986 Boxster advice ...

[Lightweight_911]

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I was talking to my neighbour's son-in-law yesterday & he mentioned that he is currently looking to buy a Boxster & has ~ £10k to spend.

He's apparently read every on-line buying guide & has the latest C&SC magazine article but is still a bit confused as to which of the many available options are worth having & asked if I knew anything about Boxsters.

Not knowing a great deal about the differences in spec (although I quite fancy getting a Boxster myself as a daily driver at some time in the future), I said I'd ask here on his behalf.

He prefers the appearance of the 986 (so is not interested in 987 models) & has already looked at/driven half a dozen examples but nothing has 'ticked all of the boxes' yet.

Incidentally he said that many of the silver cars tend to have blue interiors/hoods - how do these stand up to the test of time (wear & tear/sunlight) - is fading more of a problem than a black interior ?

Obviously, as ever, condition/history is of prime consideration but, spec-wise, what about these - which are worth having ?

- sports seats
- extended leather (dash & door panels) ... can you spot these easily in photos if not mentioned in the advert ?
- heated seats
- 18in wheels
- Bose upgraded sound system

- any other options particularly desirable ?

His preferred colour would be either silver or black & he really wants a 3.2S but if the perfect condition/spec 2.7 cropped up at the right price he might be tempted.

There are lots of 'horror stories' about IMS bearing failure but is it essential that this has been changed even if there hasn't been any problems or is this an over-hyped weakness ?

What about other 'so-called' potential problems - RMS, clutch/flywheel, a/c condensors, water pump/radiators, air/oil separator, etc ?

In recent years he's owned a variety of BMW's & is more than capable of changing discs/pads, shock absorbers, suspension bushes, etc but would aim to have the car serviced annually at a Specialist in order to preserve its service history & potential resale value (he's recently got married & I think he feels it's his last chance to own a 2-seater before starting a family).


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[hot66]

In the Little I know, the early 2.5 and 2.7 is meant to be the more reliable motor

[yoda]

I've had a few - 2.5, 2.7 and the 3.2S. I would avoid the 2.5 as really feels inferior to the other two. The 2.7 is good but the 3.2 is the one if you ask me as the chassis is very capable and the extra power is very usable. It also has some useful extra spec as standard including the 6 spd box which is better.

In terms of colour / spec, I prefer black interiors but that is just my preference. Extended leather is nice but I wouldn't pay extra for it. Same for Bose sound, you can hardly hear it. Hard back sports seats are nice if used occasionally and for spirited driving otherwise standard seats were fine. Heated seats are a good idea but I found the fan heaters good enough to use all winter with the roof off. My understanding and experience is that if a car doesn't suffer from the IMS, RMS issues then you have gotten away with it. If it has been fixed, as long as there is no current issue, you are ok.

As with all cars like this, get a colour and spec you like and pay sensibly for them. A car that has been well looked after will suffer from fewer problems than a hard used and little loved car and the bills can mount up very quickly. Check everything works and that all of the major "maintenance" items have been completed. Other than that, I would suggest getting the simplest spec you can find - lighter, less to go wrong and everything you need. Above all, buy on condition in a colour you like.

Good luck!

[smallspeed]

For me I felt the 3.2 was a waste of the extra cash..
I had a 2.5 and a 2.7 and drove a few 3.2s and for me the 6sp gearbox on the S meant you were changing gears more often and so unless you were on track and trying to keep it on the boil at the higher end of the rev range all the time the leggier 5sp made the 2.7 feel a bit more gutsy lower down and in the mid range.. made for a more useable car day to day..
It is slower, no two ways about it I just felt it was a better car if you're going to be driving it every day..

given my opinion is the complete opposite to yodas I'd say drive one of each and make your own decision

[gridgway]

I ran a 3.2s for a year and had a few issues, nothing to do with the engine and box. Most challenging was the roof broke. But I was very lucky to find a local specialist who fixed it at reasonable cost.

The main problem was it was a horrible wallowy boat. It certainly needed new shocks, but probably needed other suspension bits sorted. All original they as far as I know at about 90k miles.

My advice there is to make sure all those important things are in to condition rather than worrying about the minutaie of spec.

Graham

[Ashley James]

Definitely find best possible example with the best service history because everything Porsche costs a fortune.

I had a choice between a lower mileage 986 and a newer 987, both 2.7s because Porsche suggested they were more reliable. I chose the later car because it’s almost as powerful as the earlier 3.2 and better looking to my eyes. It’s silver with blue leather which is very good quality and durable, mostly mine’s as new except that the drivers seat has stretched a little. I’ve had it since September 2015 and I really love it, it’s a better car than my chum’s 964, slightly torquier, as fast as makes no difference and it does a reliable 28mpg overall. If I buy a new or newer Porsche it’ll be a Boxster.

