Buying a Boxster...in need of some pointers

[Gatsby2010]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here, and could really use some advice. I found a 2005 Boxster online on Autotrader that I am in the process of buying from a private seller. I am in TX, the seller in Florida. I am a first time car buyer (used public transport) so I am realizing that I dont know anything about buying a car out of state from a private dealer, much less a Boxster. I have yet to see the car in person. Only pictures.

So far I have:

1. Pulled the carfax (looks good, but I hear they are worthless)

2. Called the bank of the first owner to see if the title was sold to the seller free and clear. Checks out fine.

3. Contacted Mark's Autowerks in Florida regarding a PPI. Should be done this week.

But somehow I feel like I am missing a whole chunk of important steps somewhere in-between. Or am I? I just need reassurance that I am not buying a lemon or setting myself up to be screwed because I was being rash. Any words of wisdom from you lot would sure be appreciated on the formal order of operations for buying a Boxster from a private seller out of state. Thanks in advance.

[Guest]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here, and could really use some advice. I found a 2005 Boxster online on Autotrader that I am in the process of buying from a private seller. I am in TX, the seller in Florida. I am a first time car buyer (used public transport) so I am realizing that I dont know anything about buying a car out of state from a private dealer, much less a Boxster. I have yet to see the car in person. Only pictures.

So far I have:

1. Pulled the carfax (looks good, but I hear they are worthless)

2. Called the bank of the first owner to see if the title was sold to the seller free and clear. Checks out fine.

3. Contacted Mark's Autowerks in Florida regarding a PPI. Should be done this week.

But somehow I feel like I am missing a whole chunk of important steps somewhere in-between. Or am I? I just need reassurance that I am not buying a lemon or setting myself up to be screwed because I was being rash. Any words of wisdom from you lot would sure be appreciated on the formal order of operations for buying a Boxster from a private seller out of state. Thanks in advance.

[Guest]

As you probably know, ideally it would be good to see the car before you buy..otherwise make sure you PPI is extremely thorough. I would prefer to have a Porsche dealer do the PPI as they will be most familiar with the car..buying a car sight unseen would make me nervous too. good luck.

[ericinboca]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here, and could really use some advice. I found a 2005 Boxster online on Autotrader that I am in the process of buying from a private seller. I am in TX, the seller in Florida. I am a first time car buyer (used public transport) so I am realizing that I dont know anything about buying a car out of state from a private dealer, much less a Boxster. I have yet to see the car in person. Only pictures.

So far I have:

1. Pulled the carfax (looks good, but I hear they are worthless)

2. Called the bank of the first owner to see if the title was sold to the seller free and clear. Checks out fine.

3. Contacted Mark's Autowerks in Florida regarding a PPI. Should be done this week.

But somehow I feel like I am missing a whole chunk of important steps somewhere in-between. Or am I? I just need reassurance that I am not buying a lemon or setting myself up to be screwed because I was being rash. Any words of wisdom from you lot would sure be appreciated on the formal order of operations for buying a Boxster from a private seller out of state. Thanks in advance.

where in florida?

[Gatsby2010]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here, and could really use some advice. I found a 2005 Boxster online on Autotrader that I am in the process of buying from a private seller. I am in TX, the seller in Florida. I am a first time car buyer (used public transport) so I am realizing that I dont know anything about buying a car out of state from a private dealer, much less a Boxster. I have yet to see the car in person. Only pictures.

So far I have:

1. Pulled the carfax (looks good, but I hear they are worthless)

2. Called the bank of the first owner to see if the title was sold to the seller free and clear. Checks out fine.

3. Contacted Mark's Autowerks in Florida regarding a PPI. Should be done this week.

But somehow I feel like I am missing a whole chunk of important steps somewhere in-between. Or am I? I just need reassurance that I am not buying a lemon or setting myself up to be screwed because I was being rash. Any words of wisdom from you lot would sure be appreciated on the formal order of operations for buying a Boxster from a private seller out of state. Thanks in advance.

where in florida?

Destin, Florida

[Ponch]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here, and could really use some advice. I found a 2005 Boxster online on Autotrader that I am in the process of buying from a private seller. I am in TX, the seller in Florida. I am a first time car buyer (used public transport) so I am realizing that I dont know anything about buying a car out of state from a private dealer, much less a Boxster. I have yet to see the car in person. Only pictures.

