Buying a used Porsche Boxster w/ 90k miles?

Question

Im looking for used Porsche boxsters that are in the price range of the low-20's. I have found several cars that are local and that i can check out, however, im not sure about the long-term reliability of them. The one that i am specifically wondering about has 90k miles on it. It's a '99 Boxster Sport package. It has a clean carfax and only 2 previous owners. My main concern is that, even if the car test drives well, how long can i expect a smooth ride until i run into maintenance issues, repairs, etc...

Answer 1

Porsche = throughbred = high maintanence and higher costs to keep it 100%. That's just the way it is with these rides. Expect to replace clutch (if it is equipped with one), and brakes at this mileage. Exhaust system may begin showing signs of wear as well as hydraulic systems and fuel system. The good news is that the engines are built to such tight tolerances that you rarely see lower end failures. If compression is normal and vehicle has been kept up the engine should see well over 150,000 without major overhaul. Typically, Porsches are not as fragile as BMW's or as solid as a Benz but because of it's racing heritage it will handle like a dream and run like a rocket long after it's German counterparts will. Or, maybe it just seems that way because they are such a joy to drive....who cares?

Answer 2

I have owned a Boxter, and I have a friend with a Z4. I've driven most, if not all, of the cars in this class. I think you should take a look at the Lotus Elise. You can get a 2006 with low miles for that price if you look around, although I'm not sure if they started offering them in Canada in 2006 or 2007. In any case, it's a much more exclusive and better handling car. It also looks much better in my opinion, but I don't think the looks of a car should be a major factor in considering which car to buy. Drive the cars you're considering. One of them will "speak to your senses" more than the other(s). That's the car you'll be happiest with. It really doesn't matter what other people say, or what the stats say on paper. It's like falling in love with a woman - Only YOU know which one is right for you. That said, I still think you should consider the Lotus. Take it to the track, and really enjoy being a driver. Every young guy wants to be a race car driver, and you now have the opportunity. Track days are offered at tracks all over the US and Canada. Anyway, good luck, and be safe. Please know that a high performance car is a lot of responsibility for a young person, and public roads are not the proper place to race or drive fast. It's just not worth risking your life. Accidents happen by accident, and you can't predict how, why, or when they will happen, even if you're the best driver in the world. Save the speed for the track. Enjoy your wheels!

Answer 3

OK with Buying a Boxster.... Is just Like any other used car when your look at it...

Its had how many owners in its life?
Has it been well serviced every step of the way,,, records?
Test Drive.... Feels on the Road....

Now stop a Look at the car......
Paint, interior... Has this car been pamper? or has it just been repainted???
Pop the hood is it clean or that redneck shinny grease all over it to make it look like its wet?
You can't see inside the engine.... BUT have paper towl in your pocket and pull the dipstick out, is it Clean Clear brown oil, if mobile 1 it might be almost clear gray/brown? does the bottom 3" of the dipstick look black or still like stainless steel the way it came from the factory.... pull off the oil cap is there any signs of sludge???

Porsche.. Have 3 over the top owners,
The one that babies his or her car everyday and is more apart of the family and might even have a name... could be driven every day or not at all but is always covered up at home inside when not on the road.
The next is the lease driver,,, ooopppsss I forgot to do the service I went to many miles over the lease owell... But still took fair care.
The last rides it hard never even changes the oil unless he or she can into a quick lube and right back out. Never services anything.... People are just human they do whats best for each of them selves...

OK you have decided on a Car you like... CAR FAX TIME
get a history!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! unless the Owner has every record of every repair.... Or is she leaving out that she had a fender bender that cost 3000... ???

Price for a 90K 1999 Boxster 9000.00 to 12000.00 Daily driver
14500 to 16000 for a low mileage well taken care of car
under 40k miles...

There are 100's of them out there on the market and they are very inexpensive,,, Compared as for what they are as a scca racer right from the show room...or most roadsters in there class.

I can't say what problems you might have with this model of car so I'll leave that to some one else... It is an 89 octane rated engine so you only put 92 93 Octane in it when your going to run it like a race car....

Great question and Good Luck with your search....

Answer 4

Buying A Boxster

Answer 5

well first off not the best car to buy even new. Now the 90k on it you might be asking for trouble and I hefty repair bill in the future. So many better roadsters out there then that one to buy. Make sure you drive it first and you will know what I am talking about.

Answer 6

$53,000