Well 986's are not the most common cars around here, but many of us have owned one at some point so we are happy to try and help you out. What do you need help with?

 

I have a 2004 S, last of the 986. Great cars imo. Not an expert but have been through a few repairs and upgrades. Ask away and tell us about your prospective car too.

 

Welcome and cute puppy!

 

Basically, I had this master plan to buy a salvage Porsche Cayman and fix it up (haven't thrown out the idea yet) because I absolutely love Porsches and I saw that as a way to get a nice modern looking Porsche for not so expensive, plus I am really into working on cars and fixing things etc. so my budget was around $5,000 to buy a car and then the expenses of repairs would be paid as I went along. But as I was looking at cayman's, I started to look at the boxsters because they were slightly cheaper. as I looked into the Boxster I really just ruled out the 986 because I (thought) I wanted something more modern but then finally as my budget is tight, I started looking at the 986 and I slowly fell in love with it, plus, it is not all that expensive! So instead of spending money on repairs on a Cayman over time I figured I'd spend money on maintenance on the 986 over time. Long story short I am trying to ultimately decide if I'm gonna pick up a 986 now or keep waiting and looking for my perfect Cayman fixer upper. Thanks in advance for those who read this ridiculously long post!

 

I have a question for you: have you ever worked on Porsches in the past? The reason that I ask is that Porsche parts are extraordinarily expensive. Porsche would be the last car that I would buy as a fixer upper, unless it were an air cooled 911. At least with the 911 I'd have a good chance of recovering my repair costs. With a 986 it will be all dead money. Don't mean to dissuade you, but it's important that you know what you are getting into, especially since you are on a tight budget.

 

Yes, many have brought this s up and the repairs are not my concern in any way, I have a place that has lots of Porsches in his yard and that is not an issue. However, I am pretty sure I am starting to Lean heavily towards the 986. I want to buy a Boxter s but I also don't want to have such a high chance for the intermediate shaft bearing failure.. So, I suppose you could say the new debate is 1999 Boxter vs 2000+ Boxter s

 

FWIW, I tend to agree with fast1 that any extensive repairs on a 986 would quickly become the most expensive way to own a 986. The least costly way would be to find one that has low miles and/or has been well cared for, and which might possibly need only minor work even though the initial cost to purchase may be higher.

 

If repairs are not an issue (not sure I follow that ) then go for a later model S. Drop the trans and upgrade the IMSB. Replace clutch, RMS and check flywheel while you're in there. I went with the LN bearing but there are now more options including oil fed plain bearing like air cooled flat sixes. Over all though I would agree these are not cheap cars to run. From 58k miles to 70k miles my 04 S has needed a number of unplanned repairs including water pump, coolant tank, light switch, cam seal, CV boots, warm up Cats.

 

Sorry if I wasn't clear, when I said that I was referring to body panel repairs/replacements if I went the Cayman route. The vehicle would be a weekend warrior that is very well and routinely maintained so hopefully that'd make the failures and subsequent repairs fewer and further between?



"Jewelry isn't really my thing, but I've always got my eye on people's watches."
-CO

 

Also, on a side note, why is this called pistol petes Boxter board?


"Jewelry isn't really my thing, but I've always got my eye on people's watches."
-CO

 

Also, on a side note, why is this called pistol petes Boxter board?

That ain't this board....

 

 

Personally I think 986forum is the best 986 forum I spent a lot of time there while owning a 2.5L Boxster for 10 years. Good guys and the straight dope.

 

That is an excellent forum.