Aaron....! Fantastic content buddy, as always! Never miss your videos, as they're clearly titled, the content is superb and concise, without any BS. BTW, I have an E9X M3 which makes your content even more so relatable to me. Looking for 986.2 in a few months or so.
I love my Boxster S and am Throwing the dice on the IMS. I keep track of dealer labor costs and have saved over $10,000 in labor doing the work myself. (Your videos have helped on more than 1 project)
Love the videos. Bought a 2000 boxter 6 months ago here in Ireland and have been following all your videos and have learned a lot. Keep up the good work. Thanks
I have a My00 986s 6 Speed Manual. Bought 2 years ago for $20,000 Australian. Purchased with only 71,000Km. Have spend maybe $7,000 on servicing, RMS replacement, New Rota's, New Tyres (Yokohama), some minor suspension work and trim repairs and bump stops. It's definitely a mid life second car situation. Thing is it's bloody amazing. If your budget stretches get the 3.2 litre 6 speed. Just that little bit more of the fun factor. It's been completely reliable. I have the double row IMS and have no plan to replace until maybe I need the clutch done. This is car ownership for 5 - 10 years. Prices are gradually on the rise over here.
Well I had no dramas with it up till I sold it about 18 months ago and Bought a 981s (PDK). Thoughts on both. The 986 was /is more darty and bare bones and a true drivers car with the manual. The 981 is better in every way except maybe the go kart feel. But the 981 ultimately handles better. The 981 sits on 20 inch Wheels whilst the 986 sat on 17's. It's a budget thing, if you only have 50k Aus to spend, buy a good 986 or 987s. If you have the budget to 100k (Aus) get a good 981s. Full service history by a Porsche specialist is a must. My feeling is the 986/7 prices are on the rise while the 981 prices are stable or sill falling.
The IMS failure rates are 1 and 8% for dual and single row respectively. Also, because it's such a well known issue, having it on your service history will make it highly desirable to prospective buyers
Hello from NC :) recently looking into fun convertibles and initially set my eye on the Z4. But after test driving a 987 boxster I immediately fell in love with it! Now I'm on the hunt for a 986 boxster (due to this market and my budget)! Can't wait to find and finally own one.
Lovely video, i cannot agree more on the cost value part on the ims bearing, my is 2.5 1998 model, i am not afraid of ims bearing, i sold my e92 m3 and kept 986 boxster instead. Great car! I push my hard!!! And yes i have midlife crisis, this is the best car since my divorce at 43 lol
Thanks again for teaching us how to instal sould by pass, i love the sound, i cannot find any video on 3.4ltr conversion on these cars, if my ins bearing fails at a mere 2 percent chance i am going for 3.4ltr conversion just wish there are videos on it thanks so much for tour video Aaron, 986 owner and your big fan!
These cars are brilliant! I had a 2.5 base about 9 years ago. It had the IMS failure unfortunately. But I managed to find a low miles 3.2 for an absolute steal a short time after. It really helps that these cars got some much hate the last decade because you absolutely can't beat the price for what you get.
@@bigmacdaddy1234 clearly you've never driven one. And you're probably too blinded by all the internet hate on this car to realize that my comment was centered around the fact that it's a perfectly balanced, mid engine, analog roadster, made by Porsche for less than 7k.
@@philipwarren93 No, they do not. The inline 6 is virtually bulletproof. As for driving, you will run out of driving skills long before you run out of car.
Excited for this series! I came across your channel searching for Boxster info. Funny you mention the E36 M3 because I’ve had a manual sedan for 7 years now I’m going to sell to get back into a convertible. I’ve always wanted a Porsche as well, so Boxster seems like a great option.
You did not mention that it is fairly cheap to track. You do not have to purchase a bunch of aftermarket parts (brakes, roll bars etc) to keep the car from eating itself on a track.
@@HelpMeDIY and true as well, but you would have to be pretty tall to not pass a yardstick test once you put the seat down. Thank you for this channel, we “new” Porsche owners appreciate it.
I want to get one of these as a project car and get the vale automotive body kit for this. Definitely going to have to do an engine swap too. I was thinking about putting a JFC V8 in there (two hayabusa engines put together) because those rev up to 11k rpms and sound glorious. Would be the perfect project car.