So far I have:

1. Pulled the carfax (looks good, but I hear they are worthless)

2. Called the bank of the first owner to see if the title was sold to the seller free and clear. Checks out fine.

3. Contacted Mark's Autowerks in Florida regarding a PPI. Should be done this week.

But somehow I feel like I am missing a whole chunk of important steps somewhere in-between. Or am I? I just need reassurance that I am not buying a lemon or setting myself up to be screwed because I was being rash. Any words of wisdom from you lot would sure be appreciated on the formal order of operations for buying a Boxster from a private seller out of state. Thanks in advance.

where in florida?

Destin, Florida

Here is a pretty comprehensive intro to Boxsters: http://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/mi...boxsterwebpages

While mostly focused on 986, there is some great general knowledge items that should help

[Gatsby2010]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here, and could really use some advice. I found a 2005 Boxster online on Autotrader that I am in the process of buying from a private seller. I am in TX, the seller in Florida. I am a first time car buyer (used public transport) so I am realizing that I dont know anything about buying a car out of state from a private dealer, much less a Boxster. I have yet to see the car in person. Only pictures.

So far I have:

1. Pulled the carfax (looks good, but I hear they are worthless)

2. Called the bank of the first owner to see if the title was sold to the seller free and clear. Checks out fine.

3. Contacted Mark's Autowerks in Florida regarding a PPI. Should be done this week.

But somehow I feel like I am missing a whole chunk of important steps somewhere in-between. Or am I? I just need reassurance that I am not buying a lemon or setting myself up to be screwed because I was being rash. Any words of wisdom from you lot would sure be appreciated on the formal order of operations for buying a Boxster from a private seller out of state. Thanks in advance.

where in florida?

Destin, Florida

Here is a pretty comprehensive intro to Boxsters: http://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/mi...boxsterwebpages

While mostly focused on 986, there is some great general knowledge items that should help

Thanks. Been all over that site. Its been a great help. I wish i could find a good guide somewhere to buying a car out of state from a private seller. Anyone know of one?

[Ponch]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here, and could really use some advice. I found a 2005 Boxster online on Autotrader that I am in the process of buying from a private seller. I am in TX, the seller in Florida. I am a first time car buyer (used public transport) so I am realizing that I dont know anything about buying a car out of state from a private dealer, much less a Boxster. I have yet to see the car in person. Only pictures.

So far I have:

1. Pulled the carfax (looks good, but I hear they are worthless)

2. Called the bank of the first owner to see if the title was sold to the seller free and clear. Checks out fine.

3. Contacted Mark's Autowerks in Florida regarding a PPI. Should be done this week.

But somehow I feel like I am missing a whole chunk of important steps somewhere in-between. Or am I? I just need reassurance that I am not buying a lemon or setting myself up to be screwed because I was being rash. Any words of wisdom from you lot would sure be appreciated on the formal order of operations for buying a Boxster from a private seller out of state. Thanks in advance.

where in florida?

Destin, Florida

Here is a pretty comprehensive intro to Boxsters: http://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/mi...boxsterwebpages

While mostly focused on 986, there is some great general knowledge items that should help

Thanks. Been all over that site. Its been a great help. I wish i could find a good guide somewhere to buying a car out of state from a private seller. Anyone know of one?

Not aware of any publication, however the DMV sites for the respective states should at least help with processing requirements. best of luck

[Kimo]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here, and could really use some advice. I found a 2005 Boxster online on Autotrader that I am in the process of buying from a private seller. I am in TX, the seller in Florida. I am a first time car buyer (used public transport) so I am realizing that I dont know anything about buying a car out of state from a private dealer, much less a Boxster. I have yet to see the car in person. Only pictures.

So far I have:

1. Pulled the carfax (looks good, but I hear they are worthless)

2. Called the bank of the first owner to see if the title was sold to the seller free and clear. Checks out fine.

3. Contacted Mark's Autowerks in Florida regarding a PPI. Should be done this week.

But somehow I feel like I am missing a whole chunk of important steps somewhere in-between. Or am I? I just need reassurance that I am not buying a lemon or setting myself up to be screwed because I was being rash. Any words of wisdom from you lot would sure be appreciated on the formal order of operations for buying a Boxster from a private seller out of state. Thanks in advance.

