300K

Published in the September 2023 issue of “Die Porsche Kassette”

The Bond Begins:

It all started with a leap of faith when I first ordered it, sight unseen in February 1997. The full one-year wait allowed me to get involved in the newly formed Internet Forums, in particular: Porsche Pete's Boxster Board (ppbb.com) where I learned as much as I could on the new platform which was the first water-cooled production model Porsche offered.

Quality Engineering:

Porsche's commitment to quality engineering and attention to detail is truly remarkable. From the robust build quality to the precision of every component, the Porsche Boxster embodies the spirit of German automotive excellence. The combination of an efficient mid-engine layout, superb handling dynamics, balanced weight distribution in a lightweight chassis creates an unparalleled driving experience that withstands the test of time.

For more information on the Boxster and more, please visit my weibsite: www PedrosGarage.com.

Happy Porsche'ing,

Pedro

As a Porsche enthusiast and proud original owner of a 1998 Boxster 986, I can confidently say that my journey with this remarkable machine has been nothing short of extraordinary. Over the past 25 years, my dedication and commitment to maintaining and cherishing my beloved Boxster have allowed me to witness its enduring charm, exhilarating performance, and unwavering reliability.

Today, I invite you to join me as I delve into the reasons behind my decision to keep this timeless sports car on the road for over a quarter century and 300,000 (s)miles and counting.

From the moment I laid eyes on its sleek lines and heard the symphony in flat-6 of its engine, I knew I had found a lifelong companion. The thrill of the open road in a convertible, the incredible handling, the legendary brakes, and the feeling of being one with the machine formed an unbreakable bond between us.

Upgrades and Enhancements:

Over the years, I have embarked on a journey of continuous and never-ending improvement and personalization. Upgrades such as performance enhancements, suspension and brakes modifications, as well as aesthetic interior and exterior refinements have not only enhanced the driving experience but also allowed me to create a unique expression of my personality within the car. This ability to adapt and evolve with my Boxster has deepened our connection and made every (s)mile a celebration.

This little Porsche has been the test-bed for most of the parts that I've developed for my business. It's where I get to test them and make sure that they work as advertised.

I owe my current business (PedrosGarage.com) to this car!

Genuine Passion:

Owning a Porsche Boxster is more than just owning a car; it's a lifestyle fueled by passion. This passion is the driving force behind my dedication to keeping my beloved Boxster on the road. Whether it's meticulously maintaining and upgrading, engaging in spirited drives through my favorite back roads, or participating in Porsche Club events, the experience is enriched by the shared enthusiasm of fellow Porsche enthusiasts.

Conclusion:

The love story between me and my Porsche Boxster has spanned a quarter of a century and over 300,000 miles. The unwavering reliability, exhilarating performance, and timeless design have made this journey an unforgettable one. By adhering to regular maintenance, embracing the passion that comes with owning a Porsche, and personalizing the driving experience, I think that I have unlocked the true potential of this remarkable sports car.

As I reflect on the countless memories, adventures, and milestones we have shared, I am grateful for the decision to keep my beloved Boxster as a faithful companion. It serves as a testament to the enduring quality of Porsche engineering and the profound joy that can be found in the pursuit of automotive passion.

So, if you find yourself wondering whether to embark on a similar journey of longevity and love with your beloved P-car, I can assure you that it's a decision you won't regret. The road may be long, but the rewards are endless, and the memories are truly priceless.

By the time this article gets published the odometer will be reading over 310K (s)miles.

Was it worth it?:

Emotionally it has certainly been worth it. I always joke that I've never needed to see a therapist because my Boxster is my therapy and I take it regularly.

Economically, lets see. As I said before, I have spent approximately the same in parts and materials over the lifespan of the car as it cost me originally, totaling $100,000. $52,000 original cost plus approximately $48,000 in parts and service items.

So, if we look at it by time, $100,00/25 years = $4,000/year. That's $333.33/month.

If we look at it by miles driven, $100,000/300,000 miles = $0.33/mile and that's half of what the IRS accepts as a standard mileage rate for transportation!

Regular Maintenance:

To ensure the longevity and reliability of any vehicle, regular maintenance is crucial. The Porsche Boxster is no exception. Adhering to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, I have diligently serviced my car with meticulous care, and never compromising on the quality of parts and keeping a detailed journal of all the work I've performed. This unwavering commitment has played a pivotal role in preserving the Boxster's performance and extending its lifespan.

To give you an idea, in the 25 years of ownership I have:

• Changed the oil/filter 62 times using over 200 gallons of Mobil1

(Early on I installed a 3 qt. Accusump).

• Replaced the sparkplugs 8 times (that's 48 of them)

• Replaced the coil packs once (6 of them)

• Replaced the MAF four times

• Replaced 20 front tires and 38 rears

(not counting multiple sets of track tires)

• Replaced the suspension twice with Bilstein PSS9's

• Replaced the water pump three times.

• Replaced the Front Engine Mount 7 times

• Flushed the transmission 3 times

• Flushed the coolant three times

• Replaced 10 sets of front brake rotors and 6 rears

• Replaced 18 sets of front brake pads and 10 rears

(not counting racing pads for the track)

• Bled the brakes 83 times (a lot of track miles)

• Replaced all of the ball-joints in the front-end (once)

• Rebuilt the CVJ's 3 times

• Installed the DOF Kit at 100K miles

(solved the IMS issue)

• Replaced the 5-speed transmission (it wore out at 190K)

• Replaced the engine (under warranty at 20K miles)

• A myriad of other services (proactive and reactive)

According to my records, I have spent about the same as what the car cost in parts and service items over the last 25 years.