[Inkedupfatboy]

I have a 2004 Harley fatboy that I bought new. I have about 14,500 miles on it. Since I moved to Florida and had cancer, I rarely ride it. I have averaged about three rides a year for the last three years.



I keep thinking I should sell it, but can't get what I want for it and since it does not eat much I have kept it. I start thinking about getting rid of it, I ride it and then love it again - and then it sits.



I have added a few things to it, but have not gone crazy. We bought it to ride together - and she won't ride down here. It has broken two belts in the last two years and I am sort of afraid to ride it and get stuck somewhere.



I found an ad on craigslist today, for a 1997 Boxster with a bit over 86K on it. He wants to swap for a bike. I started emailing thinking I might be interested.



Here is what I know...



Polar Silver Cab - with red leather interior and black roof

Factory CD changer, factory radio w/ cassette.

Factory tool kit with original spare and owners manuals

Factory original key with valet key

Porsche Twist Wheels

Top works

All electronics are reported as working

Headlights just cleaned of all yellowing/fading



Bad news - small wear spot on driver's seat - (have not seen yet)

and he says it runs but runs rough - when I asked for more info - he said, it sounds like the exhaust is open or no exhaust on it at all -

and he was advised not to drive it. (I do not know yet how long it has been parked - yes it's garaged)



So - any thoughts? Any Boxster owners want to input? Maybe I can flip it for more than I can sell the bike for. My bike is really cherry too.



The wife has not said no, so I think that I might be clear there - I am going to call him tomorrow and set up a time to at least go look at it...I hate to get rid of the bike but I just don't use it.



Talk me out of it or talk me into it - I mean, if one totally fussy money pit is good, two must be better right?



Thanks

Ed

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[Rob in Oz]

I don't know anything about Harleys, but I imagine that in good condition, it'd be worth a lot more that a '97 Boxster with engine issues, which wouldn't be worth much at all, given their reputation for engine failures...

Recommend you do some homework re prices and potential problems.



Rob

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[Rap]

Aren't you the one complaining about all the money you have put into the 968? There are better Boxsters out just waiting for you. Patience grasshopper! Lol

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[Inkedupfatboy]

Yea, that was me. lol

Still is -



I think I will go look at it and continue to do some homework. I was not aware that they had engine failure issues. I will look into this.

My Harley should have been worth about 12K but they flooded the market with them after I bought mine and they don't bring good bucks used now. They sell for about $8500 down here in Florida.

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[kwikt]

I would pass.

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[banditsc]

Pass, at best that is a $8-10k Boxster, then you need to put money in it to fix it. Then there is the $2k or so to fix the issue with the IMS bearing.

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[tamathumper]

Google "ISB Failure".

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[biosurfer1]

If you aren't familiar with the IMS/RMS issues with those engines, you really need to do more homework before you buy anything.

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[Inkedupfatboy]

Sweet! Thanks guys - I just walked.

If it was minor, I would have jumped on it, but after having gone through the dreaded transaxle rebuilt nightmare, I am not ready to go there again.



I would still consider a trade for the right car though...Guess I will keep looking.



Youse guys rock!

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[MCL968]

There is a Boxster up here that is in pieces the owner wants 3500 for, and he can't sell it! Boxsters can be good cars, but in my experience the early ones had issues, and it sounds like that one is typical. You were right to have walked.

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[JTP]

Glad you walked on that deal, your Harley is worth more. That Boxster would have been a money pit and to be honest I like my 968 far more than my previous Boxster S.

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[986boxster1998]

Sounds like a smart choice! They are harder to work on then a 968, but can be great cars. I'd be surprised if a nice early Boxster with an engine issue would bring more then $6,000. Side note my 1st Porsche (a '98 Boxster) was the same color combo Silver/Full Red Leather and it was beautiful.

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[Inkedupfatboy]

Harder to work on? Are you kidding - lol I don't work on my own stuff - I have neither the time or the patience. I hate cars. I hate working on cars even more.



I told him I would pass after what I just went through with the 968 and how much I put into it.

I offered him a grand for it if he can't get it gone and I thought it was amusing because I expected some nasty response but all he said was he would see if he could get a better deal which tells me he knows exactly what was wrong with it and doesn't want to spend the bucks to fix it himself.



Oh well, if he calls me I will give it a look see for a grand, if not, I will keep looking. lol

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[flash]

if you don't work on cars, i would not even be considering anything more than a couple of years old, no matter what kind of car. to do so will only result in frustration from the repair costs.



better still, buy new and get the warranty.

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[Tom030]

Figure about $4,000.00 to do the IMS bearing correctly and the "while we're in there" stuff such as a clutch t/o bearing etc. A friend of mine just went down that street.

~tom

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[Inkedupfatboy]

Sorry Flash, gonna keep buying old cars and having someone else do the work and complaining about it all the way. It's what I do. I will be continuing the Volvo restoration soon too. There will be lots to complain about there also - I already have 7K in the suspension alone.



Other things I completely abhor and have lots of....

Computers - have em, hate building them - and also motorcycles - ditto - Don't ride 'em, don't want to work on them, and they just take up space...



I am also looking at a 63 or 67 (can't remember what year it was) drop top caddy and a 55 four door chevy wagon -



Lots to spend money on and complain...



Oh well...I will find something - been wanting a duece and a half for about 30 years. Had a deal set up for the bike last year and the wife put the kabosh on that one.

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[flash]

lol - you know that is the definition of insanity, right?

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[Langley968]

Glad to see others chimed in quickly about the IMS bearing issue with some of the early Boxters. If you find one that was built in 2000 or later, then you should be OK.

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[Inkedupfatboy]

Yea Flash, in fact I think my photo is next to the definition in the dictionary - lol



Langley, I am not looking for a boxster, it just plopped in my lap...If it would have been a good deal, I would have jumped. I too am glad everyone spoke up quick and for that I thank everyone.



If things are meant to be for me, they are usually pretty easy, if not meant to be they are a fight every step.



Thanks

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[Rap]

Boy what a motto to live life by! lol Was the 968 meant to be or not? I'm confused. I would ask if you were a Philosophy teacher or social worker with that motto, but neither of those two professions afford your financial flexibility!!

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