First, welcome to the site. I'm fairly new myself. Pretty exciting impending purchase. I purchased my 987 out of state; however it was through a porsche dealer. Are you planning on making the trip to finalize. If possible it may be a good idea. Your expectation may vary from someone else. For me it worked out great. The porsche far exceeded my expectation. Good luck on your purchase . keep us updated.

Kimo

[Gatsby2010]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here, and could really use some advice. I found a 2005 Boxster online on Autotrader that I am in the process of buying from a private seller. I am in TX, the seller in Florida. I am a first time car buyer (used public transport) so I am realizing that I dont know anything about buying a car out of state from a private dealer, much less a Boxster. I have yet to see the car in person. Only pictures.

So far I have:

1. Pulled the carfax (looks good, but I hear they are worthless)

2. Called the bank of the first owner to see if the title was sold to the seller free and clear. Checks out fine.

3. Contacted Mark's Autowerks in Florida regarding a PPI. Should be done this week.

But somehow I feel like I am missing a whole chunk of important steps somewhere in-between. Or am I? I just need reassurance that I am not buying a lemon or setting myself up to be screwed because I was being rash. Any words of wisdom from you lot would sure be appreciated on the formal order of operations for buying a Boxster from a private seller out of state. Thanks in advance.

where in florida?

Destin, Florida

Here is a pretty comprehensive intro to Boxsters: http://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/mi...boxsterwebpages

While mostly focused on 986, there is some great general knowledge items that should help

Thanks. Been all over that site. Its been a great help. I wish i could find a good guide somewhere to buying a car out of state from a private seller. Anyone know of one?

Not aware of any publication, however the DMV sites for the respective states should at least help with processing requirements. best of luck

Thanks for the tip on the DMV websites. That should help push me in the right direction.

[Gatsby2010]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here, and could really use some advice. I found a 2005 Boxster online on Autotrader that I am in the process of buying from a private seller. I am in TX, the seller in Florida. I am a first time car buyer (used public transport) so I am realizing that I dont know anything about buying a car out of state from a private dealer, much less a Boxster. I have yet to see the car in person. Only pictures.

So far I have:

1. Pulled the carfax (looks good, but I hear they are worthless)

2. Called the bank of the first owner to see if the title was sold to the seller free and clear. Checks out fine.

3. Contacted Mark's Autowerks in Florida regarding a PPI. Should be done this week.

But somehow I feel like I am missing a whole chunk of important steps somewhere in-between. Or am I? I just need reassurance that I am not buying a lemon or setting myself up to be screwed because I was being rash. Any words of wisdom from you lot would sure be appreciated on the formal order of operations for buying a Boxster from a private seller out of state. Thanks in advance.

First, welcome to the site. I'm fairly new myself. Pretty exciting impending purchase. I purchased my 987 out of state; however it was through a porsche dealer. Are you planning on making the trip to finalize. If possible it may be a good idea. Your expectation may vary from someone else. For me it worked out great. The porsche far exceeded my expectation. Good luck on your purchase . keep us updated.

Kimo

Kimo,

Yep im going to head down to finalize. I decided tonite. No way around it. If I may ask, how far away were you from your 987 when you purchased it? Did you drive there with a rental and then drive back? Fly, then drive?

[Kimo]

It was about a 5.5 hour drive. My wife and daughter made it a Saturday trip. A very long day. The dealer was in a northern suburb of Chicago (Motor Werks of Barrington).We went together and followed each other back home. You have a little further to go. A cheap flight would work. if you can find one.

[zedex]

I flew to pick up an 03 986S and had the money in hand. I did lots of research. Car checked out good. Got picked up at the airport by the seller. Went for a good drive. the car was in excellent condition but it just did not feel right. Nothing wrong with the car just did not feel right. Got a ride back to the airport and flew back. Very dissapointing day for me. All turned out well though after 6 more months of research. Bought an 06.

There is a moral to this story somewhere.

[Gatsby2010]

I flew to pick up an 03 986S and had the money in hand. I did lots of research. Car checked out good. Got picked up at the airport by the seller. Went for a good drive. the car was in excellent condition but it just did not feel right. Nothing wrong with the car just did not feel right. Got a ride back to the airport and flew back. Very dissapointing day for me. All turned out well though after 6 more months of research. Bought an 06.

