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Maintenance costs

44K views 27 replies 19 participants last post by  mikefocke 
#1 ·
Hi friends, New forum member here...

I tried posting this elsewhere but didn't get a response.

I've been considering a Boxster but I've heard some strange things about maintenance costs. (I don't like to feel like I was burned by a dealer or mechanic - it is frustrating!)

For example, I understand changing a battery on a Boxster can cost $400. And I was told an oil change costs $500-$600 (anyone know how often this oil change comes round?). I also read that tires for a Boxster costs a couple of grand (although I don't understand why I can't use good Bridgestones for less that $1000).

What are some of the other maintenance costs, both high and normally priced? Do you guys thing a stubborn man can adjust himself to such charges and learn to live with them? Or would I be better off to go get something like a new Vette and replace batteries for $50?

Thanks
Porscheman2222
 
#2 · (Edited)
Do some searching here for batt costs, I'm sure it's been discussed along with maint. cost's, comes up all the time.

Lot's of guy's do their own oil changes and it will run ya $100 or so for the oil and filter, prices vary dealer to dealer for service, like any other car make, I paid $160 for filter/oil change and the frequency is once a year or every 12k miles so it's not that rich IMHO.

I'm due for a 1 year inspection which is a oil change and 15 point inspection, been quoted around $400.

Can't see rubber costing that much either, look at one of the sponsors (Tire Rack) and plug in the car type see what there worth, for my 08 CS I check once in a while (don't need tires) just curious, and I think it's around $1200-$1400 for all four, all in all like most **** we got you pay for what you have, and it's not that bad if you choose to maintain it....:cheers:

http://www.planet-9.com/987-general-discussion/34103-battery-replacement.html
 
#3 · (Edited)
I just had my first oil change at 2k miles just to clean everything out, then I will get on the regular schedule. My dealers price is $149 for the oil change, another in the area is $180. The service did include checking and topping off all the fluids.
I have the 18" Bridgestones and I see them often for around $250 each plus mount and balance, so not so bad for that type of tire.
Not sure about the battery. I do have a battery conditioner that I plan on having on the car this winter in storage, so we will see if that becomes a concern or not.
All in all, the maintenance doesn't seem like it is going to be that bad on this car when you consider how often you have to do things to it. Once a year for an oil change doesn't cost more than the 3 or 4 times a year with a regular oil change.
Dave
 
#4 · (Edited)
. . . For example, I understand changing a battery on a Boxster can cost $400. And I was told an oil change costs $500-$600 (anyone know how often this oil change comes round?). I also read that tires for a Boxster costs a couple of grand (although I don't understand why I can't use good Bridgestones for less that $1000).

What are some of the other maintenance costs, both high and normally priced? Do you guys thing a stubborn man can adjust himself to such charges and learn to live with them? Or would I be better off to go get something like a new Vette and replace batteries for $50?
I think the price you quote for an oil change, is what some dealerships charge for one of the routine service interval check-ups, which usually includes more than an oil change - and a more realistic range for that is probably $300-500.

A set of new tires will generally run $1000-1500, but if you are reasonably "gentle" on them, should last around 20K miles. I certainly wouldn't pay $400 for a new battery - if your dealer quotes you that price, then go to Sears, Interstate, etc. Porsche can't force you to buy their battery (which you shouldn't have to replace for 3-4 years anyway).

Buy a Vette just to save money on the battery?! . . . C'mon now :crazy:
;)
 
#7 ·
Re: "Buy a Vette just to save money on the battery?! . . . C'mon now"

Good point. I guess I just don't want to feel like I've been taken advantage of. Some of the answers here seem to be explaining the costs to some degree. I have always changed my oil every three months. I wonder why Porsche is a year? Anyway, it might not be so bad as long as the car gives good service.

