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Thread: 2001 - 2003 Boxster /S Input?

  1. #1
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    2001 - 2003 Boxster /S Input?

    Looking to buy one for my wife to drive. Does anyone have any idea of reliability, longevity, performance (never driven one) Or any other input on this car?

    Cheers

    Randy
    Last edited by 72targa; 11-11-2016 at 06:11 PM.

  2. #2
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    Fun to drive but if my shop worked on nothing but Boxsters I could still retire living a life of luxury.

    nuf said?

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Frank Beck View Post
    Fun to drive but if my shop worked on nothing but Boxsters I could still retire living a life of luxury.

    nuf said?
    Thanks for the input Frank, Can you be more specific? Should I not buy one? or are they just typical high maintenance cost porsches?

  4. #4
    The thing I noticed most was how flexible the engine was. Runs so smoothly at stupid low revs, where my early car would be bucking and yelling at me to downshift. Variable valve timing and EFI works wonders.
    1971 911S, 2.7RS spec MFI engine, suspension mods, lightened
    Early 911S Registry Member #425

  5. #5
    Quote Originally Posted by trdking View Post
    Looking to buy one for my wife to drive. Does anyone have any idea of reliability, longevity, performance (never driven one) Or any other input on this car?

    Cheers

    Randy
    I have a 2001 Boxster S with 60K miles. It has been virtually trouble free. Some cars have had water pump and engine bearing failures. Great handling due to it's mid-engine location and great acceleration with its 250 H.P. Mine has the plastic rear window and requires a lot of polishing to keep it clear. In 2002 or 2003 the window is glass I believe.
    David

    911 S Registry # 1054
    1970 911 E Coupe Signal Orange (#1414)
    1979 BMW 320i
    2001 Boxster S
    2003 Audi Allroad 2.7T Tiptronic
    2014 Jetta Sportwagon TDI DSG ( sold back to Volkswagen)
    2015 Allroad 2.0 TFSI

  6. #6
    Member#2944
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    Randy,
    2003 is the oldest I would buy. Glass rear window and a real glove box.
    Ours has a bit over 60K miles and has been very reliable.
    We had the IMS update and when the shop replaced it, they said it was the best, tightest bearing they'd ever seen!
    Wish he'd have lied to me. Had them replace the water pump while they had the engine out.
    Just got back from a drive through the Santa Cruz mountains. Car handled the twisty back roads beautifully.
    It will also hold 4 cases of wine. (front and rear trunks)
    They're a great Porsche bargain. Doesn't get driven as much as it should, so a trickle charger is a must.
    Go for the S
    Tony

    '68 912 SWT White
    '74 911 Targa Lime Green
    '03 Boxster S
    ‘13 Cayenne GTS

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by 911+1 View Post
    Randy,
    2003 is the oldest I would buy. Glass rear window and a real glove box.
    Ours has a bit over 60K miles and has been very reliable.
    We had the IMS update and when the shop replaced it, they said it was the best, tightest bearing they'd ever seen!
    Wish he'd have lied to me. Had them replace the water pump while they had the engine out.
    Just got back from a drive through the Santa Cruz mountains. Car handled the twisty back roads beautifully.
    It will also hold 4 cases of wine. (front and rear trunks)
    They're a great Porsche bargain. Doesn't get driven as much as it should, so a trickle charger is a must.
    Go for the S
    If they removed the engine to do an IMS and water pump you better find a different shop.

  8. #8
    bought an '03 new - drove it 60k maint. free miles - not an S - first year glass back window probably good idea long term - I had a tip for LA traffic - was a peppy little motor - fun drop top - went thru rear tires - I think they are dirt cheap these days - like anything make sure you find a good one maint/body history - probably $5-10K
    Early 911S Registry #750
    1970 911E - The Good Stuff
    2001 Toyota Landcruiser

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