Well done informative video ! .. just purchased a 2000 Boxster S with $20,000 worth of maintenance receipts, including a new clutch and recent IMS bearing replacement. Didn't know you could have this much fun with your clothes on !
Thanks Mike for taking the time to comment on your car and the purchasing of a Boxster. Your car is super clean and well maintained....Really loving the colour combo!
Glad you enjoyed the vid. Sadly I ended up selling the car after I lost my extra garage space and spent a winter cleaning off snow and ice from my daily driver. I am still in contact with the buyer of this car and he is very happy with it. He has promised to give me first refusal if he decides to sell. I have a video about selling the car somewhere here, too, along with a one--year-ownership vid, if you're interested.
Great video Mike! That colour combination really looks sharp...especially with those coloured wheel crests! In 2011 I took the plunge and got a 2002 Boxster S in Meridian Metallic as my retirement car. The sound of that Porsche engine howling is like being at the gates of heaven! My wheel crests are the black & white ones and your video has given me an idea. The Porsche garage who stores my car for winter will courier them to me so I can paint them. I need something to do until May 1 when Heidi comes out to play and this is the perfect arts & craft project!
Just purchased Box S black auto with tiptronic sat nav electric seats leather in black 113k but still tight ..change from 4500 pounds ..driven from Liverpool to London ..no issues motorways or London traffic ..used to have a Z4 not comparable ..prefer Porsche more space in boot bit less leg room ..interior is a bit dated but sounds a lot more sportier
Good video-beautiful S. I have the standard Boxster-I love it. I did a lot of research on the ims bearing' I hope you have good luck with the ceramic replacement. There's a great video by a chap named Pedro who's fix is the direction I will take-basically, he's an advocate for using the factory part with the front seal removed and a direct oil feed. Last I heard, he had 275k on his '98-which he tracks every week! Worth watching. Thanks for the video!
I"m very familiar with Pedro's. Anyway, the car is sold, but maybe I"ll have the chance to buy it back again someday. I do miss it, but the garage situation just wasn't working out.
That is a beautiful shade of green on the boxster. I've been scoping craigslist for months (not that I can afford to maintain a boxster) and there's this 1999 with green paint but it's a little lighter and a little metallic looking. And yea tan top would look great.
Thanks. Sadly, the car will be sold this week. But the green color definitely brought some interest. Don't worry -- I'm only selling because I lost my extra garage space, and am tired of keeping my daily driver outside. If you find a good one, these are great cars for the money.
Beautiful Porsche. Thank you for providing such a helpful review. Only thing missing would have been to actually have you start it up and drive it a bit.
Glad you liked it. I will do a driving vid at some point. Too bad winter has hit. I'm also working on a Boxster 986 vs. 911SC opinion video, since I've now owned both.
Because I knew there would be expenses associated with any car like this, and I wanted plenty of room for that. I also wanted a "cheap" car that would still be fun, but wouldn't pain me too much if something happened to it.
Was the mileage mentioned? I didn't catch it if it was. Since the clutch needed to be replaced I assume it was not under 50k. If it needed a clutch then the IMS and the rear main seal are obvious tasks to get out of the way along with probably a water pump. The LN bearing is pricey because people will pay for the reputation it has, with that sticker in the door the value of the car goes up $2k and the fear of the IMS for the buyer is gone, worth it without doubt. The color combo is excellent, difficult to understate a good color combo on a Boxster, there are SO MANY silver or guards red with black interiors. I've noticed as the 986's reach 25 years of age many have bad leather on the driver's seat and often the passenger as well, I suspect from simple age. Not sure if keep the leather fed will stop that, it's 25 years after all. The plastic window on the top gets brittle and of course gets cloudy, replacement with a glass window that is also heated is the way to go. Never heard a tan top getting more dirty looking than a black top, I think it'd be worth it cosmetically, don't see all that many tan tops. A forest green hard top would be an awesome addition but finding one would be a real challenge and painting one would not be cheap and hard tops are not cheap either, folks ask $2k or more, not sure they get that price given how difficult they are to ship to non local buyers. I found the black plastic grills inside the roll bar hoops get VERY brittle from years of sun shining on them, they will crack if you look at them incorrectly and are at least $50 each to replace and are of course sided. My 1998 came with bald tires, replaced them with Michelins from COSTCO for around $750. A discerning Boxster buyer would know what your car represents and give you what you have invested up to now and the value will only go up as other similar age Boxsters encounter problems simply from time. Great very informative video. The radio is indeed terrible but I never use it. I found Porsches have blind spots, I think it's a German thing, like you I had several 911's from late 1960's to late 1980's and none of them had heat or a/c worth a darn, the heat tried to kill me many times and nothing I could do could stop the carbon monoxide coming in. The a/c and defrost were simply silly. I lived two years in Germany and it never gets very hot, guess that's why it took them decades to come up with decent a/c even though the USA has always been a huge market for Porsches.
I have owned several Boxster models over the years. I also owned a 2002 Boxster S. In all honesty the IMS failures are extremely low on these cars and really are more talked about than actual cases. Most folks like yourself replace the IMS bearing so that you can sleep better and or it's simply a negotiable item when buying a Boxster. I was down this road as both a buyer and seller except I did not reduce the price on my car. I provided an oil analysis to the buyer and the non sense stopped at that point. And no I will not pay for anything just to make you feel better. Enjoy your car
There's an article from Autohaus Hamilton in Australia about the IMS. google “Autohaus Hamilton Porsche IMS” The article lists all the models and engines (with engine numbers) that are affected. "The Porsche models that are prone to IMS failure and should be replaced are: All 986 Boxster models. - 987 Cayman & Boxster models up to engine number 61504715 - All 996 models (not including: GT and Turbo models) - 997 3.6ltr with M96/05 up to engine number 6950745" Before 2000 Porsche used a double row IMS Bearing which had a low failure rate, then they switched to a single row until 2005 - 2006 and this single row has had the most problems. After 2005 - 2006 Porsche stayed with the single row but increased it's size and strength and this bearing has had the least problems of all three types of bearings used from 1997 to 2008. The upgraded bearing in the 997 and 987 is unserviceable, meaning you can't reach it unless you strip the entire engine down. Some of the early production 2005 - 2006 987 and 997 might have the pre-upgraded bearing fitted, that's why the engine numbers in the Autohaus article might be helpful in determining which type of IMS bearing is installed. I read in one of the TH-cam comments that Mr. Jake Raby from Flat 6 Innovations says he has never seen an M97 engine blow an IMS bearing. Starting in 2008 Porsche introduced the new 997.2 and 987.2 and switched to a DFI direct fuel injection engine which doesn't have an IMS Bearing.
