What should I be looking for in terms of problem areas? Mileage is higher, but price is oh so right... by $10k over comparables with half the milage, and this will be a driver, not a cream puff. Expectations for repairs, and what can I do myself? (I know I can't really work on the engine, but assume brakes, suspension, etc. are easy enough to get to... right?) Thanks in advance! Tad
Come on... 52views without comment? I know there are Porsche folk in here... I know a little about RMS and IMS failures... I've been on 986forum and Babblers, Pelican, etc. but surely, the Porschephiles here have some small token advice? TIA... looking at the car this afternoon. Cheers, Tad
I've got an 01 S. 68k You shouldn't have a problem with the IMS with your year. I'll make a little list of all the things that I can think of. -(mine)Speaker causes the passenger door to rattle - Do some research on de-snorkling, I would stay away from any car that has this done just because its a sign of people 'messing' with their car. Not a bad thing itself, just a sign I don't like. - Obviously get a PPI - Sometimes when I trun the volume knob up one, the volume goes down one. I can't really think of too much, they're great cars.
Radio problems are very common (actually more so with the newer models). Mass Air Flow sensor is another common failure item. Otherwise there really aren't many common problems on '03 Boxsters.
$10k difference? an '03 with high mileage (over 80k) shouldn't cost much more than 10k, IMO. Perhaps I'm out of touch. If you need any parts, be sure to contact DC Automotive. Rob may be able to give you some insight as well if he's not too busy.
To start the 2003 - 2004 are really good buys. In 2003 Porsche did a minor "facelift" and added several neat bits. The real glass rear window being one of the updates. Plus the bumper changes and material upgrades make it a positive version to find. Additionally the 2003 suspension was upgraded to the prior model years "S" spec for even the base '03 & '04. Therefore the '03/'04 S went then even beyond that - and makes for a a fantastic driver. Lastly there was a power upgrade on both the base & S versions. While there are some known failures for the Boxster the 2003 & 2004 are not as failure prone as the earlier models. Most of the weak areas have been noted above. Because most of this is not common knowledge the 2003 & 2004 Boxster have depreciated with the earlier versions. Making them one of the "best buys" in the Boxster camp. I got a white one for my wife and I to share and I can say we are quite pleased. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I have no first hand experience with the 2003 but I've owned a 99 since new. The only problems have been related to the top. For no apparent reason the windows would mysteriously drop down to the level they need to be at in order to lower the roof. Turned out to be a faulty roof switch -had it replaced 3 times already. The other problem was that the roof wouldn't raise. That turned out to be a bad E-Brake switch - had that replaced 2X. The engine & suspension have been flawless. Just get a proper PPI & keep up with normal service intervals and you should be fine.
Thanks for your input, guys. I made the deal happen and spent the weekend cruising out to the beach and back in vastly improved style and comfort. (Don't know if I mentioned, but I'm coming from a 2003 WRX wagon) I did enough research to know that if I found one, I wanted an 03 S model, in this color, and with these options, but this one still popped up sooner than expected, and for less than anticipated. An 03 Boxster S in these colors with 6sp, Litronics, Bose, etc... not gonna happen for $10k as suggested above, but I think I did alright. It's early to say, as we only just spent the weekend together, but I think I love this car. Thanks again, and I'll post my other thoughts once I get to know her better. Cheers, Tad Image Unavailable, Please Login
2004 Boxster S has a head gasket and was leaking oil and was replaced right before the warranty expired. Dealer said they had to redesign the head gasket. The plastic shield under the engine was catching the oil so it was lucky that the shield had to be replaced which is how the problem was found by the dealer. Other than that no problems. PSM (Porsche Stability Management) was not standard in 2004 but was an option on our S. Saved me a few times, not invasive, and I would recommend this option.
Congrats! I love the Boxter for all it's simplicity as a real Sports Car. In the traditional sense anyway. I've had a lot of fun in Boxters including almost putting one in a corn field in Delaware. Fun to drive, and it's every damned bit a Porsche than any other (yes, I said it!). In a car where 120 is easy, you'll always have fun. Drive in good heath, and stay away from gravel! _J
I've had my '98 for over 7 years now. Only problem is the air bag warning light. That's it! Love the car!
Yep, I sold my 03 Boxster S in February for $18.5. Had 88k on it. Seal grey, 5 spokes, no litronics though. It was a really good, dependable car. Just wanted one with more moddabililty. Now I have an 87 944turbo. Somtimes I miss the creature comforts of a real AC system... Enjoy it!
