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Porsche Boxster and Boxster S

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Comments

  • mgodwinmgodwin Member Posts: 2
    I have an '01 Boxter S, I get an intermittent howl from gas fill flap area. Have had some success with insert of insulated rubber strip under filler flap door. Would love to find permanent solution, the only thing that really bugs me about the car.
  • deaztlandeaztlan Member Posts: 1
    Hi: I want to become a member of this select group but I don't own a Boxster.

    1) I can afford ($40k) a 2007 Boxster or a 2006 Boxster S. All things being equal what are the pros and cons of each?

    2) I live in the Palm Springs are but will travel anywhere in Southern California for a reputable dealer. Any recommendations?

    3) If availabe should I pay to get it certified/warranty? If I get one from a private party can I still do this?

    4) I got a 1st round pick the last time and this time it is my wife's turn and she wants an '08 Infinity G37. In return for a 1st round pick the next time and for the Boxster to be automatic, I get a 1st round pick again. Question, can people tell that I am driving an automatic? Is there some way to fake it and make it appear like it is manual?

    Thanks

    deaztlan
  • mgodwinmgodwin Member Posts: 2
    My wife figured out our howling noise. The angle of the drain hole in plastic shroud surrounding gas cap was allowing air into it, creating whistling noise. Noise stopped by building up leading edge of drain hole with sealant, allowing air to pass over not through it.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    If you're going to take the Porsche Plunge, buy a stick. You'll never regret it. Life is too short to drive Automatics.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • marygimarygi Member Posts: 7
    As you probably know, Porsche's "Tiptronic" transmission allows the driver to use the gears automatically or as a manual.
    As for cost, even "the Poor Man's Porsche" has a price tag that is breath-taking. I think I would first check out classifieds or the Boxster Babblers web-site for some leads on a newer used-you never know why some folks unload a beautiful car. I purchased mine after the couple decided they needed a rear seat!
  • a_f_g77a_f_g77 Member Posts: 1
    Hi all,

    I found a boxster 01 with 64,000 for a VERY reasonable price. This would be my first porsche and am wondering whether you would recommend that I buy such and "old" one. The CARFAX report shows no accident/salvage/etc damage. It was sold through an auction and is offered by a dealer. Any thoughts?
  • ardo1ardo1 Member Posts: 3
    turn 50 yrs old soon -- time for a fun car. looking at a 2006 boxster s vs. a BMW 650i. Drove a lexus sc 430 for 3 years -- nice looking but not really exciting to drive. any thoughts on the two cars. I leave in VA where weather is not hazardous.
  • boxterboxter Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone know if there is something that can be done about marks on my Boxter's convertible top where it folds when retracting??

    Thank's
  • dhanleydhanley Member Posts: 1,531
    Well, the z4 is more of a direct competitor to the boxster. The 650 is more of a grand tourer than a sports car. Fun, but not quite like a boxster.
  • socaldrewsocaldrew Member Posts: 1
    I had the same problem with my 2002 Boxster and got it fixed. You can get the real rubber insert from www.pelicanparts.com for a buck ($1.00). Look under Body & Seals - Panels & Sheet Metal - Fuel Door & Parts. I hope this helps!
  • marygimarygi Member Posts: 7
    the only logical thing to do is to drive them both, and decide for yourself! As they say in Wisconsin, "whatever floats your boat".
  • kuch123kuch123 Member Posts: 3
    Hi all fellow Boxster owners.. I just wanted to post a quick note that the Blue Ridge Boxster Summit 10 is open for pre-registration. We're looking forward to our 10th year for the BRBS ! Spend four days in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains enjoying your Boxster along with many other great people and Boxsters.