I LOVE THIS COLOR OPTION, DARK GREEN IS VERY CLASSY AND ELEGANT, STUNNING CAR, IM SHOPING NOW FOR ONE, I GAVE UP PAYING 60K FOR A 2013 BOXSTER, DIFFERENT SHAPE SAME FUN AS THE 986
I bought one recently same interior color but blue exterior needed belt, pulleys, oil change a new top ignition coils spark plugs and rear wheel bearings But only paid $5000 for it I've done everything but top and bearings thus far $2890
I have exactly the same car and color,bought it in 2014 and still love to this day with minimal issue's with the entire car.And yes it has more then enough power for the weight.always fun to drive
Mike, great video! thanks! I have been thinking about picking up one of these used 986s'. Good choice on the LNE, IMS, should last the lifetime of the car. Awesome that you are another fellow Coloradoan.
Great video thanks. I just picked up my first Porsche, 2003 Boxster S, with 5,800 miles. The original owner, a rich little old lady who is a friend of my family, paid $58,900 when the car was new. The car very rarely left her garage and I was lucky to purchase it.
I purchased the same year model last September. Only 24K miles. Absolutely love it. It came with the optional hardtop and the color combination is stunning. Full red leather interior with silver exterior. Just a gorgeous automobile and so much fun to drive. 6 speed stick makes it all the more fun to drive.
Commenting on some knucklehead’s view that the Boxster is a secretary’s car, perpetuates this bogus view! STOP saying this garbage. People see videos like this one and hear that some uniformed clowns think the Boxster is a secretary’s car and then parrot what they’ve heard. On another subject, your Porsche looks amazing, inside and out.
Great vid and awesome ride. 2 things. Take your beard trimmer and put it on setting 3 and trim your eye brows. 2nd thing is if anybody wants a sweet ride but can't afford a Porsche get a miata. Not as cool and not as fast but a whole lot cheaper.
But my eyebrows are a part of my whole “brand”! Hahaha. Actually I finally relented and let my stylist trim them for the first time a few years ago. Now I always have it done. Glad you enjoyed the vid. And yeah, Miatas are a hoot, too. I rode in one that was turbocharged up to something like 300hp, and it was ridiculous.
Mine had it too, but I found it kind of hard to access due to having to either twist around, or lean way over to get into it. Still, better than nothing!
Thx for that. Been considering one for years. Drove one with intent to buy a year ago. it was amazing. I let it slip tho. Maybe I'll bite again soon. Luv and Peace.
They can be affordable to keep up. If you can read instructions, watch a few videos, and turn a wrench, you can do a lot of the maintenance and repairs yourself for 10%-20% of the cost elsewhere. Alternator replacement: quotes range from $650 to $800 (to $1,600 at the Porsche dealer). Rebuilt Bosch (OEM) alternator is $170 with a lifetime warranty, 2 hours of head scratching and wrestling with the thing, and you're done.
I just bought a 2000 Boxster S with a manual transmission for 5000$ and I’m very impressed by it so far. To be fair I should mention, that the engine went bad, but that’s not that big of a deal, since nothing major broke. I’m pleased so far and hyped to rebuild the engine to experience what the car is like to drive!
I’m sure you’re right, but I sold it years ago. I need to ask the guy who bought it if he still has it. I always held that due to older 911s (like the SC I owned before the Boxster) shooting up in value, the Boxster would necessarily get its value dragged up to follow. People who can’t afford a classic 911 can at least experience Porsche excellence via the Boxster and Cayman, and these days the 996 (still?). I ended up eventually buying a Macan S, and love it for its performance and all-around utility. I got a 2002 M Roadster recently.
Hi! I'm 21 years old, and thinking of selling my 2014 Audi A3 and buy a Boxster. This video is now 7 years old. Do you still own the car? Any problems with it? What's the mpg? Any tips for a 21 year old buying these cars? I'm going for a 1997-1999 model, with over 90 000 miles hoping to find a car which every bad part has been changed. Thanks
I actually sold it a couple years later. Not because I didn’t love it, but because I lost my extra garage space and didn’t want to leave the Boxster, or my daily, outside. I still think fondly of that car. My mechanic always said they were unfairly maligned cars. He had one for his wife and he said once the basics were addressed it was totally reliable. I had that experience myself. Main (basic) thing for me was the IMS bearing. Yeah, it might not go bad, but why take the risk? They found some other stuff “while they were in there”, so we addressed that, too. I spent a few thousand fixing it up, and then just put gas in it for the next couple of years. Just find one that has good records and get a pre-purchase inspection at a reputable dealer or independent shop.
@@mike.thomas thank you for a quick response. The ims bearing is something i for sure will look out for. I've heard that the 1997-1999 had a dobble bearing that were less likely to break. I'll wait untill desember/january before i buy one, as these cars are way cheaper when it's snow and ice outside.
Great buyer price slicing technique! As a seller, never agree to sell a car for less when the buyer hasn't committed to buy for less!!! It's OK to for the buyer to check a car out, and then make a lower offer based on the inspection. But why would you agree to sell a car for a lower price as is, and then allow the buyer to bully you into lowering the price again! Allways negotiate like a tennis volley: Seller has an asking price, buyer makes a buying offer, seller makes a counter offer, buyer counters that, etc. Why would a seller have an asking price, lower the price pre inspection, then lower it again after inspection! For example, do you think a buyer like Mr Thomas will come back and offer your more than your asking price if the inspector reveals that the E30 M is now worth over $100k, and not your asking price of a standard E30? NOT!!!! I'd a told Mr "one way" Thomas to move along little puppy, lol!
Nice looking car. I have the 2004 boxster S . Anyone that calls the boxster a hair dressers car hasn’t driven one. They go like hell & stick to the corners like shit to a blanket. Mine has the Bose surround sound . The car that saved Porsche. 👍
Got my eye on a 2001 boxster s right now with black with the same interior you have and luckily ims has been done less than 10,000 miles ago car is extremely clean and dude only wants 6 grand for it
Beautiful car, bought me one too and fallen in love with it. I don’t think you mentioned there’s a handy storage compartment behind the seats under the glass rear panel 👍
Thanks for an informative well presented video. I am looking for a 986s 550 spyder manual.Yup, a bit rare, but in no hurry, they are about. Only 100 into the UK, just waiting for the best one...thanks again.
Great car . how much did the IMS bearing install cost ?? Where are you ?? beautiful color . I have a warranty on mine , but would like to change the bearing ,but don't know any individual here. Thank you .
I'm pretty sure your didn't mention the "glove box" behind/between the seats. Do you still have it? Not being a criminal, was wondering why you covered the license plates?
Papa Torr You’re probably right that I didn’t mention it but a), it’s not in all 986 Boxsters (I’m pretty sure), and b) it’s not exactly a place you can reach into easily when you’re in driving position. Still it’s a useful storage area, so worth mentioning. I don’t still have it, and I miss it. I have a “first refusal” agreement with the gentleman who bought it, though!