There is a moral to this story somewhere.

Im guessing you had a PPI done as part of your research as well? Funny thing about your story, I was all set to by a 02 986 S then came up on this sweet deal with the 05. Really glad I waited, just hope I have a happy ending like you.

[zedex]

Funny thing is... i bought my 06 via internet. I did not drive it nor see it in real life. Had it shipped from US to Canada. Picked it up at the US border. :) Drove it home. Im still smiling.

[ericinboca]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here, and could really use some advice. I found a 2005 Boxster online on Autotrader that I am in the process of buying from a private seller. I am in TX, the seller in Florida. I am a first time car buyer (used public transport) so I am realizing that I dont know anything about buying a car out of state from a private dealer, much less a Boxster. I have yet to see the car in person. Only pictures.

So far I have:

1. Pulled the carfax (looks good, but I hear they are worthless)

2. Called the bank of the first owner to see if the title was sold to the seller free and clear. Checks out fine.

3. Contacted Mark's Autowerks in Florida regarding a PPI. Should be done this week.

But somehow I feel like I am missing a whole chunk of important steps somewhere in-between. Or am I? I just need reassurance that I am not buying a lemon or setting myself up to be screwed because I was being rash. Any words of wisdom from you lot would sure be appreciated on the formal order of operations for buying a Boxster from a private seller out of state. Thanks in advance.

where in florida?

Destin, Florida

Oh...if in my neck of the woods, I was going to offer to take a look for you, but Destin is 600 miles from me in SoFla.

Sorry.

[jwolfe]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here, and could really use some advice. I found a 2005 Boxster online on Autotrader that I am in the process of buying from a private seller. I am in TX, the seller in Florida. I am a first time car buyer (used public transport) so I am realizing that I dont know anything about buying a car out of state from a private dealer, much less a Boxster. I have yet to see the car in person. Only pictures.

So far I have:

1. Pulled the carfax (looks good, but I hear they are worthless)

2. Called the bank of the first owner to see if the title was sold to the seller free and clear. Checks out fine.

3. Contacted Mark's Autowerks in Florida regarding a PPI. Should be done this week.

But somehow I feel like I am missing a whole chunk of important steps somewhere in-between. Or am I? I just need reassurance that I am not buying a lemon or setting myself up to be screwed because I was being rash. Any words of wisdom from you lot would sure be appreciated on the formal order of operations for buying a Boxster from a private seller out of state. Thanks in advance.

While I haven't bought a used car in some time; I always ask the seller to " represent and warrant" critical items on the Bill of Sale ... for example : Seller represents and warrants that this vehicle has had no paint or body work and has never been in an accident. ... This will usually flush out the B.S.

[jfoxny]

I'm new here, and could really use some advice. I found a 2005 Boxster online on Autotrader that I am in the process of buying from a private seller. I am in TX, the seller in Florida. I am a first time car buyer (used public transport) so I am realizing that I dont know anything about buying a car out of state from a private dealer, much less a Boxster. I have yet to see the car in person. Only pictures.

I purchased my 2005 987 on eBay Motors from a private seller in California, I live in New York (this was during this past summer). I paid Carchex (~$200) to go take a look at it and test drive it for me as I wasn't going to fly all the way out there to do it myself. While the Carchex visit ensured that the car was in fact real and present where it was supposed to be it, had an engine, and ran was definitely not as thorough as Prosche's own Pre-Purchase-Inspection (PPI).

After receiving the car I took it in for a PPI at my local Porsche dealer. They found the following small but somewhat costly problems:

* Sport Chrono "clip" broken - $550

* One of the three Homelink buttons broken - $100

* Cigarette lighter broken - $50

* Ash tray lid broken - $200 (I found this one)

* Air vent lever broken - $300 (I found this one too)

* Cup holder door broken - $300 (I knew about this one before I bought it but thought it would be "cheap" to fix)

* ....and one or two other small things that I can't recall right now.

