Looking at a 2006 Boxster what to look for - Page 1 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

Looking at a Boxster on saturday and I have never been near one. What should I be looking at. Please bear in mind I don't even know how to open the bonnet yet.

alan36 said: Looking at a Boxster on saturday and I have never been near one. What should I be looking at. Please bear in mind I don't even know how to open the bonnet yet. All you will under the bonnet is the spare The switch for it is by the drivers right leg.

If this is your first look at a car this unique, see if you fit. Drive it to see how it fits you. Then walk away. If you liked the experience, do some comparisons online. Find the mechanic who will maintain it with you. Focus on his reputation and his experience. Ask him about a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI). Now consider this car in light of what you now know and feel. Is this the right car for you. Even the right brand/model? Both mine were but I'm me and you are you.

jamesogt said: All you will under the bonnet is the spare The switch for it is by the drivers right leg. No spare in a 987

jamesogt said: All you will under the bonnet is the spare The switch for it is by the drivers right leg. 2006 will be a 987 - no spare wheel but what should be there is a compressor & the tyre sealant type thing which Porsche like to charge stupid amounts for if its out if date on a service. Things to look out for: - bodywork wise - Porsche's pick up stone chips like no other car. Check front bonnet, bumper & wings, normally they are peppered with them. If not then likely the car has had a repaint, not a problem as long as done well & not hiding other more sinister damage. Also check the sills behind the front wheels, these get damaged quite badly & can lead to rust spots. Plus the rear wings under the side vents, usual to get gravel rash there too. - interior - check options & they work. Some considered essential, for example extended leather. Sports Sears are nice, some consider heated seats in premium convertible essential. Bose gets slated, not sure why as I think it sounds fairly good. Basic sound system lacking but easier to upgrade if that's your thing. Seat bolsters can wear / scuff from getting in & out, as can the plastic sill plates where the front boot & rear boot are located. Check operation of everything as electrics costly if a problem identified. Above all, check under the passenger seat for any damp - drain holes can block leading to water ingress & the car's electronic modules are housed here which can lead to problems which are costly to sort. Also check the carpet at bottom if doors as the door membranes can leak water into the cabin, damp door carpets give this away. - wheels - check for damage, scuffs, dents etc. porsche wheels corrode often even with low miles. Refurb not hugely expensive but a bargaining point. Depending on what size wheels tyre prices can be costly. I've got 19's on mine & a set will cost £800-£1000. - brakes - not cheap. Check inner face of discs on front as these can corrode bad & will then need changing prematurely due to corrosion rather than wear. Need to dry brakes off after washing btytaking car out for a spin, at least that's what I tell my Mrs... - engine - lots of discussion on here regarding reliability problems. Being a 2006 if should have (although not 100% sure) the larger more reliable IMS bearing. If you are not aware of IMS then search on Google, it may scare you depending upon your attitude to risk.... - service history - check & check again. Make sure it all adds up. If you only have a stamped service book then ring the dealers to check what work has been done. When I looked for mine I saw loads where the history didn't match, not supported by receipts etc etc. Local OPC may confirm history but will be reluctant to share full details unless previous owners consent - they hide behind Data Protection Act. 987 had 2 yearly service intervals which some owners don't like so have at least an interim oil change in between. - OPC prices I have found to be a little flexible but can be beaten by Independents, there are a few very good independents as well as some you need to be more cautious about. Again a search on the forums can help although naming & shaming rules usually prevent too much being disclosed. I'm sure there are loads more things to look for but this may help. Boxa.net a good forum for searching on other buying advice. If you're not mechanically minded, a good PPI would be a good call. Even minor things that need doing can soon rack up the £'s as you'll undoubtedly get the Porsche tax added on. However, they are awesome cars & I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Good luck & let us know how you get on.

You looking at S or 2.7 ? I bought a MY 2005 2.7 987 in Feb this year. I would look as others have said at the door carpets as mine were wet and it had damaged the electric boot releases. Make sure the electric roof works properly. Also I would check the air vents in the dash - I have 2 with broken fins that mean they cant be directed properly. I have bought 2 replacements but my local independent says they are a real hassle to replace. So if they are broken get them done prior to delivery. Personally I think 18 inch wheels are the best compromise of looks and handling but many disagree. Mine came with 17's which was great for comfort but the choice of tyres was rubbish.

Excellent guys, thanks for the replies.