I bought Britain's Cheapest Boxster - My First Porsche

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Visit CarVertical to obtain your vehicle history report and add discount code TLBS to receive 10% off. www.carvertical.com/gb/landing/hand?a=gpa&b=ca5f8bea&gclid=CjwKCAjw69moBhBgEiwAUFCx2GEbZL-4dIyIEIkb43UHuiJMTmffWAkRLQZ0j1xy2TPa4LXW550xxRoCJA0QAvD_BwE

[@carl_ferrer]

Jonny - replace the fuse for the dashboard/instrument cluster (swap with the hazard lights as same amp rating). I’ve had a 2000 986 for 12 years and been through ALL the common challenges. If you leave the key in the ignition and to position one for longer than 30 mins it overheats the instrument cluster and seems to do something to the fuse. Then when it gets warm you can’t start the car because of the fuse. It causes an instrument cluster code that you can’t see without a Durametric (I have one if you need it) or a Porsche PIIWIS diags, but swapping the fuse out resets it. That’s probably what you cleared, and I bet you left the key in the ignition to position one while you looked at the engine bay! That’s how I found this out the hard way too! Carl

[@turbokadett]

Those sorts of faults are total hair pullers! I've had the same where, as a fuse warmed up, the fracture across the link opened up. It took me weeks to solve and now I swap for know-good ones before troubleshooting the rest of the system 😅

[@akf2000]

Lol that's so voodoo

[@smithp573]

Great shout. My brain kept shouting that it must be in some way heat related.

[@GodmanchesterGoblin]

Good shout. Fuses can age, especially if run for any length of time near their rating.

[@andrewnorris5415]

@@turbokadett welcome to being a coder lol

[@bigchewie1]

The small obd2 reader probably doesnt drill down far enough to show codes in minor modules, but clearing them shows they exist. Likely If you plug it into a porsche code reader or more in depth reader it will show more. Looking forward to the progress with this

[@Akira42]

That's what I was going to say, a generic reader won't show specific codes but it'll be able to clear the fault memory, as I understand it. So there were faults there but the OBD2 couldn't read them, but it could clear them. A better one, or a Porsche one, would show the faults.

[@jadamsnz]

This may be the (temporary) solution to the no start when warm problem. Jonny, take an OBD2 reader with you when you pick it up.

[@hydraflyer]

Unfortunately videos are littered with adverts for rubbish overpriced ones like Carly when an ebay one will do the same job. Dealer tools are best

[@UpsideDownFork]

​@@hydraflyerfor certain cars, some of those more premium ones will do more. OBDeleven for example does pretty much all most people could possibly need from VCDS and it's a lot more user friendly too. I'm LED to believe that Carly can do a lot for BMWs as well 👍

[@BiglumpADV]

​@@UpsideDownForkI second that, I've got OBDeleven for VAG cars and it's really good. And a fraction of the cost of VCDS.

[@mikebull1972]

Bloody loved that, felt like I was right there with you. Good luck with it Jonny!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you so much. Could you tell how chuffed I was? Looking forward to sorting the module (think it's possible to do with a credible person for £500) and then the rest of the car is fundamentally good. #ghettoboxster

[@tripletrunning2742]

Might be worth contacting JMG Porsche in Bournemouth. They will be able to help with the immobiliser module. If it's not too far gone a cheap repair may be possible.

[@_gray_]

This was a great video, JS... did you try restarting it a second time out of curiosity?

[@davidorchard9340]

I've always been tempted by a bargain boxster...they won't be cheap for much longer

[@MrCaterhamr500]

@@TheLateBrakeShowwhere’s the update on Boxster??

[@CeltSfodster]

Might be worth checking the main relay for dry joints. When they warm up it can cause the non starting issue. Will be good to see this project develop.

[@ApKieras]

for me it was a fuel pump issue but that was long time ago.

[@danielellis8053]

had a similar issue. the main relay was built into to the ecu and it would get hot after a 20min run. would cause non start until it had cooled down. sometimes 10minutes other times upto an hour. swapped the ecu out and was perfect.

[@Patriiiiick]

Lovely to finally see Jonny's own personal barn find. Also pleasantly surprised that it survived a Car Throttle vid!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

I was worried at first that Alex might have ruined it. Thankfully the Box survived!

[@ganeshshenoy1102]

Congratulations lad❤😊

[@xenonpestpreventioncontrol8168]

@@TheLateBrakeShow I saw this car in real life...at TLBS Betteshanger Show in the car park...mad coincidence

[@baoquoc3710]

@@TheLateBrakeShow It might be Rory even, or Taylor! Who knows?

[@gimble447]

​@@baoquoc3710Genuine question, was Taylor ever involved with Car Throttle?

