Looking to buy a new car.

[housemaster22]

Hey, guys

I'm looking at purchasing a 2001 Porsche Boxster. The dealer is asking $15,995 for it normally, but, right now it's down to $14,000. I just joined to ask if there was any sort of problems that I should be aware of, and, If there is any other sort of information/advice someone might be able to provide.

Here is a link to the car online:

http://www.coppusmotors.net/used/Porsche/2001-Porsche-Boxster-fbf2e3520a0d0669010ec6d0b5f6c608.htm

Cheers,

[JFP in PA]

Suggest doing a search, including the terms "Boxster, IMS, RMS, problems, engine failures"..............

[housemaster22]

Thank you for the feedback. I've done some research on the IMS failure, and on the RMS problems. I'm going to have a mechanic look at it tomorrow to tell me if he can detect any of those problems. I guess now I'm wondering if that is a good price point for this car? Or if I should try to talk them down more.

-thanks,

[N41EF]

It's coming up on the 60k service, which if you don't do it yourself, isn't cheap. I'd flush brakes and replace coolant and water pumo OE only. Check the CV joints and brakes. Check the tires, at that milage the rears are prob due for the second replacement.

If they went from 16k to 14k, I'd start at about 12.5k and go from there.

[whall]

Who is the mechanic who is going to look at the car? It would be a very good idea to have a mechanic who is well versed in 986/996 do a proper Porsche pre-purchase inspection (PPI) before you enter into any agreements with the seller. Since these cars have depreciated to a point where most people can rationalize purchasing a Boxster/Carrera, the price of maintaining it - both parts and labor - can sour the ownership experience. The 60,000 mile service is considered a "major" service. While much of the service is a visual inspection, it can be fairly expensive, especially if done by a dealer. But, if you don't have any mechanical history or service records for the car, the dealer (or at least experienced Porsche independent mechanic) done 60,000 mile inspection would give you a good mechanical baseline for the car.

There are many good and reasonably priced Boxsters/Carreras on the market from which to choose. Make sure you purchase a good one.

Bill

[infocusf8]

PPI from a qualified Porsche mechanic is a must, have the dealer produce a Carfax and look at it as a reference only because they don't tell the whole story. Figure $1100-1600 for the 60K service depending on who does it and use that figure as a bargaining chip to work the price on them. Also use whatever else your PPI indicates doing as a bargaining chip.

[logray]

A lot of the minor and major services on these cars are certainly achievable by most backyard mechanics, and there is no reason to pay a dealer $300 or $400 for an oil change.

[phillipj]

There isn't? :jump:

[N41EF]

Doing the 60k yourself isn't a big deal. Figure:

$70 for the oil change (2 5 quarts and a filters from Advance)

$50 for the 6 spark plugs

$30 for the serp belt

$25 for the air filter

$25 for the pollen filter

$15 for rear diff fluid

$25 for coolant and a gallon of DI water

I believe the rest is just inspections.

[housemaster22]

Hey guys,

Thanks a lot for the help. Right now the price is sitting at 13,000 out the door. I'm waiting till Monday to see if I can get approved for the loan.

-again thanks, :notworthy:

[mikefocke]

Great price at this time of year in your climate...I wouldn't think it was.

I sold a 58k miles 2001S with middling options but brand new PS2 tires and needing nothing for $500 more than your 13k price in Carolina 2 months ago. The differences being the S motor, brakes, etc and the $1k+ in tires.

It isn't an atrocious price, mind you....just I think you can do better. Don't fall in love with the first one you see/drive...there are thousands for sale. The best buys are with snow on the car.

Find a Porsche mechanic of good reputation and pay them to check the car out.