My 2000 base Boxster destroyed its tiptronic transmission years ago and was replaced with one we found online. I developed ‘bad’’ noises and had it towed to my mechanic over the weekend. He is telling me that the transmission fluid is full of metal and my trans is dead. Aside from trying to find a working 2000-2004 tiptronic, and spending more than the economic value of the car to fix (again), do I have any other choices? Can this be more cheaply fixed than replaced, etc? I am still in love with the car, but my wife is not - so writing another check for $4K may not be in the cards. Help? And thanks. Andrewhttps://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56404#msg-56404Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:58:18 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,57436#msg-57436 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,57436#msg-57436After allowing it to drain overnight, replace the pan and fill (according to specs) with Red Line Synthetic ATF.

Happy Boxstering,
Pedro]]> Pedro (Odessa, FL) Main ForumWed, 10 Jun 2026 10:50:39 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,57435#msg-57435 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,57435#msg-57435
So I now have a 26 year old car needing another $6K transplant.

This is really getting old.

Once again, I'm not sure what to do.


Andrew]]> AndyInNYC Main ForumSat, 30 May 2026 09:44:15 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56622#msg-56622 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56622#msg-56622
Andrew]]> AndyInNYC Main ForumThu, 20 Jul 2023 14:57:18 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56619#msg-56619 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56619#msg-56619First, it's more expensive.
Second, it weighs more
Third, access to the engine bay is hampered
Fourth, the glass window is tiny, with horrible rear view
Fifth, the glass tends to delaminate because of the added stress on tops that are used
Just my $0.02

Happy Boxstering,
Pedro]]> Pedro (Odessa, FL) Main ForumThu, 20 Jul 2023 09:53:55 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56617#msg-56617 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56617#msg-56617
Do some Internet exploration & I believe you will find brand new replacement tops w/heated glass rear windows instead of plastic for somewhere around the price you've been quoted to have the plastic window replaced in your existing top. There are videos on line showing you how to do this oneself. Here is but one example. It's a 2015 video & I couldn't find a newer version.

[youtu.be]

I am certain Pedro has vast experience & knowledge on this subject along w/actual experience of replacing cabriolet tops on cars like yours. If you live reasonably close to Pedro's shop, look into having him replace for you. Also, I'll bet Pedro can recommend the best quality replacement glass top(s) available & whether it's a project you could take on yourself w/good results.]]> John Brown of SE SoDak Main ForumThu, 20 Jul 2023 09:34:14 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56614#msg-56614 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56614#msg-56614 John Brown of SE SoDak Main ForumWed, 19 Jul 2023 14:33:08 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56613#msg-56613 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56613#msg-56613
The smile still appears when I pull out of the garage.

Now I need a new plastic rear window and the local guy quoted over $800 (to sew in new plastic).

Home and car ownership - there’s always an expense.


Andrew]]> AndyInNYC Main ForumWed, 19 Jul 2023 13:54:13 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56537#msg-56537 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56537#msg-56537
Perhaps put it on the web and see what comes?

Or just get scrap weight.]]> JM-Stamford,CT Main ForumThu, 08 Jun 2023 10:29:36 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56536#msg-56536 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56536#msg-56536
Andrew]]> AndyInNYC Main ForumThu, 08 Jun 2023 10:19:52 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56531#msg-56531 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56531#msg-56531 JM-Stamford,CT Main ForumThu, 01 Jun 2023 16:09:45 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56527#msg-56527 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56527#msg-56527
Life’s too short to drive a Subaru year round.

Thanks for all the input.

Andrew]]> AndyInNYC Main ForumFri, 26 May 2023 22:16:02 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56473#msg-56473 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56473#msg-56473 John Brown of SE SoDak Main ForumThu, 04 May 2023 18:50:25 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56472#msg-56472 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56472#msg-56472 John Brown of SE SoDak Main ForumThu, 04 May 2023 18:43:42 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56470#msg-56470 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56470#msg-56470
If you cannot think of one, I submit the choice is straightforward.
Were it me, I would fix the car. Period. How is the question.

