u/typk13

Thank you to everyone who has put up with my endless Boxster questions and helped me narrow this down. These are the final two — I promise. 😂

Both can potentially be had for around $7,500, and I'm trying to decide which one makes the most sense from a reliability, resale, and long-term ownership perspective.

Option 1 — Silver 1999 Boxster, 53k miles

53,000 miles

IMS already done

Recently serviced cooling system with aluminum radiators

Clean title

Grey interior

Cayman-style hardtop conversion included

Fabspeed cat-delete/resonator exhaust

Aftermarket headlights

Aftermarket front bumper included — needs paint/installation

Soft top is still on the car but currently doesn't work and reportedly needs new motors

Intermittent CEL reportedly related to the cat-delete

I'm hoping to get this one for around $7,500.

Option 2 —2002 Boxster S, ~190k miles

This one has a ton of recent service:

IMS replaced

MAF sensor replaced

AOS replaced

Factory Porsche Sports Exhaust

Headers

Short-throw shifter

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Amplifier + subwoofer

Two keys

Second set of wheels/tires — summer + all-season

Porsche car cover

Window tint

It has approximately 190k miles, which is obviously a major concern, but the seller says he doesn't think you'll find a better-maintained Porsche mechanically at this age and price. Comes with all receipts since day one.

Cosmetically, there's a scratch on the front passenger quarter panel and some rock chips on the hood/bumper that are pretty understandable given the age and mileage.

This one could also potentially be bought for around $7,500.

So which one are you taking?

53k-mile 2.5 with IMS done

vs.

190k-mile Boxster S with extensive maintenance

If both are ~$7,500, which would you buy?

I'm especially interested in resale value, reliability, and which one you'd rather own 3–5 years from now.

And seriously, thank you to everyone who's given me advice through all these Boxster posts. This is the final 2. I promise. 😂

Links to both listings: https://www.facebook.com/share/19WYMef2kY/

https://www.facebook.com/share/14oAsXSGS4a/

Thank you for everyone’s help so far! I’ve narrowed my search down and these are two of my final three Boxsters and would really appreciate some opinions from the 986 experts here.

Option 1: 1997 Boxster 2.5

~84,000 miles

5-speed manual

Silver with brown/terracotta interior

Clean title

Asking $9,000 OBO

VIN: WP0CA2989VS622235

I was able to find the exact car in the Mecum Orlando 2022 auction records. It sold for $12,100 with 81,484 miles.

The big downside is that I don't have much service history. I know the car has been driven very little since the 2022 auction, but I don't know what major maintenance has or hasn't been done.

Option 2: 2001 Boxster S 3.2

116,000 miles

6-speed manual

3.2L Boxster S

Seller says it runs perfectly

Serviced every 3,000 miles

Clutch kit, IMS bearing and other components reportedly replaced only ~6,000 miles ago

A/C and heat work

Rebuilt title

Asking $11,000 OBO

VIN: WP0CB298X1U660312

Option 3: High-mileage, heavily maintained Boxster S ~190,000 miles

Manual Silver on black Full service history IMS replaced MAF sensor replaced AOS replaced Factory Porsche Sport Exhaust Headers Short-throw shifter Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Amplifier + subwoofer Two keys Two sets of wheels/tires — summer and all-season Porsche car cover Asking $9,000 OBO

Seller says it's probably one of the best-maintained Porsches mechanically for its age/mileage.

Has some cosmetic wear: scratch on front passenger quarter panel and rock chips on hood/bumper interior looks perfect.

The 190k-mile car is really intriguing because I'd much rather have 190k miles with a huge amount of documented maintenance than 100k-ish miles with no history. On the other hand, 190k is still 190k, and I'm wondering how much I'd be taking on even with excellent records. The 2001 S obviously has the more desirable engine, 6-speed and better performance, and the recent IMS/clutch work is a big plus if I can verify it with receipts.

The '97 is considerably cheaper, has much lower mileage, a clean title, and seems to have a pretty interesting history. But the lack of documented service history makes me nervous.

If these were your two choices, which would you buy and why?

