Izzy400 Posted September 24, 2022 Report Share Posted September 24, 2022 Hi All I was just starting to browse for a 987, I’ve been given the green light from her indoors to treat myself for Christmas! ideally my budget is a max of £15000. https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/13869516 I spotted this and it appealed to me as the colour is my favourite and it seems to have had some work done in the past although it was a while ago. the number of owners is the only thing that puts me off. im ideally looking for a car I can just bring home and enjoy on fine weekends and not have to spend a fortune on it. i do intend to maintain it myself to a high standard. does it seem a sensible place to put your money on a first Porsche? thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Menoporsche Posted September 24, 2022 Report Share Posted September 24, 2022 I’ve seen a lot worse. Does MoT history look good? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izzy400 Posted September 24, 2022 Author Report Share Posted September 24, 2022 Nothing out of the ordinary really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iborguk Posted September 24, 2022 Report Share Posted September 24, 2022 Welcome. It looks alright on the surface and leaves you a budget to sort out things which need immediate attention. Some of these cars tend to change hands , I wouldn’t let a high number of owners put me off. I’d buy on condition over anything else. Good luck with the hunt 👍 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izzy400 Posted September 24, 2022 Author Report Share Posted September 24, 2022 When you say immediate attention are things like suspension getting tired at this mileage? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iborguk Posted September 24, 2022 Report Share Posted September 24, 2022 3 minutes ago, Izzy400 said: When you say immediate attention are things like suspension getting tired at this mileage? Suspension and coolant cross-over pipes, at the mileage/age. Here's the full spiel re my experience of two 987s, you may/may not find it useful... Go drive a few cars and see what you like, e.g. heated seats are a must for me, may not be for you. Porsche Club GB 987 Buyers guide https://www.porscheclubgb.com/regions-registers/registers/modern/boxster/boxster-buyers-guides/987-buyers-guide Some suggestions aside from all the regular 2nd hand car stuff to look for (tyres etc) ...don't let any of it put you off they are all brilliant cars when well sorted , just sharing some tips for what I would look for now I've owned a couple... Buy on condition not mileage is a forum mantra and is sound advice. Check the roof operation and that it sits correctly both sides, easy fix re roof elastic normally if it doesn't,. Check Windows go up/down with roof. Window regulators can get tired at this kind of age. If you hear rattling coming from the doors when driving that could be a few things including worn regulators, window position (which is adjustable for both vertical position and rake). Check the roof rear drains are clear, which you can see with the roof half-way up. This is normally a clue as to how careful the owner is in looking after the car. Blocked drains can lead to water getting into the car under the seats, causing havoc with the electronics under the passenger seat. Drain check and clear should be a regular maintenance item for any Boxster, especially those living outside most of the time. Check the areas under the seats are dry (pull up the carpet and check the foam underlay, behind the seats, don't just look at the carpet) and check it shows isn't damp/shows no signs of water ingress (again re drains) Evidence of coolant pipes including cross-overs having been done (about 1k to do that lot - mine needed them done at 32k miles and when it was 10 years old) Inside of disk brakes - they like to corrode even though can look fine from the outside (tip always give the car an Italian tune-up after washing the wheels, helps prevent this) Brake bleed nipples like to corrode on the callipers (you normally only find out at brake fluid change time) If PDK , look for evidence of PDK oil change having been done to schedule - every 6 years/60k miles. Look for any evidence of leaks off the PDK box. PDK Clutch Transmission fluid also needs changing every 12 years/120k miles They are solid gearboxes in the most part, expensive (7k OPC refurb, 15k new) to replace if you get a bad 'un. Don't let that put you off the right car, just be aware. If a Porsche original battery check the negative terminal for week and year stamp - will tell you how old it is. Anything over about 5 years old be prepared to replace it. Check what suspension parts have been replaced - lower coffin arms are a common requirement (check for rattle, rattle, rattle) when driving General exhaust condition. The manifold studs to the rear boxes are a weak point, check to see if they have been replaced, originals are made from Camembert, rust to nothing and allow the triangular joint to blow. Easy to fix in the right pair of hands. I had mine done for £220 by someone who knew what they were doing in 2 hours. Check the aircon/climate control is working. Stone hits to the rads/condensers are not uncommon with the leaks they bring. Assuming UV dye in the system a UV torch (few quid from Amazon) will show any leaks. If it has heated seats check they are in working order. The 987.2 interior feels a step forward to a more modern car, as one would expect. Standard lights are poor, go Bi-Xenon if you can, cars with headlight washers should designate those are on-board. Check front end paint work for stone chips. Lots of these cars will have front end resprays as they pick up stone chips. Service History (a guide not a guarantee car will be in great condition). Plugs, Serpentine belt and Brake fluid are all extras in Porsche servicing land - again ensure they have been done as needed. Coil packs can crack with age and when they get hot in the wet and cause misfires (ask me how I know - had this happen 2 weeks into ownership of a 987.1 !) I hope some of that helps. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