As you can see they are minor things but it adds up quickly since Porsche just replaces entire items like the Sport Chrono unit if there is even a small problem with it like a "broken clip." Thankfully there was nothing *major* wrong. I did, however, just have the clutch replaced and a leaking RMS replaced (under warranty) for a total of about $1900 (that was with a 40k maintenance as well). I also need new tires which will be about another $1,000. I guess the moral of the story is try to get a Prosche mechanic/dealer to look over the car before you buy it, not a generalist, and also to be prepared for the costs associated with owning a Porsche.

The other piece of advice I can give you is around shipping the car (if you're going to do that). Shipping is another whole area that you need to research and it's sort of a sketchy business IMHO. I spend a lot of time researching shippers and shipping costs (www.transportreviews.com is a good site for this). I finally settled on Direct Auto Movers (a broker and a carrier - yes there's a difference) based on price, reviews, and just a good feeling for the guy I was dealing with (Brian if you opt to go this route). Shipping across country from Northern California to Upstate New York was $1,100. If you do have the car shipped in an open air transport make sure to request that it is *top loaded.* Top-loading ensures fluids from other cars on the transport won't drip onto your soft top. Top-loading will cost a little more, but, it's worth it.

Also, don't forget to vet the seller themselves. In addition to the standard eBay vetting (good rating, good feedback, etc. - does Autotrader have something similar?) you can do simple things like Google him/her. I Googled my seller, his business, found his home on Google Maps, etc. to make sure everything "added up" that he'd been telling me.

Overall I've very pleased with my sight-unseen, cross-country, Porsche purchase. With a little due diligence a long distance purchase can work. Here's a similar post requesting general advice for buying a Boxster.

Hope this helps,

Jason

Edited February 10, 2010 by jfoxny

[Gatsby2010]

I'm new here, and could really use some advice. I found a 2005 Boxster online on Autotrader that I am in the process of buying from a private seller. I am in TX, the seller in Florida. I am a first time car buyer (used public transport) so I am realizing that I dont know anything about buying a car out of state from a private dealer, much less a Boxster. I have yet to see the car in person. Only pictures.

I purchased my 2005 987 on eBay Motors from a private seller in California, I live in New York (this was during this past summer). I paid Carchex (~$200) to go take a look at it and test drive it for me as I wasn't going to fly all the way out there to do it myself. While the Carchex visit ensured that the car was in fact real and present where it was supposed to be it, had an engine, and ran was definitely not as thorough as Prosche's own Pre-Purchase-Inspection (PPI).

After receiving the car I took it in for a PPI at my local Porsche dealer. They found the following small but somewhat costly problems:

* Sport Chrono "clip" broken - $550

* One of the three Homelink buttons broken - $100

* Cigarette lighter broken - $50

* Ash tray lid broken - $200 (I found this one)

* Air vent lever broken - $300 (I found this one too)

* Cup holder door broken - $300 (I knew about this one before I bought it but thought it would be "cheap" to fix)

* ....and one or two other small things that I can't recall right now.

As you can see they are minor things but it adds up quickly since Porsche just replaces entire items like the Sport Chrono unit if there is even a small problem with it like a "broken clip." Thankfully there was nothing *major* wrong. I did, however, just have the clutch replaced and a leaking RMS replaced (under warranty) for a total of about $1900 (that was with a 40k maintenance as well). I also need new tires which will be about another $1,000. I guess the moral of the story is try to get a Prosche mechanic/dealer to look over the car before you buy it, not a generalist, and also to be prepared for the costs associated with owning a Porsche.

The other piece of advice I can give you is around shipping the car (if you're going to do that). Shipping is another whole area that you need to research and it's sort of a sketchy business IMHO. I spend a lot of time researching shippers and shipping costs (www.transportreviews.com is a good site for this). I finally settled on Direct Auto Movers (a broker and a carrier - yes there's a difference) based on price, reviews, and just a good feeling for the guy I was dealing with (Brian if you opt to go this route). Shipping across country from Northern California to Upstate New York was $1,100. If you do have the car shipped in an open air transport make sure to request that it is *top loaded.* Top-loading ensures fluids from other cars on the transport won't drip onto your soft top. Top-loading will cost a little more, but, it's worth it.

Also, don't forget to vet the seller themselves. In addition to the standard eBay vetting (good rating, good feedback, etc. - does Autotrader have something similar?) you can do simple things like Google him/her. I Googled my seller, his business, found his home on Google Maps, etc. to make sure everything "added up" that he'd been telling me.