    Stop by the website for details..
    http://www.brbs.org

    Be sure to check out the 'Pedro Cam' and Photo Galleries

    Ron Kucynski
    Planner
    BRBS.org
  • smodersmoder Member Posts: 13
    As an owner of a 2005 Boxster S let me try to address your questions. (1) Boxster versus Boxster S. I previously owned a BMW Z3 6 cyl-170HP, when I drove the basic boxster didn't feel much different. The Boxster S was a major upgrade in performance: not only have 45 more HP, but with a larger engine, much more torque. You get better brakes, standard 18" wheels etc. I think you will also find a used Boxster S was typically sold with more options(in California at least)
    (2) I hate the idea of an automatic porsche, however, it does come with Triptronic where you can manually shift the gears if desired (3) I purchased my 2005 from a dealer, 18 months old with 6000 miles for $45K. I insisted that they "certify" the car which meant I added 4.5 years and 50K miles onto the bumper to bumper no deductable warranty. It costs the dealer $1500 to certify. (4) In general, consumer reports will advise against purchasing an extended warranty. They calculated the spread from what a car warranty costs versus repair cost experience. The porsche was not listed but BMW was for an average loss of $150. I think It depends upon how many miles you put on the car. If you could put 100K in 6 years, It may be worth it..these cars cost a bundle to fix. (5) Dealer I live in Northern Calif, what I wanted to know was the cars history. A rich guy, traded for a Cayenne since moving from the area, dealer sold the car originally-you need to hear the story and form your own opinion. Hope this helps.
  • majormcfmajormcf Member Posts: 20
    Comparing a new boxster to an old Z3 is ridiculous. There is a reason why the boxster is consistently on car and drivers top ten and the z3 wasnt
  • kenrjohnsonjrkenrjohnsonjr Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone desnorkelled their boxster?
  • atwnsw1atwnsw1 Member Posts: 21
    I was in a relatively minor accident when a person backed into my 2006 Porsche Boxster S. They are at fault and the accident happened in Georgia and their insurance company is State Farm. I bought it last year brand new from a dealer for $47,500 and live in Florida where it is being repaired.

    The total damage is only $1,600 (based on estimate - however could be higher).

    I know the damage is relatively minor but I have no doubt that it will cost me at least another $1,500 to $2,000 in diminished value now that it has been in an accident when I go to re-sell the car.

    I am aware there is a high probablility that I will get nothing from the insurance company but am willing to try; therefore, I also don't want to sink a ton of $$$ into fighting them by hiring an attorney.

    So, my option is to try and fight them myself. I did a search on the internet and found several "specialists" on fighting a diminished value claim and they tried selling me $600 services that I would need.

    I have to believe with all the resources on the internet that somebody has posted sample letters and information that will assist me in fighting this without spending $600.

    I don't mind spending a couple of hundred but need a direction on where to get started.

    Can somebody help?

    Thanks in advance.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    Madmanmoo can help you. He's a Porsche dealer in GA. Maybe you could have the manager of your selling dealership write a letter to the insurance company on your behalf. I don't know if it is worth your time to fight. Spring is here and enjoy top down motoring in your Boxster S. As long as the car is fixed properly and it looks perfect to you, that's all that should matter. How long do you plan on keeping the car?

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • cburke1cburke1 Member Posts: 1
    I need new rear tires on BoxsterS 2000. I currently have Toyo 265/35ZR1897Y.
    Does anyone have a better choice. I drive this car 15 to 30 miles everyday. I have toyo tires also on the fronts. Front tires are still in great condition.
    Looking for advise.
    CB
  • majormcfmajormcf Member Posts: 20
    check out the reviews on www.tirerack.com they also have decent prices although if you check ebay sometimes you can find some factory wheels with tires someone is selling for cheaper....
  • allan15allan15 Member Posts: 1
    I have a big problem with my car, recently no music is playing from my system. i have the telephone 6 cd changer and sat nav on my car. there also appears to be an error sayin "system error phone amplifier and cd changer not available" it is quite tempermental and lasts for weeks on end.

    can anyone help??
  • quade420quade420 Member Posts: 3
    Trade it in on a new Shelby...or vette...or Civic Si for that matter...
  • majormcfmajormcf Member Posts: 20
    go to the renntech porsche forumn, your question is covered in detail there, try to stay off edmunds as its full of rude teens
  • trumpedtrumped Member Posts: 1
    i am looking to sell a 99 boxster....i am just wondering what is a fair price....i have looked at nada and clean retail on the car is 17,200...but with it being a private party sell i dont know what to price it at...i would be willing to take alot less than the 17,200 but dont want to rip myself off...it is a 99 boxster with 55,000....any help would be much appreciated
  • andys120andys120 Member Posts: 23,370
    Porsche has announced that production of Boxsters and Caymans will be moved to Magna-Steyr in Austria beginning in 2012.