@@mike.thomas Thanks Mike, I recommend Yoga classes for both of us to be able to reach around. I still have my 00 Boxster. Will sell it when I have the money for a "better" Porsche. Same for my z3 and Miata, only sell when I can afford upgrades.
Hey Mike. I've been looking at a 97 Boxster in Canada- 139,000 km which is 85,000 miles/auto with tiptronic shift/new tires/recently serviced. Only issue to date (this is prior to the PPI I am having done 3 days from now) is leaking transmission fluid and the automatic soft-top has been converted to manual. Pretty sure something broke and the seller just made do by putting the top down manually. If those are the only issues to deal with, what would your gut tell ya? Again, this is prior to my PPI so it's still in preliminary stages but I appreciated your advice on making the contingent offer. Thanks in advance! Loved the vid.
Can't give you a solid number, but it sounds to me like you should go pretty low, even on the contingent offer. The top issue might just be a busted cable, but it could also be a busted motor, or something else. The xmisison fluid leak, who knows? Tiptronic is not desirable (unless it is to you), thus downgrades the value of the car (IMO). The PPI is absolutely required, esp if the guy has been letting stuff go. Be sure to look at plenty of comparables, if possible. Best of luck!
Thank you. I don't think it's leather -- my car doesn't have that option code. BTW, if you're curious about Porsche option codes, I created a web page to decode them: 986options.toyapp.com
Probably the best review I have seen regarding Porsche - or any used sports car. Having learned the hard way at a very young age, you dont want to buy one unless you have an EXPERT look at it first. Great ideas in your video. Had to laugh outloud about the "girl's car" comments. Those guys are knuckle-draggers who were beaten by their fathers when they showed the least signs of sensitivity - feel sorry for them. They get all excited when the newest delivery trucks are announced. Many more women will want to go riding in your convertible than in your pick-up... at least the ones I would be interested in.
Mike, Great car and video. I have the same car and color combination as you do except that mind is an 01 instead of an 2000. Both are nearly identical. I've had mind for years and it runs like a champ. How many miles were on it when you purchased it? One suggestion would be to replace the tail lights with led ones. I have and it really improves the overall appearance of the rear end.
***** Congrats! It's really a great car. I believe my car had about 60-65k on it when I bought it (?). Can't remember for sure. I've done the front marker lights in clear, so the LED rears might be a good option, unless they're too bling-ey :-).
Really nice an accurate review. I'm a VW/Audi/Porsche tech for a small shop. I currently own a 1986 944 non turbo. I absolutely love it. I bought it cheap and have done most of the major maintenance to it. If I sold it, I would have to sell it at a higher price than your average non-maintained 944. I've worked on a few Boxsters. It's better to prevent than to cure an IMS problem. We've used the LN IMS bearing. That sucker is expensive! The oil separators can also be an issue that makes them smoke. But other than that, they are really reliable. Very fun to drive. Oh, and the S is spectacular. The music from the exhaust on a 3rd and 4th gear pull is insane. Makes me feel alive. That being said, I'm contemplating a 1st gen non S Boxster because it'll be a bit cheaper to get into. It'll get the LN IMS bearing done if no documentation is supplied. Growing up with air cooled VW's (quick turbo ones) and 914's, I have an unconditional love for boxer engines. I worked on a 996 turbo that we replaced and upgraded turbos, fueling, added water meth injection, and a front axle delete. We did an upgrade to PSS9's as well. That car runs in the 10's.
She is beautiful!!! I have been shopping for my first Porsche for a couple of months and I have settled on the Boxster S. I lean towards a 2013 or newer. My situation requires that I sell my boat, Harley and perhaps a few other things. LOL Having seen your video, I am now rethinking..... I didn't want an older car, but my goodness... your Boxster and investment is quite attractive. By this time next year, I will own a Boxster S. Thank you for your very helpful video.
Nice to hear from you. To me it makes a lot of sense to buy something older, though it certainly won't perform like newer models. However an older Boxster is still a fabulous car that is (much) cheaper to buy and insure, and will leave you a lot more money for the inevitable upgrades and repairs. Still, a 2013 would be really nice! Best of luck with your decision.
I realize this car has moved on, but I would like to know what Boxster owners want to keep in the cockpit with them that lack of a glovebox denies them? I have a 2002 S and cannot for the life of me figure it out, and wonder maybe I am forgetting something very important that I should have on hand and within reach that I do not. All I keep hearing and reading is this cars lack of storage. Now, a list of what I do have: his and hers hats in the door boxes. Sunglasses in a case in door box. Led flashlight and multi tool in door box. USB charger for cigarette lighter and two cables in door box. Small box of various fuses. Minty gum at all times in door box. An ink pen as well. Digital tire gauge. Registration and insurance in center console. Manual under steering column where it belongs. And both boxes have room to spare. Roadside kit is in the frunk as well as a more comprehensive set of metric tools. Phone is in a slick holder on dash. You all preparing for World War Z?
Minoltalphafan Let me explain it to you. Different people have different preferences. Personally I'd rather dig around in a glovebox that falls open to reveal its contents and usually has a light, than dig around in a narrow, dark, mostly vertical, unsecured space. Now, what puzzles *me* is how seemingly bent out of shape some people seem to get when this lack of a simple convenience is pointed out. That's the real mystery here (in my opinion, of course). I loved the car though, and miss it a lot. We at least have that in common :-).
Nice car Mike, How is it going now? Do you still love it? 😊 I have a R32 GTR which I am selling to buy a Boxer S. Looking for the same year model, prices have plummeted in Australia, we have quite a selection to choose from. The only thing I don't like about it, is the ability to service it yourself. I was expecting to see an engine when you opened the trunk, all I saw was a dip stick, oil and water.... Does all servicing has to be done by a specialised mechanic? Is that why you say it's expensive to own? What about oil changes, filters? Can I at least do that myself? Thanks for the review. 👍 Simon
Hi Simon, Still love the car, at least when the top is down. Top up, it's pretty squeaky and rattly, which sucks. I do wonder if you'll be happy with the performance, coming from a GTR. Well, at least you have the top down thing :-). Yeah, the engine is a hassle to get to, being mid-engine. I haven't even bothered. I'm not much of a do-it-yourselfer. However oil changes aren't particularly difficult from what I've seen. There is at least one good video here on TH-cam. Service is expensive due to the price of OEM parts, and I take the car to a non-dealer Porsche specialist. So, expensive to own, for a guy like me who pays someone else ;-).
I love the color combination. I looked at a 911 with the same combo but the PPI indicated too many expensive repairs were needed. Now I'm considering a forest green Boxster on the other side of the country. I'm getting concerned, however, that at 6'2" I might not fit in a Boxster. The 911, with the seat all the way back, was a bit of a tight fit. If there's less leg room on the Boxster I might have to give up on the idea.
