Porsche Boxster and Boxster S

mrtoad3 · January 2009

Just got word from the dealer and they said PORSCHE wants to replace the engine rather than rebuild it due to cost. Will be sending new engine at end of week and install next week. Warranty on parts and labor (for engine) is two years. I guess that's fair. Now I have to start the break-in period all over again. It was just starting to loosen up a bit. Oh well. I don't know if I'll keep it now, especially if the feel has changed while driving. I hope everything goes together and meshes well with remaining old parts like the transmission etc.. I'll keep you posted.

03boxsterjim · February 2009

Does anyone have ideas on upgrading that cheesy little factory stereo on my '03 Boxster? of course, Car Toys will make it really nice for two to five thou. Seriously, in this economy?

Jim

fantom · February 2009

Just install a factory rear speaker kit from someone like Suncoast or Sunset. Cost is just over $100 and maybe an hour to install.

It makes a big difference, and you'll save $4,900 ;-)

fantom · February 2009

There is a site with lots of very complete DIY free instructions for Boxsters, that I have found extremely informative. The guy who runs it doesn't seem to be selling much of anything....amazing!

http://www.pedrosgarage.com/Site/Garage.html

Hope it helps,

proudnewdad · February 2009

I have a 03 Boxster S which I bought last year used from a lease trade in. At first I was a little nervous buying a leased Porsche because I am sure it was beat on. As it turns out, I am glad I bought it as a lease, because it seems the Boxster S's that are run hard, are the one's that don't blow engines! You hear all about the low mile Boxsters that slip cylinder sleeves and have IMS failures, that were babied, but the ones that are tracked and driven hard seem to last, go figure, you buy a Porsche drive it like it was ment to be driven and you MIGHT avoid engine failure. That's my 2 cents and I hope I didn't just jinks myself. :shades:

kuch123 · February 2009

Just a quick not to let all you Boxster owners know that the BRBS is on again for 2009, our 11th year! .. If you're in the eastern states or you need a reason for a road trip in your Boxster, come join the fun and make some new friends..
www.brbs.org

ponderpoint · March 2009

ponderpoint · March 2009

Something very strange is happening.

There are more Boxsters for sale on ebay than Mazda Miatas! Consistently! I've been watching this trend for awhile - at first I thought it was a one time anomoly on ebay but (excuse the farmer in me) it ain't!

The Miata is the "Volkswagen Bug" of roadsters, the poor mans sports car being produced in great numbers for about twenty years now. The Boxster has only been produced for eleven or so years now in less numbers and a far greater price to acquire - it should be more rare but there they are, sitting on ebay, about 174 or so. There's only 150 or so Miatas...What's going on?

My wife (the analyst) has a simple explanation: "They're upside down". She went on to say that in her opinion the Boxster appeared to be more affordable to the common consumer when in fact, it really wasn't. Not to insult anyone but she said it was the same consumer that thought they could afford it but were on a "Miata income", the payments looked reasonable in good economic time but now they want that car payment to dissapear.

She then directed me to the "completed sales" section of ebay for Boxsters. Almost all of the listings were "reserve not met" or "zero bids" whereas the fewer Miatas that were listed DID complete with a successful sale. I did consider that the Boxster should be separated from the Boxster S, but the Miata enjoys different trim levels also, for instance, the difference between the regular Miata and the "spyder retractable hardtop" Miata. This is a chapter right out of that book "Freakonomics"..... When the Boxster becomes more "exclusive" again will this signal that we're returning to a better economy?

andys120 · March 2009

When the Boxster becomes more "exclusive" again will this signal that we're returning to a better economy?

Boxsters haven't been really "exclusive" since the day the first hit the used car market. Their resale value has always been on the low side compared to contemporary 911s perhaps due to the perception (undeserved IMO that they weren't "real" Porsches.

The arrival of the Boxster in the late 90s signalled the start of a new era for Porsche in which the company geared up for significantly increased production numbers. That move was controversial then and it still is as Porsche moves into different market segments.

As for the answer to your headline question Is The Boxster a Perfect Economic Bellwether?, I'd say "no", there are so many variables affecting the cost of used cars that the relative price of any specific model isn't much of an "economic indicator." We do not know for example how much of an effect the reports of an excessive number of engine failures has affected the price or the number of used Boxsters on Ebay.

ponderpoint · March 2009

"Boxsters haven't been really "exclusive" since the day the first hit the used car market."

