This is from boxa.net. I strongly suggest he joins that forum, it's ace!
If he does buy a boxster,he won't regret it......
"The checklist below is the type of stuff you should look at when buying a used car.
Checklist for buying a used boxster (986 model)
Front/rear bumpers
Scratches or scuffs?
Do they line up with surrounding panels?
Check under front of bonnet for signs of cosmetic re-spray (pain line by the bonnet release).
Front wings/bonnet
Scratches? Dents?
Do the panels all line up evenly?
Do the headlights/fog-lights line up evenly?
Do the lights work properly?
Are the lights chipped or cracked?
Stone chips and have they been touched in?
Is the battery compartment dry (wet indicates blocked drains).
Doors
Do all of the doors open without any creaks?
Do the windows drop smoothly when opening the doors?
Do the doors close smoothly without being slammed?
Do the locks work properly?
Are there any scratches on the outside paintwork?
Rips, scuffs or stains on interior of doors?
Check bottom of carpet on doors for damp (sign of leaking membrane).
Do the windows go up and down smoothly?
Are there any scratches on the glass, or front and rear 'screens?
Are there any scr4pes on the bottom edges of the doors?
Rear wings/boot
Scratches? Dents?
Do all of the panels line up evenly?
Do all of the lights work properly, including the fog-light?
Are there any dings in the boot?
Is the exhaust damaged from poor reversing?
Excessive soot on the bumper from the exhaust?
Is the boot dry?
Wheels and tyres
Are they all the same type of wheel?
Are they the standard wheels for the car?
Any kerbing?
Are the tyres evenly worn?
Any nicks or cracks in the edges of the tyres?
Are the tyres all the same make or mix and match?
Are the tyres Porsche approved (N rated)
Interior
Tears or rips? Stains or scuffs?
Any rattly or loose seats?
Are the seatbelts in good condition and run smoothly?
Do the seatbelts hold tight when given a firm pull?
Is the driver's seat excessively worn for the indicated mileage?
Are the steering wheel and foot pedals excessively worn?
Is the indicated mileage backed up by MoTs and service records?
Are the carpets damp from leaky doors, drains or roof?
Does every button work as it should?
Does the spoiler operate when the button is pressed?
Check the operation of the windscreen washers.
Is the steering wheel straight when wheels are aligned ahead?
There should be 2 x electronic keys and a small emergency key.
Does the air-conditioning, if fitted, work properly?
Is the convertible hood in good condition and leak free?
Is the rear window in condition and clear (especially if plastic)?
Does the convertible top operate correctly? (remove hard top to check if necessary).
Is the wind deflector fitted correctly (if present).
Underneath
Is anything hanging loose or caught on the underside?
Are the heat shields for the exhaust securely in place?
Any water or oil leaks?
Radiators are prone to rusting due to trapped debris - check with a torch through front air intakes.
Is the RMS OK? Look for oil drips and ask about history.
Rust?
Mechanicals
Does the engine start easily and settle to an even idle?
Does idle evenly after a test drive?
Does it rev freely when you press the accelerator?
Are there any obvious noises from the engine?
Any leaks after the test drive?
Are all of the fluids to the correct levels?
Remove the oil filler cap with the engine off. Is the oil clean?
Is there any white sludge - this could mean water contamination?
Do all of the pedals work smoothly?
Does the gear lever engage smoothly in all gears?
If it is an auto does the tiptronic gear selection work?
Does the gearbox or clutch make any unpleasant noises?
Does the clutch take up smoothly?
Does the clutch slip? Accelerate hard in a high gear to test this
Does reverse gear engage and work smoothly?
Do the brakes work strongly?
Do the brakes pull to one side when the pedal is pressed?
Are there any noises from the suspension?
Push down hard on the suspension. Does it settle quickly?
Does the car roll too much in bends or feel too firm?
Is the exhaust quiet? Are there any rattles from it?
Is there any smoke from the exhaust when it has been warmed up?
Service History
Is there a full service history including MoTs?
Does the history conform with the manufacturer’s guidelines?
Has the oil been changed at least every 12K miles or no later than 2 years?
Has it had a major service every 24K miles or 2 years*?
Has extra work been done at the required times:
Spark plugs @ 48K miles or no later than 4 years.
Poly rib belt @ 48K miles.
Fuel filter @ 48K miles.
Brake fluid change every 2 years.
Gearbox oil or auto ATF filter changed every 96K miles.
*04 models can wait 4 years if they have done less than 24K miles.
Paperwork
Are all of the documents present? If not, why?
Is the manual pack present and the radio key code?
Is the car taxed?
Do the MoTs run concurrently? If not, why?
Does the seller's name match the details on the V5?
Is any work on the car backed up by receipts?
Are you viewing the car at the address on the V5? If not, why?
Do the chassis and engine numbers match those on the car?
Does the colour, fuel type and engine capacity match? "
