Lot 905077: 2005 Porsche Boxster S

Great question! The 2005 Boxster S is the first year of the 987.1 generation, a fantastic car with phenomenal balance, but it does have some quirks worth knowing about before buying. Good news first: the $24,500 asking price is right in line with comparable sales — especially since this car already had its IMS bearing serviced at 41,000 miles. That’s a $2,000–$3,500 job you won’t have to do!

Critical Issues to Inspect

1. Bore Scoring 💰 Most Expensive

The M97 3.2L engine can develop cylinder bore scoring, particularly on short-trip cars. This is the scarier issue than IMS.

• Look for: Smoke on start-up, excessive oil consumption, rough idle, or ticking/knocking sounds
• Fix cost: $10,000–20,000 (engine rebuild)
• Test drive: Get it fully warm and check for smoke on deceleration

2. Rear Main Seal (RMS) Leaks

Very common on 987.1 models. Not catastrophic, but annoying.

• Look for: Oil drips where the engine meets transmission, oil on undertray
• Fix cost: $800–1,500 when doing clutch service

3. Air-Oil Separator (AOS) Failure

Causes rough idle, oil in intake system, and smoke.

• Look for: Rough cold starts, blue/gray smoke, oil consumption >1qt per 1,000 miles
• Fix cost: $400–800

4. IMS Bearing Status ✅ Already Done on This Car!

Your target car has this addressed — a huge plus! For other 987.1s without service, budget $2,000–3,500 or walk away.

Moderate Concerns

5. Convertible Top Hydraulics

Test the power top multiple times.

• Look for: Slow operation, fluid leaks in front trunk, torn canvas
• Fix cost: $1,000–2,500 for hydraulic work

6. Coolant System

Plastic coolant pipes and expansion tanks age poorly.

• Look for: Coolant smell, low coolant, debris in radiators
• Fix cost: $500–1,500

7. Control Arm Bushings & Suspension

Rubber bushings deteriorate; PASM shocks (if equipped) can weep.

• Look for: Clunks over bumps, vague steering
• Fix cost: $400–800

Given This Car’s Specifics

Since this vehicle is in Elkhart, Indiana and lived there:

• Ask about salt exposure — this is one of the FAQ questions already noted
• Check underbody, suspension mounts, and frunk/trunk seal areas for corrosion
• The 2019-dated Michelins are good news but inspect for flat-spotting from storage

The 6-speed manual in these cars is generally robust — much less to worry about than PDK in later models. Clutch replacement should be ~$1,500–2,500 if needed (the listing’s FAQ asks about this).

Pre-Purchase Checklist

The Sport Chrono package and black/black color combo make this a desirable spec. With documented IMS service and reasonable miles, this is a solid example — just get a PPI (Pre-Purchase Inspection) from a Porsche specialist who can check for bore scoring signs and underbody condition.

Want me to show you other Boxster S examples currently available, or do you have questions about the inspection process? 🚗