Thanks,
Porscheman2222
 
#8 ·
Re: "Buy a Vette just to save money on the battery?! . . . C'mon now"

Good point. I guess I just don't want to feel like I've been taken advantage of. Some of the answers here seem to be explaining the costs to some degree. I have always changed my oil every three months. I wonder why Porsche is a year? Anyway, it might not be so bad as long as the car gives good service.

Thanks,
Porscheman2222
A battery for $50? Changing oil every three months? What decade are you posting from? Just wait until you get a load of replacing tires, but it's cheaper than on a vette. ;)

It seems like every few weeks there's another thread moaning about Porsche maintenance costs. The reality is that there's not much of a difference that's not easily explainable, and on a Boxster labor is going to be higher sometimes because engine access is more complicated. You can't just pop the hood, like on a vette. But brake maintenance is similar, cooling system maintenance is non-existent (until the water pump gives out, and then it's expensive to replace it, but just for labor), and oil changes are mostly more expensive because you need eight or nine quarts of synthetic oil. Porsche dealers do charge more than Chevy dealers for labor, but IMHO that's mostly because Porsche has ~200 dealers in the US and Chevy has ~4000, so the Porsche guys can get away with it.

Porsches ain't Hondas, but they're not that bad either.
 
#9 ·
OK

Water pump and serpentine belt - $600 in North Denver.
Oil change frequency on the Porsches (Boxster) is related to quantity of oil in engine. The increased capacity helps to manage engine heat as well as allow for increased oil change duration. If you are racing or tracking your boxster then you will want to pay attention to more frequent oil changes and brake inspections. The filter is just the filter - not the metal cover. This is what you will find in the German engineering.... they pay attention to waste. The metal filter cover is re-used from oil change to oil change.

Used Porsche vehicles are also a good buy. You must consider the the initial and retained long term value. This value will be maintained by your periodic and conscientious maintenance of the vehicle (keep your records). If you are looking at a non-certified unit, steer away. Sellers on various networks, like Ebay or non-Porsche certified dealers may use this line to misrepresent vehicles that have been mis-treated or injured. Believe it or not, bunji, baling wire, or tape can be found holding parts together just to get the car sold. An unknowing buyer will not be looking under the car. They are so low anyway!

Buy the car either on warranty, or have the car inspected by a Porsche mechanic. At least get a Vehix report to disclose any prior damage.

When maintaining your Porsche, it is equally important to work with a certified Porsche mechanic. Systems analysis is critical to many issues that may pop up in the car. Not all mechanics have access to the plug in analysis programs that can readily reveal most of the cars off-settings.

So the voice of experience talks.... I currently have issues with Boxster that I found on Ebay. Low mileage was the key to my interest. What I did not know is the extent of damage and repair that this car has experienced. Slowly I am finding and repairing. My goal is to right all the wrongs and bring the unit back to its deserved life - driving into my retirement. Then the 911!

Don't shy away from Porsche for seemingly minor concerns. These cars are built to perform. The overall vehicle balancing and attention to detail is not to be surpassed by other production units. I have inadvertently taken air in a Porsche and landed on all fours, unscathed and continuing on route - late for work in Iowa. The same car floated across a swollen stream with little more than some steam on the windshield from a bit of moisture getting into the air system. Again, same car, I avoided a T-bone @ about 70mph when a driver pulled out from a stop sign onto a highway. Off the pavement we side-slid for about 200 feet, avoiding damage all together. The car handled with sure steering and response. It was the shoulder gravel that took us sideways. I have tracked and traveled thousands of miles in various types of vehicles. My personal favorite is the Porsche. Boxster is the affordable, and with the top down, the ultimate ride.


Keep looking and doing the homework. You'll get there. Keep us informed of your find.

Note: When looking last Christmas I was down to 2 boxsters. I should have taking the red one in Boulder, from a certified Porsche Dealer. It had about 55,000 mi, 98' - $10,000 starting price. Keep your eyes open. They buys are out there.