@@HelpMeDIY It would probably end up being cheaper for me if I just get one here in Canada lol. That is a beautiful 986 tho ngl. What are the dimensions on that engine btw if you don't mind letting me know
Looking for one right now. I am 57 and want a weekend car. My wife drives a 4 door. Lexus IS 250....and I have a 2000 Toyota Tacoma pre-runner that I have babied from new. She gets all the new cars...I just have my truck. But now want a weekend car. I live in So Cal....been expanding my territory from Cali to Arizona for the Boxster so will see. Did not know anything about the car....but slowly getting to know it. Looking for nothing higher than 2005 model. Thanks for the info.
I`m now having a hard time deciding between NC miata, Z3 and boxster. I could not care less about brand, afterall I cannot look at my car when I`m driving the car. I just want the most fun.
@@HelpMeDIY Actually, I have a question about the 986s. I searched the forum briefly and learned they do not have LSD as an option at any point. But how about aftermarkets? Is that going to be a difficult installation because everything for the powertrain kinda stick together?
love ur videos! I was wondering what you thought on boxster base vs the s? I’ve heard that the base is arguably more fun because of the shorter gearing. Of course the price matters!
+Jesse Nguyen thanks! Hope you’re a subscriber 😉 I’ve still never driven a 986 S, but if I get another one I will for the extra HP. I love my 987 Cayman S!
+Larry C Thanks! Search TH-cam for Joe Toth and you will find my video on it. In the description of that video is contact information to order one from him.
hey Porsche guys. Selling a 2003 Boxter 986. She looks great but that where it ends. Right now she needs a real main seal and I'm giving up on her. Wondering if there is anyone out there that can handle these kinds of fixes who might be interested in negotiating a deal.
I bought the boss a Miata (simpler, easier, cheaper, very reliable, standard for front engine rear drive setup, funner to drive a slow car fast, more approved off, *easily approached car limits) first them moved her into the boxster ( cheap to get into, parts more expensive $$$, harder to access things, the standard for car handling (mid engine), more hated and loathed by other drivers 😳(but I don’t buy things for other people to approve on), *a lot riskier to find the cars limits.
+CARLOS Porras hello! Wheels are a very personal choice. Porsche makes several that look great on the 986, so I suggest getting whatever you think looks the best :)
I bought my 2002 S in August, 2018, and I love it! Had to do some maintenance the previous owner deferred, and at 84,000 miles, some things had worn out also. Still, I'm very happy with my choice. The IMS was already replaced with an L/N bearing, and some of the other big ticket items were also done prior to my purchase. I've since done some of the things again, such as the top and the water pump. I consider the latter preventive maintenance, having had one go out in the middle of nowhere in my 997. It was VERY expensive--much better to replace when "in the area" with other repairs. I now have 98,000 miles in the 986--drove almost no miles during 2020, due to the pandemic. I'm now back to "normal" driving--i.e., if pavement is dry and temp is above 45° I am driving top down. Rainy days, I drive my MINI S, which is one of the alternatives you mention.
@@HelpMeDIY I’m just sharing my pain. They worsen the gas mileage and complicated the car for no reason. My first car was front engine with front wheel drive, no power steering and was just fine. But then again, it was Japanese… different philosophy. My old Cayenne was also unnecessary over engineered to a point that it was waaaaay too mechanically complicated for my liking and ended up sold as a consequence
Aaron....! Fantastic content buddy, as always! Never miss your videos, as they're clearly titled, the content is superb and concise, without any BS. BTW, I have an E9X M3 which makes your content even more so relatable to me. Looking for 986.2 in a few months or so.
+Maestro Devil thanks dude! Good luck on the search. Hit me up on FB or IG and keep me posted on what you end up with.
ˋNot a Miata‘ just cracked me up.
+Bob Fognozzle he he he
I love my Boxster S and am Throwing the dice on the IMS. I keep track of dealer labor costs and have saved over $10,000 in labor doing the work myself. (Your videos have helped on more than 1 project)
+Jess H glad they have been helpful! 🍻
Love the videos. Bought a 2000 boxter 6 months ago here in Ireland and have been following all your videos and have learned a lot. Keep up the good work. Thanks
Thanks and welcome!
