2002 PORSCHE 718 BOXSTER

Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start that disappears when warm, Metal shavings in oil or filter during oil change, Catastrophic engine failure with no warning (grenaded internals)

Fix: Preventive IMS bearing upgrade requires transmission drop, clutch replacement while you're in there, and upgraded bearing install—6-8 hours labor. If it fails, you're looking at full engine rebuild or replacement (30-40 hours). Many owners do this proactively around 60k-80k mi.

Estimated cost: $2,500-3,500 preventive / $12,000-18,000 post-failure rebuild

Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Blue smoke on cold start that clears after warm-up, Excessive oil consumption (more than 1 qt per 1,000 mi), Rough idle when cold, smooths out at operating temp, Low compression on one or more cylinders during leak-down test

Fix: Requires engine pull, disassembly, bore inspection, oversize pistons/rings, or Nickies cylinder liners if scoring is severe. Some cases need complete short block replacement. 35-45 hours total labor for proper rebuild.

Estimated cost: $10,000-16,000

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Oil spots under car after sitting overnight, centered under engine/trans bell housing, Visible oil weeping at engine-transmission mating surface, Clutch contamination causing slip if leak is severe

Fix: Transmission must come out to access the seal—same labor as IMS bearing job. Smart owners do RMS, IMS, and clutch all at once. Seal itself is cheap, labor is 6-8 hours.

Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800 (seal alone) / $3,500-4,500 if bundled with IMS and clutch

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant weeping from tank seams or cap area, Low coolant warning light with no visible external leaks, Overheating after spirited driving or track use, Brittle, cracked hoses at radiator and under intake manifold

Fix: Tank replacement is straightforward (1.5-2 hours), but the under-intake hoses require removing intake plenum and throttle bodies—add 3-4 hours. Many shops recommend doing all coolant hoses, tank, and thermostat as a package around 100k mi.

Estimated cost: $800-1,200 tank only / $1,800-2,500 full coolant system refresh

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption without visible leaks, White smoke from exhaust under acceleration, Oil in intake tubing or throttle body, Rough idle and occasional misfire codes

Fix: AOS is buried under intake manifold. Requires intake removal, AOS replacement, and new gaskets. 4-5 hours labor. OEM part is superior to aftermarket.

Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800

Typical onset: 90,000+ mi or age-related (15+ years)

Symptoms: Top operates slowly or stops mid-cycle, Hydraulic fluid puddles in front trunk (frunk) near pump, Top won't latch or unlatch electrically, Visible fluid weeping from hydraulic lines or cylinders

Fix: Usually hydraulic lines cracking or pump seals failing. Line replacement is 2-3 hours, pump rebuild or replacement 3-4 hours. Top must be cycled and bled after repair.

Estimated cost: $800-1,500 lines / $1,200-2,000 pump

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking when engaging clutch or shifting gears, Excessive drivetrain movement visible when revving in neutral, Vibration through shifter or cabin at idle

Fix: Mounts are fluid-filled and crack/leak over time. Transmission mount requires dropping exhaust and trans support, 2-3 hours. Engine mounts accessible from below, 1.5-2 hours each side.

Estimated cost: $600-900 per mount