Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

Hi, looking to buy a boxter and could do with some advice please. Firstly, is it normal for the exhaust to smoke briefly on start up? Dealer said they all do this when not started for a while (2 of his cars did this).
Anyone know what the service schedule actually is? E.g. what should be done at what mileage etc. A book full of stamps doesn't mean a lot to me.
Are there any well known things to look for regarding these particular cars (2000-2004) apart from the usual second hand car checks?
If I find what I hope is the right car, I will pay for an independant appraisal, but I'm still very apprehensive.
Any help gratefully received.
Thanks, Stu.

Thanks for all your help.

Sorry you never got a reply, I don't really read this section of the forum as I don't have a Boxster, but I can let you know what I found out when I researched buying a 996. As you are looking at a 986, there should be some similarities. They can smoke on start up, they don't all do it, but from what I read, it's not the end of the world, only a quirk of the flat 6 engine. Smoking all the time and under acceleration is quite different, PM Barry Hart of Hartec for more info' on this. The IMS and RMS issues are quite a problem if not sorted, I believe Jon Mitchell described it on this forum as a hand grenade with a loose or missing pin. The car should have a had a clutch, pads and discs, front radiators and AC condensers by now, unless exceptionally low mileage. The service schedule is 12,000 miles or 12 months regardless.

I thought someone started a buyers guide in the section, but like I said, I don't spend much time here at all. Try searching for it, if it exists at all?

Sorry you didn't get a reply, perhaps all the Boxster guys are on holiday? Speaking of which, you might pick up a bargain this time of the year.

I replied to your post in the introduction section