Jeison

So I've sold my 8, yes it was a sad day, and I'm looking to replace it, I was highly considering just buying a newer 8 (mine was an 04) with less kilometers, when I found this sitting on a lot, and I'm definitely considering it.

http://www.bridgecityauto.com/used/P...7b8de894e6.htm

problem is I don't have much experience or knowledge of Porsche, and I'm not too sure what is a fair price for this car, so I'm hoping someone with more knowledge on the subject can give me a hand. There is also a Z4 beside it on the lot that I am highly considering, but there's just something about being able to say that you own a porsche.

I've never looked @ a vehicle with this high of mileage before, other than timing belt (something it was nice not having to worry about with the 8 :p), are there any other major problem areas? I know old boxters had engine issues, but I couldn't really find out anything about the newer ones.

Advice (or even constructive flaming) would be highly appreciated!

P.S. anyone have any idea on insurance/plates for Alberta, I'm likely moving there in a couple months, so that is a major consideration too.

boffam

iTrader: (1)

I'm not that much of an expert, but I think that's a hell of a deal on a 987S. That would be a $75,000 car new, at least. If there is a complete service history and it has not been in an accident, you're probably good. Also get an option decoder and find the sticker that lists them on the car. Any Porsche is $$ for routine maintenance and repairs, though. I'd have $5000 lying around at all times jut in case.

0413B

i recently traded my 04 gs with 170k for an 07gt with just 27k. im pretty happy with the decision. if you want to own a porsche save your money and buy a 911. id take a new R3 over an old boxster with 100k any day.

yomomspimp06

boxster<RX8

HomicidalApple

iTrader: (3)

get a new R3 forget the boxster.... like the other guy said, if you want a porsche save your money and get atleast a cayman. youll be way happier with a brand new R3

nate340

when i bought the rx8 i looked at a cayman as well and realized i could afford to buy it but not maintain it. i will eventually own a Porsche but can't chance buying a used one just to expensive to fix a major issue outside of warranty.

JantzenRX-8

iTrader: (9)

Really??? How do you figure?

laythor

god those boxsters are ugly

dozer

iTrader: (3)

^ i agree... id buy an r3 over that ANYDAY

Redshift

iTrader: (2)

I guess it depends if you want a more expensive, less reliable car.
Look up IMS Bearing Failure, or "Boxster IMS Failure."
On the M96 family of engines (i.e. the 2.7L and 3.2L) Porsche cheaped out and used a 2 piece main shaft, with a "lacking" design to connect them. Bearing failure on the shaft, the IMS, causes catastrophic engine failure, and is way too common. A conservative estimate by Excellence Magazine (the official Porsche enthusiast mag) puts it around 25% of all engines have, or will, have this failure.
In the US, it's around $15,000 to replace the motor. Porsche has refused to acknowledge there is a problem, and have done no recall. There is no fix or preventative measure that I've heard of. You just have to pray you are not 1 of the 4 people it will happen too. They will fix it if it fails under warranty, but there have been no extensions to cover this (as Mazda did with the Renesis taking it out to 8 years, for example.)
The Z4 isn't too ugly if you like the Bangle styling, not so hot if you don't. BMWs really are no better than average reliability and their service and parts prices are eye watering. But, other than the early E46 M3 motors, no real history of catastrophic failures (and BMW fixed most of those) so you should be ok there.
I bet you can negotiate a smoking deal on an R3 right now... that's what I would do.

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

Porsches are great machines and I've lusted after them for many years. What has always kept me from pulling the trigger:

1. I know I wouldn't drive it as much as I do the RX-8 as I'd be constantly concerned with damage and/or theft. Even Jay Leno (who has more money and cars than god) has said this when comparing his 911 to his Miata. ~"in the Porsche I leave the house, drive in a big circle and put it back in the garage. The Miata I'll drive most anywhere."
2. Repair/maintenance costs. There's far less you can do yourself (or would want to) and parts are pricey.
3. I was amazed how low the insurance was on the RX-8 as it's deemed a 4-door 1.3L vehicle. Porsche is expensive to insure due to above associated repair/theft costs.

Still.... would love to have one.

edit: added third reason.

Ka Kui

iTrader: (7)

If you are only going after the "boxer engine", get a Subaru WRX STI...... the Porsche Boxer are ugly man~

Jeison

a little while ago the mazda dealer had an 09 R3 in black for 35k, but I wasn't quite ready to have another car payment again, now it's back to 44k. The big reason I was looking @ the Boxster is that I would only be using it as a trip car pretty much, I have a company car that I drive during the week and the freedom to go shopping as much as I need during work. :D

So I'm estimating I'll put maybe 5000k on a year, which is why the 100,000km doesn't concern me THAT much. Thanks for the bearing failure heads up, definitely something I'll have to look into.

If the R3 was red, I think it would be no contest, but right now the thought of a convertible is very appealing, especially as the car would pretty much just be a toy for me.

As far as the Z4, the Bangle styling kind of grew on me, that being said I would take the new design over Mr. Bangle's anyday, and I know BMW has had issues with the convertible top motor (better than the main motor I guess lol)

I always keep some money around for emergencies, but maybe not enough for a new motor, and I find the boxster styling like the new mazda 3 styling, I thought it was horrible at first but I've grown to like it.

01Racing

I have had the priviledge?lol of driving many Boxsters and 911 when teaching at Mosport and Shannonville. Boxster is slow, lazy and in my opinion doesnt handle as well as an RX8. 3 simple words to me..... Overpriced Overrated CRAP. I would buy a late model MX5 long before I layed any money down for any Porsche. I have driven GT2's GT3's and Turbo 911's....................Save lots and buy a Corvette its easier to drive and repair. Porsche maintenance is quite expensive, not Ferrari expensive ($650 for an "oil change" lol) but expensive non the less. I have NEVER driven a Prosche and said when I got out "one day I need to own one of these". I say to myself everytime I get out of a Ferrari or a Corvette "Ineed to own one of these!" when I have driven them on the track. Listen to all the posts and save your money.

Kafka

Well that Jap gentleman with his ZO6 @ Shannonville was really crazy...

nate340

^i like that guy. his the equivalent to a local drunk thats always at the same bar. it will be a sad day for me when i go to shannonville and his not there.

Snrub

Boxsters are always really well reviewed, but obviously Al's statements are worthwhile to listen to.

Used Corvette C6s are available in the $30ks, perhaps they'd be a better option to consider?

delhi

Accessing the engine bay for Boxster is PITA. And for that alone, simple maintenance requires a hoist. You will be treated to a royal @$$ spanking bill. If you want a convertible, a Miata is a fantastic car. There's a reason why it is the most successful sports car in the history.

If my RX-8 were to be stolen or destroyed by accident. I will take the insurance payout, walk into a Mazda dealership and drive out with a CX7! Ooops! I meant a RX-8 R3 in White. RX-8 and its signature rotary engine drives like a dream. Piston felt barbaric in comparison.

Any high-end cars sold at no name dealerships are highly questionable.

Snrub

^ I don't think that's necessarily true. "B" lots go to the same auction (eg. Adesa), bid against the other "A" and "B" lots and pick up a car. It's kind of a crap shoot with either. Typically there is no history and beyond a quick glance they are unaware of the potential issues when purchasing. Sometimes they just bid online and never see the car in person before purchase. Typically when you see a car on a lot it's been given minimal "reconditioning." Dealers try to fix as little as possible before selling in case they can't sell the car. Often it's post-sale when they get the safety done.