[map]

.
Incidentally he said that many of the silver cars tend to have blue interiors/hoods - how do these stand up to the test of time (wear & tear/sunlight) - is fading more of a problem than a black interior ?

Obviously, as ever, condition/history is of prime consideration but, spec-wise, what about these - which are worth having ?

- sports seats
- extended leather (dash & door panels) ... can you spot these easily in photos if not mentioned in the advert ?
- heated seats
- 18in wheels
- Bose upgraded sound system

- any other options particularly desirable ?

His preferred colour would be either silver or black & he really wants a 3.2S but if the perfect condition/spec 2.7 cropped up at the right price he might be tempted.

There are lots of 'horror stories' about IMS bearing failure but is it essential that this has been changed even if there hasn't been any problems or is this an over-hyped weakness ?

What about other 'so-called' potential problems - RMS, clutch/flywheel, a/c condensors, water pump/radiators, air/oil separator, etc ?
.

Have an '01 986S with everything listed above including silver exterior over blue extended leather apart from the sports seats - I do a lot of track days in it and on those days I sometimes wonder if it would be better with "sportier" seats. Otherwise I don't think about the seats.

No problems with the leather fading, wear or similar - car is now 16 years old and at 122K.

Changed roof to a aftermarket version with a glass window - it's fine.

One thing I would add is Climate Control (rather than AC) - just makes it a much nicer place to be.

Clutch/flywheel - will depend, as ever, on how the car has been driven.
A/C condensors - these corrode when someone hasn't been diligent about clearing out the ducts in the front of the car - easy enough fix. Same applies to the radiators - watch for bleeding the system - takes an age. The a/c condensers sit in front of the cooling rads.
Water Pump - does go, mine went at 100+k - easily spotted (heard) before it fails altogether - easy mechanical change although bleeding the system, as above, takes time, a process and patience.
AOS - yep these go too, but again the signs are there early on and again they're a relatively straightforward fix.

These cars are sensitive to damper and suspension wear - not because they get dangerous but simply because there's a ton of adjustment under there and worn bits seem to really exacerbate the sense that the thing isn't OK.
Almost impossible to find the OE M030 suspension kit, but standard dampers/springs/ARBs seem to be readily available. Aftermarket dampers and springs seem to be well received (I run KW Motorsport coilovers)
Suspension arms/links are best bought from Porsche (we all weep at the prices - but some folks have had problems with pattern parts)

Look for worn plastic/rubber spoilers on the leading lower edge of the arches ahead of the front wheels - a pair is about £10 from Porsche - if they're not tip top then the car seems very light at the front - some have gone all out looking for a suspension problem when in fact it is airflow management with an inexpensive, simple fix.

Handling also affected by tyre choice if, buying used as a 986 will be, I would look for a matched set of premium tyres, or budgeting/pricing accordingly - I am not precious about N ratings though some are.

Mine is my daily driver and covers 15K+ miles per year - Love driving it and it was my "gateway drug" to the air-cooled car I now have alongside it. Most folks who have driven a well sorted one are still surprised at just how good these massively underrated cars are.

In terms of engine problems - yes they're well documented (had one or two of my own) but the forums have calmed down on this now so I would agree with the earlier comments that suggest if it hasn't happened at 60k+ miles it is probably OK.

£10K will get them into a lovely version of the special edition 986s.

There's a great, down to earth UK Boxster forum - boxa.net - well worth a visit.

[Lightweight_911]

Thanks for the comments to date - especially to Matthew for the comprehensive reply - I'll pass it on.

[Gary71]

I think this car: https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/2001-Porsche-B ... Ciid%253A2

Probably ticks most boxes.

M030 suspension
IMS bearing upgraded
Gearbox rebuild
18" Turbo twists

Owner by a fellow engineer and car obsessive at Bentley. It's fair to say he has lavished everything the car could want on it.

Only selling due to growing family and seeking a 996 Carrera 2.

Certainly worth a look

[8bit-ash]

I picked up a Silver 986 3.2S last year. Looked at about 10 before settling on one. I tried a couple of 2.7's first but personally preferred the 3.2's.
I ended up going for the face lift but still wouldn't mind a pre face lift orange indicator.
I paid £6250 for mine with 73k on the clock and specialist service history. M030 suspension, sports seats, Bose and blue interior. Most people wouldnt know the seats were blue unless you told them. The hood looks slightly more blue when it's next to a black one but has aged well.
I'd say look for one around the £6.5k and factor in needing a load of suspension components to tighten it back up.
It takes a good hard ride to get things warm before the suspension starts showing signs of wear and rattling.
I tried to find one that had had the ims done but this one ticked all the other boxes. It was on my list of one of the first things to do but now I'm driving it I'm not bothering. I've fitted a magnetic sump plug and figured with regular oil changes I will hopefully catch anything before it happens.
They're great cars and really coming of age. I can't recommend one enough for the money.

