Servicing Advice Needed for a Newbie

[Lennym1984]

Hi,

I have recently bought a 1998 986 Boxster 2.5 as a second car and I am looking for thoughts and advice on servicing.

It has a low mileage and until 61,500 in late 2013 was serviced annual by Porsche. Since that time it has done only 5,500 miles and has spent quite a lot of time SORN'd. Unfortunately the last owner did not service it during this time (which is *kind* of understandable given that it has done only 100 or so miles in the last two years).

Now I have inspected the car and driven it and it looks and sounds fantastic (no squeaks, rattles, leaks, clunks etc). It looks and drives like a new car (which surprised me after a few of the dogs I had seen) but I'm mentally going into this with an "it's a project" mentality. I'm also realistic, I spent £4.5k on the car and (without sounding like a tw@t) can afford repairs if needed (ie. If it throws up a £2k repair bill, it will hurt greatly but my wife and child won't be going hungry).

Anyway on to the main point of this long and rambling post... Despite the lack of miles, I would like to have the oil, plugs, and brake fluid changed. In the future I plan to do this myself (I am reasonably competent) but for now I would like a pro to do it. I have a local Porsche specialist but they are quoting £550 for a minor service (so no plugs) and the brake fluid. This seems a little pricey to me and so I am wondering whether my local mechanic (family owned business, great reputation, lovely to visit) would be capable of this? 

I'm sure I will get flamed for even asking this but be gentle...and helpful.

I'm based in Oxfordshire.

Leo

 

[smit572]

Following as I have recently purchased a 2003 boxster with 50,000 miles that was maintained by Porsche and independent specialist but was thinking of using my local mechanic and was wondering if it would make any difference later on re sale (mind you I don't intend selling for a while still get HUGE grin factor)

 

Thanks

Mark

[That986]

I use local garages and indies and have had no problems apart from smaller bills. Once cars get to a certain age as long as you can prove you've looked after the car with receipts etc then I don't think anyone would worry too much. 

As for servicing i would look at doing the water pump and belt as well if there's no evidence of them being done recently. Also look to take the front bumper off and clean the garbage that gathers around the rads.

[Lennym1984]

Hi,

Usually the argument around resale is whether the savings on servicing during your ownership will outweigh the potential losses when you come to sell. With a newer car I can see this equation being weighted in favour of the main dealer/specialist (my 8 year old Scirocco still goes to VW but that is more due to convenience) but as a car get's older (my Porsche will be 20 years old next year) I guess this changes.

I've seen Boxsters with 100k miles and no service history (usually along the lines of, "FSH but paperwork/book/receipts lost during house move") go for £3.5-5.5k (and they've sold), so I guess the equation begins to swing the other way. My primary concern is whether a local mechanic will end up costing more due to inexperience with Porsche (I know for example that the bleed nipples can corrode onto the calipers with the 986 - if you give them a whack you may end up needing new calipers).

Let's see what the veterans of Porsche ownership have to say...

[Lennym1984]

2 minutes ago, That986 said:

I use local garages and indies and have had no problems apart from smaller bills. Once cars get to a certain age as long as you can prove you've looked after the car with receipts etc then I don't think anyone would worry too much. 

As for servicing i would look at doing the water pump and belt as well if there's no evidence of them being done recently. Also look to take the front bumper off and clean the garbage that gathers around the rads.

In terms of the radiators, the previous owner was very meticulous about the car condition (greasing all the points, cleaning all the nooks and crannies) and did have it inspected fairly regularly during it's semi-hibernation.. From what I could see with the bumpers on (sticking a torch through the grills) it would appear that this was cleaned regularly. Nonetheless, that is going to be one of my first weekend jobs.

In terms of the waterpump and belt, what price would you expect to pay for this? Is it again something that a local mechanic can do?

Sorry for all the questions...

 

[Topbox]

It is a tricky one. I have found good independent garages charge about the same in labour rates reguardless of the make they are servicing. Some of the high profile Porsche indies may be more expensive ! I think it comes down to convienience and how you and your local garage feel about servicing an old Boxster, the re- sale argument is small beer on this value car I think. FWIW I would go with the Porsche indie on the bases there is no good  substitute for experience applied with thought.

[That986]

38 minutes ago, Lennym1984 said:

In terms of the radiators, the previous owner was very meticulous about the car condition (greasing all the points, cleaning all the nooks and crannies) and did have it inspected fairly regularly during it's semi-hibernation.. From what I could see with the bumpers on (sticking a torch through the grills) it would appear that this was cleaned regularly. Nonetheless, that is going to be one of my first weekend jobs.

