OT: Boxster as a daily driver Options

[Montreal914]

I am considering buying a used Boxster with manual transmission to use as a daily driver. One of the concern I have is its reliability and maintenance cost. I do plan on maintaining the car myself.

Before I get into my car search, I would like to read on the subject and get to know the car the same way I have read and leaned about the 914s here. I also want to read on what is doable with these cars as far as swapping parts from years to years, like we do on our 914s.

So, is there a "BoxsterWorld" equivalent to our beloved forum? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif)

I would assume there are quite a few Boxster owners/mechanics on this forum. Where are you guys hanging out when discussing the modern 914 stuff? Is Rennlist the place, or there is better?

I am somewhat familiar with the IMS issue as I have read on this a little. Looks like the problem was addressed on 2007 (?) and later models? I have heard about cylinders scoring in the 911 crowd. Ignition key assembly seems to be a classic issue too.

As usual, my budget is limited and I wonder if finding a good survivor driver in the 13-15k$ range is realistic... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) I am not necessarily looking for an S, unless everyone thinks they are a must. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Comments, suggestions, warnings?
Please share experiences and recommendations! Thank you! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[930cabman]

I am considering buying a used Boxster with manual transmission to use as a daily driver. One of the concern I have is its reliability and maintenance cost. I do plan on maintaining the car myself.

Before I get into my car search, I would like to read on the subject and get to know the car the same way I have read and leaned about the 914s here. I also want to read on what is doable with these cars as far as swapping parts from years to years, like we do on our 914s.

So, is there a "BoxsterWorld" equivalent to our beloved forum? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif)

I would assume there are quite a few Boxster owners/mechanics on this forum. Where are you guys hanging out when discussing the modern 914 stuff? Is Rennlist the place, or there is better?

I am somewhat familiar with the IMS issue as I have read on this a little. Looks like the problem was addressed on 2007 (?) and later models? I have heard about cylinders scoring in the 911 crowd. Ignition key assembly seems to be a classic issue too.

As usual, my budget is limited and I wonder if finding a good survivor driver in the 13-15k$ range is realistic... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) I am not necessarily looking for an S, unless everyone thinks they are a must. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Comments, suggestions, warnings?
Please share experiences and recommendations! Thank you! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

I had considered having a Boxter in the fleet, and voted NO. Too many electronics, systems, "modern features"

Being an old guy and a CSOB another 914 won out

Currently 5 in the fleet, an original 1975 911S, 1987 Turbo cab, 1985 Alfa spider and an original 1970 Dodge Power Wagon (with history)

I'm sure the Boxter is cool, but I like simple. My 2022 F150 goes to the shop for anything other than oil changes

[Steve]

I am considering buying a used Boxster with manual transmission to use as a daily driver. One of the concern I have is its reliability and maintenance cost. I do plan on maintaining the car myself.

Before I get into my car search, I would like to read on the subject and get to know the car the same way I have read and leaned about the 914s here. I also want to read on what is doable with these cars as far as swapping parts from years to years, like we do on our 914s.

So, is there a "BoxsterWorld" equivalent to our beloved forum? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif)

I would assume there are quite a few Boxster owners/mechanics on this forum. Where are you guys hanging out when discussing the modern 914 stuff? Is Rennlist the place, or there is better?

I am somewhat familiar with the IMS issue as I have read on this a little. Looks like the problem was addressed on 2007 (?) and later models? I have heard about cylinders scoring in the 911 crowd. Ignition key assembly seems to be a classic issue too.

As usual, my budget is limited and I wonder if finding a good survivor driver in the 13-15k$ range is realistic... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) I am not necessarily looking for an S, unless everyone thinks they are a must. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Comments, suggestions, warnings?
Please share experiences and recommendations! Thank you! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

2009 was the first year of the non IMS bearing cars. Also the dchunk cylinder issue and RMS (rear main seal) issue. Ping @jim_hoyland he has owned a couple.

[Montreal914]

My 2022 F150 goes to the shop for anything other than oil changes

I understand. I have piled up 275k miles on our familly Sienna minivan and it just won't die. Kids are old and out of the house now. The minivan is my DD and pick-up.

