Porsche Boxster: The Practically Free Sportscar: Practically Free Porsche, #2

By Robert McGowan

Have you ever dreamed of owning a Porsche Boxster? Now you can turn your dreams into reality. You are about to discover that not only is your dream Porsche within easy reach, but with the right strategy it can even be practically free motoring.

 

In this book bestselling Porsche author Robert McGowan will remove the guesswork in acquiring the perfect Porsche Boxster and gently guide you through everything you need to know including:

 

★ How the Boxster was born

★ How you can already afford your dream Porsche

★ An in depth look at the model range including what they are like, what to look out for and how much to pay

★ The best Boxster and why

★ How to locate, buy and run a Porsche Boxster the smart way and get your money back come resale

★ Details and insights of Robert's Boxster ownership experiences

★ How to spot and avoid potential problem areas including Bore Scoring, IMS and RMS issues

★ Investment Potential

★ The best DIY projects and modifications to get the most from your Boxster and to keep it running as Porsche intended

 

Porsche Boxster:The Practically Free Sportscar is the second book in the highly acclaimed Practically Free Porsche series.

 

It is a must read for anyone who has ever considered buying the worlds ultimate roadster.

 

Scroll to the top and pick up your copy today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robert McGowan
• Release date: Aug 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393614654

Book preview

PORSCHE BOXSTER:

THE PRACTICALLY FREE SPORTSCAR

ROBERT MCGOWAN

Also by Robert McGowan

The International Best Seller -  Porsche 911: The Practically Free Supercar

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The Practically Free Porsche Journal

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The Practically Free 993 Journal

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The Practically Free 996 Journal

Vehicle Maintenance Logbook Plus Series

Internet Password Logbook Plus Series

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COMING SOON

PORSCHE 911: THE PRACTICALLY FREE TYPE 996

A guide to owning the first water-cooled 911

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Your Gift

Before we get started, I’d love to offer you a gift. It’s my way of saying thank you for spending time with me in this book.

This printable PDF has 108 pages where you can log your miles, fuel, oil, service, maintenance and more to ensure that your Porsche continues to run smoothly. You can ring bind these pages together or keep them in a folder as part of your service records. I’m sure you’ll find it very useful.

Claim your PDF by clicking the link below and joining my mailing list. Being on my email list means you will be the first to know when I release a new Porsche book, which I plan to offer at a steep discount or free within the first 24 hours.

Download my gift!

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Photographs: Robert McGowan, OPC Porsche archives.

As always, members of the Porsche community were extremely kind and helpful. A very special thanks for the photos shared by OPC Porsche Stuttgart, the Facebook Porsche Groups and owners’ clubs including Practically Free Porsche. A huge thank you to Andy Mollinson, Andy James, Adriann Bloem, Andrew Winstanley, Andy James, Ale Peak, Bob Moskios, Brian Masek, Brian Hayward Bryan White, Chuck May, LN engineering, Codgel Bradshaw, David Pimson, Daniel Franks, Darren Stebner, Dennis Bell, Emma Stoodley Philips, Erich Bech, Eric G Zeger, Freddie Aviles, Gerhard Hilmann, Gonzalo Sal Torres, Graham Burt, Ian Dick, Jan Miller, Jeff Koerner, Jeff Moore, Jeff Rodger, Jeroen Snijders, Jim Hirsch, Joe Hill, Johan Steyn, John Smith, John Watson, Jojo Angeles, Kris Liddle, Luis Guti, Marvin Waters, Mary Whitaker, Micheal Schumacher, Neil Baird, Paul Ehrenzeller, Paul Fawcett, Paul Kammerer, Ray Wabe, Roberto Lima Filho, Russel Hunter, Steven Devril, Steve Baldwin, Steve Bowley, Steve Brill, Steve Oliver, Tim Smith, Warren Hewit, Wilem Admiral.

Porsche Boxster: The Practically Free Sportscar by Robert McGowan

All rights reserved. This eBook contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author.

Disclaimer: The opinions within this book are not to be confused with legal or financial advice

© 2020 Robert McGowan

Editor: Art Fogartie

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Dedication

For my Mum and Dad: Thank you for making me believe that I can do anything I put my mind to. I love you both more than words could ever say.

Contents

Introduction

How the Boxster Was Born

Real racecars have their engines in the middle

550

718 RSK

RS60

986 Design

Boxster Concept

You Can Afford Your Dream Porsche

Model Ranges

Type 986 Model History

What’s it Like?

What to Look For

Which is Best?

What to Pay?

Running Costs

Conclusion

Affordable Porsche Racing

Porsche Club Championship

Type 987 Model History

What’s it Like?

What to Look For

Which is Best?

What to Pay

Running Costs

Conclusion

The Drive

Type 981 Model History

What’s it Like?

What to Look For

Which is Best?

What to Pay

Running Costs

Conclusion

On the Money in Glasgow

Type 718 Model History

What’s it Like?

What to Look For

Which is Best?

What to Pay?