And.rs1800 Posted September 24, 2022 Report Share Posted September 24, 2022 Decent price-leaves you a bit of budget to do anything that manifests itself in first few months. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
And.rs1800 Posted September 24, 2022 Report Share Posted September 24, 2022 Definitely get on your back and check inside of disks 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davey P Posted September 24, 2022 Report Share Posted September 24, 2022 2 hours ago, Izzy400 said: Hi All I was just starting to browse for a 987, I’ve been given the green light from her indoors to treat myself for Christmas! ideally my budget is a max of £15000. https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/13869516 Blimey, £15K for a Christmas pressie...? Not bad mate, you must be doing something right! The car in your link looks pretty good to me (definitely a "non-expert" though, so that's not much of an endorsement...). Difficult to tell the paintwork condition from photos, so obviously you need to check that closely in person for stonechips/scratches etc. Worth asking if the coolant pipes and hoses have been changed, as that can be pretty expensive if it needs them (I seem to remember it cost about a grand to have mine done on my previous 2007 Boxster). Looks like the car has got plenty of documented history, which is always great. Definitely worth keeping a few grand in reserve for unexpected repairs that might come up in the first year or 2 of ownership. Also worth considering a 2.7 engine over the 3.2 IMHO, as that might keep the running costs down a bit. My old Boxster was a 2.7, and that was plenty quick enough when you needed it to be. Good luck in your search anyway fella 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izzy400 Posted September 24, 2022 Author Report Share Posted September 24, 2022 (edited) 9 minutes ago, Davey P said: Blimey, £15K for a Christmas pressie...? Not bad mate, you must be doing something right! The car in your link looks pretty good to me (definitely a "non-expert" though, so that's not much of an endorsement...). Difficult to tell the paintwork condition from photos, so obviously you need to check that closely in person for stonechips/scratches etc. Worth asking if the coolant pipes and hoses have been changed, as that can be pretty expensive if it needs them (I seem to remember it cost about a grand to have mine done on my previous 2007 Boxster). Looks like the car has got plenty of documented history, which is always great. Definitely worth keeping a few grand in reserve for unexpected repairs that might come up in the first year or 2 of ownership. Also worth considering a 2.7 engine over the 3.2 IMHO, as that might keep the running costs down a bit. My old Boxster was a 2.7, and that was plenty quick enough when you needed it to be. Good luck in your search anyway fella I’m 50 in March so it was supposed to be a mid life crisis gift to myself.😆 I think Scotland is a journey too far tbh to view a car but looked quite a good start. Edited September 24, 2022 by Izzy400 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Menoporsche Posted September 24, 2022 Report Share Posted September 24, 2022 Get on FaceTime or WhatsApp and they could give you a video walk around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iborguk Posted September 24, 2022 Report Share Posted September 24, 2022 20 minutes ago, Izzy400 said: I’m 50 in March so it was supposed to be a mid life crisis gift to myself.😆 I think Scotland is a journey too far tbh to view a car but looked quite a good start. Mid life opportunity 😎 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Daniel Posted September 24, 2022 Report Share Posted September 24, 2022 3 hours ago, Izzy400 said: Hi All I was just starting to browse for a 987, I’ve been given the green light from her indoors to treat myself for Christmas! ideally my budget is a max of £15000. https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/13869516 Seems to have a few nice bits on that with things like sports chrono and active dampers(PASM). Advert is pretty detailed as is the car... inner wheels look immaculate. A 2005 car 3.2 is also the cheaper road tax bracket than the 3.4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Menoporsche Posted September 24, 2022 Report Share Posted September 24, 2022 1 hour ago, Izzy400 said: I think Scotland is a journey too far tbh to view a car but looked quite a good start. No distance is too far for the right car 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
