Originally Posted By: Clubber_Lang
I was somewhat suprised to find that older, good condition Porsche Boxsters can be found in the neighborhood of 8-12,000.
I love mid engine cars, so I like to hear about reliability and cost of ownership.
I am capable of changing oil, basic tune ups, ect.
I owned a bmw in the past that was actually quite affordable, and am wondering if a Porsche could be (relatively) the same.
I had a '98 Boxster for several years, and am waiting on my '2015 Cayman to float across the ocean right now.
If you are getting one of the first three years ('97 to '99), the IMS issue is less of a risk, as all of those early engines were built with a dual row bearing, and (much) lower failure rate. 2000 through 2006 engines are the most likely for catastrophic failure, and are very expensive to replace the whole engine. But, for these years, you can buy one of the IMS replacement kits that are on the market, and get it upgraded with a much better component.
As for other services, some stuff is fairly easy if you have ramps and jackstands, and you are flexible. Spark plugs are easy. Battery replacement is easy. Brakes are the easiest you will get on any vehicle on the planet. Strut replacement isn't bad at all.
The front engine mount isn't easy, but it isn't really that hard, either.
The water pump is a bit trickier than the mount, if I'm honest.
When I first got my Boxster back in Feb '09, it immediately needed a front engine mount, and rear struts. Did those myself.
It then needed a new set of brake rotors and pads all around the car, because I loved going to track days in my car. Did those myself.
It eventually needed to have the MAF sensor replaced. Did that myself.
Replaced the air filter, for the engine and the cabin, both by me. (engine is much harder than cabin, btw).
The plastic window in the convertible top tore out during a hailstorm, and I had to replace the entire convertible top. I did that with the help of a friend.
A switch in latch assembly for the convertible top went bad, and replaced that myself.
I even swapped tires on the rims myself.
In fact, only 1 repair I farmed out to a Porsche dealer, and that was when the bolts that hold the muffler to the transmission housing broke.
Actually, two if you count the alignment done at Firestone after I replaced the rear struts.
Great car.
Will ruin you for small, lightweight, great handling fun cars.
BC.