That's one of the best looking boxsters I've ever seen
+GSK thanks ❤️
I have a My00 986s 6 Speed Manual. Bought 2 years ago for $20,000 Australian. Purchased with only 71,000Km. Have spend maybe $7,000 on servicing, RMS replacement, New Rota's, New Tyres (Yokohama), some minor suspension work and trim repairs and bump stops. It's definitely a mid life second car situation. Thing is it's bloody amazing. If your budget stretches get the 3.2 litre 6 speed. Just that little bit more of the fun factor. It's been completely reliable. I have the double row IMS and have no plan to replace until maybe I need the clutch done. This is car ownership for 5 - 10 years. Prices are gradually on the rise over here.
+John Bambo very nice!
What a bargain John! How’s it holding up now, I’m looking to get one, thoughts of prices at the moment?
Well I had no dramas with it up till I sold it about 18 months ago and Bought a 981s (PDK). Thoughts on both. The 986 was /is more darty and bare bones and a true drivers car with the manual. The 981 is better in every way except maybe the go kart feel. But the 981 ultimately handles better. The 981 sits on 20 inch Wheels whilst the 986 sat on 17's. It's a budget thing, if you only have 50k Aus to spend, buy a good 986 or 987s. If you have the budget to 100k (Aus) get a good 981s. Full service history by a Porsche specialist is a must. My feeling is the 986/7 prices are on the rise while the 981 prices are stable or sill falling.
Great intro! Love my 986 for the 21th year now
+Peter K thanks! And congrats on 21 years of ownership. 😎
The IMS failure rates are 1 and 8% for dual and single row respectively. Also, because it's such a well known issue, having it on your service history will make it highly desirable to prospective buyers
+@hamshank29 those numbers sound about right. 🍻
I had a 1988 and a 1989 Porsche 944 Turbo S and absolutely loved them. I'm 6'8" and fit in them just fine! I'm hoping that the Boxster will fit.
+CoachSteve4u let us know when you try!
Hello from NC :) recently looking into fun convertibles and initially set my eye on the Z4. But after test driving a 987 boxster I immediately fell in love with it!
Now I'm on the hunt for a 986 boxster (due to this market and my budget)! Can't wait to find and finally own one.
+Chen Zhao congrats! They are great 👍
Lovely video, i cannot agree more on the cost value part on the ims bearing, my is 2.5 1998 model, i am not afraid of ims bearing, i sold my e92 m3 and kept 986 boxster instead. Great car! I push my hard!!! And yes i have midlife crisis, this is the best car since my divorce at 43 lol
+TIM Cheou thanks! Enjoy it 😁
Man i cant get over how nice that duck tail looks. And that's amazing news that they were designated classic, I had no idea!
+James Zilla I think so too!
Love it also. Where can I get one.
Thanks again for teaching us how to instal sould by pass, i love the sound, i cannot find any video on 3.4ltr conversion on these cars, if my ins bearing fails at a mere 2 percent chance i am going for 3.4ltr conversion just wish there are videos on it thanks so much for tour video Aaron, 986 owner and your big fan!
+TIM Cheou you’re welcome! Maybe one day I’ll do a conversion of some kind
These cars are brilliant! I had a 2.5 base about 9 years ago. It had the IMS failure unfortunately. But I managed to find a low miles 3.2 for an absolute steal a short time after. It really helps that these cars got some much hate the last decade because you absolutely can't beat the price for what you get.
+philipwarren93 you really can’t!
How can it be 'brilliant' if it had an IMS failure. Makes no sense. And yes, you can absolutely beat the price for what you get (Z4).
@@bigmacdaddy1234 clearly you've never driven one. And you're probably too blinded by all the internet hate on this car to realize that my comment was centered around the fact that it's a perfectly balanced, mid engine, analog roadster, made by Porsche for less than 7k.
@@bigmacdaddy1234 and the z4s amd z3s have equally problematic motors and don't drive as well
@@philipwarren93 No, they do not. The inline 6 is virtually bulletproof. As for driving, you will run out of driving skills long before you run out of car.
GREAT VIDEOS!!
+Chente Quilichini thank you!
Excited for this series! I came across your channel searching for Boxster info. Funny you mention the E36 M3 because I’ve had a manual sedan for 7 years now I’m going to sell to get back into a convertible. I’ve always wanted a Porsche as well, so Boxster seems like a great option.
+RightYouAreKen you’ve come to the right channel then. Welcome!