I'm just over six feet, and the Boxster is just at its limit for me, regarding room, meaning just barely perfect for me. There's not a lot of leg room. I have a 32" inseam. It's all down to setup and preferences, but if your inseam is longer, I strongly suggest you test drive one locally to see what you think.
Hello Mike, thank you for your videos, I enjoy them; in your car shopping, may I ask what drew you towards the Boxster rather than a 911 of the same year? Were there aspects of the Boxster that you liked better? Thanks, -Michael
MichaelQuyen Thomas That's a good question. I guess this was my thinking: the 996 is pretty roundly hated by "Porsche Guys" as the "worst 911". The Boxster is just hated for being a Boxster, but at least it's the best Boxster :-). Seriously, though, I just felt the Boxster was the best value for a fun replacement and I wanted to try the mid-engine thing. If I found a really good 996 for decent $$ I'd consider it.
Gregory P You have it replaced, like I say in the video. The cost varies. The bearing itself, if you go for an LN Engineering one, is around $800. Labor is about the same as getting a new clutch (which is why I combined mine -- it's a "while you're in there" kind of thing). It was over $2k for the clutch and bearing job, and I had a lot of other stuff done at the time, so the total was around $5500. Should be good for a while now, except for tires, which will be $$$ :-(. These cars are not cheap to maintain!
You'd have thought someone who's had a classic 911 would know not to drop the hood and the trunk. The correct method is to lower the hood gently by hand and then then use the palm of your hand on the Porsche badge to latch. Use a similar method with the trunk.
@@mike.thomas right, but any Porsche isn't just a car. Especially when it's as nice and tidy as that. And you've just spent $5k on an IMS bearing, clutch, RMS and all that. So for all intents and purposes you have a beautiful Porsche sports car that's like new. I'd take just as good care of it as you did your SC.
TheSushiFiend Well sadly they seem to become more and more “just a car”. Expensive yes, but not all that special WRT quality. I now drive a 2016 Macan and it feels less solid than my 2004 BMW E46. Still a good car, but kind of disappointing, WRT solidity and build quality.
@@mike.thomas Good on you for replying though! I have a 2014 981 Boxster S ex-Porsche press car and my daily is a 2001 E46 330Ci coupe which I've owned from new, now on 210,000 miles. It keeps cracking expansion tanks so I think the head gasket is leaking, so looking for a replacement winter daily. I did consider a Macan but I haven't decided yet. While the summer is so amazing here in the UK I'm just using the Boxster as my daily.
+VHSpal Yeah, you can get some fairly inexpensive ones here, too, but the really good ones are a bit more (like mine). Just be darn sure to have it inspected! I'm sure you'll love it.
Mike Thomas Thanks Mike, you have a really nice Boxster, I'm sure you'll have great fun in it. I'm thinking to get a cheap one and just use it until it dies.. might be 6 weeks or 6 years.. anyway congrats on your car.
Mike Thomas Yeah I don't mind, for 5,000 dollars it's ok. Could be a good one. For the 911 I didn't do that though, that's too expensive to risk. I like the green and tan on your car. Very nice!
Hi mike if you did get one of the cheaper ones and immediately got the ims changed and a new clutch, oil change do you think you would be safe with the big repairs out of the way?
You can get a decent Boxster for around $8k. A lot of people seem to buy new cars that they can't afford, and then assume that someone who is driving a Porsche/BMW/whatever is rich. Not necessarily -- they could have gotten a great deal on a used car.
I agree somehow to what you say, but maintenance is Porsche in the end (tires and inspection). If you have any problem or something breaks, start crying...
MendaSpain Yes, they are definitely expensive to maintain, so it's a trade-off between a larger car payment for a new car, or a small payment (or no payment) for the Boxster and saving some back for repairs.
MendaSpain Actually if you’re even moderately experienced mechanically you can do a lot of the maintenance and regular work yourself, it’s not that difficult.
Great in-depth review & wise words to millennials such as myself who prefer the used market and know a lot about cars at a younger age. I know my end goal car is going to be between a Boxster or Cayman dependent on the part of the world I decide to reside in the next couple years.
Well done informative video ! .. just purchased a 2000 Boxster S with $20,000 worth of maintenance receipts, including a new clutch and recent IMS bearing replacement. Didn't know you could have this much fun with your clothes on !
slogroove that's awesome how is it going now? what did you buy it for how many miles?
slogroove where can I get a ppi from
@@NMEofdaST8 Legend has it he's still driving the car with no miles
Thanks Mike for taking the time to comment on your car and the purchasing of a Boxster. Your car is super clean and well maintained....Really loving the colour combo!
Glad you enjoyed the vid. Sadly I ended up selling the car after I lost my extra garage space and spent a winter cleaning off snow and ice from my daily driver. I am still in contact with the buyer of this car and he is very happy with it. He has promised to give me first refusal if he decides to sell.
I have a video about selling the car somewhere here, too, along with a one--year-ownership vid, if you're interested.
Great video Mike! That colour combination really looks sharp...especially with those coloured wheel crests!
In 2011 I took the plunge and got a 2002 Boxster S in Meridian Metallic as my retirement car.
The sound of that Porsche engine howling is like being at the gates of heaven!
My wheel crests are the black & white ones and your video has given me an idea.
The Porsche garage who stores my car for winter will courier them to me so I can paint them.
I need something to do until May 1 when Heidi comes out to play and this is the perfect arts & craft project!
Just purchased Box S black auto with tiptronic sat nav electric seats leather in black 113k but still tight ..change from 4500 pounds ..driven from Liverpool to London ..no issues motorways or London traffic ..used to have a Z4 not comparable ..prefer Porsche more space in boot bit less leg room ..interior is a bit dated but sounds a lot more sportier
Good video-beautiful S. I have the standard Boxster-I love it. I did a lot of research on the ims bearing' I hope you have good luck with the ceramic replacement. There's a great video by a chap named Pedro who's fix is the direction I will take-basically, he's an advocate for using the factory part with the front seal removed and a direct oil feed. Last I heard, he had 275k on his '98-which he tracks every week! Worth watching. Thanks for the video!
I"m very familiar with Pedro's. Anyway, the car is sold, but maybe I"ll have the chance to buy it back again someday. I do miss it, but the garage situation just wasn't working out.
That is a beautiful shade of green on the boxster. I've been scoping craigslist for months (not that I can afford to maintain a boxster) and there's this 1999 with green paint but it's a little lighter and a little metallic looking. And yea tan top would look great.
Thanks. Sadly, the car will be sold this week. But the green color definitely brought some interest. Don't worry -- I'm only selling because I lost my extra garage space, and am tired of keeping my daily driver outside. If you find a good one, these are great cars for the money.
Love Your Videos good job! Excellent! Touched nice base on everything and excellent quality of video!
+Edward Podlasek Thanks! I appreciate your kind comment. Glad you liked the vid.
Very nice car!!!
Beautiful Porsche. Thank you for providing such a helpful review. Only thing missing would have been to actually have you start it up and drive it a bit.
