986.2 Boxster 2.7

[Schuey]

Hi All,

I'm looking to add another Porsche to garage, but this time a cheaper classic type car that I can use as a daily to do the school run in with my 12 year old daughter as well as nice some nice roads trips and mix it up alongside the 911. I'm also potentially looking at 944's, but can't quite make up my mind on what I prefer at the moment.

I'm a bit of a newbie to 986 Boxster's but what are the key things to be looking for when searching for a good car? I'm considering around a 2003 - 2004 facelift model.

Any hints and tips will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[simon.ewbank]

The only engine to go for is the S 3.2litre version. But if you have a 911, why have a boxster, just use the 911. The boxster is a great car. I suppose, try one out and your gonna be surprised how good it is.
As for 944, I have both, my dream car, but you need a decent one, as they are getting older now. I bought a 944s2 cab about 4 months for 7k!!!!! which is very cheap, but ive already done 3k on bits. Its ok if you can use a spanner and have a garage, then no labour costs. But if you have to pay labour then you need deep pockets for a 944! 986s Boxster is good, quick cheapish fun in the Porsche world, though.

 

[911hillclimber]

We will all have our own opinion on this question, and a suggested solution!
There are several videos about these cars, 986 to today's cars and many that have creditable evaluations where weaknesses are highlighted. If you are new to the Boxster, whatever model and engine then call a specialist who can summarize the issues (good and bad, there ARE good things about Boxsters!).

If you want a nice travelling car, simple to use easy to live with then try to get the best condition one you can.
The big engines can be trouble and so can the smaller ones, there are design flaws in the 986 and indeed the 987, Porsche s l o w l y removed the problems, but they are all getting old now, the 987 model even has classic car status.

I have had my 987.2 boxster for 6 years and have got around major issues but have been irritated by many design lead problems, but all car can be this way.
In a 986.2 you will face (maybe) water coolant hose leaks in the front (£1000 job), A/C rads in the front (£600 job), rusting inside surfaces in the brake disks (£1000), broken window winders (ice damage, £300) and the chance for minor issues such as bonnet.book lock release switch etc.

For such an expensive car when new, the design is weak in places...

However, when at the top of their game they are really good practical cars where 2 weeks in Europe touring is very easy.

you need to try what you want to have and if not smitten inside of 20 mins look for a good 944 maybe.

Good luck in your quest. Hope this helps.
Graham.

 

[Schuey]

Thank you for the detailed replies gentlemen. Some interesting thoughts there and I'll spend some time during my Xmas holidays doing a bit of research. I don't mind spending a little bit to bring a car up to scratch, but at the same time I don't want a money pit either. I struggle with taking my 911 everywhere as I worry about it, I'd like another Porsche that I don't worry about so much and can just enjoy it daily. We do have a second car in the family, my wife's Audi A4 which is the family car so gets used a far amount. But I'm looking for a reliable Porsche classic that doesn't break the bank and can still be good fun.

 

[911hillclimber]

That will be a Boxster then!
Just ask if those jobs have been done before you buy.

 

[Schuey]

That will be a Boxster then!
Just ask if those jobs have been done before you buy.

Hi,

I went to see a 986.2 Boxster 2.7 today, it was a 2.5 hour drive from me to get there, however, the car presented well for a 20 year old car. It has a fully documented service history which is a mixture of Porsche OPCs and well recognised Porsche Independent Specialists that we've all mostly heard of in the Porsche World. This was reassuring too see and made me feel the previous owner/s have been keen enthusiasts.

I had made a list of things I wanted to check over, 35 things in total so my own 35-point check! The gentleman said I could take my time and left me to look around the car while he sorted his dogs out. I spent around 40 mins just looking around the car inside and out before we went for a drive, even jacked up the car to look underneath for any leaks and such, and couldn't spot anything. It's had all the work you mention above and more pretty much done, with receipts to prove. Has even had the water pump replaced, RMS done earlier on in its life as well as the IMS Seal. Apparently IMS bearing was inspected and didn't need changing.

The car is not smoking or burning oil, there was no mayo in the oil or coolant filler caps and the oil on the dipstick was in good condition as it only had a service done about 1000 miles ago. Air Oil Separator was done around 10k miles ago. The car has a good spec of options from new, think original owner had spent about £9k in options, which is good going for a Boxster of that time I guess. All the interior electrics work, seat adjustment, heated seats, mirrors, Radio/CD player (OEM). The car drove well, no funny sounds and started on the button. My only concern was the gearbox, in that when it was in neutral position and you move the lever left and right, it wasn't auto centralising if that makes sense. The gears went in fine, nice and smooth with no crunching and the clutch seems nice as well, with the biting point not to high and just where it should be in my opinion. However, what could be that gear-lever issue, is it something like a gearbox linkage bush or something that needs replacing or is it something else? And how much do you think it would cost? Is it a relatively simple fix?