[@jonburrough1452]

The most sincere and genuine man on KZbin. Exactly like a chap we could all be friends with as someone else mentioned. Just at ease. Enjoy your own barn-find and we look forward to seeing how you’ve rid the demons!

[@zenmoto369]

I'm sure you didn't do this project just because it is trending type content. And you are doing it with style, your style, that's why we love you. Bonus points for the choice of car and its history. It's riskier to buy a car from Alex than a write-off Roll Royce :D :D

[@artisanelectrics]

Great video - as an electrician we find faults that blow our minds from time to time and it can be so frustrating when you feel like you’re going round in circles but then so satisfying when you have that “aha” moment and find out what the problem is! Hope you get to drive her home soon…

[@vonsenger2010]

I had this issue. Turned out to be a relay for the fuel pump that overheats. Sits behind the rear bulk head passenger side. Took me months to work out

[@LOTPOR0402]

But it didnt seem to be turning over , and you can hear if the fuel pump is running or not

[@walterbrooks3539]

@LOTPOR0402 I think he's referring to the not starting after it has been running for a while problem.

[@OakleyWheelwright-zj2jn]

A slightly stressful day for sure, but an absolute pleasure to meet you and Phil! Mays Modules to the rescue soon hopefully. Cheers Jonny! 😃

[@paulwithers9194]

Joys of Porsche ownership, your Dad did well with the reader!

[@phaeton_buggy1575]

Arrrgh a cheap Boxster less than 10 miles from me & you sold it to a Southerner🤣😂

[@jamessheehy4895]

Honestly a superb channel! So chilled so knowledgeable and so humble

[@chrisaris8756]

I know so well the feeling of excitement at getting a new old car then the sinking feeling and depression as more and more faults manifest themselves on the way home. Especially as it grinds to a halt in the middle of open country at midnight! Enjoyed that greatly - so much better than tedious EVs.that no one wants. Look forward to what I hope will be the next episode soon. Cheers Jonny.

[@dwarfyh32]

The ECU under the passenger seat is the alarm & immobiliser box. If that has seen water damage that is likely your starting problem.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

That is precisely the issue.

[@greatfox315]

Glad you were able to get it started, Johnny! I met you in person at RR7 and took a photo with you (I’m the guy with the ‘stache) - I’d have congratulated you in person if I had seen this video at that time. Welcome to the Porsche family and keep on doing what you do best, you’re my favorite car-related presenter/personality by far!

[@Marty-Mc]

Had an 987 Cayman, same problem, small sensor at the clutch pedal was the problem as it gets a bit fragile, took ages to find out .

[@martijnkosters9024]

Good shout that.

[@fozpringle1]

That's only if this car has the press clutch before starting feature

[@Trendyflute]

@@fozpringle1 basically every manual car for the last 30 years does...I'm sure this car does. Good shout marty-mc, I had some weird problems in my NA Miata solved by replacing a similar switch and its corresponding pad that it touched against.

[@jeffreysalzman1497]

I was thinking this too. Sometimes my Porsche will do the same thing for a moment and I bought a switch and have it on hand just in case. I would check that switch, they are cheap and easy to change.

[@paulsz6194]

@@Trendyflute ....every manual car form the last 30 years??? How did you verify that? Did the VW Beetle that was manufactured in Mexico? What about the Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon or Opel/ Vauxhall Astra & Corsa Made since the early 90’s ? My mother’s ‘96 Toyota Camry never has that... I would really like you to publish your source of information here...

[@RandallSlick]

That's what I love about Porsches and most other German machinery. You can feel that balanced chassis and engineering experience right until sensors or ECUs fail. Good luck.

[@blackporscheroadster-yw8hb]

EVERYTHING fails on them, mot just electrical.

[@amyboehm802]

Cheers to you, Jonny! Best of luck with the new-to-you 986. Bought mine off eBay, sight unseen 15 years ago and drove it 700 miles home. She's been remarkably reliable. Mostly just minor issues: water pump leaking, cracked overflow tank - both common issues to the platform. Only major issue was a failed variocam actuator, that was a bit pricy to fix. Standard maintenance stuff is all pretty easy to deal with. 5-speed and flat six are a great combo. Can't wait to see the next installment on this one. Cheers from NC!

[@mattr6053]

Sounds like it might be the Clutch actuator. Potentially solvable with a trip to Porsche for a look at the software. It can happen if the clutch was replaced without updating the cars computer. So things end up misaligned.

[@sequoiavancamp2152]

The fabled ghetto Boxster!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Indeed, although it's a lot less ghetto than expected.

[@vincentmcdonnell4013]

Yippee really wanted this to happen....

