Noisy 986 Top (on a 1999 I am considering purchasing)

[AustinPorscheBill]

Hi all.

 

New to 986s but not Porsches: have a 1973.5 911T, 3x 1985 944s (don't ask, people gave them to me), 1986 944 (at, also a donation), 1986 928 (very nearly a donation, had to pay shipping),1988 924S.

 

My brother just bought a very nice 1999 Boxster (silver/red, -- he was going for the "Lil Bastard" look, 5spd, 75K miles, IMS renewed), and he let me have it for a week while he was out of town.

 

Now I want one too:  civilized yet fun.  And my wife actually liked riding in it.  Can't say that about any of my other cars.

 

Looking at a '99 (red/tan, 5spd, 66K miles).  No history so taking a bit of a chance on the IMS (would probably renew straight away), car is tight but the top operation is noisy (at least compared to my brother's, which is silky smooth and quiet).

 

It is not a grinding, clicking or other obvious "sick" sound and tops seems to move smoothly, but it more like a very apparent "whir".It appears to originate from the driver side of the top (is that where the motor is?).  Something in the top mechanics is going and it is likely only a matter of time.

 

I am not too familiar with convertible tops (last one I had was on a '96 Saab 900 and when one of the mechanical motors failed, it was a PITA to replace and then had to take it to a specialist to get the right and left electric motors synched using a Tech2 tool), so any insight on operation of the Boxster top (hydraulic motor with cable system of some sort?) and what my worst case scenario might be in terms of $$$ and time/effort would be most appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance for any help/thoughts/advice (like walk away).