Boxster advice?, 2000 S Options

[thomasotten]

Hello guys,

I have the opportunity to buy a 2000 Boxster S for a pretty good price. It has about 90,000 miles on it, and seems in pretty good shape. Since 914 runs in my blood, I come here for advice. I did some reading on the early models, they seem to have engine problems. I am not sure if the S model has these or not. But any tips of advice would be appreciated with this model of car.

Thanks,

[jesiv]

I really struggled with getting a Boxster or the 911 because of the RMS and IMS issues. The fact that you could have a catastrophic failure while doing everything right and with the cost of a new engine was just more risk that I was prepared to accept. So my solution was to buy a Boxster with a CPO warranty. If mine was going to break, I wanted Porsche to pay the bill!! That was the peace of mind, I needed to pull the trigger. I have not regretted it for a single day!! Also, it is my daily driver. A totally awesome car!

One thing to remember is that, the more you research IMS and RMS issues/failures, the more common and frequent you will come to believe they occur! It is kind of like, if all you do is go to AA meeting one would begin to think everyone who drinks is an alcoholic! It’s the same with IMS and RMS failures. Try a Google search for “IMS did NOT fail”… Not near the result count! You really never hear of people who have had NO issues with their IMS and RMS. I have only know one person who had an IMS failure on a well maintained car and it was covered under warranty.
So I did what any paranoid Boxster owner would do… I replaced the IMS!! Below is my post on why.

Hope this helps!!

James


Well I did it!!! I replaced my IMS Bearing on my perfectly running 2003 Boxster S with 70K miles. Well I feel better!! I actually wish it would have been worn with metal filings everywhere. However, the bearing I replaced was in no way worn. In hindsight I see no reason to have replaced it. In fact, I feel I shouldn’t have done it. That being said, I replaced it because of what I have read on the web and more importantly a lack of response to the problem from Porsche. I actually talked with my dealer and he stated that Porsche had NO position on the issue. I think this is the greatest fear factor… a lack of response from Porsche. Their lack of response has caused me and I am sure many others to unnecessarily worry about the “potential catastrophic failure of the IMS” (not to mention others). In fact this was the biggest factor I had to overcome to buy my car. I could only buy a new Porsche with a warranty. Whereas, I had no concerns about an older Porsche as their weaknesses where known. Wheeras the newer models have virtually no history and thus we must rely purely on Porsche’s reputation. I am bothered by the lack of empathy from Porsche. All I want is to have Porsche to give me the best product it can and at least be me honest with me with the problems/defects. In the USA we have learned it is not the act the gets you in trouble… it is the cover-up… Seems like Mercedes is about to learn that concept…

Without Porsche’s input, I made the correct decision. I had the work done at Flintworks. As always, Alden was awesome. I really like to see what happens and with Alden I get to see. If you feel as I do, without a comment from Porsche, the only answer is to replace the IMS. I would do it again, knowing what I know now “replacing a perfectly good IMS bearing”

That being said, I still and have always loved Porsche!! I am currently looking to get a new Boxster. I know it will not have the IMS issues. I just hope Porsche will be honest with me regarding the new 2013 as to what the true issues are. Or I guess, I should get over it and be more understanding and love my new Porsche with all its “new” imperfections.

Regards,

James

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