Owners of 2003 & 2004 BoxsterSs.

Docdanracy

Docdanracy

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tell me your experiences with your cars.
the good the bad and the ugly. Looking at possibly purchasing a 2003 S with 52K miles on it for under $19K.

I had great luck with my '99 2.5L.

My C2 is most likely going to be heading north to Ontario Canada so I am looking for a nice strong replacement.
 
I've driven two 2003's so far and driven them several times. One is a 2003 base Boxster Tiptronic which is owned by my brother in Hawaii and the other is a 2003 Boxster S 6 spd which is owned by my Son in law in Manhattan Beach, Ca.

The base Boxster is more comparable to my 2002 Boxster S Tiptronic but has a little less power but the exhaust tone from the 2003 makes a difference that I personally like. The added feature of glass window, Glove box etc is a plus.

The 2003 S with a 6 spd is a big plus for me. You have better use of the power and all the other good stuff the 2003 has.

I know this didn't describe much but it drove me to buy the 2008 Boxster S PDE2. After driving this once I had no desire to drive the 2002 S on the driveway. I gave it to my son for a small monthly fee. He was very excited when I did that specially since he's coming from a Acura Integra.

With you coming from a 99 2.5 you may have the same experience I had with going to a 2008 S.
 
thanks, right now I am driving a 260HP 964 C2. I sold my 2.5L about 2.5 years ago...
I still drive 2.5s occasionally but they are Spec Boxsters:D

Being that I have been a PCA instructor for almost 20 years now, I have driven just about everything out there including GT2s, GT3s, 987Ss, 986Ss, CaymanSs, and 996s, 997s on track and at AXs.

the information I am really after are about mechanical issues, running gear, switch gear, top mechanisms etc....
 

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Dan,

doesn't matter what they tell you.
Get the car! We need you back in the "Boxster Team"!
 
thanks Chris....here is a quick couple of pics;)
 

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If it makes any difference my 03S has a locking glove box and a glass rear window instead of plastic. So far no real issues except for RMS which was fixed under warranty. Seems like a good buy if it passes inspection.

Good Luck George
 
All 986s pretty much have the same issues. You have the advantage of a factory glass rear window with an '03. Boxster Ss tend to need more rear wheel bearing replacements than non Ss. Other than that it's the usual coolant resevoir, water pump, motor mount, RMS, cam covers, AOS, convertible top cables, convertible top pushrods, mass air sensor, cv boots, oil fill tube, and of course IMS failure. Don't let that list scare you away because as you know they are a ton of fun to drive.
 
No getting out to karate chop the rear window with an '03 or '04. Just push the button and go.
And it will be faster at autox than your C2 - you might even be able to keep up with me now Dan :-)
 
Just hurry up and get it before the mid-engined shootout!
 
what wheels?.... RUF? looks nice. and a little 'aero' rocker panel?

kj
 
Grant,

I'm going to give you a run for your money this year - I've lost 4 pounds.

kj
 
KenJ said:
Grant,

I'm going to give you a run for your money this year - I've lost 4 pounds.

kj
Click to expand...

Suspect we wont have many opportunities to run with each other. I'm staying local at Marina for AX with UFO. Might make it over the hill to SCCA at Great America but not often. Planning 3 hillclimbs this year. SCCA National Tour events. Maybe even nationals. Dont think Ill be at many PCA events this season. You can beat up on everyone with your hopped up Boxster S at GGR events this year without many worries of being beat by a little stock powered 2.5. LOL!
 
Ken,
actually Moda wheels, and yes it does have aero rocker panels.

at the midengine shoot out I should be copiloting Grant's PB....or maybe not....
 
So far...

Flintworks has a good list of the problems of the 986S. Out of his list, my car has had these problems: motor mount, RMS, convertible top cable 1 rear wheel bearing, and cv boots. I was able to repair the convertible top cable and wheel bearing myself. I had the dealer repair RMS - $800.00, motor mount $80.00 (labor) and cv boots $900.00. I do most all maints which saves money and just purchased a lift so I will be able to do even more maints and inspections. I drive the car hard on and off track and I think this car really comes home on the track. My trans glides thru the gears like butter on the track, but can be a little sticky on the the road. I use it as a daily driver (summer months) and have just turned 60,000 miles. I have just ordered the body color painted bumperettes from bumperplugs.com and I think that will really make the rear look good. I am going on my 3rd year of ownership of this car (bought is used with 35,000 miles lease turn in). Picked it up in Wisconsin (was a Florida car) and when I got it home I had a puddle of Oil on the floor (RMS). I did not get under the car when I bought it and did not see the leak till I got home :) (Dealer helped me the the fix) All in all I love driving this car, have driven other 2 seaters but this one fits me the best 6'2'' 220lbs (solid muscle:D). I took it on a road trip to Texas from Michigan and had a great time with no problems and was comfortable. Great car!!:o
 
Motor mounts on all 986 cars should be replaced with upgraded Wevo mount. Anyone who has seen stock mounts knows why I say this.

And Dan you have a reserved seat in PB for shoot out.
 
thanks Grant. I am really looking forward to driving PB, it should be a total blast:D And I agree on the motor mounts. I have seen the ones that Mark has removed from several cars....and the Wevo replacement is very nice.
 
I've had no problems so far. Replaced battery at 6 year mark.
 
yeah, i like the RUF wheels as well and looks very nice in the inside
 
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