I’m looking at three 986 Boxsters and would love some input from people who know these cars well. If you were spending your own money, which one would you buy?

1. 2000 Boxster S

150,000 miles

3.2L flat-six

Manual

Silver exterior / black interior

https://www.facebook.com/share/1K4iS2EmK6/

2. 2002 Boxster

Manual

2.7L flat-six

Red exterior / black interior

History is somewhat questionable — current owner acquired it in a trade and is relying largely on what the previous owner told him about the work done.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CRBUcoQPG/

3. 1999 Boxster

60,000 miles

Manual

2.5L flat-six

Blue exterior / gray interior

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BgeRjrMsD/

The cars are all in roughly the same price range.

I’m less concerned with having the absolute fastest car and more interested in which one is the best overall buy — fun to drive, relatively reliable, interesting/rare, and hopefully something that won't be a terrible financial decision.

Which one would you buy: 1, 2, or 3?

A college kid wants to buy my TJ and Im trying to find the quickest way to fix this problem for him so he doesnt have to deal with it. Please help!

I just installed a brand-new transmission pan, but I’m still getting a transmission fluid leak. I’ve narrowed it down and it appears to be leaking directly from the torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid. Its leaking a ton!

The transmission is shifting normally and I’m getting no check engine light or transmission codes.

Is there a seal, O-ring, gasket, or anything else around the TCC solenoid that can be replaced to stop the leak, or does the entire solenoid need to be replaced?

Just trying to figure out if there’s an easier/cheaper fix before I start replacing parts unnecessarily.

Any advice would be appreciated!

2004 TJ 4.0 Auto - Still leaking transmission fluid after pan, gasket & filter replacement. Where else should I look?

Looking for some advice before I start throwing more parts at it.

I have a 2004 Jeep Wrangler TJ, 4.0L automatic, and it's leaking transmission fluid. I already:

Replaced the transmission pan

Installed a new pan gasket

Replaced the transmission filter

Unfortunately, it's still leaking.

I'm attaching photos of where the fluid is showing up. Based on what you see, where would you check next?

Things I'm wondering about:

Front pump seal?

Cooler lines or fittings?

Dipstick tube O-ring?

Output shaft/tail housing seal?

Shift shaft seal?

Rear main transmission seal?

Any common leak points on these transmissions that I should inspect before dropping it apart again?

Thanks in advance!

Transmission pan was leaking and when changing it the filter showed some metal. Guy I bought it from said he replaced the trans he got used 10k miles ago. Pan was the original so I'm guessing that he didnt change the pan or filter when changing the transmission. Pan is filled and looks like its the damage from the original trans.

Any next steps I should take?

Its an 02 4.0 auto transmission

Just bought a Jeep TJ and I'm going through it now trying to figure out what the previous owner did.

I crawled under it and noticed what looks like an empty output/yoke at the transfer case. Looking closer, I think I'm actually missing the front driveshaft entirely. I have the rear driveshaft, but I don't see a shaft running from the transfer case to the front axle.

Can a TJ be driven like this in 2WD without issues? If the front driveshaft was removed, what are the common reasons people do it? Bad u-joints, vibration problems, lift issues, transfer case problems, or something else?

I also noticed some frame rust while I was under there. It doesn't look obviously rotted through to me, but I know TJs can rust from the inside out and hide issues. Based on the photos, does this look like typical TJ rust or should I be concerned?

Theres so many codes, what should I check first?

Check engine light on.

P0132

O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1, Sensor 1)

And (Bank 2 sensor 2)

P0171

System too lean

I also have a massive transmission leak and a small oil leak.

What should I check first?

​

So after you guys voted, I went ahead and bought the '02 TJ Sport.

​

Specs:

4.0L

Rebuilt automatic transmission

120k miles

Clean title

4 inch lift

​

Since bringing it home I've done a full interior and exterior deep clean.

​

Current issues:

​

Transmission pan gasket leak

Only starts in Neutral and won't line up with Park (seems like a simple linkage adjustment)

Engine has a slight stumble every 10 seconds or so at idle. Sounds fuel-related to me, possibly a fuel pump issue.

Interior is in decent shape overall, but the center dash bezel needs replacing.