    This raises a couple of questions. According to a recent Road & Track article
    a brand new Boxster redesign will debut in 2010. It wouldn't seem cost-effective to retool Valmet for just two years. Will the 987 be continued thru 2012 and will a Cayman redesign debut at the same time?

    2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93

  • 03boxsterjim03boxsterjim Member Posts: 2
    I spent the last couple of months shopping for a Boxster. Based on the mileage of 55k, you should easily be able to get $17,200 for your '99. However, once the mileage gets to about 70k it seems the vaule drops since there are so many available. Have it detailed, write a good ad, take good photos, and put it on Craigslist and AutoTrader and you should have it sold rather quickly (unless it is white, ugh). Good Luck.
  • sb55sb55 Member Posts: 616

    2021 Toyota Venza Limited Hybrid, 2022 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.4 Hemi, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT

  • andys120andys120 Member Posts: 23,370
    I think you answered someone else's question. :confuse:

    2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93

  • ponderpointponderpoint Member Posts: 277
    I found a 2003 Boxster S for sale in a nearby neighborhood. The car appears to be a really good deal with maintenance records and original owner but when I test drove it I couldn't help but hear a metallic resonance whenever it was at a higher rpm. I had a similar noise on a Miata years ago and it turned out to be the heat shield around the catalytic converter....

    Does anybody know what this noise is? I wouldn't call it overly irritating but it was definitely there and I'd really like the car, it's a screaming deal.....
  • andys120andys120 Member Posts: 23,370
    A loose heat shield or other exhaust component is the most likely possibility but
    Porsches are expensive to repair and you have to be leery of "screaming deals" on any car. If I were you I'd have a pre-purchase inspection done by a local Porsche specialist who could give you a definitive opinion on the condition of this car and an estimate for any corrective work needed.

    If the present owner does not agree to let you do this WALK AWAY and don't look back, let someone else take the chance.

    2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93

  • rickransdellrickransdell Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2005 Boxter that exhibits the same issue as you discribed. I have been told that it is the preheater in the catalytic converter and this is normal. Did you get any reply on your request?
  • bobrose10bobrose10 Member Posts: 3
    Hello. I am looking to buy a 2008 Boxster with Preferred Package Plus with Tiptronic. It looks like it retails for about $53K. Considering it's year end, what would be a fair price? Can I expect to pay even less than invoice? Also, should I get quotes from different dealers, and have them underbid each other? Thanks in advance!
  • mannyljrmannyljr Member Posts: 20
    I've been shopping Boxsters for a couple of months now. If you haven't already bought it, definitely get competing bids from different dealers for your business. Porsche sales are 50% under their record sales month of a year ago. Also, there is a glut of late model used Boxsters that will save you tens of $1000's of a new car. You can visit Porsche's web site to search all the dealers in your area and you can start your shopping like that.
  • johnxyzjohnxyz Member Posts: 94
    Hey Guys,

    Kicking around the idea of a used Boxster but I have read that the Boxster engine has a fatel mechanical flaw and can 'let go' requiring complete engine replacement @$10,000+ a pop (out of warranty , of course) - any truth to this?

    If so was this corrected in the 2006 and later Boxsters?

    Thanks for any advice on buying a used Boxster - was 2006 the last year Porsche made significant upgrades?
  • andys120andys120 Member Posts: 23,370
    All I know about engine failures is what I read here, which is pretty dismaying.

    Pending further research I have crossed a PDK Boxster off my list of gotta-haves which is a shame because there is no ready substitute available IMO.

    Read the attached comments, engine problems may not be limited to Boxsters. Similar ocurrances have happened with 911-996/997s and Caymans. :surprise:

    If only BMW would make a sports car I could stand to look at.