Of course not, I understand that. You raise interesting points but the main observation is a comparison against a Miata in resale availability and quantity - things are not adding up.

I still stand by the point that more Boxsters for sale on ebay than Miatas is VERY strange.

On an end note, I thought the engine failures/fires was an isolated situation with the very first Boxsters - am I incorrect? I thought the Boxster got rave reviews for dependability, almost approaching a Honda-like status....

autoparts77 · March 2009

Two crucial facets differentiate the Boxster S from its bigger brother the 911. First, this vehicle is a roadster, which simply means that it doesnt have a fixed roof. Second, the car also benefit from a beautifully balanced set-up due to the mid-engine design. Compared to the 911, the Boxster S doesnt suffer from a rear heavy body which is prone to oversteer. Read: it is the more planted handler of the two. Beginning in 07, the Boxster S is fitted with a bigger engine as that found in the Cayman S. Engine displacement is raced from 3.2 to 3.4 liters, translating to peak figures of 295 HP (up from 280 HP) and 254 lb-ft of torque (up from 236 lb-ft). The Boxster S also comes standard with VarioCam Plus technology. This dual-stage valve lift and valve timing system allows for a more responsive feeling all across the power band since it improves low-end torque and high end power. Best of all, it optimizes engine efficiency for better allowing fuel economy. Having benefited from a mid-mounted power plant that not only makes more power but also boasts a better fuel economy, choosing between this car and its twin-brother the Cayman relies simply on whether you enjoy driving with or without the sun. Either wayboth Porsches promise one engaging stint behind the wheel. Over and above all the details is the excellent performance of the Boxster. This is a Porsche in all aspects of the term. There's more than enough power, well-engineered auto parts,excellent handling, and surprising comfort. My experience with some sports cars is their relative discomfort, which is always mitigated by the performance. The Boxster's seats are deep enough for side support, yet flat enough to make entry and exit less of a problem.

andys120 · March 2009

engine failures/fires was an isolated situation with the very first Boxsters - am I incorrect? I thought the Boxster got rave reviews for dependability, almost approaching a Honda-like status....

Look back about 20 posts for more info on Boxster engine failures. Even if you discount engine problems no one would call them "Honda-like" as routine maintainence is pretty expensive and frequent even if you go to an indie specialist.

OTOH I just got this year's Consumer Reports Auto issue nd only the '05 model year of the Boxster shows above average incidences of engine problems. '06 and '07 models show much less than average for engine problems.
They didn't have enough responses for '08 models.

The plot thickens. :confuse: .

ponderpoint · March 2009

"Look back about 20 posts for more info on Boxster engine failures."

Whoah!!!! OK, I never knew.

Pretty substantial rap sheet on the engine. After reading multiple reports of problems suffice it to say I am extremely disappointed in Porsche - if they sincerely believe it is "reasonable" and "routine" to replace the engine at 100k miles.... They are living on another planet.

We are coming into the age of 100k mile tune-up, not 100k engine replacement, apparently the folks at Porsche got the two mixed up. I'm not expecting "Honda-like" maintenance but that engine problem is NOT reasonable. I guess it explains the ebay oddity..... Pretty sad.

andys120 · March 2009

Pretty substantial rap sheet on the engine

I've come across some info in direct contradiction to the reports of Porsche engine failures we've been getting from TTAC.

The 2009 New Car issue of Consumer Reports is out and I looked at the Frequency of Repair Bullet charts for Used Cars and only 2005 MY Boxsters show a higher than average incidence of engine problems. In all of the other four years where they had a big enough sample, the Boxster had a Much Better than Average incidence of engine repairs as well as a MBTA overall score which is probably why the 2009 Boxster is one of CR's 2009 "Recommended" buys.

I know that CR isn't exactly the Bible and all kinds of things can skew the sample of a particular car but I've usually found the CR bullet charts to be a pretty good predictor of how reliable a particular car's going to be.