If you can find a reasonable replacement trans, that seems the logical choice. But weigh your options.]]> JM-Stamford,CT Main ForumThu, 04 May 2023 18:38:22 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56469#msg-56469 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56469#msg-56469 John Brown of SE SoDak Main ForumThu, 04 May 2023 18:36:30 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56468#msg-56468 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56468#msg-56468 AndyInNYC Main ForumThu, 04 May 2023 15:53:47 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56467#msg-56467 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56467#msg-56467
the guy in Norwalk, who I have also used BTW, is the rebuilder.

In any event, I just finished my last project car and I am thinking of a next project.

Email me at jmorgan (at) pmpalawyer (dot) com]]> JM-Stamford,CT Main ForumThu, 04 May 2023 12:37:45 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56464#msg-56464 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56464#msg-56464There are a lot of parts that need replacement including, but not limited to shifter, cables, wiring harnesses, Transmission control unit, heat exchanger, adding center radiator, etc., etc.
It's not worth it.

Happy Boxstering,
Pedro]]> Pedro (Odessa, FL) Main ForumThu, 04 May 2023 09:48:47 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56462#msg-56462 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56462#msg-56462
Looking grim for Betsy.

Andrew]]> AndyInNYC Main ForumWed, 03 May 2023 17:53:48 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56460#msg-56460 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56460#msg-56460
It might be a little off the beaten path, but he has transplanted tranny's in cars for me for less than that quote.
Tell him his lawyer sent you.

He knows my 986 a little. He is currently working on my toy BMW and soon a DD BMW.

If he can find a less expensive solution, he will.

The car is worth saving.
If you do decide to walk away - let me know, it might be worth a flyer for me to do the labor. But I hope you keep your car. It has been with you a while.
jmorgan (at) pmpalawyer (dot) com]]> JM-Stamford,CT Main ForumTue, 02 May 2023 19:18:16 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56459#msg-56459 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56459#msg-56459
I know of no one else to get a quote from in Central Jersey, but $6K makes no sense even though I love a 22 year old car. I also don’t know if the $5k for the parts is reasonable.

Thoughts anyone - especially the kind that keeps me a Boxster owner?

Thanks.

Andrew]]> AndyInNYC Main ForumTue, 02 May 2023 18:21:30 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56412#msg-56412 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56412#msg-56412 John Brown of SE SoDak Main ForumWed, 19 Apr 2023 18:07:24 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56411#msg-56411 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56411#msg-56411The car's ECU and other modules and the wiring harnesses are for a Tiptronic vehicle.
Replacing that is not cheap and would require a lot of labor.
The 5-peed manuals are very costly because every Spec Boxster Racecar owner has one or two for spares.
They are very hard to find. Tiptronics are a dime a dozen so they are affordable.Happy Boxstering,
Pedro]]> Pedro (Odessa, FL) Main ForumWed, 19 Apr 2023 17:54:25 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56410#msg-56410 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56410#msg-56410
Thinking it might be a simpler & less expensive option than a Tiptronic. Also, lots more used 5-speeds from which to select, I would think anyway.]]> John Brown of SE SoDak Main ForumWed, 19 Apr 2023 17:48:39 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56409#msg-56409 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56409#msg-56409You can find a used Tip for $3,000 if you search with patience.
Labor to replace a Tiptronic should be less than $1,000.
Happy Boxstering,
Pedro]]> Pedro (Odessa, FL) Main ForumWed, 19 Apr 2023 11:39:41 -0400 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56404#msg-56404 https://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,56404,56404#msg-56404
He is telling me that the transmission fluid is full of metal and my trans is dead.

Aside from trying to find a working 2000-2004 tiptronic, and spending more than the economic value of the car to fix (again), do I have any other choices?

Can this be more cheaply fixed than replaced, etc?

I am still in love with the car, but my wife is not - so writing another check for $4K may not be in the cards.

Help? And thanks.

Andrew]]> AndyInNYC Main ForumTue, 18 Apr 2023 18:12:09 -0400