[@R-Tap]

​@@TheLateBrakeShowput it on air

[@1maico1]

@@TheLateBrakeShow I'm guessing you have a reliable set of Japanese wheels as daily transport. VAG electronics are the new prince of darkness....

[@emgee9775]

I had this exact fault on my 987. Go shops. Got back to car. Would not start. Had to let the car cool down. Maybe had to wait twenty minutes. Think it was the crank position sensor. Got it done, no problems since.

[@Mr2OOM]

What an eventful start to your Boxster journey .. I'm looking forward to seeing this progress .. Just a small tip re the rear window, I roll up a towel or place a piece of pipe insulation where the window creases on my Chimaera and it stops it creasing ..

[@thefreedomguyuk]

One does need to apply the "Porsche Karate Chop" when stowing the top, to prolong the life of the rear window

[@Laz_Arus]

My MX5 NA has a plastic rear window and can also suffer from a crease if you don't take precautions. To that end I got my mum to sew a long sock-like tube with fluffy material, approx 100mm in diameter, and I stuffed it full of loose foam until it felt firm enough to support the bend in the window when folded down. When not in use I store the tube behind the seat out of the way. Works a treat and I have no evidence of creasing or cracking.

[@markrainford1219]

Good ol' mum.@@Laz_Arus

[@Trendyflute]

Those 17s were actually one of my favorite style of OEM wheels on the 986, and prob what I'd put on a non-S Boxster if I had one. Getting an updated 2.7 liter 00s one in lapis blue with blue top is more than I expected for your money! I wouldn't seek out the grey interior but obvs beggars can't be choosers. It looks like it'll clean up well, hope you can sort the mechanical/electrical issues without too much trouble!

[@YachtReport]

Johnny next time you have the roof up in that position be sure to clear the drainage points under there. I owned one of these and if they get blocked, water runs down the back of the seats and onto the modules under the seats.

[@blackporscheroadster-yw8hb]

Water gets in through other places in the hood other than the blocked drainage holes. Mine were clear, but it still leaked water behind the carpet behind the seats in heavy rain. Genius Porsche engineers put the ECU under the passenger seat where the water collects. Worst cars ever made.

[@mediabosscall]

I changed my password everywhere to ‘incorrect.’ That way when I forget it, it always reminds me, ‘Your password is incorrect.

[@MrCaterhamr500]

Good luck but sorry to tell you that’s the 217hp 2.7 not the later 228hp version, easy way to tell is the later 996 2.7 had a wider rear spoiler where as the earlier cars had a thin style. The ignition switches regularly fail on these and would be worth a replacement. My top tips after owning a few; 1. Use a slightly thicker grade oil than Porsche recommends at this mileage. 2. Add a magnetic sump plug, these can have IMS issues but not as prevalent as the internet would like you to think, with regular oil changes and the magnetic sump plug you can monitors the issue and usually save it before it gets bad. 3. Try to retro fit the earlier cars mechanical levers to open the bonnet using wire, it’s just such a pain when the batteries go low and you can’t access the bonnet. If you keep using the wire by the indicator the headlight and surrounding paintwork gets damaged. 4. The cats are quite restrictive on these, don’t fit a full sports exhaust just fit sports cats, you’ll get a real performance increase and better response. 5. Replace the AOS as a preventative measure. 6. Consider fitting a new flywheel as most of the dual mass flywheels are faulty by this age, if you’re boring fit a new one, but if you want a more responsive engine fit a lightweight flywheel with a new clutch and do the leaky oil seal while you’re there. 7. Don’t fit a cheap quickshift the gears feel too notchy, the best option is to fit a new 987/997 shift mechanism that reduces throw by 15% and will feel much tighter, although still plastic it allows a bit of give and doesn’t highlight the notchiness of an older gearbox 8. The 2.7 gearbox has long gearing, if you only drive to 6000rpm then change up you will be disappointed as if falls flat out of the power band, if you go to 7000 and Change up the next gear is just about in the power band. The 987 sport 2.7 had a Closer ratio six speed gearbox, and while rare would wake the car up a bit of you could fit in conjunction with a light flywheel. Best of luck 👍

[@thomaswelcomer8443]

Jonny is the one KZbinr that most of us know we would be friends with, if given the opportunity... no doubt.

[@woodrimcars2324]

Brilliant and look forward to seeing more of it. Definitely needs a professional diagnostics machine to scan it properly and get some live data. Love my 05 987 S here in France.

[@triciaamheiser785]

That haircut/tache combo is 80's first boyfriend vibes that will be regretted being on screen in any capacity in short order. Love this channel. Love Mr Smith's enthusiasm and commentary on his specialist subject.