After talking with a 5-speed Boxster owner at the gas station yesterday, I thought it would be nice to daily drive that instead of the auto-trans van.

The owner was 101 years old! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif) He used to race with 914s in his 912 back in the days. Amazing guy! He bought the Boxster at 92! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

Does driving a Porsche keeps you young? He was! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Chris914n6]

By now the IMS has been addressed, either 'fixed' or it's not an issue. It was only like 5% of cars had the issue.
All German cars have pricey repair needs, specially at the 100k mark. Being able to fix stuff yourself eases the pain.

Prices seem to have gone up this year.

I couldn't imagine a stick as a daily. The clutch will need replaced at some point too.

[jim_hoyland]

I’ve owned two; a ‘98 986 Stick shift and now an ‘06 non-stick.
I recommend any low mileage Boxster especially if the original owner is the seller and he has all the service records.
I bought my ‘06 from a PCA member who advertised in the Panorama.

I also caution buyers that previously leased Boxsters may be a problem. Dealers leased more Boxsters than they sold new. Now, car lots are selling them.

Prices are pretty good from what I’ve seen; options make a big difference.
Good luck, it’s a fun car to drive.

[johnnymiz]

987 Boxsters are very easy to live with.
Great around town...great on the highway
Comfortable seats
Good luggage space
06-08s have extremely low IMS failure rates...they used a larger bearing.
Base models had low bore score issues, as well.
I have an 08 base with 70k miles and it has been very reliable ......
I replaced the injectors at 50k miles as preventative maintainance
Lost a belt and tensioner at 65k
renewed the suspension at 68k (17 year old rubber bushings owe you nothing)
In total, probably under $7k in repairs/updates in 18 years of ownership other than brakes, oil, and tires
I daily drove it to NYC... put blizzaks on it for the winter. It was a champ.
Look for one that has been used but cared for... ultra low mile garage queens tend to have more bearing/bore score issues
I will keep mine forever...love it.
As low cost as a camry? No. But no one looks forward to hopping in a camry.

[ConeDodger]

I was an early adopter. I had a 2001 Boxster S for years. I never had problems. I think they sorted the IMS problem for 2009. Fun car…

[Unobtanium-inc]

Like any daily, buy the newest, low mile one you can possibly afford. I know guys who are buying first generation boxsters now for low dollars and the cars are giving out, engines, gearboxes, other major components.

[wonkipop]

get a cayman. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Luke M]

My brother picked up a 2000 Boxster 3 years ago. He got it way cheap as the po thought it had a head gasket failure. Come to find out the shop he took it to didn't know anything about the car or how to bleed the coolant system. Once my brother did a full service and properly bled the coolant system it ran perfect. Drove it around with no issues at all. The IMS was done under warranty at the dealer that part we know for sure.
It had a few issues here n there but nothing major. He was driving it last week and the horn started to beep all on its own. Looks like this was a common issue with older Boxsters. The bushings under the airbag wear out and cause the bag to droop which turns on the horn. It's a simple fix but just a pain to do it. Like any older vehicles they are going to have some issues. Overall he got a smoking deal on it and drives it like he stole it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[Fazasport]

I have owned a 2000 986 Boxster and I currently own a 2010 987.2 Boxster in addition to my '70 and '76 914's. They are great cars with real AC, good sound systems , compliant suspensions and modern features that make them great daily drivers.
The early 986's (1997 - 2000) used the dual row bearing IMS and they are very robust. I replaced the IMS bearing in my 986 at 89k miles and it was still in decent shape. The 987.2 Boxsters (S and non-S) introduced a new engine configuration that eliminated the IMS issue. In addition, those engines, internally have 33% fewer moving moving parts.
My 2010 Boxster makes 255hp and is equipped with a PDK 'box. It is an absolute blast to drive. If you go the 986 route, I would avoid the 2005 thru 2008 as an IMS replacement is not possible without splitting the case. Also, avoid the Tiptronic transmission. If I am not mistaken around 2007 Porsche introduced an upgraded IMS bearing in a large ball bearing version. It is said to be more robust. I take that with a grain of salt.
I agree with the previous comments that number of previous owners, mileage, maintenance history overall care are paramount. I would purchase from a PCA member and the PCA Mart is a good place to find a nice used Boxster. Buy the nicest one you can afford and don't be afraid.

