Because they have higher power and tune as well as a stiffer suspension that has proven to be more track friendly, many people think the S models are the greatest. Therefore, the Boxster S is the car to buy if you intend to purchase a Boxster for amateur racing, even if it will cost you more than the base models. The turbocharged Boxster T has an engine and tuning that roar to life as soon as you depress the accelerator. Of course, the Boxster Spyder, with unparalleled acceleration, is available if you want the best.
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Therefore, which one is best for me?
The best 986 for you will largely rely on your budget. Prices can range from $5000 for early, well-used base cars to $30,000 for immaculately maintained final-year models, depending on year, mileage, trim, and condition.
You’ll have to settle for a Boxster produced between 1997 and 1999 if affordability is a top consideration. With costs generally under $10,000, these vintage vehicles are by far the most affordable on the used market. That’s not bad for what you get—a mid-engine Porsche convertible with a flat-six engine producing more than 200 horsepower. Early evaluations of the vehicle lauded its handling skills, but many people thought it lacked sufficient power.
Some of these problems were resolved in the later 2.7-liter base model, which had a slightly stronger flat-six engine. If you don’t like the earlier lights with their amber bottom section, the new headlight style that came with cars made after 2000 is a welcome option.
The S models are the most capable of the lot since they have greater power and a suspension configuration that is firmer and more track-friendly. The S is the one to purchase if you intend to do a lot of closed-course performance driving. On average, expect to pay a few thousand dollars more than you would for a standard model from the same year. A 550 Spyder 50th Anniversary car will cost even more if you’re a collector who like special editions because of its unique improvements and scarcity.
What’s it like to drive a Porsche Boxster?
Anyone who hasn’t driven a properly kept car—especially a neglected Porsche Boxster—will find that it still seems shockingly capable. It is advantageous to test drive numerous vehicles before making a purchase decision for this reason. You are in for one of the biggest treats among modern antique automobiles when the steering, brakes, suspension, and engine have all been retained in excellent condition. It’s a pleasant drive.
A 2.5-liter 986 may seem a little unremarkable at first. Although it has decent low-rev lug for cruising around town and that’s fine for the daily commute, its engine needs to be driven hard to get the best performance out of it. It excels on winding A-roads where you can use all of the rpm in its intermediate ratios. The flat-six engine becomes louder above 5000 rpm, letting you know this is a sports vehicle with legitimate heritage. It boasts strong pulling power, and the five-speed manual transmission has a distinctly Porsche motion that rewards thoughtful, unhurried effort.
The steering, braking, and handling of these early Boxsters, though, are really what set them apart. The Boxster, like the Lotus Elise, allows you to maintain speed through turns as opposed to being a point-and-shoot sports vehicle. Dimples and ridges don’t make it lose its composure because of how smoothly it rides, and the power-assisted steering provides a lot of feedback. The brakes are powerful and never fade when you do need to slow down.
A 2.5 is so nicely balanced that you won’t often feel like it’s testing your skills. If the vehicle isn’t equipped with the optional traction control, the S model’s increased power may cause the rear wheels to become unsteady. An S has the extra power to fully use the Boxster’s unquestionably outstanding chassis and pamper its driver when the opportunity presents itself. This is not something to be concerned about or turn off a potential purchase.
With each throttle squeeze, the S’s larger punch can be felt both off the line and through the gears. However, wider standard wheels and a stronger suspension setup lean it more towards being a sports vehicle than a roadster, so you will also notice more of the pockmarks on the road surface.
Because of this, many consider the later 2.7 to be the greatest of the 986 Boxsters. The 2.7’s suspension is more forgiving than the S version’s, but its 220 horsepower is a welcome improvement over the 2.5’s 204 horsepower. You wouldn’t be able to detect the difference on the road, but facelifted 2.7s from 2002 onwards came with 228bhp if you wanted a little bit more power.
The 986 Boxster makes a strong case for being a modern classic for daily driving because it has more than adequate performance and cruises effortlessly on the freeway. The cabin is not overly windy when the roof is down, and it is refined with the roof up thanks to the facelifted cars’ slightly quieter interiors made possible by their glass rear screens. All Boxster models get an average fuel economy of roughly 30 mpg, so using one as your daily driver won’t break the bank. The Porsche has more baggage room than any of its competitors from the same era thanks to the combination of the front and rear boots, and the build quality is also excellent.
What makes a Porsche Boxster 986 desirable?
The Boxster, which featured a 2.5-liter engine, was the vehicle that prevented Porsche from being acquired in the late 1990s. It shared the first water-cooled 911’s headlights, front wings, bonnet, interior, and engine. Production began in Stuttgart and was complemented by work done in Finland in 1997 (the VIN’s 11th character is “U” rather than “S”).
In 1999, the engine was increased to 2.7 liters with a 3.2 “S” option. The 2.7 is regarded as the ideal daily Porsche, pleasant to drive, with rapid throttle response and excellent road characteristics, whereas the 2.5 is presently the entry-level model. A more concentrated combination with a firmer ride and enough power to cause trouble is the 3.2 S.
