Old Car, Low Miles

[Poeman]

I just purchased a like-new 2002 Boxster with only 4,400 miles. As nearly as I can tell the only thing that's been done are oil and filter changes. Obviously the tires (which look almost new) need to be replaced before any serious driving, but are there other maintenance items I should give priority to? It's never before been rained on, so I treated the convertible top last weekend. (Also I removed a mouse's nest from the cabin air filter and have a replacement filter on order.) I opened the engine compartment--don't think it had ever been opened before--looked brand new, no mice. Just looking for suggestions for any unique Boxster preventative maintenance that might accrue with time rather than miles.

[N41EF]

Congrats on finding that low of milage car. The fact that you found a mouse nest makes me wonder what they chewed on. Here's what I would do:

Flush the brakes with a pressure bleeder to make sure you have good fluid and no leaks anywhere.

Drive it enough to get it completely warm and change the oil and filter.

Assuming you have no CEL the vaccum lines are prob ok.

Pull the cover from behind the seats and check the belt to make sure it isn't chewed.

I'd replace the pollen filter, and pull the air filter out to make sure it isn't chewed.

Remove the battery and check the fuel lines under the plate under the battery.

The tires are old, I'd drive it, but not hard, you are prob going to have bad flat spots until you buy new. I replaced all four (17 inch) at sears and got an allignment for under $600.

Let us know what you find, or if you get any codes.

[kbrandsma]

I just purchased a like-new 2002 Boxster with only 4,400 miles. As nearly as I can tell the only thing that's been done are oil and filter changes. Obviously the tires (which look almost new) need to be replaced before any serious driving, but are there other maintenance items I should give priority to? It's never before been rained on, so I treated the convertible top last weekend. (Also I removed a mouse's nest from the cabin air filter and have a replacement filter on order.) I opened the engine compartment--don't think it had ever been opened before--looked brand new, no mice. Just looking for suggestions for any unique Boxster preventative maintenance that might accrue with time rather than miles.

When I purchased my 98 Boxster it had only been driven 1K miles in two years and immediately developed a RMS leak as well as an AOS problem. Both of which I fixed myself. Also did the clutch at the same time. I would change oil, drive conservitively for a while and monitor closely.

Edited April 13, 2011 by kbrandsma

[mikefocke]

The car is ~8 years old. I'd immediately look at the 90k service list for guidance as it is the most comprehensive of the service schedules. Definitely cabin, air oil filter, crush ring, oil, serpentine belt, tires. With so few miles I'd even worry about the quality of the gas so I might run some techron through the system and maybe some stabul.

On any car, plastic parts deteriorate over time as well as mileage. Candidates for replacement are water pump and watch the anti-freeze tank and the oil filler tank.

[Cloudsurfer]

The car is ~8 years old. I'd immediately look at the 90k service list for guidance as it is the most comprehensive of the service schedules. Definitely cabin, air oil filter, crush ring, oil, serpentine belt, tires. With so few miles I'd even worry about the quality of the gas so I might run some techron through the system and maybe some stabul.

On any car, plastic parts deteriorate over time as well as mileage. Candidates for replacement are water pump and watch the anti-freeze tank and the oil filler tank.

I'd certainly agree on most of this, however, things like the water pump and coolant expansion tank do age (in calendar time), but mainly age due to thermal cycles. I wouldn't worry too much about these items, but I would certainly flush all fluids and change all filters. Serp belt and new tires are very wise as well.