Glad you liked it. I will do a driving vid at some point. Too bad winter has hit.
I'm also working on a Boxster 986 vs. 911SC opinion video, since I've now owned both.
Nice car and review. Last year i bought a boxster 2,5 manuel with low km. I love drivning the car. Do NOT by one with automatik gear!
Omg why I just saw one the other day and I was interested
What ever I fo you can give me I would be really appreciative of it thanks
What a cool and honest video.
+LordLauderdale Thanks! I'm still enjoying the car, over a year on.
Very nice. Love the color. Thanks for the buying tips and what to look for on these models. Hope you're still enjoying.
Still driving it every nice day.
very good
Nice car man!
Why didn't you get a 987 model? you can find them for $25k-$28k.
Because I knew there would be expenses associated with any car like this, and I wanted plenty of room for that. I also wanted a "cheap" car that would still be fun, but wouldn't pain me too much if something happened to it.
No driving? Just talk? Boring as hell!!!
Timeless design
It is a beautiful car but I wouldn’t say timeless
Was the mileage mentioned? I didn't catch it if it was. Since the clutch needed to be replaced I assume it was not under 50k. If it needed a clutch then the IMS and the rear main seal are obvious tasks to get out of the way along with probably a water pump. The LN bearing is pricey because people will pay for the reputation it has, with that sticker in the door the value of the car goes up $2k and the fear of the IMS for the buyer is gone, worth it without doubt. The color combo is excellent, difficult to understate a good color combo on a Boxster, there are SO MANY silver or guards red with black interiors. I've noticed as the 986's reach 25 years of age many have bad leather on the driver's seat and often the passenger as well, I suspect from simple age. Not sure if keep the leather fed will stop that, it's 25 years after all. The plastic window on the top gets brittle and of course gets cloudy, replacement with a glass window that is also heated is the way to go. Never heard a tan top getting more dirty looking than a black top, I think it'd be worth it cosmetically, don't see all that many tan tops. A forest green hard top would be an awesome addition but finding one would be a real challenge and painting one would not be cheap and hard tops are not cheap either, folks ask $2k or more, not sure they get that price given how difficult they are to ship to non local buyers. I found the black plastic grills inside the roll bar hoops get VERY brittle from years of sun shining on them, they will crack if you look at them incorrectly and are at least $50 each to replace and are of course sided. My 1998 came with bald tires, replaced them with Michelins from COSTCO for around $750. A discerning Boxster buyer would know what your car represents and give you what you have invested up to now and the value will only go up as other similar age Boxsters encounter problems simply from time. Great very informative video. The radio is indeed terrible but I never use it. I found Porsches have blind spots, I think it's a German thing, like you I had several 911's from late 1960's to late 1980's and none of them had heat or a/c worth a darn, the heat tried to kill me many times and nothing I could do could stop the carbon monoxide coming in. The a/c and defrost were simply silly. I lived two years in Germany and it never gets very hot, guess that's why it took them decades to come up with decent a/c even though the USA has always been a huge market for Porsches.
I have owned several Boxster models over the years. I also owned a 2002 Boxster S. In all honesty the IMS failures are extremely low on these cars and really are more talked about than actual cases. Most folks like yourself replace the IMS bearing so that you can sleep better and or it's simply a negotiable item when buying a Boxster. I was down this road as both a buyer and seller except I did not reduce the price on my car. I provided an oil analysis to the buyer and the non sense stopped at that point. And no I will not pay for anything just to make you feel better. Enjoy your car
Great video. Just starting the process of car shopping for my first Boxster S.
There's an article from Autohaus Hamilton in Australia about the IMS.
google “Autohaus Hamilton Porsche IMS” The article lists all the models and
engines (with engine numbers) that are affected. "The Porsche models that are
prone to IMS failure and should be replaced are: All 986 Boxster models. - 987
Cayman & Boxster models up to engine number 61504715 - All 996 models (not
including: GT and Turbo models) - 997 3.6ltr with M96/05 up to engine number
6950745" Before 2000 Porsche used a double row IMS Bearing which had a low
failure rate, then they switched to a single row until 2005 - 2006 and this
single row has had the most problems. After 2005 - 2006 Porsche stayed with the
single row but increased it's size and strength and this bearing has had the
least problems of all three types of bearings used from 1997 to 2008. The
upgraded bearing in the 997 and 987 is unserviceable, meaning you can't reach it
unless you strip the entire engine down. Some of the early production 2005 -
2006 987 and 997 might have the pre-upgraded bearing fitted, that's why the
engine numbers in the Autohaus article might be helpful in determining which
type of IMS bearing is installed. I read in one of the TH-cam comments that Mr.
Jake Raby from Flat 6 Innovations says he has never seen an M97 engine blow an
IMS bearing. Starting in 2008 Porsche introduced the new 997.2 and 987.2 and
switched to a DFI direct fuel injection engine which doesn't have an IMS
Bearing.
I LOVE THIS COLOR OPTION, DARK GREEN IS VERY CLASSY AND ELEGANT, STUNNING CAR, IM SHOPING NOW FOR ONE, I GAVE UP PAYING 60K FOR A 2013 BOXSTER, DIFFERENT SHAPE SAME FUN AS THE 986
Beautiful Mike!
Enjoy!
Life is short...
Thank you for your video, very informative, much help to me cause I am planning to buy one.
Don't be scared of the IMS myth.
I bought one recently same interior color but blue exterior needed belt, pulleys, oil change a new top ignition coils spark plugs and rear wheel bearings
But only paid $5000 for it
I've done everything but top and bearings thus far $2890
I have exactly the same car and color,bought it in 2014 and still love to this day with minimal issue's with the entire car.And yes it has more then enough power for the weight.always fun to drive
Mike, great video! thanks! I have been thinking about picking up one of these used 986s'. Good choice on the LNE, IMS, should last the lifetime of the car. Awesome that you are another fellow Coloradoan.
Stunning car. Love the color you chose. Great video...thank you.
Awesome.....
She's a beauty... Have fun :)
Why would anyone in their right mind a high maintenance unreliable expensive to repair underpowered ugly turd of a boxster.
Great video thanks. I just picked up my first Porsche, 2003 Boxster S, with 5,800 miles. The original owner, a rich little old lady who is a friend of my family, paid $58,900 when the car was new. The car very rarely left her garage and I was lucky to purchase it.
Mike Gags Wow, congrats!
“I sure fu.. I sure hope so” 😂🤣😭 love the car hope you enjoy it for a long time
Im looking for a ‘99 or below so I dont have to worry about the IMS bearing.
nice Review...got a 99 204 hp (standard in europé) and i complitley agree to youre comments
I purchased the same year model last September. Only 24K miles. Absolutely love it. It came with the optional hardtop and the color combination is stunning. Full red leather interior with silver exterior. Just a gorgeous automobile and so much fun to drive. 6 speed stick makes it all the more fun to drive.