[Montreal914]

@jim_hoyland I had not thought about PCA adds, very good tip. BTW, very nice Boxster and paradise picture setting... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

@johnnymiz Wow! What a fabulous color and wheel combo, it is stock or a wrap? Beautiful 914 too! Lots of good info. The car will not be driven in the snow, I am in SoCal. As for the Camry, I know I drive the minivan version of it... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

@wonkipop did you read my post and see my target budget? Yes, I am on the lookout for a Cayman, but one has to be realistic... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif)

I will make more reasearch on the IMS single vs double row. With the mid-engine configuration, I assume removing the gearbox to do the IMS upgrade is somewhat similar to removing our 901. That being said, buying a car that had the IMS upgaded will tell something about the owner too.

[Jamie]

get a cayman. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

I am also a Cayman daily driver. I like being surrounded by solid metal top! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[johnnymiz]

Do a quick search on the Boxster/ Cayman forums on rennlist and pelicanparts and you will see that the first 986 years and the last 987.1 years had virtually no IMS issues. 987.2 had no IMS but was a little less analog. I have no worries that my 08 will have an issue.

Mine is a one year only Limited Editon model. With that color combination. 500 examples worldwide...250 base and 250 S

[914werke]

Mine is a one year only Limited Editon model. With that color combination. 500 examples worldwide...250 base and 250 S

I thought I recognized it as a LE reboot (not sure its called Phoenix red though)

I looked hard at a couple but never pulled the trigger

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/chowtime.gif)

[johnnymiz]

The color is simply..... Orange
Same color used on the contemporary GT3 RS

[DRPHIL914]

I have owned 2 but got nagged into selling both at some point by my now X,
enjoyed daily driving both the '97 2.5 with hard top, and my 2001S speed yellow , that car was bought with 60k miles car had $14k in upgrade options etc, bought for $12k drove for 4 years put 40k miles on it and sold for more than i paid , kid that bought it from me put another 100k miles on it and still original clutch and IMS, compare that to my 1997 car bought with 30 k miles, within 1k of buying it, noticed a drip and also issue with clutch master cylinder, took it in for clutch and MC, ended up it was not a RMS leak it was the IMS and caught just in time! at that time about 8 years ago, it was $3700 for all that work including the LN IMS etc . fun car and after that i ddint look back but i only paid $7k for the car and put tires on it that was it drove to 60k miles and sold for $12k . if you get one get one with good miles and full maintainence history, or as others said

get either boxster or Cayman 09 or later with no IMS the 2.9 PDK is faster car than an earler 3.4 S car, so much fun . I autocross and some of the fastest cars are the the 2.7 and 2.9 caymans. I will be selling my Maserati and will be looking for this soon for myself again!.

Boxster is nice due to the dual trunks and add a hard top even a luggage rack if desired.

Phil

[Dynosoar11]

I daily my 2002 986
Got it from a 914 World member and the PO before him is a 914 guy too. lots of documentation with the car. It has needs here and there, parts can be a bit pricey, but not outrageous. I have found it easy to work on and maintain. Look around, be picky and get a Pre Purchase Inspection from a reputable Porsche shop.

[wonkipop]

[

@wonkipop did you read my post and see my target budget? Yes, I am on the lookout for a Cayman, but one has to be realistic... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif)

I will make more reasearch on the IMS single vs double row. With the mid-engine configuration, I assume removing the gearbox to do the IMS upgrade is somewhat similar to removing our 901. That being said, buying a car that had the IMS upgaded will tell something about the owner too.

take your point montreal - but i'd still search and snoop for a cayman - you never know.
not that the boxster is a bad car but the cayman is a better car - esp as a daily driver.
lets face it - its the best looking porsche, porsche make (or did in the past tense). sorry arse draggers but......
it reminds me of early 911s. dimensionally small (ish) and closed cabin but not claustrophobic - stiff body.

theres a few floating around down here that on occasion are good bargains.
esp the earlier ones.