Porsches are typically expensive to own and maintain, but a thorough pre-purchase check is a wise move.
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Things to watch out for
Although the 987 Boxster is exceptionally well constructed, it is not without mechanical flaws, some of which are irksomely built-in. The most serious, fortunately uncommon, problem is an early 3.2-liter engine’s weak “intermediate shaft,” which can lead to failure. Although gearboxes are typically sturdy, rear axles can become noisy if a car has been driven hard frequently.
The cooling system should be thoroughly inspected because water pumps have been known to break out after only 40,000 kilometers. In any car you are considering, look for leaks and check the color and amount of the coolant.
High-mileage vehicles are more vulnerable to stone chips from road debris, and pre-2008 vehicles’ paint was more prone to damage than later vehicles’ paint. If an example you’re considering only has 17-inch wheels, don’t let that deter you; they offer a much more pleasant ride and barely affect handling. However, look out for kerb damage because chipped wheels may indicate that shocks have been transferred to the suspension’s other components, perhaps resulting in damage.
Even though the regular seats are very comfortable, the upgraded sports seats are an appealing alternative. They provide excellent help without coming across as limiting.
Thoroughly inspect the soft-top mechanism because faulty repairs can cause moisture leaks and ball joints to seize and fail.
There may be some issues with maintenance.
Even with the Boxster, there will be maintenance issues if you purchase a used car from the late 1990s or early 2000s. In order to avoid getting ripped off when purchasing a used Boxster, compare the price you are paying now to the upkeep you would be spending annually. Make sure the rubber seals are adequately taken care of because there have been some issues with the engines of the early Boxsters where the oil has mixed with the coolant.
Is the Porsche Boxster 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
The Porsche Boxster is it cozy?
Compared to earlier models, the 718 Boxster’s interior hasn’t seen much modification. It continues to be a finely constructed and elegant place to sit despite the addition of a somewhat smaller steering wheel and some revised air-vent trims. Spend the extra money on leather upholstery to make the car feel even more upscale (we’re very disappointed that this isn’t standard on a PS40,000–PS50,000 car). The standard seats are really comfortable, and the driver’s seat and steering wheel have extensive adjustment as usual, making it incredibly simple to achieve the ideal driving position.
How far can a Porsche Boxster travel?
If properly maintained, a Porsche Boxster will last approximately 200,000 miles, though they can live much longer; some have even exceeded 300,000 miles. If you drive 15,000 miles per year, you can have 13 years of dependable service before the cost and practicality of repairs become too great.
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 of the Porsche Boxster has 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.
When did Porsche experience engine issues?
The dreaded intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing failure is the most noticeable and well-publicized problem you’ll encounter on the used market. An IMS bearing failure can result in a loss of the engine timing, which would completely destroy the engine. A Porsche engine replacement is not inexpensive, as you might expect.
The M96 and M97 flat six-cylinder engines used in 911s, Boxsters, and Caymans between 1997 and 2008 frequently experience IMS bearing failure.
However, the 996-era Porsche 911s and 986 Boxsters experienced the most significant IMS bearing issues up to 2006. Despite the significantly lower IMS bearing failure rate in the later year samples, it is still feasible.
Before buying a car, it’s crucial to check the VIN and service records. It is best to budget for an urgent replacement of the IMS bearing if you locate a car in this time frame that you are interested in purchasing. It might cost up to $2,500 to have an IMS bearing replaced by a skilled mechanic.
The cost of replacing an engine, though, can be more than triple that. As a result, it is imperative to replace the bearing before anything else.
You would be hard-pressed to identify any significant failure areas of Porsche flat engines if the age of IMS bearing problems were excluded. Given their great performance, Porsche engines are known to be remarkably durable whether they are new or old.
Some more recent models hardly ever have “bore score,” which is the engine cylinder walls scraping together as a result of inadequate lubrication.
However, if a Porsche has been well maintained, you won’t likely encounter any significant problems.
What does an oil change cost for a Porsche Boxster?
Porsche Boxster oil changes typically cost between $514 and $544. While parts are priced between $465 and $482, labor costs are predicted to be between $49 and $62. Taxes and other fees are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or geographic area taken into account. Additional fixes could be required.
Why are Boxster S prices so low?
It will soon be 20 years since the first-generation Porsche Boxster, which had a “Boxser” engine and a “Roadster” transmission.
On the other hand, the current 718 production model still rides on the Boxster base.
This has produced thorough information on the most common mechanical problems that these vehicles encounter. The Boxster has aged well and is trustworthy, which is good news.
The mid-engine two-seat roadster was Porsche’s best-selling vehicle prior to the Cayenne’s release.
When it comes to maintenance and running costs, a Porsche is at the low end. With a few small exceptions, the design is flawless mechanically.
The used automobile market offers the Boxster 986 (1997-2004), 987 (2005-2012), 981 (2012-2016), and current 718 variants.
Although Boxsters might be pricey, the most popular 986 and 987 models can be purchased for a fair amount of money.
Even if every Boxster has a different set of problems, the more recent models are less likely to experience catastrophic failures.
The early versions shouldn’t be discounted, but extra caution should be taken.