Porsches are typically expensive to own and maintain, but a thorough pre-purchase check is a wise move.
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Porsche Boxster 986: the verdict from Classic & Sports Car
A 986 Boxster is a fantastic and affordable way to acquire a Porsche; while most are dependable, entertaining, and inexpensive to run, maintenance costs can add up if the uncommon engine problems occur.
Purchase one with a comprehensive (particularly recent) service history to reduce risk. The 2.5/2.7 is the most practical; the 3.2 is the most enjoyable to drive; search for an interior with high-end features.
How Does Maintenance Fit In?
Any 986-generation Boxster you purchase will come with its fair share of maintenance issues, much like the majority of aging German automobiles. Of course, the mileage and service history of your automobile will have a significant impact on how much you should be able to pay.
A small number of early Boxster engines had a casting defect that caused coolant and oil to mix, however most of the afflicted engines have now been replaced. It is typical for oil to leak through worn-out rubber seals, especially from the rear main seal area.
Intermediary shaft bearing (IMS) failure on 986-generation Boxsters is another rare but well-publicized mechanical issue. A tiny number of vehicles may experience an abrupt IMS bearing failure, grenading the engine without prior notice. The troublesome bearing design is present in all 986s (as well as the majority of 996-gen 911s), and failures have become so frequent that aftermarket businesses like LN Engineering have created replacements that owners can install as preventative maintenance. You must choose whether the peace of mind justifies the cost and work of the replacement because it is not inexpensive—the cost of the parts alone is typically close to $1000. Additionally, you can always use it as leverage to bargain for a lower price if the car you’re interested in hasn’t already had it done.
We advise driving the car to a reputable shop, preferably one that specializes in Porsches, for a full pre-purchase inspection. Other, more commonplace components like coolant hoses, suspension bushings, shifter bushings, and interior trim will wear out as mileage creeps up. Even though it can set you back a few hundred dollars, you’ll be fully informed about the car’s condition prior to purchase.
Engine
The area around the bell housing is one of the crucial places to examine on any Boxster. A crankshaft oil seal failure may be indicated by an oil leak here, but as long as no oil is spilling on the ground, replacement may normally wait until the vehicle requires a clutch.
Noises resembling bearings coming from the back of the engine would be more concerning. James believes that this might be a sign of a failing bearing on the intermediate shaft’s back, which transmits power from the crankshaft to the camshafts. James claims that although the bearing is “sealed for life,” engine oil pushed in by the cam chains can wash the grease out.
If the bearing breaks, the engine will often need to be rebuilt, but if the gearbox is out for a clutch replacement, the bearing can be examined, and if there is play, we can replace it without removing the engine, says Barry Hart of Porsche engine specialist Hartech. Buyers are advised to avoid vehicles with a loud bearing.
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues frequently result in stuttering when driving. Replacements are PS 130. Additionally, ignition packs frequently break and result in misfires.
Coolant expansion tanks that fracture cause water to seep into the boot, which is a problem unique to the 986 type. Additionally, oil separators can malfunction, which manifests as a running issue or blue smoke in the exhaust. But since blue smoke often comes from flat engines, this shouldn’t be confused with that.
Finally, inspect the air conditioning condensers and coolant radiators in the front of the vehicle. According to James, “Leaves can get lodged in the ducts, and as they mulch down, they destroy the radiators.”
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.
The Porsche Boxster: Is it pricey?
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.”
Is it expensive to maintain a Porsche Boxster?
We looked at how frequently the vehicle required major unplanned repair over a three-year period to determine the frequency of major maintenance. This “serious” maintenance item is a costly system breakdown that needs to be repaired (often a part or component costing above $1,000).
It should be emphasized that even while we analyze this data by make and model, driving style, vehicle condition, and mileage undoubtedly affect outcomes. Different frequencies of maintenance are needed depending on the vehicle. While newer cars can go longer between services, older vehicles may require more frequent maintenance.