    2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93

  • johnxyzjohnxyz Member Posts: 94
    Thanks andys120 - dead on for my query - well cross Boxster off the list... No wonder they are rated a 'good value' for a used car. Shoot and I really like them (Caymans even moreso but too expensive).

    Oh well - what other marques/models are a great vaule around an '05 or '06 in a sports car? Japanese marque would be ok...
  • andys120andys120 Member Posts: 23,370
    Honda S-2000, I can't physically fit into it but YMMV. I'd look into the 350-Z and Miata/MX-5 as well.

    Jag XK8? Corvette?...all good performing sports cars.

    2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93

  • andys120andys120 Member Posts: 23,370
    Do any current or former Boxster/Cayman owners have input for us concerning the incidence of engine failures in these cars? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

    2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93

  • jgboxcatjgboxcat Member Posts: 4
    Hey - I have 2007 convertible boxster - bought it brand new - never had an engine problem - (definitely had battery die a couple of times) - my biggest peeve is that my breaks still have a "squeek" at times (they claim it's still brake dust - I have about 8k on the car) - and if you're really turning the wheel aggressively (i.,e. hard turn) you can get another creeky sound. I neighbor has a carerra and he has the same issue (apparently was common on 2007 models so he says). Other than that - no problems.
  • dbarton7dbarton7 Member Posts: 20
    Hello.

    I'm looking at a 2006 Boxter S with 1,400 miles that appears to be in excellent condition after a visual inspection and test drive.

    The price is $42K.

    Is this a fair deal or can I do better elsewhere?

    Also the mileage seems awfully low for a 2006. Is there anyway to verify the mileage other thab using Carfax?

    Would appreciate your collective thoughts.

    Thanks
  • JeffreyatlJeffreyatl Member Posts: 1
    I bought a 2001 Boxster in August. In October, the CEL illuminated, so I took it to the dearer after eliminating a loose gas cap as the problem.

    The dealer ran diagnostics and determined that BOTH catalytic converters had failed. I paid them for the diagnostic work done and left, opting not to get them replaced without a second opinion.

    THe dealer told me that I'd need to get both cats replaced before the emissions inspection is due (March '09), that it would fail withouth that work.

    It was pointed out to me that it is very unusual for any catalytic converter, nevermind both, to fail at 41,000(+) miles.

    Yesterday, I took the car to an emissions inspection place, and the guy just ran the diagnostic (not the full emissions test) on the car and said that it was fine. He said that if he were to run the full test on the car right then, it would pass.

    I emailed this information to the service manager who hedged just a bit on their analysis of the diagnostic code readings, and offered to test the car again, at no charge to me.

    I think the dealer didn't allow for dirty sensors, or a number of other possible explanations for the CEL coming on. They turned it off in October and it hasn't come on again.

    I also think they're trying to stick it to me for not getting an extended warranty on their PO car.

    Thoughts?
  • mannyljrmannyljr Member Posts: 20
    $42K sounds like a lot for an '06 S in this current economy. I've been price shopping Boxsters since the summer and have posted dozens of Porsches and their prices on my blog.
    http://mannyljr.typepad.com/lizardslair/
    My current front page is a list of Best in Price for Boxsters 2005 - 2008. It's mostly based on autotrader.com, plus a little Ebay. I have a 2006 S with 22K miles on my list for $34K. I have an '08 Boxster S listed at $45K from a dealer.
    Post a comment if you visit my blog and let me know if it helps.
  • mrrogersmrrogers Member Posts: 391
    I read where Road & Track Editor-at-Large Peter Egan had to have the engine replaced on his used Boxster S. Forunately he had the Certified Pre Owned warranty. He wrote a great column about buying his Boxster. His wife told him that there a only so many summers, so he needs this convertible!
    The Porsche CPO warranty is only for two years. I see CPO Boxsters from dealers on the web. There are a few 2002's and 2003's for under $20,000. Maybe the strategy should be to buy one, and then sell it after one year with the one year of CPO remaining as a selling point. Another strategy could be to sell it after two years, and then buy another CPO Boxster from a dealer so you are always protected from the dreaded engine failure.
  • mannyljrmannyljr Member Posts: 20
    Mr. Rogers, I think you're off a little with the Certified Pre-Owned warranty and how long it lasts. I'm pretty sure, it's 2 extra years to the factory warranty, which is 4 years and 50,000 miles. This is based on the in-service date and when the factory warranty expires. I doubt there are many or any 2002 Boxsters that are CPO. They would be expiring in 2008, unless they were sold in 2003. A Boxster sold in 2003 then certified would be expiring in 2009. I've been shopping and watching prices on Boxsters since last July. I keep track of prices, including Certified Pre-Owned Boxsters on my site:

