Advice on buying a 986

[Codfanglers]

I'm looking at buying either a 986 or early 987 as a second car to cut my teeth to see how easy these cars are to live with before perhaps moving to a 981 as a daily driver in a year or so.

There seems to be plenty out there, but I'm buying with my head rather than heart and looking for a car that has been well maintained, ideally sensible mileage and sensible price. Realise that these cars are over 15 years old, and I'll probably have to spend time and money to bring a car up to what I would like.

Other than service history and accident damage, is there anything I should particularly look out for? How vital is replacement of the IMS on a 60/70/80k mile car if there is no evidence of it being done? 

Ideally I'd like to buy from and enthusiast who has looked after their car properly and any advice that would help me avoid buying an absolute money pit would be gratefully received. 

Are there good cars out there at a reasonable price?

 

[McDonald]

Many more knowledgable folks on here than me. My car is a 987.1 and the engine number suggests I have the more vulnerable IMS. It drives wonderfully and has only done 47,000 miles. It hasn't been modified at all and its a one owner car. I'd certainly recommend an example like mine. Good luck with your search, car buying is more pleasure than jeopardy IMO.

[Boxsum]

Don’t waste your money and put the it towards the 981. 

[Codfanglers]

4 minutes ago, Boxsum said:

Don’t waste your money and put the it towards the 981. 

I know this is the best advice but it would mean selling my S3 to go that way. I do fancy a time with a fun convertible for a while that I'm not too precious about though.

[Nelton94]

I’d get in touch with @TROOPER88 he’s helped me out a few times with my Boxster S and knows the 986 and 987 inside out. 
 

He’s showed me some of the cars that he’s prepped for sale and they are always in fantastic nick and I’m sure he will be able to help you find a great Boxster with peace of mind. 
 

if you drop him a PM I’m sure he’ll be happy to help!

[Boxob]

Have you checked out the buying a used Boxster guide in the Wanted forum?

[TROOPER88]

40 minutes ago, Nelton94 said:

I’d get in touch with @TROOPER88 he’s helped me out a few times with my Boxster S and knows the 986 and 987 inside out. 
 

He’s showed me some of the cars that he’s prepped for sale and they are always in fantastic nick and I’m sure he will be able to help you find a great Boxster with peace of mind. 
 

if you drop him a PM I’m sure he’ll be happy to help!

Thanks Nick 👍

[the baron]

2 hours ago, Boxsum said:

Don’t waste your money and put the it towards the 981. 

b*ll*cks, the 986 is the last of the analogue Porsches, depends what the OP wants from a car.

[Boxsum]

29 minutes ago, the baron said:

b*ll*cks, the 986 is the last of the analogue Porsches, depends what the OP wants from a car.

Yes I know I have one in my collection! 
Just don’t see the point of buying one as a stop gap to a 981,  buy one because you want one. 
Whatever 986 you buy your sure to spend on it, less towards the 981 if that’s what you really want.

[Thediver]

25 minutes ago, the baron said:

b*ll*cks, the 986 is the last of the analogue Porsches, depends what the OP wants from a car.

I agree here 100%! That was the reason I was solely looking for 986. Wanted that analogue feeling.

@Codfanglers IMS replacement is good to have but for the age and mileage of those cars (i.e. over 90-100k), it seems that they aren't part of the 8% failure bunch. Regarding the common issues or thing to look out for, there's a buyer's checklist here: https://www.BoXa.net/topic/21379-used-boxster-checklist/  and plenty of youtube videos. Check the radiators for leaves, trunk for leaks, cabin for wet carpets below the seats, everything works inside/out, Oil cap for mayonnaise, tyres etc.

Good luck with your search.

 

[Boxsum]

2 minutes ago, Thediver said:

I agree here 100%! That was the reason I was solely looking for 986. Wanted that analogue feeling.

@Codfanglers IMS replacement is good to have but for the age and mileage of those cars (i.e. over 90-100k), it seems that they aren't part of the 8% failure bunch. Regarding the common issues or thing to look out for, there's a buyer's checklist here: https://www.BoXa.net/topic/21379-used-boxster-checklist/  and plenty of youtube videos. Check the radiators for leaves, trunk for leaks, cabin for wet carpets below the seats, everything works inside/out, Oil cap for mayonnaise, tyres etc.

Good luck with your search.

 

Think your also missing the point of he’s initial post! 
I think the 986 is good for what it is! 

[bally4563]

I think the more I read about people scaremongering.....it boils my blood... just go and buy one, had seven now, one had an issue with a cracked head....never hear about that do you as to the reason why these cars are fragile and can blow up at any moment , any car has its faults the fact that some people are so focused on the negatives , makes you wonder if they could find issues with a wheelchair!!! ffs!!