You did not mention that it is fairly cheap to track. You do not have to purchase a bunch of aftermarket parts (brakes, roll bars etc) to keep the car from eating itself on a track.
+John Zebarth good point! But many tracks do require a roll bar extension since it’s a convertible.
@@HelpMeDIY and true as well, but you would have to be pretty tall to not pass a yardstick test once you put the seat down.
Thank you for this channel, we “new” Porsche owners appreciate it.
@@johnzebarth4102 cheers! 🍻
I think these have bottomed out on price. Like the 996 did 8 years ago.
+K W you may be right!
@@HelpMeDIY I hope I’m right because I’m buying a 986 this spring haha
Would love seeing you do clutch & ims bearing jobs.
+Eric Roberts I’m sure it will happen one day 😆
I want to get one of these as a project car and get the vale automotive body kit for this. Definitely going to have to do an engine swap too. I was thinking about putting a JFC V8 in there (two hayabusa engines put together) because those rev up to 11k rpms and sound glorious. Would be the perfect project car.
+Alan V I have one without an engine in it right now if you want to start with that… 😁
@@HelpMeDIY It would probably end up being cheaper for me if I just get one here in Canada lol. That is a beautiful 986 tho ngl. What are the dimensions on that engine btw if you don't mind letting me know
@@alanv3185 probably! Idk, it’s in pieces right now 😂
What kind of or brand or model is the rear spoiler. Love it and I want one for my 2004 986. Thank you.
Joe Toth. Subscribe to that channel and look around… I have a couple videos on it.
Looking for one right now. I am 57 and want a weekend car. My wife drives a 4 door. Lexus IS 250....and I have a 2000 Toyota Tacoma pre-runner that I have babied from new. She gets all the new cars...I just have my truck. But now want a weekend car. I live in So Cal....been expanding my territory from Cali to Arizona for the Boxster so will see. Did not know anything about the car....but slowly getting to know it. Looking for nothing higher than 2005 model. Thanks for the info.
+okguy 1 you got it! Good luck in your search.
GOT A 1999 986 JUST LIKE YOUR GUARDS RED!
+Chente Quilichini congrats! 🍻
I`m now having a hard time deciding between NC miata, Z3 and boxster. I could not care less about brand, afterall I cannot look at my car when I`m driving the car. I just want the most fun.
+ONE THIRD MAYO 3 good choices, but the answer for me was definitely Boxster!
@@HelpMeDIY Actually, I have a question about the 986s. I searched the forum briefly and learned they do not have LSD as an option at any point. But how about aftermarkets? Is that going to be a difficult installation because everything for the powertrain kinda stick together?
@@onethirdmayo8556 great question but I have never looked into that
@@HelpMeDIY I’m looking at a 97 model. I know these older ones has double row. So no ims problem. What else should I look for as some major problem?
@@onethirdmayo8556 mostly the things in this video series 😉
where did you buy your ducktail and how much cost it??? thanks for all your support and very good info
+Amado's Kitchen you’re welcome! Search my channel for “Joe Toth ducktail’
Fantastic. Spent $8.5k for a 2000 Boxster S. Put another $3k into it and worth every penny.
+Dave G yessir!!! 🍻
What sort of mileage for around that price point would be reasonable, and still be worth the purchase?
What is the best year to buy for a 986
+Oblivion I think I would worry less about the year than the overall condition and maintenance
Whats your headlight upgrade?
+Drumheros search my channel and I have a whole video on it from retrofit lab
love ur videos! I was wondering what you thought on boxster base vs the s? I’ve heard that the base is arguably more fun because of the shorter gearing. Of course the price matters!
+Jesse Nguyen thanks! Hope you’re a subscriber 😉
I’ve still never driven a 986 S, but if I get another one I will for the extra HP. I love my 987 Cayman S!
Hi there .I am from Greece owner of a Porsche boxter 986 2.7 Lt tiptronic year 2003 .I am wondering if the tiptronic has IMS as the manual gear boxes.
+Dimi Papas yes it does
Having 10k is better to but boxster 986 or bmw f30?
+Andrii Stryzhyboroda good question, I don’t know much about f30s
Hello Aaron, Nice ride you got! I just got a 01 Boxster S! What is the name of your rear spoiler? Where can I get it? Thank you!
+Larry C Thanks! Search TH-cam for Joe Toth and you will find my video on it. In the description of that video is contact information to order one from him.