Kiarchi
 
#11 ·
You can keep the running costs down on a porsche by buying parts from the original supplier rather than through a porsche agent. For example the brake pads are made by Textar for Porsche , Porsche charge over 100 pounds (150 USD) for a set, buy the pads in a Textar box and pay about half the cost! The same is true for brake discs, clutches , oil and air filters , just find the original suplier and buy their item instead. As to oil, Mobil 1 is not the only approved oil, you can use other manufacturers oils which meet the Porsche approved oils list which will cost much less for 9litres. Also consider using independents for work outside of warranty or if the car is older for servicing work too.
 
#12 ·
I just installed a new battery (Interstate) in my Boxster for $125
Oil Change from an Independent Porsche Shop will run $150
A set of tires run around $1,500 from tire rack.
Don't go to the dealer for any service work not involving the warranty.
 
#13 ·
I agree with all everyone else has said - battery about 200, oil change about 150 (9-10 qts). Parts are available at discount from Suncoast Porsche in FL and Pelican.

As for tires, look at Kumho SPT (summer) or Kumho ASX (all season). Perform very well and about $500 a set. I have used them exclusively since I switched off the original tires and I used the SPTs on the track for about 50 days (no, not the same set) until I finally got track tires, and they were great. Check them out at Tirerack and read the reviews.
 
#14 ·
My Boxster over its second 4 years (my ownership period) cost less to maintain than
my Honda CRV
my Acura TL
my Mazda 626
my golf car
over the same period (and I maintain the Porsche to a higher standard).

I think I've averaged $10 or less in unscheduled maintenance costs per month over that period. A battery costs $60...or $180 if you get the Optima. No need to replace with dealer battery. A 10 minute change with batteries that fit and work fine available at any superstore. My last oil change cost me $60 for the oil, maybe $10 for the filter and crush ring and $35 in labor at a local quick-change place that does other P-cars in the area and knows how. That will be the only cost this year other than a O2 sensor I had replaced at my local tire shop for $37.50 labor. I buy the parts that Porsche buys, not the ones Porsche marks up. There are usually cross references available. I publish ones every chance I get along with Do-It-Yourself instructions. There are DIYs for most common proceedures. The Porsche isn't a mystery car, just a car.

Dealers are great for inspections and for complex maintenance but you don't need them to do everything.
 
#15 ·
That's really good to know.

This is my first post (Hi, guys) and I'm just committed to purchase a certified pre-owned 2005 Boxster this morning. The first owner lives in Manhattan (NYC) and has a place in upstate NY about 150 miles (240 Km) away.

He took the car from Manhattan to his cottage about 4 times a year. The service records indicate he had the car inspected every year upstate.

After 50 months of ownership, he put in 4690 miles.

Not 46,900 miles, 4690!!!

The car is immaculate, 9.9/10.

What issues will I face (I understand this is a huge subject, worthy of a thread once I get more familiar with this place) with this four-years old, garage-kept, September-November Boxster?
 
#16 ·
Inspected or oil changed?

Long trips are good for a car so yours is a plus on that. But was he waiting for 15K to change the oil? Change every 5k or 1 year whatever comes first seems to be the prevailing wisdom (ignore what Porsche says...those figures are for light duty with no stop and go or cold weather driving. 95% of us really do severe duty though we don't think of it like that.).

Battery has 4 years on it...it can go any time despite being maintained. Some last 6-7 years...some don't. "Upgrade" is an Optima for $180 or so mail order plus a mounting plate for another $40 or so. But for many that is overkill and Costco or even WalMart has a battery known to fit BCI Group 94R 12.4 X 6.9 X 7.5 right hand positive terminal with overflow tube is what you are looking for.

Drive and enjoy.
 
#17 ·
Car was meticulously maintained, with annual oil changes.

There are problems generally with rarely used vehicles- they just replaced the battery last week (lack of use is worse for a battery than constant use), seals and exhaust systems can get chemical damage, rubber parts oxidize, tires shouldn't be kept on for more than 6 years. I figure I'll use her enough in the next 2 years to require a new set anyway.