Overall I've very pleased with my sight-unseen, cross-country, Porsche purchase. With a little due diligence a long distance purchase can work. Here's a similar post requesting general advice for buying a Boxster.

Hope this helps,

Jason

Wow Jason, thanks so much. You have given me a lot to think about. Currently, I have Marks Autowerks (Independent Mechanic) doing the PPI. He was recommenced to me by other owners online. I thought about doubling that up with a PPI done by the Dealership in Destin, but that maybe excessive. Not to mention the reviews for that dealership are terrible. What do you think? I just got off the Brian from Direct Automovers. GREAT TIP. He is ready to roll for Friday if I can get this PPI done.

[jfoxny]

Wow Jason, thanks so much. You have given me a lot to think about. Currently, I have Marks Autowerks (Independent Mechanic) doing the PPI. He was recommenced to me by other owners online. I thought about doubling that up with a PPI done by the Dealership in Destin, but that maybe excessive. Not to mention the reviews for that dealership are terrible. What do you think? I just got off the Brian from Direct Automovers. GREAT TIP. He is ready to roll for Friday if I can get this PPI done.

Hey, glad to help and hopefully saved you some time and money. I can't speak for Marks Autowerks specifically, but, I would ask for their PPI checklist and then get a copy of the one from the Porsche dealer. That way you can compare them and see what the overlap is.

Brian is a good guy and I was very happy with Direct Automovers. He went out of his way to help coordinate my move which was from a place in Northern California where not a lot of cars are shipped out from.

Good luck and enjoy the car! Don't forget to post pics when you get it!

Jason

Edited February 10, 2010 by jfoxny

[jfoxny]

Wow Jason, thanks so much. You have given me a lot to think about. Currently, I have Marks Autowerks (Independent Mechanic) doing the PPI. He was recommenced to me by other owners online. I thought about doubling that up with a PPI done by the Dealership in Destin, but that maybe excessive. Not to mention the reviews for that dealership are terrible. What do you think? I just got off the Brian from Direct Automovers. GREAT TIP. He is ready to roll for Friday if I can get this PPI done.

PS - When I was looking to buy a Boxster I came across two scams on Autotrader (none on eBay Motors despite it's reputation). The first was someone selling a rebuilt (from a totaled car) as a plain ol' used car. He didn't come right out and say it when I inquired about the car but when I ran the Carfax there it was in black-and-white. When I questioned the seller about it, he never replied. The other scam involved a car that had the price and text "Buy it now" super imposed over the picture of the car. The price in the picture was lower than the price it was listed for on Autotrader. I believe people do that in order to get around automated checks that Autotrader has on car listings to fight scams. The seller gave me a story about how he was leaving the country and needed to sell the car quickly, yadda, yadda. I asked him to give me a picture of the VIN on the car itself and he never replied; total scam. You probably don't have anything to worry about, but, just figured I'd share this since you are using Autotrader.com.

Edited February 10, 2010 by jfoxny

[phillipj]

That's a classic Autotrader scam. The owner is always in one State and the car is in another blah blah blah. You can pay for the car through their escrow company blah blah blah.. Pretty easy to see through those.. I just report those to Autotrader so they can delete them..

[danieldolin]

I'm new here, and could really use some advice. I found a 2005 Boxster online on Autotrader that I am in the process of buying from a private seller. I am in TX, the seller in Florida. I am a first time car buyer (used public transport) so I am realizing that I dont know anything about buying a car out of state from a private dealer, much less a Boxster. I have yet to see the car in person. Only pictures.

I purchased my 2005 987 on eBay Motors from a private seller in California, I live in New York (this was during this past summer). I paid Carchex (~$200) to go take a look at it and test drive it for me as I wasn't going to fly all the way out there to do it myself. While the Carchex visit ensured that the car was in fact real and present where it was supposed to be it, had an engine, and ran was definitely not as thorough as Prosche's own Pre-Purchase-Inspection (PPI).

After receiving the car I took it in for a PPI at my local Porsche dealer. They found the following small but somewhat costly problems:

* Sport Chrono "clip" broken - $550

* One of the three Homelink buttons broken - $100

* Cigarette lighter broken - $50

* Ash tray lid broken - $200 (I found this one)

* Air vent lever broken - $300 (I found this one too)

* Cup holder door broken - $300 (I knew about this one before I bought it but thought it would be "cheap" to fix)

* ....and one or two other small things that I can't recall right now.

