One Owner: 1999 Porsche Boxster – SOLD!

November 26, 2022, Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

It used to be the little old lady with the Corvette Stingray in the garage that was the dream find; that still happens, but reality has changed a bit in terms of what your average retiree couple has for a sports car. This 1999 Porsche Boxster has been with one owner since new, and it sports the optional factory hardtop and sport package. The mileage is reasonable at 105,000, and the seller claims it has been well-maintained. We came across this Boxster for sale on Craigslist in October 2022 in Tacoma, Washington, for $11,700. Comparing that price against the Classic.com model guide shows us that the seller is looking for very reasonable money, given the average selling price is clocking in above $13,000:

One thing missing from this ad is the mention of the dreaded IMS failure that plagues many Porsche models made between 1997 and 2008. I’ve realized lately that major repairs like these – if they don’t rear their ugly heads – fail to rattle owners who don’t spend all day in internet forums and Facebook Groups (so, retirees). For instance, I recently bought an Audi S6 Avant from the original owner, who maintained the car very well but was unaware of the delicate nature of the timing belt. It hadn’t failed, and if it did, he likely would have junked the car (fortunately, I bought it and got the timing belt job done before driving it any significant distance). For owners who just bought a car because they loved how it drove, the potential of a mechanical fault doesn’t typically dissuade them from owning it and/or enjoying the experience of mid-engined, top-down motoring.

The MotorWeek Retro Review YouTube Channel features this test drive of the original 1997 Porsche Boxster:

Here’s the plot twist: I recently witnessed an Audi S8 sell on an online auction offered by the original owner. Based on his description, the car had been religiously maintained. Still, he had no records in his possession (his suggestion was to call the dealer and ask for the records, which rarely works for anyone but the owner who authorized the work). In the comments, he recalled a service where the dealer removed the engine for a belt service but didn’t know when it was done. Some owners don’t sweat the maintenance. Pay the bill and move on because it’s just a car. We don’t operate that way, so I’d still pester the owner for details about the scope of the service history to see if he recalls a “big” service involving an engine-out procedure, which would likely indicate the IMS bearing has been replaced. The Boxster has some mild cosmetic flaws in the listing photos, but it also appears to be bone-stock and offered by a mature seller – which is always a good combination.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Great condition 5spd manual with sport package…one owner complete factory options. 105k miles gentle used…garaged and has been serviced and well maintained, black soft top and factory hard top ..service records available interior and exterior are both in great condition, performs and handles great. Serious inquiries only. Please call or text…we are retired and available anytime.“

Basic Boxster: is there a better mid-engined value in the sports car marketplace right now?