolutely need to in an emergency situation. dealers for the most part are extremely overpriced. although Sunset Imports and Suncoast Porsche are dealers, they have an Internet sales business that allows them to sell parts for much less than what they would charge at the parts counter.

for Auto Care, Waxes, Polishes, etc., you will want to visit (and bookmark) these sites. of course there are plenty more suppliers, but here are two good ones.

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/

http://www.griotsgarage.com/

for any and every cheap tool, http://www.harborfreight.com is one of the best.

good luck!

[rsfeller]

1200 or 12000 miles? either way that is seriously low. Keep and eye on the RMS leak for sure, if that goes you are SOL!

That is a shame the RMS leaks with such low miles. I understand it could have dried out and it may very wheel reseal if you continue to drive it and get lubricant where it's supposed to be flowing, as in the engine!

Shawn

[twoburgers]

Welcome, I purchased mine in July 07. The previous owner had only driven it 100 miles in the past 2 years. I noticed that at about 80 mph there is a slight shimmy. I think the tires will eventually need to be replaced. I'm going to try and have them re-balanced first and see if that helps. Good luck and welcome again!

I noticed the same thing when I was out tooling around after the first fill-up. My shimmy is more than slight. Let us know how the balance works out. If I have to get new tires, I'm going to upgrade to 17's.

Best,

Chris

[twoburgers]

1200 or 12000 miles? either way that is seriously low. Keep and eye on the RMS leak for sure, if that goes you are SOL!

That is a shame the RMS leaks with such low miles. I understand it could have dried out and it may very wheel reseal if you continue to drive it and get lubricant where it's supposed to be flowing, as in the engine!

Shawn

Thanks for the links Chirs - already saved in my favorites.

Shawn, an honest 1,206 mile car. The local Porsche dealer qouted $1450 to replace the RMS since it is a tiptronic. I'm still looking for a good independent mechanic in Richmond.

Chris

[aron in toronto]

Take a close look at your tires for cracking or dry rot. Tires have a limited life span regardless of mileage. Manufactures typically recommend replacing at approximately 6 years. If they have been sitting that long there probably flat spotted too. This also applies to other critical rubber components like hoses and belts. Flush break fluid. Change oil & filter.

As fate would have it, I happen to have a set of 17" Boxster wheels w/ Bridgstone S02s with around 10k mi and good tread life left that I will be looking to sell. They are from my 97 and have no chips or curb rash. :)

[twoburgers]

Since my last post, I have e-mailed Aron (above) about his 17" wheels, experienced my first fault (SRS), and managed to get in a bit of seat time to and from work Thursday. Even though it's just a 2.5 and a tip, it still is a hoot to drive - and even better with the top down. I have made an appointment with the local independent shop (Luftenic) to have the 11 year old brake fluid flushed and have the SRS addresses (not just reset). I could not get in to Luftenic for two weeks - a good sign I guess.

Celebrating 1,230 miles!!! :lol:

Chris

[tah]

I'm still looking for a good independent mechanic in Richmond.

Chris

Chris,

I think I saw your car in the dealer (Euroclassics) back in October/November. Did you buy from them or the private owner? They were working on the tranny then.

If you find a good independent here in Richmond, please share with me. There's a Porsche club here (they call themselves that) called the "First Settlers Club". I can't get ANY response from them to allow me to post on their forum and ask for an independent.

I bought a 97 with 42K on it from a retired American Airlines Mechanic in Chesterfield (the Highlands).

Edited April 13, 2008 by tah

[dcporsche99]

I'm still looking for a good independent mechanic in Richmond.

Chris

Chris,

I think I saw your car in the dealer (Euroclassics) back in October/November. Did you buy from them or the private owner? They were working on the tranny then.

If you find a good independent here in Richmond, please share with me. There's a Porsche club here (they call themselves that) called the "First Settlers Club". I can't get ANY response from them to allow me to post on their forum and ask for an independent.

I bought a 97 with 42K on it from a retired American Airlines Mechanic in Chesterfield (the Highlands).

Hey Twoburgers,

Congrats on your ride! Drive it in good health!! :D

Hey tah,

Here's a link that might be useful: http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9615

(You might have to sign up and register first to view it)

If you scroll down the thread you'll see a link for 928 shops that TimAustin contributed to our forum's listing of Porsche mechanics. I believe there are two that might be in your area. However, the listing that I made, w/c incorporates input from all the members---unfortunately, I don't recall any in your area. Please double-check.

Hope it helps!

Cheers, :)

Dana

Edited April 13, 2008 by dcporsche99

[mikes_box]

If you don't mind me asking what did that baby go for? Thats an amazing car with VERY little usage.... Must have been someones trophy car sitting in the garage...Well come and please post some pictures...

[tah]

If you don't mind me asking what did that baby go for? Thats an amazing car with VERY little usage.... Must have been someones trophy car sitting in the garage...Well come and please post some pictures...