[@OakleyWheelwright-zj2jn]

‘80s boyfriend vibes’ I’ll take that! 😅

[@SAVING_ICONIC_MACHINES]

22:17 I think 🤔 it’s the key 🔑 check the other key, it might be little chip in the key fob. It does sound really nice though ❤

[@arthurdardalis]

Hi Jonny, the VIN entered in CarVertical was completely wrong, so how was the check carried out and it actually provided results???? The VIN entered had four Z’s at the start!!!! The VIN should be WP0ZZZ98Z2S then the serial number. I’m an ex-Porsche Service Manager. Btw, to avoid grief check if the IMS bearing has been changed. If it goes the engine is toast… For the lids not opening, first check the switch on the sill trim as the switches break up internally. The boot release actuator (near the bonnet latch behind the carpet) and last, the connector on the body module. For the electric windows, it’s usually the switches themselves having burnt contacts internally. I suspect that the contacts behind the ignition switch are also on their way out,very common issue

[@patreekotime4578]

I do apologize for laughing maniacally when the car didn't start. It was just too perfect. Your frustration was palpable. The only thing missing was the swearing, throwing things, kicking things, and the busted knuckles that usually accompanies these kinds of moments in my experience. I can't wait to see the progress on this one. Fantastic, Jonny.

[@AyrenJagar]

I had a 987 S. The balance is just amazing. There is something about the way a mid-eng car goes around bends. It's very hard to put into words.

[@ChrisPatrick-q6k]

My friend wound one up to 90,000. No RMS issues

[@blackporscheroadster-yw8hb]

Tracking gets easily knocked off as the suspensions are made of lightweight alluminium plasticine. So, they need constant tracking and if it's off they drive like they are on grease.

[@xXxL3W15xXx]

I’ve owned 2 986 Boxsters and a 996 Carrera, phenomenal value for money. They really feel special, and the sound right behind your head is epic!

[@broadkamikaze]

I'm looking forward to this project. Hopefully, it won't be too costly 🤞 Good luck 👍

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Has to be affordable, and want to show others that it's possible to run a Porsche properly on a tight budget.

[@blackporscheroadster-yw8hb]

@@TheLateBrakeShow You're living in cloud cuckoo land, pal.

[@blackporscheroadster-yw8hb]

No such thing as a cheap Porsche. He will learn the hard way.

[@sarahjarvis6595]

Good luck with the 986, got my 51 plate 2.7 last November, also my first Porsche - absolutely love it. Will be following with interest.

[@alanrogers7090]

It probably wouldn't start because Jonny had it on Accessory earlier to lower the roof a bit. Maybe the module thought the car was running.

[@yeknommonkey]

Came here to find this.

[@jdm0101]

I'm early into watching this - Check the wiring loom, I think you might find some rubbing which could be giving an intermittent error. I remember something similar in a Merc I had. I ran it with the intermittent fault for a year before realising it must be a simple connection error. Fault was under tape too.

[@whitewalker9622]

Love the idea of an outlaw boxster

[@sununtaschnittker6469]

Incredible video, you've made me an instant fan of your videos. Cheers from Northern Virginia suburb of Washington, DC. I own a 1998 986 silver over red. Bought if from Ebay in late 2018 for USD $6200 shipped to my door from a fellow in Texas who 2 years and 2k miles before had bought it from original owner wife of a Houston surgeon, service book up to date to 2016. 117k miles, all 4 tires virtually bald, very weak battery. Didn't read the manual about not lowering top in extreme cold, lowered it in sub freezing temps and bang, cracked the plastic window. So I sourced a near new whole top assembly with glass window from a later car, two bolts. New battery, four new Michelins from COSTCO. Changed oil, cut filter in half, no silver, hopefully the early IMS is happy. Driven it about 3k to date in six years March 2024, great car, I think the exhaust was updated. The plastic grills in the roll bar hoops are made fragile as eggs from decades of Texas sun, one has holes. Spring loaded ashtray cover won't stay closed. Replaced window mechanism in passenger door, easy after you've done it once. Sometimes have to release and pull up again the hand brake to convince the top lowering/raising switch to work, it must be convinced you are not trying to lower your top at high speed. Passes yearly safety and emissions inspections with no issues though now that it's over 25 years old emissions will no longer be required in Virginia. Cheap Walmart two cup plastic cup holder between center console and passenger seat to hold coins and occasional soda. CD player is intermittent, some CD's just won't play. Radio is fine. Have charged the a/c couple of times, summers here are HOT. Used to hang out at my local Atlanta Porsche-Audi dealership in high school early 1970's when a 911T was over USD $7k, I started my Porsche ownership with a rusty $2500 1957 Speedster with 1964 SC engine in 1972 and drove it through "uni", then owned several 912's and 911's, coupes and Targa's, had the only 912 in Athens Greece (I think) from 1996 to 98, plus a 1982 930 Turbo which was an incredible car I wish I had not sold. The 986 beats ALL the air cooled cars for actual WORKING heat, WORKING a/c, WORKING ventilation/defrost which NONE of them had, defrost never worked, on my 1987 Carrera it would sometimes fill the cockpit with impenetrable fog if I hit a puddle, using the heat threatened death by carbon monoxide in ALL the cars. The 986 with water cooling solved and I wish it was still air cooled but it's STILL a flat six! It's as fast as any Porsche I ever owned but the 930 and handles better than any of them. It is ONLY two seats, not an inch for anything else but the two trunks are UNBELIEVABLE. Gas mileage stop and go sux but high speed trips it's very good considering - in West Virginia posted limit is 75mph and you can go over 90mph for HOURS if you like, everybody else doing it too. Just like autobahn in Germany!