+Roland Rattee Excellent! Enjoy it!
Do you have any problems with the tampox dispenser in the glove box?
Commenting on some knucklehead’s view that the Boxster is a secretary’s car, perpetuates this bogus view! STOP saying this garbage. People see videos like this one and hear that some uniformed clowns think the Boxster is a secretary’s car and then parrot what they’ve heard. On another subject, your Porsche looks amazing, inside and out.
You’re right. I re-watched a couple of weeks ago and thought, damn, I should have said “BULLSHIT” to that idea, not “I don’t care”. 🤷🏻♂️
After market beige soft top! Agree! I own a Speed Yellow Boxster.
Your 986 will only increase in value like my one.Happy Day's
No. A tan top would not be a good idea. It would look terrible with any color
its my dream car i am going to get one after i graduate from med school :) thank you
8:48 Did he call the front trunk a "frunk"? lol. Is that what they're really named? Or was he just being silly?
Yes.
how many miles on car? I'm considering buying one and appreciate your videos on the Boxster.
Sorry - I missed your comment. It currently has about 64k. When I bought it, it was just south of 60k.
Great vid and awesome ride. 2 things. Take your beard trimmer and put it on setting 3 and trim your eye brows. 2nd thing is if anybody wants a sweet ride but can't afford a Porsche get a miata. Not as cool and not as fast but a whole lot cheaper.
But my eyebrows are a part of my whole “brand”! Hahaha. Actually I finally relented and let my stylist trim them for the first time a few years ago. Now I always have it done. Glad you enjoyed the vid. And yeah, Miatas are a hoot, too. I rode in one that was turbocharged up to something like 300hp, and it was ridiculous.
My 2000 986 Boxster isn’t the S, but I love it. Mine has a glove box between the seats on the back wall. Sliding door.
Mine had it too, but I found it kind of hard to access due to having to either twist around, or lean way over to get into it. Still, better than nothing!
Thx for that. Been considering one for years.
Drove one with intent to buy a year ago.
it was amazing. I let it slip tho.
Maybe I'll bite again soon.
Luv and Peace.
They can be affordable to keep up. If you can read instructions, watch a few videos, and turn a wrench, you can do a lot of the maintenance and repairs yourself for 10%-20% of the cost elsewhere. Alternator replacement: quotes range from $650 to $800 (to $1,600 at the Porsche dealer). Rebuilt Bosch (OEM) alternator is $170 with a lifetime warranty, 2 hours of head scratching and wrestling with the thing, and you're done.
I just bought a 2000 Boxster S with a manual transmission for 5000$ and I’m very impressed by it so far. To be fair I should mention, that the engine went bad, but that’s not that big of a deal, since nothing major broke.
I’m pleased so far and hyped to rebuild the engine to experience what the car is like to drive!
You could probably sell this car more than what you paid for it. :-)
I’m sure you’re right, but I sold it years ago. I need to ask the guy who bought it if he still has it. I always held that due to older 911s (like the SC I owned before the Boxster) shooting up in value, the Boxster would necessarily get its value dragged up to follow. People who can’t afford a classic 911 can at least experience Porsche excellence via the Boxster and Cayman, and these days the 996 (still?). I ended up eventually buying a Macan S, and love it for its performance and all-around utility. I got a 2002 M Roadster recently.
Lol secretary's car? I've never seen any able to afford anything more expensive than a Mustang, and a Boxster definitely doesn't fit in that budget
Hi! I'm 21 years old, and thinking of selling my 2014 Audi A3 and buy a Boxster. This video is now 7 years old. Do you still own the car? Any problems with it? What's the mpg? Any tips for a 21 year old buying these cars? I'm going for a 1997-1999 model, with over 90 000 miles hoping to find a car which every bad part has been changed. Thanks
I actually sold it a couple years later. Not because I didn’t love it, but because I lost my extra garage space and didn’t want to leave the Boxster, or my daily, outside. I still think fondly of that car. My mechanic always said they were unfairly maligned cars. He had one for his wife and he said once the basics were addressed it was totally reliable. I had that experience myself. Main (basic) thing for me was the IMS bearing. Yeah, it might not go bad, but why take the risk? They found some other stuff “while they were in there”, so we addressed that, too. I spent a few thousand fixing it up, and then just put gas in it for the next couple of years. Just find one that has good records and get a pre-purchase inspection at a reputable dealer or independent shop.
@@mike.thomas thank you for a quick response. The ims bearing is something i for sure will look out for. I've heard that the 1997-1999 had a dobble bearing that were less likely to break. I'll wait untill desember/january before i buy one, as these cars are way cheaper when it's snow and ice outside.
Great buyer price slicing technique! As a seller, never agree to sell a car for less when the buyer hasn't committed to buy for less!!! It's OK to for the buyer to check a car out, and then make a lower offer based on the inspection. But why would you agree to sell a car for a lower price as is, and then allow the buyer to bully you into lowering the price again! Allways negotiate like a tennis volley: Seller has an asking price, buyer makes a buying offer, seller makes a counter offer, buyer counters that, etc. Why would a seller have an asking price, lower the price pre inspection, then lower it again after inspection! For example, do you think a buyer like Mr Thomas will come back and offer your more than your asking price if the inspector reveals that the E30 M is now worth over $100k, and not your asking price of a standard E30? NOT!!!! I'd a told Mr "one way" Thomas to move along little puppy, lol!
Nice looking car. I have the 2004 boxster S . Anyone that calls the boxster a hair dressers car hasn’t driven one. They go like hell & stick to the corners like shit to a blanket. Mine has the Bose surround sound . The car that saved Porsche. 👍
Good video. Nice Boxster; very choice example.
Got my eye on a 2001 boxster s right now with black with the same interior you have and luckily ims has been done less than 10,000 miles ago car is extremely clean and dude only wants 6 grand for it
nice pick-up mike...enjoy love the car ..especially the S
Thank you for this video. I love this car.
Funny how I was looking into buying an old Porsche and the same guy who's videos convinced me to buy a Texas Leica gets recommended.
Beautiful car, bought me one too and fallen in love with it. I don’t think you mentioned there’s a handy storage compartment behind the seats under the glass rear panel 👍
Thanks for an informative well presented video. I am looking for a 986s 550 spyder manual.Yup, a bit rare, but in no hurry, they are about. Only 100 into the UK, just waiting for the best one...thanks again.
Great car . how much did the IMS bearing install cost ?? Where are you ?? beautiful color . I have a warranty on mine , but would like to change the bearing ,but don't know any individual here.
Thank you .
I'm pretty sure your didn't mention the "glove box" behind/between the seats. Do you still have it? Not being a criminal, was wondering why you covered the license plates?