The frequency score can be used to determine how long a vehicle can go without maintenance. A frequency score reveals how frequently a certain vehicle needs major repair over a three-year period. If an automobile has a maintenance frequency score of 3, for instance, it needs major repairs every year because the score is calculated over a three-year period. The longer it can go without major maintenance services, the closer the frequency score is to 0.
The frequency score for a Porsche Boxster is 1.7399999999999998. This indicates that the Porsche Boxster performs much poorer than average given that the industrial average is 1.3. The breakdown of all manufacturers and models is shown in the chart below.
It’s important to note that there are many trustworthy cars that could also need frequent, yet reasonably priced maintenance. For instance, many domestic brands have higher maintenance visits but lower overall costs (since labor and parts expense are typically cheaper for domestic brands). This doesn’t imply that cars break down less frequently, but it does show that when they do, the problems are usually fairly simple to remedy, which is perhaps even more significant.
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.
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.
Are Boxsters authentic Porsches?
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.
Engines in Porsche Boxsters are they reliable?
Although adequate maintenance and oil changes are essential, and there have been complaints of concerns with the quality of the paintwork, engines are often dependable
Which Porsche is the most trustworthy?
One of the most dependable vehicles in the whole Porsche series, according to PCarwise, is the 911 Carrera. One of the few Porsche models with comparatively few performance and reliability complaints from customers is this one. The Porsche 911 Carrera has consistently received accolades for being the most dependable vehicle the automaker has ever made throughout its long and illustrious history.
What issues are there with Porsches?
One of the most recognizable cars in the world is a Porsche. renowned for their style and aristocracy. You must make sure your Porsche undergoes routine maintenance and inspections if you want to keep it in good operational condition.
Porsche 911s are susceptible to a number of typical issues, including starter smoke, low battery, and others. Given the investment you’ve made in your car, it’s critical to understand the most frequent issues and how to resolve them.
How frequently should a Porsche Boxster need maintenance?
We advise you to inspect your Porsche Boxster annually or every 10,000 miles and to change the engine oil and filter. A minor service was to be performed every 20K miles or two years, and a major service every four years or 40K miles, according to the original 987 maintenance schedule (shown below).
What model year Porsche Boxsters experience IMS issues?
The intermediate shaft bearing, commonly known as an IMS bearing, has a significant failure rate in the Porsche 911 and Porsche Boxster from model years 1997 to 2005. Its build and design cause the bearing to prematurely fail, which causes a catastrophic engine failure.
Why do Porsches lose so much value?
The Cayenne SUV is possibly Porsche’s most innovative vehicle—aside from the 911. Porsche’s desire to extend its production line led to the Cayenne, which was released to much fanfare.
The company’s decision to develop an SUV was criticized by Porsche purists, and detractors watched to see if the Cayenne would be a commercial failure.
To the dismay of Porsche enthusiasts, many people found the Cayenne to be appealing due to the model’s luxury, comfort, and performance. Since then, the Cayenne has surpassed the Macan as one of Porsche’s second-best-selling vehicles.
Despite its strengths, the Cayenne is the second-worst-selling Porsche model. One of the Porsche models with the fastest depreciation rates on the market, with a three-year depreciation rate of 44.84%.
Many explanations have been put forth by experts for the Cayenne’s appalling depreciation rate. One is that there are now more used models available to purchasers as a result of the model’s popularity. Used car values decline and the rate of depreciation on new models rises as supply outpaces demand.
The Cayenne’s status as a luxury SUV is another possible explanation for its significant depreciation.
German luxury vehicles [sedans, SUVs, etc.] frequently depreciate more quickly than the majority of cars, which has an impact on resale value.
Because there is less demand for the Cayenne because it is more expensive to maintain, new versions depreciate more quickly than usual. Additionally, used car purchasers do not want to spend money on dated luxury cars, thus there is still a minimal market for these automobiles. Increased depreciation on new vehicles and decreased resale values for used models result from this.
Even though it is the lowest for a Porsche, the Cayenne’s depreciation rate is among the best in the luxury SUV market. In fact, the Cayenne was named the finest midsize two-row SUV with the highest resale value in the 2020 KBB Best Resale Value Awards.