[@simoncarr5222]

Well done Jonny. I bought a 2.5 in 2021 and it’s been a proper nightmare. Still can’t understand why I love it, but I do. Good luck on your top down journey 👍🏻

[@blackporscheroadster-yw8hb]

They are Germanic garbage. Keep putting your £20 notes into the grille at the front and watch it disappear into smoke out of the back. They are the epitome of a money pit.

[@turbokadett]

A great watch Jonny, I've been on both sides of this vid; Selling a car that developed a fault out of the blue when the buyer came to collect (fine at an earlier viewing before monies had changed hands) Buying a car that was fine when I looked round it and drove it, dead after we'd had a cuppa and signed the paperwork! Both times that slight sicky feeling in the pit of the stomach and the whole-brain headache as the mind goes though every possible thing to try but the dopamine rush is worth it when the engine fires and you drive off in to the sunset!

[@simonwhalley1743]

These are fabulous cars and great value. I have a 987.1 Boxster and it just keeps going and going. It’s beautifully balanced, the flat six sounds wonderful and it’s plenty powerful enough for our roads. I’ve driven a few 911s and I much prefer the Boxster. I’m really looking forward to this series.

[@adamfry1125]

Same here!

[@blackporscheroadster-yw8hb]

Weird how a different username made the exact same comment as you. In other words FAKE comments to improve algorithms. @AraujoOluapWaiting 1 day ago These are fabulous cars and great value. I have a 987.1 Boxster and it just keeps going and going. It’s beautifully balanced, the flat six sounds wonderful and it’s plenty powerful enough for our roads. I’ve driven a few 911s and I much prefer the Boxster. I’m really looking forward to this series.

[@simonwhalley1743]

That’s very weird and slightly creepy.

[@williamclark6466]

Jonny, I'm sorry that was so frustrating for you, but it was highly entertaining, because it the world isn't perfect and we all get to experience that sometimes. I wish you (and all those involved) the best of luck and everything in your journey to make this a fully functioning, reliable, lovely little car - your first Porsche. Congratulations! Cheers!

[@blackporscheroadster-yw8hb]

It's a heap of junk money pit.

[@Daytonafox1]

When these came out i wasn't fond. But since the PlayStation 1 game Boxster Challenge came out i was sold and fell in love with the Boxster. Good to see you buy one and I'm interested in following your journey to fixing this up if you cover it on the channel.

[@aDaWaN]

Haha, that game brings back many memories. Having to beat the black driver was quite difficult as the tracks would change and you would need to find all the short cuts!

[@kona328WH]

It's was called Porsche challenge. Great handling game

[@christiaanboeren588]

So cool! Just picked up my Boxster (1999) for considerably more money (European market) and love it. Excited to follow this journey of yours!

[@theloneranger2101]

Jonny I felt your disappointment in not getting the Porsche to the MOT Station, but it does mean there will be more videos to follow on your new purchase. I have every faith in you getting this Porsche running and looking as sweet as a nut, in the not too distant future, can't wait to see the results. Good Luck Jonny. 👍

[@kronoshevlimited2085]

I believe that the problem with starting the car is related to the anti theft system. Sometimes it happens to me as well, on my 02 Boxster. What I do is I get out of it, lock it, wait 10 seconds, unlock it and crank it. It should start right up! I thought it was the battery but it kept doing it sometimes also after replacing it. Hope it solves your problem if it arises again, good luck with your project!

[@wing8ian]

I had same issue with my 2009 987s - same solution.

[@gazzaman28]

I love it when KZbinrs share the love like this :)

[@roguetrooper1000]

And my mates laugh at me for having a £350 obd2 reader ..

[@mopedmarathon]

Pushing it through the light from the slats in the barn sides gave a really cool effect as the light moved over the car. Maybe when it’s all up to standard you could recreate it with some closeups on the body work in a kind of cinema-graphic effect.