Running Costs

Conclusion

The Best Value Boxster

Potential Engine Issues

Rear Main Seal

Cylinder Issues

Cracked Cylinders

Bore Scoring

Models Affected by Bore Scoring:

Intermediate Shaft Bearing

What goes wrong?

Driving Style

Extending IMS Bearing – Preventative Maintenance

U.S. Class Action Lawsuit

Buying a Porsche Boxster

Running Costs

Porsche Warranty

Porsche Protection Plans

Is Porsche’s Extended Warranty Your Best Option?

Selling Your Porsche

Boxster Investment Potential

Classic Car Status

Modern Classics

Projects and Mods

Changing Oil and Filters

Changing Air Filters

Changing Fuel Filters

Replacing Belts

Replacing Spark Plugs and Coils

Replacing Air and Oil Separator

Updating DME with Performance Software

Installing Short Shift Kit

Muffler Replacement

Installing High Performance Exhaust System

Big Red Brake Upgrade

Master Cylinder Replacement

Steering Wheel Replacement

Replacing Lenses and Bulbs

Installing A New Hood Crest and Emblem

Replacing Hood Shocks

Child Seat Air Bag Deactivation

Replacing the Battery and Trickle Charger Connection

Installing A Deep Sump Kit

Awards

A Final Note

Introduction

My 987S on the banks of Loch Lomond

It was only a few years ago but when I think about it now, it seems like it was all a daydream. Let me take you back to what happened that night. We were two weeks into our six-month sabbatical of SE Asia. As we lay on Krabi Beach in Thailand, we felt the warm evening breeze on our suntanned skin. It had been another magical day and now we were sipping cold beers and looking out across the wide ocean as the waves gently rolled in.

We watched the azure sky slowly turning to yellow with orange rays; the sun looked like an impossibly pink spotlight sitting on the horizon before it slowly dipped and spilled its extraordinary color across the water. It was one of the most mesmerizing images we had ever seen. I began to get the same feeling in the pit of my stomach whenever I see a spectacular sun – it’s happened ever since I was a small boy. Something significant was about to unfold and my thoughts momentarily flickered back to my youth. I recalled the first time I ever experienced this weird sensation – while I was watching the 1977 movie Star Wars IV:  A New Hope. In one of the scenes, Luke Skywalker watches the other worldly twin sunset across the desert while John Williams’ brilliant orchestral soundtrack swells with emotional poignancy. I was in my gran’s top-floor tenement flat at the time and I could clearly see the sun beginning to set over the nearby Old Kilpatrick hills. 

Krabi Beach Thailand

I was watching the movie with my grandad when the lounge suddenly became bathed in golden evening sunlight. Grandad smiled and winked at me as I looked around at the beautiful light that filled the room. For a moment it felt like we were living in a dream world. Despite my young age, I’ve never forgotten the moving experience.  I’ve relived the feeling of wonder many times over the years while watching the setting sun and somehow, I know the feeling will come again. That night on the beach in Krabi we were in the kind of relaxed state that comes with the freedom of visiting far off places and knowing this will be your lifestyle for the next few months (or longer should you decide). There would be no work, no duties, and nothing much to consider apart from where we wanted to visit and what the next pleasure would be. It was the trip of a lifetime and I allowed my mind to drift as I watched the slowly changing colors in the sky. My thoughts turned to my Porsche back home and although I was missing it, the thought of it waiting for me whenever I got back gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling. I mentally scrolled through all the feelings of excitement and happiness that I’d felt when I bought my first Porsche so many years ago. Back then, it had taken a lot of courage for me to pull the trigger and buy my dream car, but I did it and it changed my life.

Something in the back of my brain clicked and I realized I should document and share what I have learned. I wanted to inspire people to do what I have done and to follow their dreams of owning a Porsche.

981S

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I was sure people would benefit from my ownership experiences and the knowledge I built up over past 30-odd years of being a Porsche enthusiast. I felt that potential owners would save a lot of time, money, and possible heartache by reading about my journey. I could show people how owning a Porsche is not only affordable but can also be practically free motoring just like it has been for me.

Without the usual distractions of everyday life, it became clear I should begin working on my book. I had never written a book before; however, I harbored no illusions. I knew there would be a lot of work over a long period of time, but I wasn’t discouraged. Quite the opposite in fact. I am extremely passionate about Porsches and I knew I had the freedom and the time to kick start my project. I was up for a new challenge.

The book that finally emerged was called Porsche 911: The Practically Free Supercar and it far exceeded my expectations by becoming an international best seller. Writing my first little Porsche book took me on an unexpected life adventure. I had the honor of doing book signings at Porsche Club events and have been interviewed by newspapers, magazines, and Porsche Clubs and forums. I have had the pleasure of meeting lots of lovely people and received the most touching messages from folks all over the world who have enjoyed the book and used it as a reference tool to buy their dream Porsche.