@@HelpMeDIY Thanks a lot! subscribed, keep up great videos!
@@changlarry 🍻
hey Porsche guys. Selling a 2003 Boxter 986. She looks great but that where it ends. Right now she needs a real main seal and I'm giving up on her. Wondering if there is anyone out there that can handle these kinds of fixes who might be interested in negotiating a deal.
+Brian Murphy not sure how many people will
read this comment… feel free to post some info and pics on my Facebook page though
I bought the boss a Miata (simpler, easier, cheaper, very reliable, standard for front engine rear drive setup, funner to drive a slow car fast, more approved off, *easily approached car limits) first them moved her into the boxster ( cheap to get into, parts more expensive $$$, harder to access things, the standard for car handling (mid engine), more hated and loathed by other drivers 😳(but I don’t buy things for other people to approve on), *a lot riskier to find the cars limits.
+Ed A well done 👍
Hey Aaron, did you buy the 98 specifically or was it simply this was the best one you could find in your budget ?
I bought it from a friend who was the original owner.
@@HelpMeDIY do you have any other friends selling one ?? Wouldn’t mind finding one from the south and bringing it home
@@jimmccarthy6015 haha not that I know of. This one came from FL
@@HelpMeDIY where did you get those red porsche rim center caps?
@@OG-Rarities.UnseenUnreleased check out my video on replacing center caps 😉
hello greetings question what wheels do you recommend for my 99 boxster? Thank you
+CARLOS Porras hello! Wheels are a very personal choice. Porsche makes several that look great on the 986, so I suggest getting whatever you think looks the best :)
@@HelpMeDIY 19 is ok ?
@@carlosporras8439 I think some people run 19” wheels
I bought my 2002 S in August, 2018, and I love it! Had to do some maintenance the previous owner deferred, and at 84,000 miles, some things had worn out also. Still, I'm very happy with my choice. The IMS was already replaced with an L/N bearing, and some of the other big ticket items were also done prior to my purchase. I've since done some of the things again, such as the top and the water pump. I consider the latter preventive maintenance, having had one go out in the middle of nowhere in my 997. It was VERY expensive--much better to replace when "in the area" with other repairs. I now have 98,000 miles in the 986--drove almost no miles during 2020, due to the pandemic. I'm now back to "normal" driving--i.e., if pavement is dry and temp is above 45° I am driving top down. Rainy days, I drive my MINI S, which is one of the alternatives you mention.
+daffodildeb wonderful! Drive on 😎
I have a 2002 2.7 L lovely car I used to own a 911 SC the Boxster is much better to drive although value wise for selling not so much
+Colin yes I’d like to get an SC but the prices are crazy now!
Why power steering?
It’s light enough without it…
+Daniel Hristov are you asking me why the engineers at Porsche in 1996 decided to include power steering in the Boxster 986? I do not know. 😆
@@HelpMeDIY I’m just sharing my pain.
They worsen the gas mileage and complicated the car for no reason.
My first car was front engine with front wheel drive, no power steering and was just fine.
But then again, it was Japanese… different philosophy.
My old Cayenne was also unnecessary over engineered to a point that it was waaaaay too mechanically complicated for my liking and ended up sold as a consequence
@@danielhristov6175 I hear ya. My Elise has no power steering and it’s not an issue at all, but it’s even a lot lighter than the Boxster!
If your IMS bearing blows your engine.. the easiest and fastest route is just buy another boxster!
+@moski5629 you’re probably right in a lot of cases, unless you get super lucky and snag a cheap FSI engine like I did
😎👍👍👍
+Bob Fognozzle 😁💪💪💪
It’s not true it’s good for tall people. Headroom, yes. But not enough legroom for me and I’m 6’ 3”
I have no problem at 6’1, but I can see a couple inches making a difference
first things first. find yourself a good porsche mechanic before you buy one. just in case....
+@ezrhino100 it’s free to subscribe to my channel. That should cover 95% of everything you will ever need 😆🍻
Not built to be driven, built to be worked on, total junk.
+@frankoch600 tell me you’ve never driven a Porsche without telling me you’ve never driven a Porsche 😂
you do not want to own a porsche, they will put you broke, a piece of crap, made of cheap parts.
+@frankoch600 I guess you’ve been put broke?