What problems should I look out for when buying a 2005 Boxster S?

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Accepted Answer

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

| Item | What to Look For |
|------|-----------------|
| **Engine** | Smoke on cold start, oil consumption, unusual knocking |
| **Service Records** | Verify IMS bearing service receipt; 40k-60k service history |
| **Underbody** | Rust from Indiana winters, especially around suspension mounts |
| **Top Operation** | Smooth power operation, no hydraulic leaks |
| **Clutch/Transmission** | Notchy but precise shifts, no slipping |
| **Tires** | 2019 Michelins should have tread but check for age cracks |

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? 🚗

Lot 905077: 2005 Porsche Boxster S

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Lot 905077: 2005 Porsche Boxster S

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