As you can see they are minor things but it adds up quickly since Porsche just replaces entire items like the Sport Chrono unit if there is even a small problem with it like a "broken clip." Thankfully there was nothing *major* wrong. I did, however, just have the clutch replaced and a leaking RMS replaced (under warranty) for a total of about $1900 (that was with a 40k maintenance as well). I also need new tires which will be about another $1,000. I guess the moral of the story is try to get a Prosche mechanic/dealer to look over the car before you buy it, not a generalist, and also to be prepared for the costs associated with owning a Porsche.

The other piece of advice I can give you is around shipping the car (if you're going to do that). Shipping is another whole area that you need to research and it's sort of a sketchy business IMHO. I spend a lot of time researching shippers and shipping costs (www.transportreviews.com is a good site for this). I finally settled on Direct Auto Movers (a broker and a carrier - yes there's a difference) based on price, reviews, and just a good feeling for the guy I was dealing with (Brian if you opt to go this route). Shipping across country from Northern California to Upstate New York was $1,100. If you do have the car shipped in an open air transport make sure to request that it is *top loaded.* Top-loading ensures fluids from other cars on the transport won't drip onto your soft top. Top-loading will cost a little more, but, it's worth it.

Also, don't forget to vet the seller themselves. In addition to the standard eBay vetting (good rating, good feedback, etc. - does Autotrader have something similar?) you can do simple things like Google him/her. I Googled my seller, his business, found his home on Google Maps, etc. to make sure everything "added up" that he'd been telling me.

Overall I've very pleased with my sight-unseen, cross-country, Porsche purchase. With a little due diligence a long distance purchase can work. Here's a similar post requesting general advice for buying a Boxster.

Hope this helps,

Jason

I too am overall pleased with my sight unseen boxster purchase, but mine was not without problems as well... I purchased mine from a porsche dealer out of state as a CPO vehicle. So obviously they did the PPI, but did not find a lot of cosmetic issues that I would have thought would have been mentioned on the PPI or the CPO checklist. ended up having to re-paint the bumper covers front and rear at a cost of just over $1000, and the dealer ended up making up a portion of it to me... Shipping was another story for me as well, I went with the company recommended by the dealer, and while all ended well, the whole transport seemed very unorganized... the driver may leave on this day, but he is going to stop here on the way for someones wedding, and then he may have to pick up a vehicle here or there along the way... so he could make it to you on this day, but maybe not until this day, etc.... but I think that is just how thier biz works, they try to pick up as many cars as they can along the way to increase the profit of that trip, and that may mean delay in when you recieve your car.... Anyway, I ended up happy in the end and hope you do as well! best of luck!

[stangri]

I too am overall pleased with my sight unseen boxster purchase, but mine was not without problems as well... I purchased mine from a porsche dealer out of state as a CPO vehicle. So obviously they did the PPI, but did not find a lot of cosmetic issues that I would have thought would have been mentioned on the PPI or the CPO checklist. ended up having to re-paint the bumper covers front and rear at a cost of just over $1000, and the dealer ended up making up a portion of it to me...

Wow, so Porsche would CPO the car with the cosmetic defects???

[danieldolin]

I too am overall pleased with my sight unseen boxster purchase, but mine was not without problems as well... I purchased mine from a porsche dealer out of state as a CPO vehicle. So obviously they did the PPI, but did not find a lot of cosmetic issues that I would have thought would have been mentioned on the PPI or the CPO checklist. ended up having to re-paint the bumper covers front and rear at a cost of just over $1000, and the dealer ended up making up a portion of it to me...

Wow, so Porsche would CPO the car with the cosmetic defects???

They most certainly did... and the worst part was that is was not even notated on the CPO checklist. Makes you wonder how detailed they are in the rest of the inspection... oh well, I have the CPO warranty for the next few years, I am sure if anything comes up, it will happen prior to the end of that. The important thing to know is that just because it is CPO, you can not assume the car is as new if you are going to buy sight unseen like I did. but all in all, I am satisfied with my purchase.