[@joe-serioushoward6201]

Great cars. I love mine and have completed every job on it. IMS bearing, clutch, flywheel, cooling system, suspension, leather interior, complete reseal of motor, fuel system, everything, I mean everything!!! Love it ❤❤❤

[@robster230]

Oakley is a lovely guy isnt he, been following him on IG since he bought Miles. Enjoy the boxter JS

[@OakleyWheelwright-zj2jn]

Well that’s lovely, thank you! Felt quite surreal being on a ‘live’ barnfind rather than watching it!

[@cledusSnow89]

Looks like a little bit of work when you're back from the States will have it sorted! Nice find and look forward to seeing the next video of it.

[@tripletrunning2742]

Nice work. Welcome to the Porsche world👍 Unfortunately I can trump you Jonny. Bought a 2001 boxster in Jungle green metallic last week for £1400 😂 Similar issue with the immobiliser unit.

[@peterphillips2744]

I had exactly the same problem on my 2000 996. Got the car taken to Porsche care in Stevenage where they diagnosed one of the ems computers had a fault. Luckily they sent it off for repair. The car has been perfect ever since. I’ve had the car 9 years now and all good.

[@paulstephaniecrowe8947]

Free Mention if i diagnose the start fault? You said car has had water ingress into foot well and under seat areas. And water ingress has likely been via pillar blocked drains, so possible its run down vertical surface of firewall. The first place I would look is the relay center that contains the "start relay" which just happens to be the lowest relay and pushes in horizontal axis, making it easier to fill with water. But new relay and fit or pop cover of the old one and check or simply test when you have the no start condition with wire jumper across relay base main power cable in and out without the relay in place. This also explains why it doesn't show as trouble code, its not monitored by the ECU. Good luck. "Paul from Dallas"

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Paul, this is really helpful info, thank you. I will check the areas you mention.

[@1969ashley1969]

8:44 I’m as excited as your videographer to hear it spent time in Norwich, my home city, now I’m on the other side of the world. Loving all your videos Jonny. 😊

[@familymooredoes-fmd380]

Good stuff Jonny. I share your excitement, I’m picking up a Gen2 Boxster on Saturday. First Porsche for me too

[@blackporscheroadster-yw8hb]

Oh dear. Watch your bank account depreciate like last years' calendar.

[@KenFriisHansen]

I have a 2002 Boxster S in the same color combination, although I went black when I replaced the top. You're going to love it. Please keep us updated on progress .... please

[@timwood7808]

Great episode Jonny. I own a 996 and really have a Boxster itch that won't go away....

[@richardbarry4253]

Great vid Jonny. I ran a 2004 boxster manual and loved it. Gear change and steering are just so right. Had some of the usual things go - lambda sensors, coil packs, window regulators. No issues with seals though 😊. Mine was Lapis blue too❤

[@micheltebraake7915]

Your own barn find. Good luck with the Boxster, there were already many tips in the messages about the starting problem, so this should now be resolved quickly.

[@endamahon8133]

Hi Johnny, Has 2 sperate issues on my wife's 987 cayman which had similar symptons. 1. Clutch switch , I just bypassed it and subsequently replaced it to resolve the most recent no start issue. 2 . The first no start issue was a couple of years back and was intermittent and presented itself like a dead battery but I traced the issue to a pole that the battery positive lead clamps onto which carries the power into the cabin and onto the electronics and fusebox. The clamp is designed to swivel on the pole but it gets loose and makes bad contact . A porsche parts specialist wanted £400 for the replacement pole and lead 😂😂. I removed the pole ( not easy) , treaded it with a dye set , reinstalled and put a nut on the now treaded pole to secure the lead. I can send photos , but definitely worth checking. Enda

[@nickwilliamson5520]

Congrats on your first Porsche Jonny. Mine was very similar and I loved it. But the most beautiful thing in that barn has to be the wooden sailing boat on the opposite side to where the Porsche was parked - I’d really like to own that! Good luck with the MoT and enjoy the drive home when it happens…

[@JoshuaKoerner]

This could not be more serendipitous - I just bought a Boxster yesterday. Not nearly as cheap as you got it, no known electrical faults, good operating condition it seems. Minus the roof, which has a broken transmission, it seems. Mine's an automatic / Tiptronic because I don't presently have the skillset to drive a manual car, but I do want to learn at some point. So so so looking forward to starting our Boxster journeys together. Just drove it 350 miles home, no issues. Hoping that you sort your gremlins quickly. I parked it in the garage after having an overwhelmingly positive experience today, and suddenly almost don't want to take it out for a little while. It's still too special, despite having driven it at 75mph all day. I bought it hoping we could go on road trips, maybe doing a track day some time, the lot. And suddenly it's too scary to drive. I'll get used to it, but I never dreamed of owning a Porsche and have wanted one for years, and I couldn't pass this one up for the condition it was in at the price which was very competitive for the US market. I did pay a lot more than you did though lol. Anyway, if you see this, that'd be a highlight, but I'm very stoked regardless.