½cwt Posted September 24, 2022 Report Share Posted September 24, 2022 Good time to be buying after the spring/summer convertible boost to the market. You ahve a heathly budget but allow some cash of work that needs doing sooner rather than later. Find a local Porsche / Boxster specialist and go an ahve a chat with them (@Guvs can you recommend anywhere?) Focus on the seller, why is he selling, is he passionate about the car? If so likely to have been well looked after. Poorly written eBay, Gumtree, FB or Autotrader ads usually indicate 'avoid'. A dealer will give some comfort and a limited of not generous warranty, but you ahve to pay for it. As said above condition and history trump number of owners or even milage to an extent. Goe in eyes open the cooling crossover pipes at teh front are a well-documented area for leaks and corroded joints, allow at least £800 to sort, and most do have to be sorted at some time. Suspension can be getting tired but hopefully just the bushes in the arms not dampers and springs as they are the really costly bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izzy400 Posted September 24, 2022 Author Report Share Posted September 24, 2022 I’m basing my model choice on the ones that have the reported least amount of problems, I believe the 3.2 isn’t a problem engine but the 3.4 is? real world performance difference between a 3.2 and a 2.7 is probably negligible though I would have thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Codfanglers Posted September 24, 2022 Report Share Posted September 24, 2022 5 minutes ago, Izzy400 said: I’m basing my model choice on the ones that have the reported least amount of problems, I believe the 3.2 isn’t a problem engine but the 3.4 is? real world performance difference between a 3.2 and a 2.7 is probably negligible though I would have thought. If you are used to a NA MX5 I don't think a 2.7 would be much of an issue. The "advantage" of not having much torque is you have to use revs and enjoy more howl. I decided on a 2.7 because I'd have worried too much about bore score with the bigger engine. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 24, 2022 Report Share Posted September 24, 2022 For £15k you'll soon be able to get your hands on a 2.9 series 2 987 when the " season " ends. Couple on eBay at the moment and probably the best of both worlds... Ask me how I know, oh and don't be afraid of higher mileage either.. My 2.9 has just clicked over 155000 miles and she's just about run in. These cars were designed to be driven and they love it. Just my 2p worth, good luck in your search and welcome. Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guvs Posted September 24, 2022 Report Share Posted September 24, 2022 Hi Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry I can't help you with any local advice on buying a Boxster I bought my first 2 down London, they are 2 a penny down there not so in South Wales, don't be put off by distance and traverling for the right one. Guvs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bike Loon Posted September 24, 2022 Report Share Posted September 24, 2022 (edited) 34 minutes ago, skoosh1970 said: For £15k you'll soon be able to get your hands on a 2.9 series 2 987 when the " season " ends. Couple on eBay at the moment and probably the best of both worlds... Ask me how I know, oh and don't be afraid of higher mileage either.. My 2.9 has just clicked over 155000 miles and she's just about run in. These cars were designed to be driven and they love it. Just my 2p worth, good luck in your search and welcome. Si You already can https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?sort=price-asc&postcode=bn107qt&radius=1500&make=Porsche&model=Boxster&include-delivery-option=on&year-from=2009 Edited September 24, 2022 by Bike Loon 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 24, 2022 Report Share Posted September 24, 2022 ....then you know what to do..!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izzy400 Posted September 25, 2022 Author Report Share Posted September 25, 2022 12 hours ago, Codfanglers said: If you are used to a NA MX5 I don't think a 2.7 would be much of an issue. The "advantage" of not having much torque is you have to use revs and enjoy more howl. I decided on a 2.7 because I'd have worried too much about bore score with the bigger engine. I used to own a Tvr Chimaera with around 280 Bhp and most recently a Golf Gti Edition 30 with 310 Bhp, both quick cars. The Mazda is standard and enjoyable as it is so it’s taught me that there is no need to seek out the biggest and best. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave Morgan Posted September 25, 2022 Report Share Posted September 25, 2022 From the ad this car looks like a good proposition. Good clean condition from the pix, low miles for age, evidence of money spent by previous owners and the colour is good as well. Not a bad price and you have a safety margin in your budget if it needs bits later on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
½cwt Posted September 25, 2022 Report Share Posted September 25, 2022 13 hours ago, Guvs said: Hi Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry I can't help you with any local advice on buying a Boxster I bought my first 2 down London, they are 2 a penny down there not so in South Wales, don't be put off by distance and traverling for the right one. Guvs. I was thinking of an indy in S Wales for advice as opposed to buying from... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izzy400 Posted September 25, 2022 Author Report Share Posted September 25, 2022 I’ve always travelled to buy my cars, nothing ever seems to pop up locally but I usually draw the line at 4 hours travel time each way. A lot just get the car delivered these days but I personally wouldn’t take that risk. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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