To buy or not too buy?.... that is the question

[DirkDiggle]

Hi Everyone

Just looking to get some input from you Porsche lovers that have owned one or more in the past.

Car I am considering is as follows:

1997 Porsche Boxster

58k miles

AC/heat works great .... for now!

Does NOT overheat

been in one minor accident in the past. didnt see any frame damage

Issues I am aware of after the inspection I did today:

1.) Water found its way behind the driver seat not allowing me to start it after turnied it off and looked at it today. I used a heat gun and dried the computer box area out for a little while and was able to started again and 3 times after .... so far so good I hope??

2.) The engine has a few Oil leaks on it. The oil pan and valve cover is leaking for sure ...... I think there may be a leak where the tranny meets up to the motor but not 100% sure. It leaks enough for a little amount of oil to drip. Doesnt look like it would be too hard to replace those gaskets but I may be wrong??

3.) The convert top has some missing and broken support brackets. I have never seen one complete so I am not sure what is missing exactly but I am still able to get the top up and down and drive it either way so.....

4.)It will need 2 new tires and new brake pads.

5.) The clutch seemed to work normal but I dont have another one to compare so ...... maybe assume that will need replacing sooner than later.

6.) the motor doenst make any unusual noises but then again it is stuck deep in there pretty good.

Questions:

1.) How much does a New or used under the driver seat computer cost? Can they be sent out to be rebuilt? Or once you dry them out and they work again..... are they good to go?

2.) Are oil leaks common or is this very unusual and maybe this particular Porsche was made on a friday? Everything seems pretty accessible from the bottom of the motor....are they pretty easy to work on?

3.) based on the pics below is the broken top parts going to cost major $$ to fix? This was a very common issue from what I have read, anyone out there provide alternatives?? Or what do/did most do when this happened to them?

I really really like driving the car and am able to fix most of the issues myself or at my buddies shop.... i think.

I got the guy down too $4400 for it due too all the issues ...... I think i can get him down too $4000 considering it may need a new computer due to the water entry but not sure

Just wondering what your thoughts may be regarding my possible purchase and being a first time Porsche owner Newb.

Thank you for reading and any help if much appreciated??????

[kbrandsma]

Take it to a reputable shop and get a pre purchase inspection (PPI) from someone who knows about Boxsters. It looks pretty beat up.

Hi Everyone

Just looking to get some input from you Porsche lovers that have owned one or more in the past.

Car I am considering is as follows:

1997 Porsche Boxster

58k miles

AC/heat works great .... for now!

Does NOT overheat

been in one minor accident in the past. didnt see any frame damage

Issues I am aware of after the inspection I did today:

1.) Water found its way behind the driver seat not allowing me to start it after turnied it off and looked at it today. I used a heat gun and dried the computer box area out for a little while and was able to started again and 3 times after .... so far so good I hope??

2.) The engine has a few Oil leaks on it. The oil pan and valve cover is leaking for sure ...... I think there may be a leak where the tranny meets up to the motor but not 100% sure. It leaks enough for a little amount of oil to drip. Doesnt look like it would be too hard to replace those gaskets but I may be wrong??

3.) The convert top has some missing and broken support brackets. I have never seen one complete so I am not sure what is missing exactly but I am still able to get the top up and down and drive it either way so.....

4.)It will need 2 new tires and new brake pads.

5.) The clutch seemed to work normal but I dont have another one to compare so ...... maybe assume that will need replacing sooner than later.

6.) the motor doenst make any unusual noises but then again it is stuck deep in there pretty good.

Questions:

1.) How much does a New or used under the driver seat computer cost? Can they be sent out to be rebuilt? Or once you dry them out and they work again..... are they good to go?

2.) Are oil leaks common or is this very unusual and maybe this particular Porsche was made on a friday? Everything seems pretty accessible from the bottom of the motor....are they pretty easy to work on?

3.) based on the pics below is the broken top parts going to cost major $$ to fix? This was a very common issue from what I have read, anyone out there provide alternatives?? Or what do/did most do when this happened to them?

I really really like driving the car and am able to fix most of the issues myself or at my buddies shop.... i think.