In terms of the waterpump and belt, what price would you expect to pay for this? Is it again something that a local mechanic can do?

Sorry for all the questions...

 

Waterpump, belt and coolant was somewhere around the £250 mark I think. I'm speaking from experience here as mine let go about 6 weeks into ownership with a car of similar history to yours.

[Southy]

I was always concerned a local garage wouldn't have the knowledge to deal with the car correctly, this is will depend on the experience of your 'local', I found a good Indy Porsche garage and I've been happy since, they only deal with Porsches and the labour rate isn't that bad and not much more than an average local garage.

 

 

 

 

[Lennym1984]

13 minutes ago, That986 said:

Waterpump, belt and coolant was somewhere around the £250 mark I think. I'm speaking from experience here as mine let go about 6 weeks into ownership with a car of similar history to yours.

Will the water pump fail spectacularly or does one tend to get some warning? or to phrase it differently, is this worth doing as preventative maintenance or can I keep an eye on it to begin with? Also... is it an age or mileage type failure? ie. If it was replaced at 60k, do I need to think about replacing it again 4 years later?

Thanks

[That986]

8 minutes ago, Lennym1984 said:

Will the water pump fail spectacularly or does one tend to get some warning? or to phrase it differently, is this worth doing as preventative maintenance or can I keep an eye on it to begin with? Also... is it an age or mileage type failure? ie. If it was replaced at 60k, do I need to think about replacing it again 4 years later?

Thanks

I would do as preventative as they don't tend to give much warning. You can check if it sounds a bit rumbly but without taking it out that's about it.

[jonogt6]

Not a single mention of IMS!!!

Hurrah it must be a miracle! 

[Nobbie]

53 minutes ago, Lennym1984 said:

Will the water pump fail spectacularly or does one tend to get some warning? or to phrase it differently, is this worth doing as preventative maintenance or can I keep an eye on it to begin with? Also... is it an age or mileage type failure? ie. If it was replaced at 60k, do I need to think about replacing it again 4 years later?

Thanks

I think this depends on how you use the car. I only use mine for weekend fun and have breakdown cover. When mine went at 140k, it did give a warning as it got much noisier as the bearing failed, but I didn't realise this was the water pump at the time and went out and gave the car a good thrashing. The water pump then failed with water dripping out etc. No big drama, phoned recovery and replaced the water pump on my drive.

If you do replace it, best to go for a Lazo or OEM part as the cheaper ones can fail quite quickly according to experience on here. Given the cost of a decent pump circa £150-£175 with discount, I'd tend to wait until it fails.

 

[Nobbie]

1 minute ago, jonogt6 said:

Not a single mention of IMS!!!

Hurrah it must be a miracle! 

They wisely bought a 2.5 with the double row bearing?

[Lennym1984]

Thanks Nobbie. I will give it a look over and add it to my list for eventual replacement. Like you, this will be a second car for weekend fun and I have RAC membership.

In terms of the IMS, this was actually one of my primary reasons for choosing an early car. I'm happy to sacrifice a little speed and desirability for (relative) peace of mind.

If there is anything else to be aware of, I'd be keen to hear your thoughts/advice. My current plans are to give it a good service and gradually work my way through any problems that the mechanic spots. Superficially it looks to be in good condition so apart from a few kerb marks on the wheels (scratches not gouges), there is nothing cosmetic to attend to.

[JohnnyUK]

Any competent mechanic should be able to do oil, filter and plugs.... Mission creep will result in coil packs being changed I am sure! The crud sits between the rads so you can't see it from the duct... It will be there! I would suggest gearbox and diff oil top up if not swapped too. 

[89rallye]

I would do oil and filters and drive till it needs something,

[james_ly]

Any mechanic would be able to do a basic service I think - the only thing weird is opening the roof to get to the top of the engine to change the air filter, but there load on youtube to help.

£550 is a joke!

[Greenman]

£550 is OPC level for minor service and brake fluid.  Oil change is easy, Brake fluid is like any other car.  Spark plugs are a bit more awkward.

 The only thing the specialist will give you that you won’t get from any mechanic is the Porsche specific checks. Whether you think it’s worth paying double for that as you first service is up to you. Have you got any other local specialists (or even OPC)? Compare prices.

[Nobbie]

Worth checking the blue coolant cap is the updated one with a part number ending in 04 rather than 01. Also after it's rained have a good feel of the bottom of the door trims as dampness here indicates failed door membranes. If left, water can pool under the passenger seat and fry the body control module ECU. Also pull up the carpet behind the seats and check for dampness here as if the rear drains are blocked, the water will leak in.