That's why I asked if he bought from the dealer or the owner. Euroclassics here in Richmond is INSANE on their used prices. They were sometimes higher by 5K than ANYONE in the country listed on cars.com for the same model/years/miles.....etc. In other words apples to apples comparisons. When asked why they were so high I got the old "we pick our cars to be the finest available, nicer than other's offerings...blah, blah, blah.."

I pulled out some cars.com listings for $5,000 less and asked him how he knew his cars were nicer than the ones listed in California. For some strange reason the bull**** machine couldn't produce at that moment. I'll go there when I have to, but I sure don't go unless it's an undeniable, must have today, porsche part only situation.

I seem to have a strong reaction to pure unadulterated greed.

[twoburgers]

I'm still looking for a good independent mechanic in Richmond.

Chris

Chris,

I think I saw your car in the dealer (Euroclassics) back in October/November. Did you buy from them or the private owner? They were working on the tranny then.

If you find a good independent here in Richmond, please share with me. There's a Porsche club here (they call themselves that) called the "First Settlers Club". I can't get ANY response from them to allow me to post on their forum and ask for an independent.

I bought a 97 with 42K on it from a retired American Airlines Mechanic in Chesterfield (the Highlands).

Very likely was my 986. The owner had them look at the trans, but had Import Autohouse take out the trans and send it some place in Atlanta that specializes in tip rebuilds. Being as it was so low miles, he did not a core swap. While at Auto House, they drove it into a curb, so the front bumper cap had to have a re-spray. Not too much to say there. It looks fine, but still. The owner just wanted to get rid of it, so I was qouted what the dealers would give - $18.5K. An offer I could not refuse... I have not spent too much time at Euroclassics, but I have not been impressed so far. I did stumble into a P only shop in the city - Lufteknic. They advertise in the back of Excellence and have a pretty good web site for an independent. I have an appointment 4/22 to have the brake fluid flushed and the SRS light addressed. I will circle back with my thoughts. From what little interaction I have had, they seem on top of things.

Chris

[tah]

Very likely was my 986. The owner had them look at the trans, but had Import Autohouse take out the trans and send it some place in Atlanta that specializes in tip rebuilds. Being as it was so low miles, he did not a core swap. While at Auto House, they drove it into a curb, so the front bumper cap had to have a re-spray. Not too much to say there. It looks fine, but still. The owner just wanted to get rid of it, so I was qouted what the dealers would give - $18.5K. An offer I could not refuse... I have not spent too much time at Euroclassics, but I have not been impressed so far. I did stumble into a P only shop in the city - Lufteknic. They advertise in the back of Excellence and have a pretty good web site for an independent. I have an appointment 4/22 to have the brake fluid flushed and the SRS light addressed. I will circle back with my thoughts. From what little interaction I have had, they seem on top of things.

Chris

Yeah I would have paid that for a "new" 97, which is essentially what you have. Euroclassics would have tried to get only God knows what for that car, I shudder to think about it.

Just an FYI: Import Autohouse and Euroclassics are the same folks. Same owner.....

Let me know how it goes with the Independent.........

[tah]

Chris,

If those are the original tires don't judge by the sidewalls alone....

Look at the bottom of the tread grooves for cracking, like that on a belt that's old.

Got dinged for tires on trade when I got rid of a 300Z Turbo with only 14K miles on original tires. The dealer pointed out the dry rot cracks in the tread. Never noticed myself but wouldn't want to wipe out a choice 97 Boxster like yours pushing it around a curve............

[twoburgers]

Well, I'm back and the car has an additional 1K miles - up to over 2,300!!! I basically take it out on nice days (hey, it's my first Porsche...). I have been impressed with Luftenick. Straight talk and no fluff. They did recommend new tires and a belt, so I went the OEM route for both. Also had to replace the passenger side seat belt harness to remove air bag fault. I changed the oil and had the brake fluid flushed. The RMS weep appears to be gone - I guess the seal never seated or was just dry due to no use. Personally, it's been a busy year. When I got the car I was a analytics manager at Circuit City. I left there before the ship sank (Oct), only to work for a company out of Dallas that lost an analytics service contract with Dell in Jan. I was out of work for 5 months before joining SunTrust in June. Crazy year! So, here I sit in our Chesterfield office waiting for the drive home - the 986 is outside.

Chris

[geoff]

I've had some interesting discussions recently with both the service manager and head mechanic at my local Porsche dealer, and with Charles Navarro (LN Engineering, talked to him at the recent Ventura show) about low mileage, lightly driven Boxsters. From everything I've been told, the cars love to be driven a lot and driven hard, and have a lot fewer engine problems than if they just sit parked. Enjoy driving your car and please keep us posted on how it does.

I'd love to hear Jake Raby chime in on any recommendations for your particular car. These days, I feel guilty if my car sits for a week when I'm out of town on business and think I'm doing a disservice to my Boxster.