The nomenclature, Boxster, is a portmanteau of two words: a Boxer engine (as in a flat engine) and Roadster, as in a compact and convertible two-seater sportscar. Now in its fourth generation, the Porsche Boxster is the Cayman’s mechanic twin, but for its convertible roof options to the Cayman’s fixed metal roof. Technically, the Cayman is about $2,000 cheaper, but the Boxster remains one affordable roadster.
If you want to be a part of the elite club of Porsche owners and still want to have fun with your drive, the Boxster is the way to do it. The very first generation, the 986, was introduced in 1996, the second 987 came in 2005, while the third generation, the 981, arrived in 2012.
Since 2016, the Boxster, now 718, has been in its current and fourth generation and popular with people of all ages and classes due to the amount of performance and fun it's able to deliver for the price. Here are a few facts about the Porsche Boxster, in case you want to buy it…
10 This Is What The Boxster Is Capable Of
The first-generation Boxsters that reached the US were 1997 models and came with a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated flat-six engine. It could make 201 horses and generated 181 ft-lb of torque, with a five-speed MT or AT. Even in 1997, the 0-60 mph sprint happened in 6.1 seconds and the top speed was 149 mph. Today, the 2020 Boxster Spyder, the top trim, boasts a 4.0-liter boasts a flat-six and makes 414 horses, for a top speed of 187 mph. All of this and more make the Boxster a fun car to drive, from then to now.
9 Owning One Means You Become Part Of The Porsche Club
Porsche is popular and considered an affordable performance car brand in the US. This means there are plenty of Porsche-themed clubs, groups, and events strewn across the country which host plenty of get-togethers and special collaborations. The Porsche Club of America is the biggest of them and boasts several chapters through states and cities. It and many other clubs like it host track days, autocross rallies and events, and car shows – all around Porsches. Once you put down for the Boxster, new or old, you are in.
8 The Price Range Can Fit Any Pocket
A 2020 Porsche Boxster starts at $59,600 for the base model. The Boxster T & S climb up to $68,500 & $72,000, but the Boxster 718 Spyder costs a whopping $96,300. If you do not have this kind of money, you can always choose a Porsche Boxster from the used car lot, and if you are okay with going for the earliest models, they can be yours for less than $10,000. While many believed the first generation was a bit underpowered, 200 horses aren’t all that bad for a Boxster.
7 The 2000 Onwards Model Had Better Lighting
Another grouse that many have against the 1997-1999 models of the Porsche Boxster was less-than-stellar headlights that proved to be less than effective on bad roads. In 2000, Porsche fixed this with a revised design and took away the amber-bottom section of the headlights this giving it far better lighting than before. They also added a little more sparkle to the engine with an enlarged flat-six option, For anyone looking for better headlights, the Boxster in its 2000 model or later is the one to buy.
6 The Gear Ratio May Put You Off
All the base 986 Boxsters, a.k.a. the first generation came with long gear ratios, especially the earliest models which made for better fuel mileage and better speeds at lower RPM but made the Boxster a bit slow to take off. This made the Boxster more of a highway cruiser than a juicy sports car that instantly took off at first rev. Porsche corrected this in the later models but the earlier, cheaper models may have a bit of pickup issue, probably the reason why you can get them for as low as $5,000.
5 The S Models Are Often The Best
Many believe the S models to be the best because they have better power and tuning as well as a stiffer suspension that proved to be more track friendly. So if you are planning to buy the Boxster for amateur racing, the Boxster S is the car to buy, though it will cost you more than the base versions. The Boxster T is the turbo version and boasts an engine and tuning that scream into life the moment you press the accelerator. Of course, if you want the best there is, there’s the Boxster Spyder, with acceleration like no other.
4 There Will Be Some Maintenance Problems
If you buy a pre-loved car from the late ‘90s or early 2000s, there will be maintenance issues, even with the Boxster. So when you buy a used Boxster, compare the price you are paying now to the maintenance you’d be paying annually and make sure a cheap deal does not end up costing you too much. There were some issues with the engines of the early Boxsters where the oil ended up mixing with the coolant, so make sure the rubber seals are well taken care of.
3 Be Wary Of IMS Failure
The first-generation Boxster had another rare problem of an IMS failure where the IMS (Intermediate Shaft) bearings failed suddenly and bombarded the engine with pellets. This issue was publicized enough for aftermarket companies to develop replacements of the bearings, to prevent the problem before it happened. However, the parts or the replacement of this is not cheap. So if you are going for the cheapest and oldest Boxster on the used car lot, make sure to check for this problem and any solution that is in place.
2 Remember To Do A Pre-Purchase Inspection
It’s a car, and a used car can have plenty of other issues. Think coolant hoses, shifter and suspension bushings, brake hoses, and plenty of other trims and parts that tend to wear out after prolonged use. If the car you are looking at has already done plenty of miles, its best to take it to a good shop for a pre-purchase inspection. Lest that $5,000 Boxster end up causing a whole lot more money-spend the moment you roll it home. Do not take the dealer's word for it…
1 Also, This Is The Car That Saved Porsche
Finally, whatever the Boxster is or isn’t, this is the car that saved Porsche from imminent bankruptcy, with the Boxster 986 selling 120,000 units in its eight-year production run. The Boxster was showcased as a concept in 1993 at the Detroit Auto Show before turning into reality in the summer of 1996. Porsche was at the brink of disaster at the time, but major sales, the very year it debuted, brought the Porsche back and turned it into the giant it is today. For Porsche, the Boxster remains a gamechanger.