[@blackporscheroadster-yw8hb]

They are money pits. Don't believe me?....You will.

[@alancook9586]

Really appreciate the honesty of your videos Jonny. You are the one person I trust around cars. Looking forward to the follow up.

[@24567442]

Love those famous three words that come into my mind every day at work. Well done, love the show and so much better than all those we see on TV.

[@The_Cotswold_Engineer]

Loving the old sailing yachts in the barn too!

[@MarJay1980]

Johnny I'm so pleased. I've been a listener to Smith and Sniff for a very long time now, and when you said you were going to buy something you've been hankering after for a while, I did not immediately know what you meant. To be fair, you hanker after everything from small hybrid or electric cars, JDM quirkiness, French OG faux SUVs, (I Did think Matra Rancho maybe?) American muscle, and old Rootes group or even BL stuff. This is in my wheelhouse though, welcome to Porsche ownership. I bought a 997.2 Carrera 4S back in 2021 and I'm loving every minute of it. I do hope you get it all sorted and that it's a keeper!

[@TimInertiatic]

I had a similar ignition issue in a Civic. It was dry solder joints in the ignition relay - when the relay warmed up the joints would presumably expand slightly and resulted in no spark until things had cooled down and then it would fire again. Reflowing the solder joints 100% solved it...

[@narrowbeamdaydream]

Good buy Jonny. We had exactly the same fault on my wife's MX5. No fault codes. The dealer changed the camshaft sensor and Crank sensor. No joy. After sitting in Waitrose car park for an hour and a half one day. I decided to change the coil pack. Fixed straight away. Been OK for years since.

[@richardm6]

Loving the bargain Porker and look forward to seeing the updates. There is no substitute…

[@6ettinold]

I don't want a Boxster ...but I am bloody enjoying this. I no longer bother with all the manufactured / sanitised stuff like Wheeler Deaiers, Salvage Hunters Classic Cars & Car SOS on telly. Loving this deep dive series Jonny. Looking furward to part 3. 👍

[@bm7760]

Fantastic. Can share the excitement of a first-light journey to secure a car (or guitar actually - but that's not for here). The passion is the thing. I get frustrated with half-arse people who won't even cross town to view a car. Anyway, hope the boy had a nice birthday. All the best.

[@notroublesjustbubbles2307]

OF all the 'in-content paid promotion' bits, yours on CarVertical was really natural and informative! I almost played it back!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Hugely appreciated. Thank you for the feedback. As a creator we do need to partner with brands in order to make this platform a business, but I only try to collaborate with services and brands who are relevant to the content.

[@mattabell3657]

I got my first flat six today too. Picked up an 07 997.1 911 C4. Already love it!

[@MrArzha]

This will be the most interesting journey to follow on YT car shows for now. It will get fixed ! ..hopefully ..some day ..maybe. Cant wait for the followup !

[@ggrahamhill]

If the engine management light does NOT come on when the key is at position two it will not start. This is almost always a fault in the ecu under the passenger seat . When this fault randomly occurs which it will time and time again, unplug that ecu and plug back in and it will start . It’ll do it again though until you get that ecu repaired.

[@Rusty0869]

I feel like I’m living a similar life to Jonny. I recently bought an ‘06 Honda Element AWD and bought, not a Porsche, but an Audi TT last year. Unfortunately my Audi had a catastrophic failure during the winter and I sold it for parts. Turns out the transfer case had a slow leak and had turned the gears to a metal paste. The new owner, an Audi guy, has repaired it but I was done being stranded. Nothing like breaking down on a major highway to change your mind about a car. I still have my ‘88 Mustang LX 5.0L for racing and weekend blasts. Awesome video, as usual.

[@batousan_]

Probably turning the ignition on to muck about with the roof probably caused the intermittent starting fault as its probably something to do with ignition/pre crank, do you hear a fuel pump prime or anything? Check grounds and fuses

[@v3OO5]

Congrats! One step closer to the 911 dream that I keep on hearing you mention on old Sniff & Smith vids

[@01FozzyS]

Congrats Jonny! Looking forward to more of the car!

[@HawkMillFarm]

Our first Porsche was a Boxster, 2 Cayennes and 3 911s later still loving every minute in them. Good luck with it.

