New to Porsche.

[Vince Taylor]

Hello everyone, I’ve just joined the forum as I’m about to (Hopefully) purchase my first Porsche. 
It’s a 2011 Boxster with the PDK gearbox. 
can you good people please advise of some things I should be sure to check on this vehicle, before the deal goes through. 
I’m fairly knowledgeable on cars, so have verified the service history on the vehicle with Porsche main dealer and indi’s. 
But have little to No knowledge of the brand. 
many thanks 

vince. 

 

[Gunscrossed]

Welcome to the forum and potential Porsche ownership.

There will be plenty of advice on here but this is a basic buyer’s guide from PCGB 987 Buyers Guide

[iborguk]

Welcome 👍

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 clutch fluid change having been done to schedule - every 6 years/60k miles. Look for any evidence of leaks off the PDK box.  PDK Transmission oil 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.

[Vince Taylor]

Fantastic, just the sort of information I was looking for, I really appreciate your knowledge. 

[phazed]

Iborguk, that is very comprehensive!

I bought mine after a 5 minute drive and 5 minutes looking at paperwork!

I was lucky to have bought a good car. 

[iborguk]

1 minute ago, phazed said:

Iborguk, that is very comprehensive!

I bought mine after a 5 minute drive and 5 minutes looking at paperwork!

I was lucky to have bought a good car. 

Comprehensive doesn't mean right, but things I've tried to learn.

I bought my first one from a video 🫣

[Vince Taylor]

The trader I’m hoping to purchase from, tells me he has owned and traded over 40 Porsches of all different types from 924 to 911 turbos. 
I will certainly mention some of the more technical stuff iborguk so kindly advised on. 
I have an indi specialist close by to me, and he suggested to take it to him soon after purchase, to do a health check and maybe identify any issues. 

Edited September 9, 2023 by Vince Taylor

[Guest]

How far away is the car you're considering from this Indy?  Has the car a warranty being sold with it ? I'd personally be considering an inspection before the purchase after placing a small deposit.  I echo to buy on condition rather than mileage.....I bought my 1 owner car with 142000 miles on the clock...2010 6spd manual 2.9 and she's just clicked over 158000 miles and she still drives lovely.  3rd mot under my stewardship is due in a few weeks and I know she'll pass without advisory but I'm still booked in for a pre mot inspection....after that I've decided to offer her for sale as I've other car itches to scratch. 

I bought mine after many conversations with both the seller and the one and only garage that had ever touched her and it took 6 trains and 7 hours to get to her during Buttercup ....when you know,  you just know.

Don't be blinded by the fact she's a Porsche and get too over excited and go with your gut. Google is a good source of information on the dealer too so check him out.  You'd also be amazed at what you can find buy entering the vehicle reg into Google images and follow links. Have you checked the mot history online?  

Good luck,  these are fabulous cars that like to be warmed up properly and driven spiritedly. 

One last thing, perhaps advise fellow members of the reg....you never know, it may already on here ?

Si 

Edited September 9, 2023 by skoosh1970

[Guest]

Ps...you'll soon learn what buttercup means....and welcome to the forum. 

[Guest]

....keep thinking of stuff ....ask the dealer to start the car from stone cold.....expect the revs to linger around 1200-1300rpm for around 20 seconds and ignore the tinny rattley sounds...revs will then settle around 800 and the engine will quieten down considerably.  You can't check the oil on these by dipstick as it's electronic,  and, she must be warm to do so and stationary at idle. General consesus is one bar below the full line and this is done by pushing forward on the trip computer stalk on the left of the column but she has to be up to operating temp so after a decent test drive.

[Vince Taylor]

The car is probably 50ish miles from the Indie I’ve been talking to, not sure about a Warranty as yet, not been discussed as he is away on holiday and not contactable.