Rust?

[twsarch]

I have been keeping an eye out for a deal on a 986 and been doing a bit of research as to problems with the car. I found lots of info about the engine problems, thin body sheet metal relating to the convertible top operation on the earlier cars and an assortment of electrical issues. I haven’t come across anyone mentioning rust, is this not a problem with these cars? I live in NY State and I suspect if I get a car it will be from somewhere around here too, the land of the salted winter road. I can see that most 986’s could be garaged for the winter but it would be my luck to get the one that was driven every winter of its life (I intend to drive it in the winter with minus size snows). Any input would be great, thanks.

[kbrandsma]

I have been keeping an eye out for a deal on a 986 and been doing a bit of research as to problems with the car. I found lots of info about the engine problems, thin body sheet metal relating to the convertible top operation on the earlier cars and an assortment of electrical issues. I haven't come across anyone mentioning rust, is this not a problem with these cars? I live in NY State and I suspect if I get a car it will be from somewhere around here too, the land of the salted winter road. I can see that most 986's could be garaged for the winter but it would be my luck to get the one that was driven every winter of its life (I intend to drive it in the winter with minus size snows). Any input would be great, thanks.

It is always advisable to have a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) done by a reliable Indy or reliable dealer. The PPI will help determine any deficiencies including damage to the undercarriage. Rust usually isn't a problem. Check out Mike Focke's website Here. It is an excellent resource. Read both sections, Part 1 and Part 2.

I drive my Boxster over 120 miles a day as my daily driver, regardless of rain, snow and especially sunshine.

Edited January 31, 2011 by kbrandsma

[mikefocke]

I've seen rust affect nuts and bolts but almost never a body part unless there was an accident. The subject is almost never raised like it was on the early cars. You don't see floor pans replaced, battery trays, replaced, etc. The cars are dipped and get good anti-corrosion. I bought my second Boxster when it was covered with salt and snow after a storm. Best buy time.

[twsarch]

Thanks for the replies. I am on a tight budget and this will have to be an entirely DIY project including the PPI. I expect rust on manifold bolts and such on any car but like mike said, I haven’t heard anyone talk about rust after over 8 months of lurking in various forums.

[aron in toronto]

The only body rust issues that I've heard of pertain to the door strike plate on some early models and rust/paint bubbling around the side engine air intake and vent openings located to rear of the doors. That said, I've never actually seen rust in either of these areas, and assume it to be fairly rare.

On the strike plate, rust can occur where when the strike plate damages the paint of the body surface that it's mounted on. The solution and/or retrofit to this is a thin gasket between the body and strike plate to prevent them from coming in contact and damaging the paint. If rust is present here, it should be easy to spot. I have an early '97 w/o the gaskets and I haven't noticed any rust here (yet).

The cause of the paint issues I've heard reported near the air intake and vent openings is more of a mystery as to why this area is affected. My personal speculation of the cause is that the plastic vent trim has scratched the body paint and overtime has allowed moisture to get under the paint, but this is gust a guess.

All in all I'd say rust is not really an issue with these cars.

Aron