What I've read so far on this site indicates that for a higher-priced German vehicle this is a relatively low maintenance vehicle. I'm very pleasantly surprised by this, and I hope it remains true for mine. Will have two years warranty on her; used to be a time where two years for a NEW car was considered pretty good.

I'd read that this was not a "zero maintenance" battery, but has water levels that need monitoring. I thought that was done with more than a decade ago! Gotta read some spec manual on why they chose the older style. BTW where IS the battery???

T-Minus 46 hours and counting... Do I sound excited???
 
#19 ·
Battery is in front under a panel just forward of the windshield, lift the hood.

The original batteries in 986s were not truely maintenance free, they were fillable. Many common batteries are sealed but not of any different design so they can lose fluid over time too. You want really sealed, you want a battery that can run upside down...see Optima.

When I needed an O2 sensor replaced on my cars, I searched the web looking for references to the OEM maker. Had the Boxster and CRV done the same day by same person, same labor charge. Honda part as OEM was more expensive than OEM part for the Boxster. Each was at least 2.5 times the parts cost of the OEM part had I bought from a dealer. Same part, rebox, stencil brand and part number, stock as vehicle maker part, charge markup. There are a few dealers who discount and who specialize in shipping.

But is maintenance expensive on Boxsters...you bet. Labor at specialized shops always is more than at generics who compete on price. Parts if they are original, are always more expensive. And things like tires can be $400 to $1,200 a set depending on brand and size. A minor service and a major service will be expensive. And things like brakes cost me $1,000 at an independent (rotors too) where my Acura at a local tire shop cost maybe $300. And if the engine blows, $12k+ in parts.

Get a OBDII code reader, learn to ask on the web, buy OEM, maintain the car and cross your fingers. Every car can have failings.
 
#20 · (Edited)
Everything is relative. My Mini and Honda Element are not as cheap as you'd imagine (the last gen CRV shares a ton of parts with my Element, so you've got a good idea...) Although if I look at total maintenance costs, after seven years and 60K miles on the Cooper S including two sets of new tires and a brake job and the recent 60K mile major inspection/serpentine it comes out to about $2500-$2600 dollars. That's in the realm of $0.04 per mile. I think that's very damned respectable.

On the Honda, 22 months and 21K miles (including snow tires) comes out to $1500. Although that isn't really pro-rating the tire cost, that's significantly more. If we assume the Nokians on the Mini will go for another 25K and the **** Honda all-season tires will maybe make another 5K miles, if I simply do a hypothetical future cost analysis on both, the Honda cute-ute will end up significantly more expensive than the so-called expensive BMW-built sports car!

When I was young I did the shade tree mechanic thing. Now I haven't done anything more complicated than a oil change in nearly 20 years. Funny thing is, I've got far more mechanical experience now, and I'm an electrical engineer who should have no problems with OBD equipment.

But I haven't owned a vehicle that was worth investing so much passion into since my younger days with the Peugeot 504s. The Mini is a special car and I love it, but she's under warranty for yet another three years, and if it's already paid for, let them do it!

Maybe it's time to get back under the hood? In the Boxster's case, that expression doesn't exactly work...

Edit: This board censors the word "cr@p"! Imagine if I'd expressed how I really felt!
 
#21 ·
On my other cars, I do little.
Somehow the Porsche community is more providing of DIYs or I just for some reason started frequenting the forums and started learning. And being a compiler of info in many forums, it was only natural for me to start assembling it for the Boxster as I got tired of custom answering requests for info. Once I did, I gained confidence that if others could do it, I could too.

My Boxster has cost me $110 for a sensor and $37.50 for labor and will cost about $90 for an oil change this year. That plus insurance is all I'll have paid. Tires because of age next year.