986 2.7

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Readers were intrigued by my story and wanted to connect and so I created a Facebook Group called Practically Free Porsche for people to learn more about these amazing cars. I started a YouTube channel to share my Porsche videos. Words can’t express how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to help steer people towards their goals. Everything that has happened reaffirms what I already felt: the significance of following your dreams.

Nowadays one of the questions I get asked a lot is, ‘’What is the best first Porsche to buy?’’ and my unwavering answer is always the same. The Porsche Boxster. Why? Because I am convinced it offers the very best value in the Porsche range and represents the world’s finest all round sportscar package. It’s also affordable and therefore attainable for most people partly because this hugely underestimated car is often wrongly viewed in the shadow of its big brother, the 911.

Many are unaware of how special the Porsche Boxster really is. Potential owners are missing out on what could be their golden ticket straight into the world of Porsche. A great many assume it would be too expensive to own a Porsche or have bought into some of the common myths about Boxsters. If something gets repeated often enough, it gets taken as the truth. Years of hyped up internet stories and misinformation mean this wonderful Porsche is often unappreciated and misunderstood, at least until they decide to drive one. Then, things change. Have you driven one?

I’ve learned a lot about Boxsters through personal experience. I want to condense everything I know in a publication that will remove the guesswork for anyone who wants to own one. In this book I will discuss how you can locate, buy, and run the ultimate roadster with complete confidence and even get most (or all) of your money back when you come to sell it. I have done exactly this with my Boxster S, and I’ll show you how you can do it too.

986 2.5

We will take look at how the Boxster came to be and get a good understanding of each type in the model range. I will share the truth about the much talked about and often misunderstood potential problem areas including the dreaded IMS and Bore Scoring. We will consider the car’s driving dynamics and what one is like to live with (and the costs involved). I will cover the best value Boxster and show you how to carry out your own basic servicing and maintenance and how to perform the best modifications to get the most from your Porsche.

Porsche 718 Boxster Models - Sports exhaust system

718 Sports Exhaust

Porsche Boxster: The Practically Free Sportscar is the second book in the Practically Free Porsche book series – funny, it feels like a much anticipated second album! From the bottom of my heart, thank you for buying my book. I can honestly tell you I have thoroughly enjoyed the process of creating this work. It is my hope that everyone who reads it feels they receive real value from it. By the time you finish, I want you to feel well informed, convinced, and entertained. Most of all, I want you to be inspired and ready to follow your dreams and buy the Boxster you really want.

Right – make yourself comfortable because we have got a lot to talk about. I would like to start by sharing the fascinating story of how the brilliant Porsche Boxster was born.

Are you ready? I am.

Buckle up and let’s go!

How the Boxster Was Born

718 4.0 and 718 RS60

The last car that will be built will be a sports car.

Ferdinand Porsche

Now let’s step back in time a bit. Volkswagen (or ‘’Peoples Car’’) was officially founded in Berlin on 28 May 1937 as the Gesellschaft zur Vorbereitung des Deutschen Volkswagens mbH, which was abbreviated to ‘’Gezuvor’’ by the German Labour Front. This State-owned ‘’Limited Liability Company for The Peoples Car’’ was formed to produce the Volkswagen automobile originally called the Type 60 then later the Type 1. A few years prior, Ferdinand Porsche’s Consulting Firm had been tasked with delivering the project with the full support and backing of Adolf Hitler. The Type 1 evolved into what would become the most produced car in history, the Volkswagen Beetle. Variations of the Beetle project (including an amphibious Type 66 Schwimminwagoen) would be used extensively throughout the war and the little Volkswagen became known for its reliability with parts that could be easily, quickly, and inexpensively changed.

Upon completion of the Volkswagen Beetle project, engineering genius Ferdinand Porsche would go on to develop many highly successful agricultural and military vehicles and weapons systems including the advanced Tiger, Tiger 2, Elefant and Panzer V111 Maus Tanks and the V-1 Flying Bomb. Porsche also contributed to aircraft designs including the Junkers Ju 8, and the Focke-Wulf TA 152. These endeavors would see the Porsche family accused of war crimes. On 15 December 1945, the French authorities arrested Ferdinand Porsche along with his son, Ferry Porsche, and Anton Piëch (an Austrian-German Lawyer) who was Ferdinand’s son-in-law. Ferry was set free shortly afterwards, however Ferdinand and Anton remained in a Dijon prison for 20 months without trial.

Ferdinand Porsche, 1898

Ferry Porsche tried to keep the business afloat while his father was in captivity by repairing cars, winches, and water pumps. He also worked with Piero Dusio on the innovative 4WD Grand Prix motor racing car, the Type 360 Cisitalia. The car would never race, however the money raised from the project was enough to free Ferdinand from the French prison.

Upon his return, Ferdinand Porsche refocused his strong work ethic towards automobiles and motor sport and produced the legendary early Porsche sports cars including the type 64, the 356 and the 550, which became very popular and victorious in several racing events. In creating these magnificent and pioneering cars, Ferdinand Porsche was laying the foundations and spirit of the Porsche brand as we know it. Ferdinand would later become obsessed with automation