Used Porsche Boxster Open 1996 - 2004 review

There's no such thing as a cheap Boxster. Cared-for cars wear their miles well, and if you're being offered an untidy car with some niggly faults, it's likely that it's a car with serious problems and you should walk away.

Crash damage is the biggest problem on cars, so leaky or poor fitting hoods, and less than perfect paintwork and panels should make you suspicious. Also, in rare cases, water can get past the window seals and short-circuit the electrics.

Scrimping on servicing to save money is a false economy. A full service history is a sign of a cared-for car. The engine doesn't use much oil, so if it's very low or very dirty, there could be problems.

Some owners take their Boxster to the track. Look for badly worn brakes and scored pads, while rapid and uneven tyre wear is a sure sign the tyre alignment isn't spot on.