Haven't really worked on cars much since my teens. Now I have a a cabinet full of tools and some shop manuals. Just enough to tell what I want to try and what I don't. More, I read and separate maintence tasks into me, generic mechanic with lift, and Porsche mechanic. Since my nearest dealer is 40 miles away and there are no close independent mechanics specializing in Porsches...that makes sense to me.

Enjoyed the dialog. Enjoy that first ride.
 
#22 ·
Saving money is good. Wasting money is bad. Yes there is an echo in here but people you need to be reminded that Porsche frequently updates what needs to be changed or checked on their cars. Avoiding the dealer means being unaware of recommended updates. Plus do it yourself maintenance is cheap in the short term but could cost you resell value if you cannot prove that routine maintenance was done. Maintenance done by non factory trained mechanics will also turn off future buyers that understand Porsches. So short term gains could lead to long term loss if you are not careful about visiting a dealer at least once a year and not careful about collecting documentation for non-dealer service. I've seen the bad side of this many times over my Porsche ownership experience that began in 1965. Take if for what you will but a measured and thoughtful approach is better than getting by with the cheapest alternative. Think long term.
 
#23 ·
As one who buys long after any warranty or goodwill would be expected, I do the things I can and document them for the next owner. When he/she buys a 10 year old 4-owner Boxster probably for less than $10k, I don't think he will have the same expectations as the buyer of a $60k 911 might. Is there risk, yes. I also don't buy extended warranties, more risk. I have also kept money invested in the market. I've learned I can tollerate risk in return for reward.

If you can't, then by all means you should be going to the dealer.

But paying 5x for a battery or 3x for a sensor just doesn't appeal to me.

There are good arguements for dealer attention while under or near warrantee. Porsche might help a little when their design fails if you have, not if you haven't. (If Porsche really stood behind their designs, the arguement would be stronger IMHO.)
 
#24 ·
I'm at 3.5 years of ownership and approximately 32,000 miles. I am very pleased with the overall cost of maintenance since 2006, which has been quite reasonable following the recommended schedules in the manual. Granted when the warranty runs, things may tick up but I expect that so I won't be surprised or disappointed if they do. I just picked up the car from a dealer provided routine service this morning, so I can provide some specific numbers based on a visit to a local Bay Area Porsche dealer. These prices are based on an email solicitation, but I'm sure if anyone asks they can get the same price. I forgot to ask for my PCA discount, so that's not factored in.

Oil and filter change: $149.95
Brake fluid flush: $169.95

And based on the overall inspection they found a burned out bulb and that the "low" horn was not working; fixed under warranty.

So my point is that at least through 4 years, anticipated maintenance costs should not be a major purchase consideration.

But I also understand that Speed Yellow cars are cheaper to keep up than other colors.;)
 
#26 ·
I have a 2011 Spyder and have very little miles on it. I just received in the mail a coupon for an oil change from my dealer, 139.00, not sure what the regular price is but was surprised at the coupon, the good thing was it had no exp. date :)

pcw
 
#28 ·
You should do an oil change every 5k or so despite what the dealer or Porsche says. Or every year whichever comes first.

Maintenance costs for a M96 engine can range from trivial to very very expensive. Everyone's experience will vary. Blow an engine, $14k+ or so at the dealer. Oil change, $100 in parts and service at a local quick lube or whatever outrageous price the dealer charges. Tires...depends on the size but figure $700-1600!

And of course maintenance costs vary with mileage and type of driving. And with who does the work...my labor is free and a Porsche is not a mystery car nor impossible to work on.

It isn't a Honda. But then I've had comparable parts fail in the same month on my Honda and Porsche (one of the few failures) and my Porsche part was cheaper and the labor exactly the same.

My experience...better than any of the last 5 cars I've owned in terms of number of incidents/year and cost/year or cost/mile. But your luck could easily be very different.

I wouldn't stretch the budget so far that you bought the car and couldn't afford to maintain it.
 
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