[½cwt]

Give this a read @Codfanglers

https://www.classicandsportscar.com/features/buyers-guide-porsche-boxster-986?fbclid=IwAR0sKhTZH0QfLSt7HXsn6lnNe3IlXDCDZliDGqYQgr8SpIPzv3W_JO5y3Mw 

[Codfanglers]

1 hour ago, ½cwt said:

Give this a read @Codfanglers

https://www.classicandsportscar.com/features/buyers-guide-porsche-boxster-986?fbclid=IwAR0sKhTZH0QfLSt7HXsn6lnNe3IlXDCDZliDGqYQgr8SpIPzv3W_JO5y3Mw 

Thanks, some good stuff there. 

I've decided the 981 is out as I'm not ready to give up the S3 just yet.

So the search is on for either a 986 or an early 987. I sort of prefer the 986 interior and was interested in a 2.7 that has had quite a bit of work over the last three years, but the seller wants too much (IMHO) for what I would need to spend on the car to bring it up to how I would want it.

One thing I have discovered is there are a lot out there and anything overpriced isn't selling. Unfortunately I'm in Lincolnshire so will probably have to travel a fair distance to find what I'm looking for.

[edc]

It's hard to tell by most adverts whether the car is a good one or not. Don't be seduced by some great photos. Read some member ride and running report threads and you will get a good feel for the things that go with age and miles and the mods you can do simply along the way. I would say look at @mvw thread as he has used it as a daily and piled on the miles with what seems to be keep it running on a reasonable budget and don't spend too unnecessarily with some occasional extravagance approach. My 2 986 have really been road trip / fun cars and I've posted pretty much all the maintenance and mods for both. One low ish miler and one higher miler. 

Again from adverts it's hard to tell whether something is actually over priced as you can't always tell the maintenance and history. If by overpriced you mean higher priced then I can understand why those cars stick as if the advert reads the same as a lower priced one why would you buy the higher priced one? 

[Crazymind]

High price demand when a few requirements are satisfied:

-Mint body and roof. (Meaning no pennies needed to address issues)

- Full service History

- less than 90K miles 

- Brakes and tyres 70% of life left or more.

unknown is not predictable but a car like this to me worth 6-8K.

Even if in this condition a 20 year old car (any car) will have some minor issues to address:

brake lines probably rusty, hoses old and cracked, bushes perished. Usually radiators prone to crack. In addition you have got weak 986 parts prone to failure. 
 

Like any other car after 20 Years if it has not been looked after through it’s life some parts will certainly fail sooner than later. Good and bad luck play their role as well when gambling on a cheap (by brand standard) Porsche.

Find one with little issues and you’ll love it forever 🥰

[Codfanglers]

15 hours ago, edc said:

Again from adverts it's hard to tell whether something is actually over priced as you can't always tell the maintenance and history. If by overpriced you mean higher priced then I can understand why those cars stick as if the advert reads the same as a lower priced one why would you buy the higher priced one? 

Start with MOT history. If the same advisories on corroded disks come up three years running and only 'fail' items are addressed... Five years of service history stamps that match MOT mileages EXACTLY, usually no service receipt, same stamp, same hand writing, same pen! Chinese ditchfinder tyres on scabby wheels. The clues are usually there and a fair assessment can be made by talking to the seller and a few close up pictures of requested items via email. 

18 hours ago, bally4563 said:

I think the more I read about people scaremongering.....it boils my blood... just go and buy one, had seven now, one had an issue with a cracked head....never hear about that do you as to the reason why these cars are fragile and can blow up at any moment , any car has its faults the fact that some people are so focused on the negatives , makes you wonder if they could find issues with a wheelchair!!! ffs!!

So just find the nearest car at the price I want to pay then go and buy it! ffs.

I bought my first car 37 years ago and have learnt a bit about dodgy sellers and money pits over the years. Pay a trader £2k over the top for a warranty with a £1k claim limit? As I said, I'll look for the right car that I'm happy with and evidence that it has been properly cared for. I don't mind faults, a car not being perfect and putting things right, but will offer accordingly. But I don't intend blindly paying top money for a neglected lemon just because someone has given it a coat of wax and hoovered stripes into the mats. 

 

 

[bally4563]

55 minutes ago, Codfanglers said:

Start with MOT history. If the same advisories on corroded disks come up three years running and only 'fail' items are addressed... Five years of service history stamps that match MOT mileages EXACTLY, usually no service receipt, same stamp, same hand writing, same pen! Chinese ditchfinder tyres on scabby wheels. The clues are usually there and a fair assessment can be made by talking to the seller and a few close up pictures of requested items via email. 

So just find the nearest car at the price I want to pay then go and buy it! ffs.

I bought my first car 37 years ago and have learnt a bit about dodgy sellers and money pits over the years. Pay a trader £2k over the top for a warranty with a £1k claim limit? As I said, I'll look for the right car that I'm happy with and evidence that it has been properly cared for. I don't mind faults, a car not being perfect and putting things right, but will offer accordingly. But I don't intend blindly paying top money for a neglected lemon just because someone has given it a coat of wax and hoovered stripes into the mats. 

