Hi ~
I am retired at 60 and wanting to sell my ’04 Infiniti FX35 to buy a Boxster. I have another older SUV for all the tough and winter stuff so I want to treat myself to some fun handling and lack of a roof. I definitely want a manual shift. I live in central CT.

My plans are to pay $17,000-23,000 for a car that is in fine shape (the year is not very important to me). I know this may take some searching, and I would really like to buy it privately to evaluate the owner, etc. I’ll likely do all the casual maintenance myself as I have more time than money, as a retiree.

Question --- What should I be looking at most carefully and what should I be cautious of concerning the Boxster? What hints can you provide me concerning uncovering defects, problems areas, maintenance problems? You guys likely have seen and heard it all and since the Boxster is a bit unique relative to, say, American and Japanese cars, I will really appreciate your advice.

Thanks,
Bob

 

Hi Bob
For the most part, When working on the boxster, youll find yourself under the car most or all of the time.I am not sure for the later models but 2000 has plastic panels covering the underneath. I recommend watching out for leaksunder the car.Before I figured mines had a small leak I had to put it up then take out the plasticpanel covers underneath. The plastic cover has slots on the inside part so whatever small leak the car has its most likelyacumulating on cover and not hitting the ground. So its hard to tell unless you go under. It also takes some effort toopen the engine bay from the top. Ialso read alot offorum articles where the battery dies and the hood had to be manually opened from a releasecable hidden somewhere. Theres also a reinforcement plate that you need to take out andput back when changing engine oil and servicing tranny. aside from thattheres nothin better than going top down and cruisin around.

Enjoy, Van

 

That sounds like great advice, Van. I think having this car on a lift and getting the panels taken down should be part of the deal before buying.
Thanks,
Bob

 

Someone wrote an article back in 2004, it has some good information. Check it out.

http://www.babblers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=7272