It's also important to note that starting in '09 the 987s get new engines of different design that eliminates the Intermediate Shaft (IMS) that has been a factor in most reported engine failures.

sie1 · March 2009

I plan to purchase a new 2008 Boxster S within the next couple of weeks. Has
anyone had any experiences in buying a new Boxster. I noted that the 2007 closeout discounts were around 10-15% . However , with the bad economy and the fact that Porsche delayed the introduction of the 2009 models for 7 months, I 've heard talk of 25%-30% discounts being given. I've also noticed that the RS60 and Design Edition II haven't sold well at all. Seems to be 100s of these still around.
thanks for any advice

hobiekat07 · March 2009

I spotted a low mileage 2002 boxster and am considering it as a play thing. Is anyone satisfied with a similar item or know of reasons I should not proceed?

dtownmil · March 2009

If anyone has info on where to go to have scuffs on wheels repaired, it would be appreciated. Thanks.

dtownmil · March 2009

I just purchased a 2000 and couldn't be happier. Got close to 30 MPG on the way home. Great car. Tons of fun. As any Boxster owner knows.

dtownmil · March 2009

Is the fear of engine failure real? Mine has a small RMS leak and I've chosen not to worry about it for now. I keep an eye out to make sure it doesn't get worse, and it doesn't.

I would be screwed if I had a IMS failure, but are there any real numbers of how many of these fail?

Mine is a 2000 2.7L with 58K. Right now, I have no warranty on it. If the engine goes it's out of my pocket. Anyone think it's worth purchasing a three thousand dollar warranty for chance of failure?

Any input is appreciated.

andys120 · March 2009

There are no hard numbers out on Boxster motor failures that I know of other than the Frequency of Repair charts in Consumer Reports which show that the incidence of motor repairs is "Much Less Than Average" for almost every model year..

A leaking RMS isn't by itself a big issue but you want to keep a careful eye on the dip stick, running low on oil will result in a wrecked motor in any car. If I were you I'd ask a couple of experienced Porsche mechanics for an estimate on repairing the RMS and an opinion on whether the extended warranty is worthwhile.

A word of caution about the EW: You have to be an experienced tech, combined with a Philadelphia Lawyer degree to figure out whether you'll be covered in the event of any specific failure.

dtownmil · March 2009

My 2000 has 18" wheels. Can anyone recommend long-lasting semi-inexpensive tires?

Now have Pirelli Pzero Rosso's, but one front one has a small bulge in it. May try to get some pro-rated assistance to replace the fronts.

I've heard that these tires will wear very quickly. Also, I do not track or race the car, so I do not need the best performing tire, just adequate. I don't want something that will squeal on the road.

thanks.

andys120 · March 2009

Call Tire Rack, tell 'em what you need, how long do those P-Zeros last?

turboboxster · April 2009

I have it on a 2000 Boxster S please email me at denniswilson123@yahoo.com I will give you all info,my car will be covered in next Excellence Magazine which will be out in next week also,so send me a note and I will email back

wicki · May 2009

Sie 1 said: "I noted that the 2007 closeout discounts were around 10-15% . However , with the bad economy and the fact that Porsche delayed the introduction of the 2009 models for 7 months, I 've heard talk of 25%-30% discounts being given."

A few questions:

1) To Sie1 or anyone who may have recently purchased a Porsche Boxster ... can you share some info about your purchase and of your experience?

2) To everyone ... were such discounts really given? And what price range could one expect to pay for a 2008 and 2007 Boxster S with say less than 4000 miles in this present market? And what are the must have "perks"? And is it better to buy from a dealer vs a private seller?

Thanks! :shades:

carlover3 · May 2009

I purchased a left-over brand new 2008 Boxster, and I love to drive it.
A couple questions as a new porsche owner:
1. what can I expect from the wind deflector ? it's not cheap, i called some local Porsche parts stores and they quote it over $500 plus the labor to install it.
And if I decide to buy it, is there an online store for it for a lower price ? ( can it be mch lower than $500 ?) and it needs professional installation or how easy to install it at home ?
2. what/where would be good/reliable/reasonable-pricing online stores for buying bosxter accessories and maintenance parts ( other than the Porsche parts stores, from which the prices are very high) ?
3. where would be another popular online forum(s) for Boxster for learning more experiences from other Boxster owners ?
Any tips would be very appreciated. Thanks much!
CarLover

brian200001 · May 2009

Hi, I have a 1999 porsche boxter. I took my battery out for the winter and now when I go to put it back in I notice that BOTH battery cables are black. There is no sign or marking that differentiates positive or negative. I have no idea which goes on the positive battery post. (Its not obvious based on the battery either because it was a new after market battery purchase last year).