Overall, for the age of the car and mileage, under 70k, I was happy with its condition and the maintenance record and therefore left a holding deposit with a view to collect it in the next week or so. He wasn't pushy and said if I change my mind I could have my deposit back. So it's only that one thing that is giving me some doubt, and I'd appreciate some thoughts on the gear lever not centralising in neutral position. It did seem to get a little better as the car warmed up I should add, but still not perfect.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[911hillclimber]

Well done for making a list, but also to find a car with a helpful owner.
my gear lever feels a bit lazy but does come to the neutral/ 3rd 4 th plane.
prob the cables but I think also there is a bushing on the box that can cause some drag.
buy the car, it sounds good and take it to you local good reputation indie for a looksee.
New cables are a bitch, but I would bet it is that rear bush on a bracket, just bolted onto the side of the box. This is a bit of a distant memory, so I hope I am right!
Hope this helps you.
Again, maybe call your local indie and explain your thoughts and the car and see what he says.
My gear shift lightens up after a good warming up.

 

[Schuey]

Thank you Graham for the reply and reassurance. I did some research last night and found some information which resonates with what you're saying, so hopefully it is just that and a simple fix.

Today I have agreed a collection date with the seller and I'm looking forward to having a Classic Porsche in the family

 

[Motorhead]

+1 on Graham’s comments Schuey. Hard to give firm advice, but the gearlever problem doesn’t sound as though it would be a particularly difficult issue for a competent Indie to resolve. Have a word with the Boxster Register’s Tech Advisor Steve Winter of the Porsche specialist Jaz Porsche [ steve@jazweb.co.uk ] who should be able to give you some useful advice.

Jeff

 

[Schuey]

+1 on Graham’s comments Schuey. Hard to give firm advice, but the gearlever problem doesn’t sound as though it would be a particularly difficult issue for a competent Indie to resolve. Have a word with the Boxster Register’s Tech Advisor Steve Winter of the Porsche specialist Jaz Porsche [ steve@jazweb.co.uk ] who should be able to give you some useful advice.

Jeff

Thanks Motorhead, I will drop Steve a line. Much appreciated.

 

[Schuey]

Quick question, and probably sounds silly but I've never had a convertible before. But are these older Boxster's ok to be kept on the drive in terms of the roof weathering?

I do have a Double Garage, however that houses the 911 and motorbike. I could move the bike to another area near the side to make space for the Boxster in there as well. But I'd prefer just to keep the Boxster on the drive if it's ok to do that. Thoughts?

 

[malarcy]

As ever.... just my opinion

I would try to keep the boxster garaged if I could. In theory - they are fine - but you have to keep on top of checking the drains - if you live near trees then leaves and general stuff can block them easily - check them weekly - seriously - you don't want water in the cabin, under the seats.

Door membranes are another trouble spot - if the door has ever been apart then chances are there will be issues if the membrane wasn't properly sealed - again -water inside the car bad....

Nothing on the car will be quite as tight or pliable or fitted as well as it did when the car was new.

I have had convertibles for 20 years - I have never felt the need to waterproof the roof on any car - they have a membrane in the lining - they have never given me concern - but they have always been garaged - but driven in rain regularly enough..... but maybe thats a thing to consider.

If you decide to leave it outside - then perhaps a half cover - cabrioshield.co.uk premium range are well respected - that will take the bulk of the weather and give the older parts of the car a fighting chance.

 

[911hillclimber]

IMHO very good advice above.
My 987.2 has lived outside though every season for 5 years, all ok, but I do have a good top cap over the roof from Oct to April.
keep all the drains clear!
I have a simple moisture trap inside too and catch some water over each 3 weeks.

Drive or run the car every 10 days, 2 weeks max or condition the battery.

 

[ralphmusic]

NB the cabrio hood cover link is https://cabrioshield.com/uk/

 

[Schuey]

As ever.... just my opinion

I would try to keep the boxster garaged if I could. In theory - they are fine - but you have to keep on top of checking the drains - if you live near trees then leaves and general stuff can block them easily - check them weekly - seriously - you don't want water in the cabin, under the seats.

Door membranes are another trouble spot - if the door has ever been apart then chances are there will be issues if the membrane wasn't properly sealed - again -water inside the car bad....

Nothing on the car will be quite as tight or pliable or fitted as well as it did when the car was new.

I have had convertibles for 20 years - I have never felt the need to waterproof the roof on any car - they have a membrane in the lining - they have never given me concern - but they have always been garaged - but driven in rain regularly enough..... but maybe thats a thing to consider.

If you decide to leave it outside - then perhaps a half cover - cabrioshield.co.uk premium range are well respected - that will take the bulk of the weather and give the older parts of the car a fighting chance.

Thanks very much Paul, some great advice there that I'll take on board.

 

[Schuey]

Thanks you 911HillClimber and Ralphmusic also