Put the words 'Porsche' and 'affordability' together, and they almost sound like a taboo. The German automaker has become almost synonymous with technological innovation, raw power and premium engineering, but affordability is really not a concept that goes with these incredible machines. However, gearheads can rejoice because the Porsche Boxster 986 is surprisingly affordable, and we know the reason behind it.

The German automaker was going through some serious headwinds in the early 1990s when sales figures were plummeting and production costs were skyrocketing. As a result, Porsche required a vehicle that could set sales records and restore the Porsche name to the global stage. But it wasn’t just a drop in sales that impacted Porsche. In fact, the automaker was also struggling due to an aging product line; thus, younger consumers no longer identified with Porsche vehicles. In this context, the automaker had to come onto the scene with a model that would be financially successful with the young, cool kids. Needless to say, the Porsche Boxster 986 became a huge success and saved the German car manufacturer from takeover. So, here’s everything you need to know about this mid-engine two-seater roadster.

Related: Porsche Boxster 986: Costs, Facts, And Figures

The Porsche Boxster 986 Shares Components With Another Legendary Porsche Model

Porsche Boxster 986 (2003)
via: redd.it

As mentioned earlier in the later 90s, Porsche focused on cutting production costs and manufacturing a car that could attract a younger clientele, so it came up with the 986, an entry level luxury automobile or a car described by Grant Larson to Road and Track as ausganbasis, meaning “a good place to start.” Porsche did not, however, overcome the cost issue simply by creating a gorgeous automobile that was tailored to a younger, less affluent consumer segment. And the German car manufacturer was losing money during that time because its product lines were quite distinct and didn't share a lot of technology. To avoid burning more cash with the Boxster 986, Porsche came up with the idea of sharing production lines between the 986 and the 911. The German automaker also used the same doors, front wings, bonnet, and some cabin features for both the 986 and 911.

These Are The Best Features Of The Porsche Boxster 986

1997-2004 Porsche Boxster 986
via Top Speed

While some Porsche purists complain about the interior and the “fried egg” headlights, they forget that the look was quite revolutionary when the Germans introduced it. Furthermore, the legendary Grant Larson, Porsche’s Director of Special Projects, who was also responsible for the design of the Carrera GT (show car), the 911 (type 997) Carrera and Turbo, designed the original Boxster 986.

Apart from the design, the Boxster 986 also stood out thanks to its power and performance. Porsche equipped the original Boxster 986 with a 2.5-litres naturally aspirated flat six-cylinder engine that could generate 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque at 4,500 rpm. This Porsche model could also reach the top speed of 149 miles per hour with Manual and 146 miles per hour with Tiptronic. Moreover, the first-generation Boxster 986 could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.7 seconds with Manual and 7.4 seconds with Tiptronic. For the 2000 model year, Porsche had a displacement of 2.7-litres and an output of 217 horsepower. This model could speed up from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.5 seconds with Manual and 7.2 seconds with Tiptronic. The top speeds was 155 miles per hour and 152 miles per hours, respectively. Elsewhere, the 3.2-liter flat six engine generated 247 horsepower and accelerated from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.2 seconds. In 2003, Porsche upgraded again the engines.

Related: Magnus Walker Tells Us Why The 986 Boxster Is The "Best First Porsche"

This Is How Much The Porsche Boxster 986 Costs Today

2002-2005 Porsche Boxster S (986)  in red
Porsche

The 986 is not a model that will bankrupt you and consumers can find several units in pristine condition on the market. Originally intended as an entry level luxury car that was supposed to build loyalty, it retained the idea of affordability even in the upcoming years. Currently, Porsche fans can find a Boxster 986 for as low as $3,268, according to Classic.com. According to the website, the average price for this vehicle is $16,223, while the top prices reached $40,500. Different online publications point out that prices for the 986 Boxster are finally climbing, and this car has the potential of becoming a collector’s vehicle.

“986 Boxsters have long been affordable at under $10k, but prices are starting to climb. For a high-spec model in top condition, asking prices are now between $25k and $35k,” says the Car Investor. “The majority of car enthusiasts now agree that the Porsche Boxster presents a good investment opportunity thanks to its excellent handling, solid reliability, and significance in history.”

Buyers who are interested in this classic vehicle should keep in mind that prices depend on the model year, trim and state of the vehicle. Also, despite being an entry-level model, this is still a Porsche, so maintenance costs and repairs won’t come cheap. Elsewhere, when buyers are looking for a 986 Boxster, they should look out for the latest model years because they have a more powerful 3.2 flat six engines and more modern equipment.