Can anyone please tell me how to absolutely confirm which battery cable on the porsche boxter is the positive and negative cable? Thank you

dtownmil · May 2009

Without looking at it at the moment, I can tell you that my positive cable is the one on the passenger side. Can't think of a way to identify it until I look at it. I'll try to post again after I've had a look.

2000 Boxster

carlover3 · May 2009

I posted this same message before, and did not get any replies,
I like to try my questions again, please advise some answers.
Thanks!

I purchased a left-over brand new 2008 Boxster, and I love to drive it.
A couple questions as a new porsche owner:
1. what can I expect from the wind deflector ? it's not cheap, i called some local Porsche parts stores and they quote it over $500 plus the labor to install it.
And if I decide to buy it, is there an online store for it for a lower price ? ( can it be mch lower than $500 ?)
and it needs professional installation or how easy to install it at home ?

2. what/where would be good/reliable/reasonable-pricing online stores for buying bosxter accessories and maintenance parts ?
( other than the Porsche parts stores, from which the prices are very high)

3. where would be another popular/reliable online forum(s) for Boxster for learning more experiences from other Boxster owners ?
Any tips would be very appreciated. Thanks much!
CarLover

andys120 · May 2009

1. what can I expect from the wind deflector ? it's not cheap, i called some local Porsche parts stores and they quote it over $500 plus the labor to install it.
And if I decide to buy it, is there an online store for it for a lower price ? ( can it be much lower than $500 ?)
and it needs professional installation or how easy to install it at home ?

What you can expect is a reduction in the amount of backdraft entering the cockpit. $500 seems like a lt for a simple piece of plastic. If I were you I'd type the words "Porsche cockpit wind deflector" into a search engine and see what came up.

The Edmund's rules prohibit creating a direct link to other auto forums so I'll just tell you to try the Porsche Club of America for a Boxster forum (www.pca.org).

boxterrcc · May 2009

Check out the latest comparison from Car and Driver--plus video on youtube (sorry don't have link). New Z4 vs Vette vs Audi TTS and Boxster S. They got a 0-60 tie between Vette and Boxster S at 4.3 seconds! Incredible.... maybe that'll shut up the vette folks who love to claim their straight line performance is so much better (albeit, it was a convertible with auto not the Z06).

lisahu · June 2009

I've had two Boxsters, both with wind deflectors and I recommend them highly. It made a big difference in the amount of wind in the cockpit while driving. I have a set from my last Boxster, which includes the plastic insert between the seats and the two screens that pop into the headrests. They are all in perfect condition and available for sale on Seattle's Craigslist under auto parts and accessories for $150. I'm certain they will fit Boxsters up to year 2004 - you'll need to confirm if there was a change after that. You may need some hardware drilled into the roll bars to hold the plastic screen in place but should be inexpensive.
I wish I still had the car but a new baby meant a change of cars. Good luck to you!

jjnxr7n · August 2009

i am thinking of buying a 2001 boxer with 46500 miles on it for $18,000.00 IS This a good deal the carfax show no problem

wire10 · August 2009

I have an 02 Boxster ( milage-41K) that just got this disease & out of warranty. "On average "-when does the clutch need to be replaced and what would be an estimate of the cost for both clutch & RMS repair at an authorized dealer?

dtownmil · September 2009

Sounds a little high. I recentley paid $14,500 for my 2000 with 58K miles. Included hard top, all accesseries, and two sets of tires.

doug18 · September 2009

My 2002 Boxster's plastic rear window has developed a small (1/2" crack). Any suggestions on what I can use to seal this?

Thanks!

coyoteherb · September 2009

Looking at a 2001 Boxster S w/36 K miles, racing wheels, new pirelli tires, and spotless. oothwe upgrades. asking $19500. is this a good deal? also concerned about engine failure problems, especially oil leak with oil and coolant mixing. how prevalent is this problem? has scared me off for now. other problems?

marygi · October 2009

I just had my '04Boxster experience an Intermediate shaft failure w/52,000. I am also very fortunate to convince PNA to repair it at no charge.
$19,500 is probably not out of line for an S with such low miles.
There are no percentages of IMS failure in Boxsters, however the scuttlebut among drivers is that PNA is aware of the problem on the 996 engines and the failure rate could be as high as 20%. All the new Box's have better IMS installed and it can be retrofitted (as mine supposadly was).

marygi · October 2009

You might start by visiting the Boxster Babblers web-site, a club out of SF area. Lots of chat. One of the members manufactures wind deflectors to reduce cabin noise and keep his wife's hair from blowing around.