 

 

That’s not what I inferred 

[Codfanglers]

2 minutes ago, bally4563 said:

That’s not what I inferred 

My apologies but that was how I interpreted it. IMS scaremongering about these engines is all over the internet and I'm starting to realise it may be a bit over-hyped.

Far too many people though appear to have bought one of these cars, send it into their local Porsche specialist thinking they are doing the right thing and come out with a long expensive list of stuff that needs addressing. Must take the shine off a new purchase.

I know the hard reality, problems and risks of running old cars, but there is a difference between imperfection and a neglected car that has been run on a shoestring and into the ground. Not too difficult to identify from afar. I don't see that as being negative about these cars - but not wearing rose tinted glasses and being picky about a car's history and evidence of care will hopefully tip the scales towards a positive experience rather than being landed with a disappointing millstone.

[TROOPER88]

40 minutes ago, bally4563 said:

That’s not what I inferred 

Bally was only offering his advice being an experienced 986 owner.

I work on these cars on a daily basis and they are great fun as long as you go in with your eyes wide open.

Good luck with your search 

[edc]

2 hours ago, Codfanglers said:

Start with MOT history. If the same advisories on corroded disks come up three years running and only 'fail' items are addressed... Five years of service history stamps that match MOT mileages EXACTLY, usually no service receipt, same stamp, same hand writing, same pen! Chinese ditchfinder tyres on scabby wheels. The clues are usually there and a fair assessment can be made by talking to the seller and a few close up pictures of requested items via email. 

So just find the nearest car at the price I want to pay then go and buy it! ffs.

I bought my first car 37 years ago and have learnt a bit about dodgy sellers and money pits over the years. Pay a trader £2k over the top for a warranty with a £1k claim limit? As I said, I'll look for the right car that I'm happy with and evidence that it has been properly cared for. I don't mind faults, a car not being perfect and putting things right, but will offer accordingly. But I don't intend blindly paying top money for a neglected lemon just because someone has given it a coat of wax and hoovered stripes into the mats. 

 

 

This level of checks is more than you can do with an advert and some photos though and that my point. 

As you say, if you do your home work and know your way around car enough you can quickly work out how well it matches up to the actual advert. 

I would also take some of the classic signs with a pinch of salt. My 550 for example came with cr*p rear tyres. But I knew they were put on just to pass an MOT having been traded in. It came with little paperwork, but some enquiries turned up a full Porsche history. If you are keen enough you can piece it together and get a better car than may appear on the surface. 

[Codfanglers]

1 hour ago, edc said:

This level of checks is more than you can do with an advert and some photos though and that my point. 

As you say, if you do your home work and know your way around car enough you can quickly work out how well it matches up to the actual advert. 

I would also take some of the classic signs with a pinch of salt. My 550 for example came with cr*p rear tyres. But I knew they were put on just to pass an MOT having been traded in. It came with little paperwork, but some enquiries turned up a full Porsche history. If you are keen enough you can piece it together and get a better car than may appear on the surface. 

People can and will send photos of service history and receipts if they are happy with their documentation, and close-ups of faults, trim etc. I quite like the honesty of a few scuffs here and there. 

Some may consider it a PITA, but to me, it shows a degree of being a serious buyer and interest in a car rather than a time wasting test pilot. I'd rather talk on the phone and see how a seller responds, then form an opinion n a car rather than just make a four hour round trip and £40 worth of fuel going to view something I wouldn't consider buying. 

[Boxsum]

If you can find a 986 that’s had a new engine fitted by Porsche due to an IMS failure after 2006 they come with the bigger bearing that seems to be a lot more reliable but they are like hens teeth 👍

[edc]

11 minutes ago, Boxsum said:

If you can find a 986 that’s had a new engine fitted by Porsche due to an IMS failure after 2006 they come with the bigger bearing that seems to be a lot more reliable but they are like hens teeth 👍

Don't hold out for that. You'll be a long time gone finding one of those that matches all your other buying criteria. 

[edc]

13 minutes ago, Codfanglers said:

People can and will send photos of service history and receipts if they are happy with their documentation, and close-ups of faults, trim etc. I quite like the honesty of a few scuffs here and there. 

Some may consider it a PITA, but to me, it shows a degree of being a serious buyer and interest in a car rather than a time wasting test pilot. I'd rather talk on the phone and see how a seller responds, then form an opinion n a car rather than just make a four hour round trip and £40 worth of fuel going to view something I wouldn't consider buying. 

Agree. Some sellers more useful to the buyer than others, but again that's beyond the "looks nice in the photos and advert text" first hurdle. 

You get the same here as on every other forum which is a link to an advert with some nice photos, some dates and mileage of service, some of the good bits that will help a car to sell eg new brakes but for me that's never enough to know whether it's a good car or not. I think we are actually saying the same thing 🤣