Papa Torr You’re probably right that I didn’t mention it but a), it’s not in all 986 Boxsters (I’m pretty sure), and b) it’s not exactly a place you can reach into easily when you’re in driving position. Still it’s a useful storage area, so worth mentioning. I don’t still have it, and I miss it. I have a “first refusal” agreement with the gentleman who bought it, though!
@@mike.thomas Thanks Mike, I recommend Yoga classes for both of us to be able to reach around. I still have my 00 Boxster. Will sell it when I have the money for a "better" Porsche. Same for my z3 and Miata, only sell when I can afford upgrades.
Excellent! Just thinking about one and now I know what to look for
Excellent video Mike! You probably saved me a lot of money and even more heartache... Thanks brother and it’s a gorgeous Porsche...
Hey Mike. I've been looking at a 97 Boxster in Canada- 139,000 km which is 85,000 miles/auto with tiptronic shift/new tires/recently serviced. Only issue to date (this is prior to the PPI I am having done 3 days from now) is leaking transmission fluid and the automatic soft-top has been converted to manual. Pretty sure something broke and the seller just made do by putting the top down manually. If those are the only issues to deal with, what would your gut tell ya? Again, this is prior to my PPI so it's still in preliminary stages but I appreciated your advice on making the contingent offer. Thanks in advance! Loved the vid.
Can't give you a solid number, but it sounds to me like you should go pretty low, even on the contingent offer. The top issue might just be a busted cable, but it could also be a busted motor, or something else. The xmisison fluid leak, who knows? Tiptronic is not desirable (unless it is to you), thus downgrades the value of the car (IMO). The PPI is absolutely required, esp if the guy has been letting stuff go. Be sure to look at plenty of comparables, if possible. Best of luck!
Appreciate the response! Thanks man.
No problem. Let us (me and anyone else who watches the video) know what happens.
Gorgeous color combination. That must be a leather covered dash.
Thank you. I don't think it's leather -- my car doesn't have that option code. BTW, if you're curious about Porsche option codes, I created a web page to decode them:
986options.toyapp.com
Nice car Mike Congratulations, hope you enjoy it. Love Porsche myself Mike.
Well done, very informative, thank you!
Well done. But you had all that stuff fixed. Go drive it and enjoy it and I bet you don't spend a lot of money on it in the next two years.
The wind interfers with your comments...I'm thinking about a Cayman S 2008. My fav.
Good info. I agree nice colour combo.
Probably the best review I have seen regarding Porsche - or any used sports car. Having learned the hard way at a very young age, you dont want to buy one unless you have an EXPERT look at it first. Great ideas in your video.
Had to laugh outloud about the "girl's car" comments. Those guys are knuckle-draggers who were beaten by their fathers when they showed the least signs of sensitivity - feel sorry for them. They get all excited when the newest delivery trucks are announced. Many more women will want to go riding in your convertible than in your pick-up... at least the ones I would be interested in.
Mike,
Great car and video. I have the same car and color combination as you do except that mind is an 01 instead of an 2000. Both are nearly identical. I've had mind for years and it runs like a champ. How many miles were on it when you purchased it? One suggestion would be to replace the tail lights with led ones. I have and it really improves the overall appearance of the rear end.
***** Congrats! It's really a great car. I believe my car had about 60-65k on it when I bought it (?). Can't remember for sure. I've done the front marker lights in clear, so the LED rears might be a good option, unless they're too bling-ey :-).
Thanks for showing! Really beautiful colour. Nice interior.
Really nice an accurate review. I'm a VW/Audi/Porsche tech for a small shop. I currently own a 1986 944 non turbo. I absolutely love it. I bought it cheap and have done most of the major maintenance to it. If I sold it, I would have to sell it at a higher price than your average non-maintained 944. I've worked on a few Boxsters. It's better to prevent than to cure an IMS problem. We've used the LN IMS bearing. That sucker is expensive! The oil separators can also be an issue that makes them smoke. But other than that, they are really reliable. Very fun to drive. Oh, and the S is spectacular. The music from the exhaust on a 3rd and 4th gear pull is insane. Makes me feel alive. That being said, I'm contemplating a 1st gen non S Boxster because it'll be a bit cheaper to get into. It'll get the LN IMS bearing done if no documentation is supplied. Growing up with air cooled VW's (quick turbo ones) and 914's, I have an unconditional love for boxer engines. I worked on a 996 turbo that we replaced and upgraded turbos, fueling, added water meth injection, and a front axle delete. We did an upgrade to PSS9's as well. That car runs in the 10's.
monica93304 Thanks for your comment. Enjoy the Boxster if you get one!
i wouldn't keep the title in the car
Excellent video. Such a good review. good quality footage and great advice. Stunning Mk1 Boxster S by the way! enjoy.
She is beautiful!!!
I have been shopping for my first Porsche for a couple of months and I have settled on the Boxster S. I lean towards a 2013 or newer. My situation requires that I sell my boat, Harley and perhaps a few other things. LOL
Having seen your video, I am now rethinking..... I didn't want an older car, but my goodness... your Boxster and investment is quite attractive.
By this time next year, I will own a Boxster S.
Thank you for your very helpful video.
Nice to hear from you. To me it makes a lot of sense to buy something older, though it certainly won't perform like newer models. However an older Boxster is still a fabulous car that is (much) cheaper to buy and insure, and will leave you a lot more money for the inevitable upgrades and repairs. Still, a 2013 would be really nice! Best of luck with your decision.
I realize this car has moved on, but I would like to know what Boxster owners want to keep in the cockpit with them that lack of a glovebox denies them? I have a 2002 S and cannot for the life of me figure it out, and wonder maybe I am forgetting something very important that I should have on hand and within reach that I do not. All I keep hearing and reading is this cars lack of storage. Now, a list of what I do have: his and hers hats in the door boxes. Sunglasses in a case in door box. Led flashlight and multi tool in door box. USB charger for cigarette lighter and two cables in door box. Small box of various fuses. Minty gum at all times in door box. An ink pen as well. Digital tire gauge. Registration and insurance in center console. Manual under steering column where it belongs. And both boxes have room to spare. Roadside kit is in the frunk as well as a more comprehensive set of metric tools. Phone is in a slick holder on dash. You all preparing for World War Z?
Minoltalphafan Let me explain it to you. Different people have different preferences. Personally I'd rather dig around in a glovebox that falls open to reveal its contents and usually has a light, than dig around in a narrow, dark, mostly vertical, unsecured space. Now, what puzzles *me* is how seemingly bent out of shape some people seem to get when this lack of a simple convenience is pointed out. That's the real mystery here (in my opinion, of course).
I loved the car though, and miss it a lot. We at least have that in common :-).
Nice car Mike,
How is it going now? Do you still love it? 😊
I have a R32 GTR which I am selling to buy a Boxer S.
Looking for the same year model, prices have plummeted in Australia, we have quite a selection to choose from.
