I tend to browse for much cheaper stuff than this, but occasionally have fun looking at more expensive fare- and in doing so came across this listing:
http://lexington.craigslist.org/cto/4251632064.html
That's the lowest I've seen a Boxster (and that includes some wrecked ones...). The electrical issue seems very bizarre (and don't know why you wouldn't just fix the switch and be able to sell it for a lot more I imagine...), but not outside the realm of what a GRMer could fix, and the missing parts don't look too bad- but the apparently missing lugs on the wheels are a bit worrisome.
I don't really have the money at the moment, but have to wonder if I did whether this would fall under 'good deal, grab it,' or, 'run away scared'.
I'm always amused by CL ads that say that some major system is malfunctioning because it needs just a minor repair or inexpensive part replaced. Always makes me ask why the seller doesn't spend that supposed little bit of money to make the car worth a lot more.
Also like the stuff about the front bumper and marker lights needing repair because they are cracked. Right, couldn't the front bumper cover, etc., require repair because the car has been hit in front?
I don't see a bargain, here. I think by the time you fix everything it will have cost you the price of a good example.
Steering wheel doesn't look right to me either, normally Porsche tends to have the airbag cover in the same colour as the rest of the interior. Admittedly I might be wrong about this and a Boxster might have a black steering wheel, but that stands out.
Looks like a theft recovery that someone bought at an auction (or back from the insurance company) and realized that it will cost more to fix than it is worth (hence the insurance company totalling it)
Since there are more and more people converting them to race cars, you might get lucky perusing the various forums where Boxster racing folks hang and score the necessary parts for a reasonable price. The damage to the bumper cover likely indicates more damage behind it, though the airbag didn't fire (unless the wheel was replaced).
I don't know if I'd buy it, unless I was just going to go make it a track day/race car or perform some sort of engine swap on it.
I heard from somebody somewhere sometime ago that Boxsters have a computer that sits in a well under the carpet in the floor. This well is the lowest point in the floorpan and collects the water which invariably finds its way into convertibles. Predictably, the water has its way with the expensive German electricals. Might this be the case here?
I agree with Basil. Run fast. Run far.
BTW, if you're after a cheap(ish) Boxster, a local fellow SCCA member is selling this one:
http://reno.craigslist.org/cto/4298135194.html
I've looked at it, driven it and if my wife wouldn't have needed a backup car for her Range Rover I probably would have bought it.
I'm a firm believer that people are missing out on a lot of fun by not taking a chance on an early Boxster, but I have seen cars for the same money with the same mileage that don't have any issues. Keep looking.
Vigo
PowerDork
1/23/14 4:28 p.m.
To the OP: That is FAR from the best deal ive seen on a Boxster. Honestly, ~7k isnt even rare anymore. It's just the low end of the normal range. Keep looking!
BoxheadTim wrote:
BTW, if you're after a cheap(ish) Boxster, a local fellow SCCA member is selling this one:
http://reno.craigslist.org/cto/4298135194.html
I've looked at it, driven it and if my wife wouldn't have needed a backup car for her Range Rover I probably would have bought it.
I've thought about that one myself. It's a good looking car. We'd need to sell the Mazda3 first, though...
It's also a pretty good driving car. If I hadn't shown my wife a R129 500SL, it would probably be in our garage right now.
That thing is a 'lost title' away from racecar-only status. I'd offer $4k and be afraid they would say yes.
BoxheadTim wrote:
BTW, if you're after a cheap(ish) Boxster, a local fellow SCCA member is selling this one:
http://reno.craigslist.org/cto/4298135194.html
I've looked at it, driven it and if my wife wouldn't have needed a backup car for her Range Rover I probably would have bought it.
Nice! Doesn't say if it is Tiptronic?
No, the one I posted has a manual transmission.
The earlier Boxsters have been down around that range for a while now.
Steering wheel looks correct at a glance, but car is overpriced for the condition in my opinion.
my room mate who owns a cayman just had a IMS failure in his car.
I would void cheap boxster/caymans at all costs. Even before that his has been ridiculous.
The steering wheel has a Walmart cover on it. Front bumper covered by a bra. Broken headlight unit. Something ripped out of the dash. Run!! Forrest!! Run !!
You can take it to a Porsche shop to see how much it costs to fix all of the issues with it before you buy it. Then make an offer of $5500 max because it has been in an accident. You also need to have Porsche maintenance money too.
But mostly this car would be a good car to rescue, not a good Boxster to buy.
Run. I say that as someone who knows you drive a DeLorean. Just Run.
In reply to eastsidemav:
Well, as I said, even if it was an absolute steal I don't have the money for it OR a place to put it at the moment- and SWMBO, though very supportive of my hobbies and interests also knows I'm not in a good financial place for anything like this and would make sure I didn't do anything stupid. In all honesty as much fun as I think it would be, I would want to own and drive something like a Miata for a while.
I've seen boxsters with bad motors several times around $3500 or so. Sometimes less. Just a reference point, "cheap Boxster" is getting a lot more common.