Soft top is functional but could definitely use replacement.

​

My question is: would you keep it or flip it?

​

What do you think it's worth as-is right now versus after fixing the transmission leak, linkage issue, engine stumble, and putting a decent soft top on it?

​

Curious what the TJ market is actually doing right now and what you guys think a realistic selling price would be.

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How bad is this rust and cost to get it back to where it needs to be?

After everyone's help I've decided on this 98 TJ 4.0 with 120k miles. Picking up tomorrow! Seller says it has a persistent misfire that he can't track down.

​

What has already been replaced:

Spark plugs

Coil pack

O2 sensors

Belt and pulleys

Rebuilt transmission (10k miles ago)

Other mods:

4" lift

Front and rear 4-links

SYE

Winch

Steel bumpers

​

The Jeep still runs and drives, but seller says it should be trailered. No mention of overheating, coolant loss, oil consumption, or engine noise.

​

For those familiar with the 4.0:

​

What would be your first suspects for a persistent misfire after plugs and coil rail have already been replaced?

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How often do these end up being vacuum leaks, injectors, crank/cam sensors, or wiring issues?

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Is there anything that would make you think this engine is actually bad and needs a rebuild or replacement?

​

Trying to determine whether this is a $200 fix, a $1,000 fix, or a new engine situation.

You all have helped me with a feedback on a few of these. Im down to these 3. Need help deciding between three Jeep projects. I've attached photos of each. Which one would you buy and why?

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🔵 Blue Jeep – 2003 TJ, 2.4L 5-Speed, 145k miles

33" tires

Starts and drives

Engine is solid, clutch feels great

Wiring isn't connected, seller says everything is there

Needs shocks/suspension work

More of a project Jeep

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🔴 Maroon Jeep – 2002 TJ, 4.0 Auto, 120k miles

Rebuilt transmission, SYE, lift, winch, steel bumpers

Mystery misfire that seller can't diagnose

Needs top, tires, muffler, steering box, and trans pan gasket

Runs and drives but seller recommends trailering it

​

🟢 Green Jeep – 1995 YJ, 2.5L 5-Speed, 230k miles

Seller says the crankshaft sensor is the only issue and is fixing it before sale

Comes with a brand new soft top, taillights, and center console

Needs to be towed currently until fixed

Seller has owned it for 4 years

​

Assuming prices are reasonably close, which one gets your vote? All around $3K

​

Would you take the lower-mileage 4.0 with the mystery misfire, the blue TJ project, or the high-mileage YJ with the new parts? What red flags should I be looking for before pulling the trigger?

Found a 2003 TJ with the 2.4L, 5-speed manual, 140k miles, and 33s. Seller says it runs and drives but has a radiator leak, needs shocks, and "some wires in the engine bay aren't connected."

​

Asking price is $3,500.

​

The manual and lower miles make this much more interesting to me than the other TJs I've looked at, but I'm worried about the wiring and, most importantly, the frame.

​

I'll post photos and videos below. Assuming the frame is solid and 4WD works, what would you pay? Would you buy it?

Looking for some Jeep YJ advice from the experts.

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I'm considering buying a 1995 Jeep Wrangler YJ Rio Grande with the 2.5L 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual, and 4WD. Seller is asking $2,950. It has approximately 280k miles, although the speedometer was broken for some time. The transmission was reportedly rebuilt within the last 15k miles and it comes with a hardtop.

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My biggest concern is rust. Based on the photos, does the frame look too far gone, or is this normal surface rust for a YJ? Are there any areas I should specifically inspect before making the drive to see it?

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Assuming it runs and drives well, what would you offer for it? Is the asking price fair, or should I be closer to $1000?

​

Thanks in advance.

This seems like a great deal. If you check the link it looks like there's some rust. Should I send an offer?

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CVCNB2KbB/

I posted 2 days ago about this 237K mile YJ im looking at. There's a sensor issue and Im trying to decide if its worth buying. Just got photos of the engine bay if that helps. Let me know what yall think. How much should I offer?

Seems to be in good shape. What would you offer? 4 cylinder. 150k miles manual