When brand-new, it was simple to raise the PS33,950 price by more than PS10,000. Standard 2.5s had drab interiors; a good specification, like the one on the car in the picture, creates a much pleasant atmosphere. Small to significant trim changes were available as options, with full leather and a center console being among the most coveted. Other features included air conditioning, traction control, and sport pack suspension. With the quick, well-engineered, and useful soft-top, the optional hardtop is pleasant but barely necessary.
Considering that the differences between the models are relatively minimal, it makes sense to purchase the most recent, highest-spec 3.2 you can locate. A loaded early 2.5 with low miles will increase in value over the long run because to its rarity; at the moment, prices have stabilized but are not yet climbing. Avoid confusing final-year 3.2s with the 1953 silver Spyder commemoratives, which feature a numbered plaque on the center console and a special specification. Final-year 3.2s are frequently marketed as the “Anniversary Edition.”
Low mileage, which might lead to more issues than the contrary, is significantly less valuable than a thorough service history with Official Porsche Centres or recognized specialists. Better than merely paying for the first 12 to 15 years of expenses is full recent maintenance with nothing else prior.
Rust is normally not a problem, but it might appear in areas where repairs have been neglected, so carefully investigate. The interior is tough; bolster wear is the first to become noticeable. A skilled trimmer can clean up or re-upholster a worn seat. Look under the seats for moist carpeting, which are typically the result of clogged hood drains.
The second-generation Porsche Boxster is a wise second-hand investment since it is quick, enjoyable, and oozes luxury.
When the second-generation Porsche Boxster debuted in 2005, it had a very tough act to follow. When the original (codenamed 986) was introduced in 1996, it was a rather avant-garde vehicle that offered a less expensive alternative to the storied Porsche 911 while enthralling eager drivers with its mid-engined performance. The Mk2 (or 987), fortunately, drove and looked even better.
The 987 Boxster wasn’t necessary a “cheap” way to acquire a Porsche because it had a more mature feel and appeal than the original Boxster. Its attraction was indisputable enough to draw customers away from the 911 while also arguably carrying more badge status than the majority of its direct competitors.
The Boxster appears like it means business from the driver’s seat, with a sober-appearing yet elegant interior. There aren’t many cars with a better build quality, and the seats are really comfy, however the very tallest may have trouble fitting in. The Boxster’s convertible top is also smartly engineered, but without the included wind deflector, long roof-down trips may get tiresome.
The Porsche Boxster 987 is a very appealing option if you’re searching for a fun, attractive second car or if your requirement for practicality isn’t great enough to warrant one as your only vehicle. The closest competitor to a used Porsche Boxster is probably a new one, despite the fact that this elegant sports vehicle retains its value well and that deals are hard to come by.
Porsche Boxsters are they good?
What Makes the Porsche Boxster Great? The Porsche 718 Boxster is a fantastic premium sports vehicle, no doubt about it. This roadster is among the best in its class for driving appeal because to its powerful engines, blistering acceleration, and agile handling. Its inside is more “fine” than “average.”
What variations of the Porsche Boxster are there?
Porsche is a German automaker that produces and sells mid-engine two-seater sports cars over the course of four generations. The Porsche Boxster and Cayman are available as two-door, two-seater roadster (Boxster) and three-door, two-seater fastbackcoupes, respectively (Cayman).
The first generation of the Boxster was released in 1996; the second generation, which included the Cayman, followed in late 2005; and the third generation, which debuted in 2012, was released. The two models have been marketed as the Porsche 718 Boxster and Porsche 718 Cayman since the fourth generation’s debut in 2016.
The plaque Boxster is a combination of the words “roadster” and “boxer,” which refers to the vehicle’s flat or boxer engine. A member of the alligator family, the nameplate Cayman is spelled differently from caiman.
Which Porsche Boxster model year is the most dependable?
As with any new cars, the Porsche Boxster experienced some issues after its 1996 release during the following few years. The best year for the Porsche Boxster was 2012, following a few redesigns, when Porsche found their sweet spot.
A used 2012 Porsche Boxter can be the perfect vehicle for you if you want to drive a two-seater sports car from Germany but don’t want to break the bank. They offer two powerful engine options, are fairly priced, and have excellent handling qualities.
What should I expect to spend on a Porsche Boxster?
Price of a 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster The base price of the 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster is $62,600. The Boxster S with the improved turbo engine starts at $74,600, while the Boxster T costs an additional $71,700.
Are Porsche Boxsters suitable for daily use?
Porsche’s Boxster model has evolved into the ideal of a dependable, classy sports car that is ideal as an everyday vehicle. It may not be the most luxurious or sought-after sports car on the market, but it is similar to current coupes that we have all grown to know and love.
With its new 718 Boxster model, which is currently in its third generation, the well-known German automaker has yet again succeeded in proving this point. The Boxster’s 718 designation is intended to evoke Porsche’s racing vehicles from the late 1950s and early 1960s, which served as an inspiration for the model that first appeared as a concept in 1992.
By including a four-cylinder engine in the 718 Boxster for the first time since the 944 did so in the 1980s, Porsche has given the car firm another tribute to its past. For optimal output, Porsche equipped the little 2.0-liter engine with a turbocharger, and it gives plenty of power for a street-legal racer.
Naturally, the 718 Boxster has all of the features one would anticipate when purchasing a Porsche. The 718 Cayman is another new release from the German auto giant for hardtop aficionados.