    http://mannyljr.typepad.com/lizardslair/2008/12/best-in-price---porsche-boxster.- html

    I am keeping to 2005 models and up. Boxsters went through their biggest upgrade in that year. There are base 2005 Boxsters approaching $20,000. One even sold on Ebay recently. That link is on my site too.
  • mrrogersmrrogers Member Posts: 391
    Thanks for your prompt reply. You are probably right. I may have screwed up my sort on the autotrader.com site. I sorted for certified Boxsters with a maximum price of $20,000. I ended up with five cars in the 2001 - 2003 model range. I did not contact any of the dealers to see if I could get the full two year warranty or just a fraction of it.
  • andys120andys120 Member Posts: 23,370
    I read something interesting about the revised 987 Boxster (2009-10?) in the February issue of Automobile. They say the 987s (Boxster/Cayman) are getting the same motors as the current 911/997. These have chaindriven cams that do not require the intermediate shaft (IMS).

    Automobile. doesn't reference the current spate of blown 986/987engines but IIRC it is the IMS that has been so trouble prone in the Boxster. In light of that news and reviews of the apparently superb PDK transmission maybe it's time to put the otherwise sublime Boxster back on the Dream Roadster list.

    2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93

  • mrtoad3mrtoad3 Member Posts: 68
    I recently had the lovely experience of having my 05 Boxster engine disintegrate on me. It has 16K miles and has been meticulously cared for since purchased new in March 05. The dealer towed it in and said they will need to tear down the engine to ascertain the exact cause but a replacement engine is likely(still under warranty for 2 months:) My question is: I know they would be reluctant but, would it be possible for them to replace it with an 09 engine to avoid possible future recurences? I know it's a stretch but I am not interested in replaying this episode again with the same defectively designed engines. Does the engine warranty start over? Does a new engine effect resale value negatively? Thanks.
  • digginitdigginit Member Posts: 1
    Can anyone tell me or link me to a page that shows how to access the power top switch in the dash of my 04 boxster. I pushed the button today and it let go from the dash and now sits loose in behind the hole. Thanks for your help.
  • andys120andys120 Member Posts: 23,370
    -I would ask for a new-design engine (I don't have the designator handy but you can find it in the Feb. '09 Automobile ) especially if your failure is traced to the IMS. Don't go by model year as they may consider this a running change within the same model year.

    -If you do not receive satisfaction from your dealer try to contact the District or Area Technical Representative from Porsche USA, you can probably get the contact info from your dealer. I once got a goodwill repair of a shattered clutch disk on a Saab by going this route (I pointed out that there was no burning or scouring to indicate clutch abuse).

    -I would imagine that the warranty does begin anew with the new motor but it's worth asking about.

    -Resale values on Boxsters are on the low side already, I don't know if your mishap would have a major effect on it's resale. The "market" may have already "factored in" the high incidence of motor failures.

    Good luck
    .
    Please let us know how you do.

    2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    16.000 miles... that's rough!

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • jhammelljhammell Member Posts: 38
    I doubt that your car would be compatible with the 2009 motor (transmission, wiring harness, exhaust etc.) but understand why you would ask for one.

    Please keep us posted as to how this works out for you. I have a 2004 Boxster (2.7) with 14k miles and zero problems to date. Having read about the increasing number of engine failures of 986 and 996 models my radar is up. The car is everything I expected it to be and I plan to keep this one and enjoy it for many many years to come.
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