Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

Considering buying a low mileage 2007 Boxter.
What should i be aware of?
Thanks

I wrote this for Wazzer a few months ago. Pretty much for the 986 but applies to the 987 as well.

This is what I answered to Wazzer a couple of weeks ago when he asked the same sort of question.

It looks likely that I'll be hunting for a good Boxster - and would love some thoughts on how to find a good one - I'm in no hurry.

It could be an older high mileage one provided it's already had a good rebuild. Heated seats are a must and it could be a 986 (but with glass rear window) or a 987. If it's an 'S' it'll have to be a tip otherwise tip or manual (happy with the smaller engine - especially if they have fewer issues?).
Why will it have had a rebuild? Maybe IF it had IMS or Bore score issues, otherwise maybe not. There are cars that have gone to 150-200K on original engines.
Not sure on heated seats, never felt the need, the heater is vocanic! Mine is a 986 with a glass window, BUT be careful, the window is quite small & visibility is err.... pants. e.g. I frequently put the hood down to reverse.

What should I look out for, what should I avoid - no lemons for me thanks!
BIG issues are condensers & radiators. They crud up with a salt damped mulch & die. Around £600 for the bits plus labour. RMS weep, all seem misty, on a Tip no clutch to change so will have to be Tip box out not cheap, mine will be left.
Suspension is variable, the various bits are now available from TRW on the after market cheaper than OPC but may need changing as the miles go up. Common issues are creaking & groaning.
Mine has had a tip fluid change, around £320 at an OPC but made a vast change to the gearchange quality.

Does anyone know of a good one anywhere?
Loads about, be picky about history & spec, on a 986 the options were expensive, mine was a £43K with £9K of options on so a £52K car !
Some were significant some not.
Worth a look on Boxa.net always a few cars for sale there.

Twas good advice from Jim. I ended up with a cracker - 2.7, black, 43K, heated sports seats - otherwise quite standard. I bought from a very reliable source (Ray Northway) who stuck a 12 month warranty on it. I took the precaution of asking Ray to change the oil & filter, pre-purchase, so I could look inside the filter for any metal debris - an indicator of failing IMS I gather - it was clear hurrah. I provided the oil & filter. A reputable dealer would have no problems with doing this. I ended up with new oil & filter, an extra stamp in the book and some extra peace of mind. 2.7s also don't suffer from scored bores either apparently - having experienced this horror (on another Porsche - a 3.4) previously it was another deciding factor for me.

Check out Ray's place if you haven't done already - I can thoroughly recommend him.

Good luck!

Did you have a PPI? I am also looking at a very nice 2007 with 21k and FSH. Not sure the £280 for a PPI is necessarily worth it when it comes with 12 months warranty?

No I didn't bother because it came from a reliable source

Have PM'd you grommet.

Seen a car. 2007 Boxster manual. 21k. Looks absolutly mint inside and out. FSH. Dealer has agreed £15,500 with 12 months RAC Platinum Warranty nd a new MOT with no advisories. Does this sound OK?

Inspection being done by JMG today. Nervous but excited!

I was wrong. JMG's fee for PPI was well worth every penny. As it turns out the car is a good one, but did need some work in order to bring it right up to scratch. Things I definitly wouldnt have known about and would have been expensive, also some less important things that I am now aware of for the future. As a result the dealer is carrying out £1500 worth of additional work within the original agreed sale price. I can now relax knowing I am not buying a load of trouble and can enjoy my wifes new car to its full! Thanks JMG.

Mind sharing what JMG picked up on?

Hi Wazzer

Main issues were rear wishbones, brake disks and pads. Rest was mostly small stuff like leaves in radiator area, stained condenser and a small oil leak to keep an eye on. Also water pump due at next service. Can't wait to collect it!

Grommett.