[Lightweight_911]

I think this car: https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/2001-Porsche-B ... Ciid%253A2

Probably ticks most boxes...

Sorry Gary - wrong colour combination & Matt is looking for something with lower mileage.

[Gary71]

No problem, it's a good car even if a little leggy.


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[ThreeTwo]

Andy...I have a part exchange coming in later this week. 2.7 in Seal Grey / Black. Had an engine rebuild a couple of years back and done c.12k on that. Its done 90k ish in total. Rather under budget at £5k

Let me know if any interest bud

[rhd racer]

I would certainly not write-off a 2.5 or 2.7 in favour of an S. I know the motoring press favour the latter and consider the former to feel weak and under-powered, but having competed in one for the last 2 years, I completely disagree.

As a completely standard car (as it was at purchase), performance was lively if not earth shattering. Handling composed, gear shift incredible and a really comfortable cabin where everything worked and with a hard top, a definite all year round proposition. Mine is a 99 2.5 with 101k and a really good service record, but no air con, silver with black leather. Brakes are strong. Incredible value for money.

I competed in hill climbs and sprints in year 1 as a completely standard car (sliding around on leather and only standard lap belts). I like the challenge of taking a different path (like my 914) and if everyone says something is inferior I like to prove them wrong. Having done my research I knew that the early non S cars are lighter to the tune of an adult male passenger, have the same braking power on the rear from the narrower caliper and the 5 speed box would better suit the discipline than the 6. With only a set of Toyo tyres to set it apart from standard, I occasionally beat 3.2s which were fairly well developed and achieved many class placings. Now a fully developed car, on Gaz suspension, full FIA cage and lightweight body panels, big brakes, it's a staggeringly competitive car. Last week at Shelsley Walsh I bettered my PB in the 914/6 with less power and a 200kg weight disadvantage by 1.5 seconds. I would have been placed in both the classes above my own and lost to the class winning S this year by only 0.4 secs. I had the same margin behind a 300bhp 964 with a very handy driver.

I doubt he is going to race it (!) but they really are very competent cars and in my experience much closer in performance to the S than people give them credit for.

Hope the perspective helps, good luck finding the right car,

Cheers
Wayne

[map]

I would certainly not write-off a 2.5 or 2.7 in favour of an S. I know the motoring press favour the latter and consider the former to feel weak and under-powered, but having competed in one for the last 2 years, I completely disagree.

As a completely standard car (as it was at purchase), performance was lively if not earth shattering. Handling composed, gear shift incredible and a really comfortable cabin where everything worked and with a hard top, a definite all year round proposition. Mine is a 99 2.5 with 101k and a really good service record, but no air con, silver with black leather. Brakes are strong. Incredible value for money.

I competed in hill climbs and sprints in year 1 as a completely standard car (sliding around on leather and only standard lap belts). I like the challenge of taking a different path (like my 914) and if everyone says something is inferior I like to prove them wrong. Having done my research I knew that the early non S cars are lighter to the tune of an adult male passenger, have the same braking power on the rear from the narrower caliper and the 5 speed box would better suit the discipline than the 6. With only a set of Toyo tyres to set it apart from standard, I occasionally beat 3.2s which were fairly well developed and achieved many class placings. Now a fully developed car, on Gaz suspension, full FIA cage and lightweight body panels, big brakes, it's a staggeringly competitive car. Last week at Shelsley Walsh I bettered my PB in the 914/6 with less power and a 200kg weight disadvantage by 1.5 seconds. I would have been placed in both the classes above my own and lost to the class winning S this year by only 0.4 secs. I had the same margin behind a 300bhp 964 with a very handy driver.

I doubt he is going to race it (!) but they really are very competent cars and in my experience much closer in performance to the S than people give them credit for.

Hope the perspective helps, good luck finding the right car,

Cheers
Wayne

Agree that the 2.7 engined cars are overlooked - the only "real world" advantage the 3.2 has over the smaller engined car is torque. The 2.5 is becoming desirable and I know a few who love the purity of that launch version.

If I had the choice between a very tidy, properly used (not abused) 2.7 and an average 3.2 I think I'd put my money on the 2.7

One thing I would say is to watch the pricing on 986s as it seems to be a bit wild right now - I have seen £10k+ advertised based on low mileage but nothing else to differentiate - the Anniversary version is to be sought out - it is a 3.2 that uses the less restrictive 987 induction set up, I'd be looking for one with a Cocoa interior too as it is lovely and I'd keep it standard - as much as I love my modded car the essential "rightness" of a well set up standard 986 is always a great place to be.