I got the guy down too $4400 for it due too all the issues ...... I think i can get him down too $4000 considering it may need a new computer due to the water entry but not sure

Just wondering what your thoughts may be regarding my possible purchase and being a first time Porsche owner Newb.

Thank you for reading and any help if much appreciated??????

Edited July 23, 2010 by kbrandsma

[DirkDiggle]

Please delete this thread! I meant to post this same question on another forum .... i apologize for my mistake

Edited July 23, 2010 by DirkDiggle

[txhokie4life]

Hi Everyone

Just looking to get some input from you Porsche lovers that have owned one or more in the past.

Car I am considering is as follows:

1997 Porsche Boxster

58k miles

AC/heat works great .... for now!

Does NOT overheat

been in one minor accident in the past. didnt see any frame damage

Issues I am aware of after the inspection I did today:

1.) Water found its way behind the driver seat not allowing me to start it after turnied it off and looked at it today. I used a heat gun and dried the computer box area out for a little while and was able to started again and 3 times after .... so far so good I hope??

This is most likely either caused by clogged drain lines or torn convertible top catch buckets (considering the problems with the top).

If the electronics are bad -- it is about an $800 fix, that can only be done by the dealership for security purposes

2.) The engine has a few Oil leaks on it. The oil pan and valve cover is leaking for sure ...... looks to be a decent size leak where the tranny meets up to the motor but not 100% sure.....may be a hose?? It leaks enough for a little amount of oil to drip. Doesnt look like it would be too hard to replace those gaskets but I may be wrong??

Almost for certain the RMS -- $30 part -- 12 hours or so of labor

3.) The convert top has some missing and broken support brackets. I have never seen one complete so I am not sure what is missing exactly but I am still able to get the top up and down and drive it either way so.....

considering the trays probably have been damaged -- you'll want to remove the top and replace them -- $75/per. not sure what the brackets cost are.

The real question is why the brackets were broken.

4.)It will need 2 new tires and new brake pads.

5.) The clutch seemed to work normal but I dont have another one to compare so ...... maybe assume that will need replacing sooner than later.

If you are in doubt have it done when the RMS is done -- and consider an IMSR (search IMS retrofit) == each part about $600, and same labor as RMS above.

An indie can probably do both for $2000-$2500 -- if no flywheel issues.

6.) the motor doenst make any unusual noises but then again it is stuck deep in there pretty good.

You'll hear them if it did!

Questions:

1.) How much does a New or used under the driver seat computer cost? Can they be sent out to be rebuilt? Or once you dry them out and they work again..... are they good to go?

see above : you may need to pull the carpet to get the water out of there -- it is water resistant which works both ways.

if the computer is corroded its at least $800.

2.) Are oil leaks common or is this very unusual and maybe this particular Porsche was made on a friday? Everything seems pretty accessible from the bottom of the motor....are they pretty easy to work on?

3.) based on the pics below is the broken top parts going to cost major $ to fix? This was a very common issue from what I have read, anyone out there provide alternatives?? Or what do/did most do when this happened to them?

I really really like driving the car and am able to fix most of the issues myself or at my buddies shop.... i think.

I got the guy down too $4400 for it due too all the issues ...... I think i can get him down too $4000 considering it may need a new computer due to the water entry but not sure

Just wondering what your thoughts may be regarding my possible purchase and being a first time Porsche owner Newb.

Thank you for reading and any help if much appreciated??????

Budget another $5k and decide if $10K is good price for this vehicle.

Note any 97 is likely in need of $1-2k or more in repairs.

If you don't know of an indie shop or cannot do the work yourself -- repairs will cost you a fortune.

Mike

[sikest]

Everyone has an opinion so take mine as just that.....

I have purchased at least 14 cars like this over the years and I can assure you that in the end you would have been better off buying one in good shape. Neglected cars will always bite you in the rear and even more so with a Porsche, Lotus or Ferrari. I am sure other brands as well but I have experience with those three. In the end there will many other items in need of repair and the costs will add up. Your 4k car will be 12k+ before you know it.

I just bought a 2002 Boxster S for $13K with only a couple small repair items in exceptional condition and no wrecks. I would just about guarantee you will have that much in this 97 in the next 18 months.

Just my .02 cents worth. Good luck either way.

Tony