I have a 1.8 140hp MX-5 NB1 with a 160.000km/100.000 miles, pretty decent shape. Nardi Torino Edition, little rust and great mechanical shape. I am able to trade it for a 1996 Boxster with the 2.5 flat six, 204hp. Hopefully no money involved, but I may have to pay 500-2000 Euros.
Only problem is, the Boxster has driven 240.000km/150.000 miles and the owner says the engine “doesn’t run well when idling”, with a code on the engine and gearbox.
I have access to a workshop and have some experienced friends and family that can help me fix it. None of us know Porsches though.
I don’t drive too much, so it would mainly be a weekend and road trip car.
Would you guys get the Boxster or stick with the Miata?
It might be a nice project car if you have access to cheap labor. I paid $3500 for a spare 986 Boxster S engine a few years back. If you can get it inspected and discover the rough running is related to something relatively minor I’d make that trade all day long. And I love Miatas. But the Boxster is a level above.