The only thing I don't like about it, is the ability to service it yourself. I was expecting to see an engine when you opened the trunk, all I saw was a dip stick, oil and water....
Does all servicing has to be done by a specialised mechanic?
Is that why you say it's expensive to own?
What about oil changes, filters? Can I at least do that myself?
Thanks for the review. 👍
Simon
Hi Simon,
Still love the car, at least when the top is down. Top up, it's pretty squeaky and rattly, which sucks. I do wonder if you'll be happy with the performance, coming from a GTR. Well, at least you have the top down thing :-).
Yeah, the engine is a hassle to get to, being mid-engine. I haven't even bothered. I'm not much of a do-it-yourselfer. However oil changes aren't particularly difficult from what I've seen. There is at least one good video here on TH-cam.
Service is expensive due to the price of OEM parts, and I take the car to a non-dealer Porsche specialist. So, expensive to own, for a guy like me who pays someone else ;-).
I love the color combination. I looked at a 911 with the same combo but the PPI indicated too many expensive repairs were needed. Now I'm considering a forest green Boxster on the other side of the country. I'm getting concerned, however, that at 6'2" I might not fit in a Boxster. The 911, with the seat all the way back, was a bit of a tight fit. If there's less leg room on the Boxster I might have to give up on the idea.
I'm just over six feet, and the Boxster is just at its limit for me, regarding room, meaning just barely perfect for me. There's not a lot of leg room. I have a 32" inseam. It's all down to setup and preferences, but if your inseam is longer, I strongly suggest you test drive one locally to see what you think.
Hello Mike, thank you for your videos, I enjoy them; in your car shopping, may I ask what drew you towards the Boxster rather than a 911 of the same year? Were there aspects of the Boxster that you liked better? Thanks, -Michael
MichaelQuyen Thomas That's a good question. I guess this was my thinking: the 996 is pretty roundly hated by "Porsche Guys" as the "worst 911". The Boxster is just hated for being a Boxster, but at least it's the best Boxster :-).
Seriously, though, I just felt the Boxster was the best value for a fun replacement and I wanted to try the mid-engine thing. If I found a really good 996 for decent $$ I'd consider it.
A lovely review! Best wishes from Germany.
Great video, thanks
congrats Mike. i might go that same route.
Beautiful car! Thanks for sharing.
Nice video. How do you deal with the IMS Bearing issue? How much is the bearing installation?
Gregory P You have it replaced, like I say in the video. The cost varies. The bearing itself, if you go for an LN Engineering one, is around $800. Labor is about the same as getting a new clutch (which is why I combined mine -- it's a "while you're in there" kind of thing). It was over $2k for the clutch and bearing job, and I had a lot of other stuff done at the time, so the total was around $5500. Should be good for a while now, except for tires, which will be $$$ :-(. These cars are not cheap to maintain!
You'd have thought someone who's had a classic 911 would know not to drop the hood and the trunk. The correct method is to lower the hood gently by hand and then then use the palm of your hand on the Porsche badge to latch. Use a similar method with the trunk.
TheSushiFiend I was definitely more “careful” with my SC. In the end though, it’s just a car, not a rare Swiss watch.
@@mike.thomas right, but any Porsche isn't just a car. Especially when it's as nice and tidy as that. And you've just spent $5k on an IMS bearing, clutch, RMS and all that. So for all intents and purposes you have a beautiful Porsche sports car that's like new. I'd take just as good care of it as you did your SC.
TheSushiFiend Well sadly they seem to become more and more “just a car”. Expensive yes, but not all that special WRT quality. I now drive a 2016 Macan and it feels less solid than my 2004 BMW E46. Still a good car, but kind of disappointing, WRT solidity and build quality.
@@mike.thomas Good on you for replying though! I have a 2014 981 Boxster S ex-Porsche press car and my daily is a 2001 E46 330Ci coupe which I've owned from new, now on 210,000 miles. It keeps cracking expansion tanks so I think the head gasket is leaking, so looking for a replacement winter daily. I did consider a Macan but I haven't decided yet. While the summer is so amazing here in the UK I'm just using the Boxster as my daily.
i can't believe he just left us marooned in the parking lot all alone!
Had an ‘02 Boxster S and loved it !! So much fun to drive. Then it blew away when hurricane Michael came through Mexico Beach☹️
Hess H Damn, that’s horrible. Sorry!
Great video, really enjoyed. I'm thinking if getting one too, just for fun. In the UK, they are really cheap now. Start about 5,000USD.
+VHSpal Yeah, you can get some fairly inexpensive ones here, too, but the really good ones are a bit more (like mine). Just be darn sure to have it inspected! I'm sure you'll love it.
Mike Thomas Thanks Mike, you have a really nice Boxster, I'm sure you'll have great fun in it. I'm thinking to get a cheap one and just use it until it dies.. might be 6 weeks or 6 years.. anyway congrats on your car.
Yeah, as long as you're willing to take a loss (which can happen with any care, I guess), then you're set. They are a lot of fun!
Mike Thomas Yeah I don't mind, for 5,000 dollars it's ok. Could be a good one. For the 911 I didn't do that though, that's too expensive to risk. I like the green and tan on your car. Very nice!
Hi mike if you did get one of the cheaper ones and immediately got the ims changed and a new clutch, oil change do you think you would be safe with the big repairs out of the way?
pleased for you lovely car
Hairdresser car? Which hairdresser can afford this?
You can get a decent Boxster for around $8k. A lot of people seem to buy new cars that they can't afford, and then assume that someone who is driving a Porsche/BMW/whatever is rich. Not necessarily -- they could have gotten a great deal on a used car.
I agree somehow to what you say, but maintenance is Porsche in the end (tires and inspection). If you have any problem or something breaks, start crying...
MendaSpain Yes, they are definitely expensive to maintain, so it's a trade-off between a larger car payment for a new car, or a small payment (or no payment) for the Boxster and saving some back for repairs.
MendaSpain
Actually if you’re even moderately experienced mechanically you can do a lot of the maintenance and regular work yourself, it’s not that difficult.
Mike what kind of mileage could you expect a car to have for 8k? How much is a ims bearing change?
Great in-depth review & wise words to millennials such as myself who prefer the used market and know a lot about cars at a younger age. I know my end goal car is going to be between a Boxster or Cayman dependent on the part of the world I decide to reside in the next couple years.
Good luck, and enjoy the hunt!
Thanks Mike. any updates following a year (and a little) of ownership? I am looking at a 986S but the IMS issue is putting me off.
+Rav Babbra As a matter of fact, I just put up a new video a few weeks ago
th-cam.com/video/Gr3cZ1BR1iY/w-d-xo.html
I am jealous. That is the best color. Great video
thanks so much for the great talk about your Boxter S experience. Very informative great job and GL with your awesome and beautiful car!
+Sirvice Man Thanks. Glad you liked the vid!
that interior color tho 🤤
14K is a good deal.