houstonowner · October 2009

I have a new 2009 Boxster. My wind deflector rattles and vibrates at speeds of 70 mph or more. Any suggestions about how I can fix this? It seems that there should be some type of reinforcement across the top of the plastic, from side to side, to prevent the vibration and shuddering. Any comments appreciated.

houstonowner · October 2009

I have a 2009 Boxster with PDK. For some reason the car hesitates or slightly sputters sometimes. This is driving me crazy. The dealer says the car checks out ok but they've had some issues with the PDK clutch(es) slipping. My problems feels more like a fuel injection issue - like the engine is not getting fuel immediately. Does anyone else have this issue and has found a resolution? All replies appreciated. Thanks.

zaina · October 2009

DONT fix it yourself. This is a factory defect. Report it, take it back, they need to fix it for free. The wind deflector should not vibrate what so ever, not even a bit. Not even when your driving at 200 KM!! take it back and report it, coz if you mess around with it they'll blame you for the issue.

if by any chance your hearing a metallic virbation from behind and you mistook it for the wind deflector, then i know for a fact that the previous boxsters (2006 and 2007) have a defect and they occasionally make that noise when you first start accellerating, and i beleiev there was a peice they decided to add on all new cars after their first service. But I am sure the 2009 should have this issue resolved already.

tomk17 · October 2009

The fix is 2-3 small pieces of weather-strip foam with a sticky side. That's what they will do a the dealer for no cost like another posted suggests. Bring it in if you want, or save time, get some of this 1/4" foam strip stuff yourself. Put a 1" piece on the 2 sides and the bottom to tighten it up a bit. Worked for me for 2 years.

az66bug · November 2009

The internet can be a scary place especially if your researching reviews on a car. I interested in buying a 03' Boxster S - it has 60,000 miles and the dealer is willing to throw in a 12-month bumper to bumper warranty. I'm still hesitant just because of everything I'm hearing with the engine issues.... Is there a particular model VIN that the issue are more common? The price is comparable to Edmunds pricing, just cautious about the expense of a Porsche, which I've dreamed of owning since I was a kid.... You all seem to know the car, what should I look out for, how long does the clutch last, expected what does or will need? for that 60,000 of a car?

greg_w · December 2009

There are now aftermarket solutions for the IMS deficiency in the M96 Porsche engine. I have an older air-cooled 911 and would like to purchase a used Boxster for a daily driver, but like so many hear have been concerned about the longevity of the motor. The aftermarket IMS fix is probably a $1,000 or more upgrade, but it replaces the existing bearing with a new, more robust unit. If I do decide to buy a used Boxster, I will consider this to be a necessary investment in the car and won't drive it until the upgrade is complete. You can find more info by doing a search on LN Engineering or Flat Six Innovations. There have been several articles published on them in various Porsche enthusiasts magazines.

I totally love my old 911. It's as much a hobby to work on as drive. I need greater reliability and affordability in my daily driver, but the Boxster is alluring enough that I could deal with some pain....just not blown engine pain. Note: The IMS is not the only engine issue with the M96.

We need a car designed and engineered in europe and built in asia. Americans are building better cars these days, but think asia still has the edge.

boxsterwannabe · December 2009

I am looking at a used 2003 Boxster S with 70K and the IMS has already been fixed at about 56K. Does anyone know what the odds are for another failure if this has been fixed once? My assumption would be that they upgraded/corrected the problem and it might be safe to buy this car? Thanks

longislander1 · December 2009

I'm thinking of selling my '05 Boxster S and am wondering what I could expect to get for it in a private sale. It's Seal Grey with sand interior and grey top, 12K miles, 6-spd, pristine condition, always garaged and dealer serviced, little rain, no snow, never raced. Options include bi-xenons, navigation, heated seats, Bose/windstop. MSRP $60,600. Any ideas on price would be appreciated.

kyfdx · December 2009

$9995... :P

Now, let me give you my shipping information.... lol..

j/k.. sounds like a really nice car..

longislander1 · January 2010

If I remember right, $9995 is what they charge for the leather-trimmed fuse box cover on the option list.

kyfdx · January 2010

LOL... not far off, I bet..

mannyljr · January 2010

I've followed used Boxster pricing for a while. I think your car would be a good deal at $25000. There is a Boxster S in Florida at a dealer for $27K.

Porsche Boxster and Boxster S

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