[@poppy11th]

Just a tip for anyone stuck in this situation without an OBD2 reader. You can sometimes reset the ECU by disconnecting the battery, turning on the lights or sounding the horn to discharge any stored electricity then connecting the battery back up and trying to crank over. I had a BMW generation Mini Cooper with too many electrical issues to count that would give me trouble cranking over sometimes and using this trick helped me out when I was stranded.

[@jonathanwong8206]

My 996 turbo had this same problem start runs left for a while then restart nothing won’t even crank. Dealer spent a week doing wire by wire testing as no fault codes it was the ecu failing due to heat soak not sending the start signal. You can send to ECU DOCTORS USA they also identified the fault in the ECU plus they can rebuild the immobiliser if it has water damage. Hope this helps

[@keithsmith9712]

Great episode. My brother has an 02 Boxster same colour as this. He bought it new, I seem to remember a figure of about £36k. He let me have a drive of it back then, which was good of him. He still owns it and it only has 19k miles on it so it’s spent most of its life garaged!

[@SingSurfStrum]

Hey Jonny, I was a salesman at Merlin Cambria Porsche in Cardiff in 2002 and I remember that car. I’m fairly sure it was our demo.

[@dhutch2000]

Nice

[@Kecken123]

Can't compare an old Volvo 854GLT from 1992... however I had a similar interimistic fault on it in 2001... some electronic engine module, "a puck" shaped thingamajig. Always enjoy the show.

[@2001lednar]

Holy schnikies Mr. Smith. A friend of mine passed in March and 5 weeks ago his spouse rang and said she was ready to start parting away his items and offered his Boxster to me first (not for free). Wasn't looking, didn't consider a Boxster anytime I considered a proper Porsche, but it's the same color, spec and model as this video and I absolutely love it. 4,000 miles in the last 5 weeks, I drive it everywhere I can. Have a blast with it!! HAT, SUNSHIRT and SUNSCREEN are a must.

[@6ettinold]

That drive home in a newly bagged shitter is always more joyous than anything involving a decent new or newish car. Imy favourite was a Saab 9000 2.3 turbo won for £250 on eBay. It was immaculate, but I was warned that it overheated. I drove 140 mike's home with no overheating issues at all. It never did all the time we had it.

[@ryuupl847]

From the former owner of a 986 Boxster, best of luck with the project Jonny and can't wait to see more on your channel! I had mine when I lived in California and found it to be a great dual purpose car - civilized and practical enough to be a daily driver, yet really comes alive when pushed to 9/10ths. With regards to the issue where it won’t start again immediately after shutting off, I had the same problem on mine. Not sure if the emissions controls systems for Boxsters sold in the UK are different, but the root cause for me turned out to be a slightly cracked fuel filler cap - it was just letting out enough pressure from the fuel system to periodically trip the evaporative control system that was required for California smog regulations. Also - a couple of more recommendations as you work on the restoration: 1) If you need to replace the roof, upgrading to the glass rear window that was fitted to 2003-2004 Boxsters is worth it. Rear visibility will be a bit less, but the NVH improvement is night and day plus you also get a rear defroster element. 2) for the wheels, if you can source some reasonably priced 18-inch turbo twists (the same ones on the 993 turbo), they were actually a factory-fitted option and they make the car look just proper :)

[@blackporscheroadster-yw8hb]

A new hood with glass rear screen is £2k and would cost as much as the car. Turbo twists are ugly, they look better with multi-spokes.

[@ianedmonds9191]

Having a similar problem right now with the wife's Hyundai i10. Not as glamorous a car to have failing to start but there you go... Great video. All the best with it.

[@IOWPCV]

Really enjoy watching you. I too nearly bought a boxster few weeks back but didn't press the button. Think I will soon though lol.

[@MrEV]

Love this so much. I'm not surprised you jumped at it!

[@conjo4567]

Great video! But just so people know, car vertical does not cover Ireland which is the closest neighbour with right hand drive!

[@NickGuttridge]

Great buy, I’m interested in the yacht in the background. Nice lines, can tell even with cover on. Could be a Sparkman & Stephens? Love to know..

[@JP5isalive]

Very tense when it wouldn't start 😮. We need to follow your journey with this car, Jonny

[@eliasfinney8892]

I know the exact feeling, you know its something or nothing, your heart pounding hoping, wanting the car to start, you completely set on it, and no matter what you want the car. Glad you got it started though, hope you do a follow-up, curious to know the issue bud. Great video. 😁

[@darylwalford8697]

Hi Jonny, I own the same model Boxster, had it for a bit over 12mths, when I first got it I had problems with the electrical part of the ignition switch which is supposedly a common problem so that's the first place I would look. The part is cheap being common to various VW Golf models and some Audi, easy enough to fit if you are skinny and flexible enough to get under the dash🙂