[Boxstercol]

2 hours ago, Greenman said:

£550 is OPC level for minor service and brake fluid.  Oil change is easy, Brake fluid is like any other car.  Spark plugs are a bit more awkward.

 The only thing the specialist will give you that you won’t get from any mechanic is the Porsche specific checks. Whether you think it’s worth paying double for that as you first service is up to you. Have you got any other local specialists (or even OPC)? Compare prices.

OPC do menu pricing for 986 service items:

https://www.porsche.com/uk/accessoriesandservice/porscheservice/serviceandorgininalparts/servicepricing/

Minor is £300, brake fluid an extra £95, both prices include VAT.

£550 for a minor is a joke, OPC for a major is only £395!!!

Time to find a different Indy.... I think Cotswold only charges about £220 for a minor.

[Leesy69]

This is a great thread as I'm in exactly the same situation. Bought an 03 986 S about 5 weeks ago. 74k miles with Fsh from opc and indie but last owner only did 4K miles per year so had 2 consecutive minor services (1 per year) and skipped the major. I want to get a major and have been quoted various prices from indies ranging from 400-550. Also wilmslow opc want 400 for a major but I don't think it includes plugs. A reputable garage nearby who have serviced Boxsters before want only around 300 including plugs....I initially got snobby that they aren't a Porsche specialist but I'm having second thoughts now. Good to see others opinions. 

[mikefocke]

When I bought a Boxster with a slightly uncertain history but only 40k miles, I went to the owners manual and started with the most comprehensive service possible adding any items the PPI by a very competent race mechanic suggested. I factored that cost into the offer I made. I didn't hesitate to spend more than 30% of the purchase price on service but that included wheels and tires though they were take-offs via a dealer in another state.  I also had a complete 4 wheel brake job (rotors, pads, fluid) and trans fluid. And alignment favoring tire wear. I asked about hoses and belts but was told that belt made sense but not hoses. My next 5 years were wonderful and I had no problems. 

I was fortunate that my wife encouraged my purchase and never gave me grief even if she wasn't comfortable in the car as we passed huge lorries. I doubt she was a passenger for any more than 400 miles. Drove it for maybe a mile. I wasn't cash limited. 

In hindsight, I might have done an AOS and water pump though 50k miles later I think they are still original at 90k (not sure as two owners since me).

I didn't do the IMS though I was very aware of the issue. I invited failure as I somehow wanted to completely rebuild the engine with improved parts. I never did and it hasn't been done to the best of my knowledge.

Good luck (as stuff happens) and I hope you have as much fun as I did.

 

 

 

[Dwdg]

I took mine for a post purchase inspection at a local specialists. A very good move as they confirmed my thoughts. As MOT was due in December I was keen to get new early MOT done for emissions check and other components. Auto2000 pointed out a potential fail (brake pipes corroded) which was flagged on two prior MOT’s so I knew it was overdue. And once done, it went through for an MOT. They would not pass with rear discs although they should have been an advisory so I changed those and it passed with a slight inside tyre wear. 

I know thee radiators and condenser are on their way out and that is a job for spring.

Just did alignment today STSBedford (Hunter Machinery) and all ok apart from that wheel which was out by 3mm.

All in all, a good dose of luck and the integrity of the seller helps. Back it up with specialist or OPC check prior/after and be prepared to invest. Mostly though, enjoy!

[Nobbie]

1 hour ago, Leesy69 said:

This is a great thread as I'm in exactly the same situation. Bought an 03 986 S about 5 weeks ago. 74k miles with Fsh from opc and indie but last owner only did 4K miles per year so had 2 consecutive minor services (1 per year) and skipped the major. I want to get a major and have been quoted various prices from indies ranging from 400-550. Also wilmslow opc want 400 for a major but I don't think it includes plugs. A reputable garage nearby who have serviced Boxsters before want only around 300 including plugs....I initially got snobby that they aren't a Porsche specialist but I'm having second thoughts now. Good to see others opinions. 

I'm about a mile from Wilmslow OPC, but if I was wanting a service done, I'd take a look at Revolution Porsche at Brighouse. They'll give it a good look over and let you know what maintenance is on the horizon. Get very good reviews on here.

[Clivescoobydo]

£550 for a minor is expensive.  Try EPorsch in Bisley, Surrey think they were £225 + vat for a minor and £320 + vat for a major.  They also itemise what's included on thier website and they've got good reviews.