986 Boxsters have historically cost under $10,000, but costs are beginning to rise. The asking price for a high-spec vehicle in excellent condition is somewhere between $25k and $35k.
However, if you don’t have that much money, don’t let that deter you; you can still find several Boxsters in good shape for less than $10,000. (PS7.5k). There is a deal to be gained at this level if you don’t care too much about getting the finest of the best.
Additionally, you may count on the safety of your money. Boxsters have maintained their worth for a very long time and are now slowly but definitely appreciating. That trend does not appear to be changing anytime soon.
In This Article...
Is this the bestselling Boxster at $25,500?
The Boxster, ah. It is a balanced and enjoyable to drive tiny mid-engine convertible, but for some reason it still has a terrible reputation. People remark, “It’s a hairdresser’s automobile.” It’s a Porsche for those without the means to purchase a 911. Sure, some who make such claims have never actually driven a Boxster, but the truth is that for a very long time, the early 1997–2004 Porsches (also known as the 986) were among the least expensive vehicles to have four wheels and a Porsche emblem. This indicates that many Boxsters have been sold at low prices and have been driven hard and neglected for their entire lives. Simply put, they aren’t treated to the same kind of attention as, say, a 911 Turbo. That’s exactly why we were interested in the car being offered for auction on Cars & Bids. It’s the cleanest and most recent 1997 model you’re likely to find anywhere, with only 1190 miles on the odometer. It brought in $26,648. (including fees). Yes, that’s a respectable sum of money, but it could have been even more given the recent high prices seen for comparable like-new, collector-grade modern collector automobiles.
Midway through the 1990s, during a difficult but crucial period for Porsche, the Boxster was born. The company was in dire financial straits, the front-engined cars had all been phased out, and the Cayenne was still several years away. Porsche created a new entry-level model in tandem with the newest 911, sharing many parts from the A-pillar forward and using identical water-cooled flat-six engines, in order to increase sales volume and productivity on the assembly lines. The new Boxster, a mashup of “boxer” and “roadster,” carried the Porsche entry-level torch and was a popular model as well as a fantastic driver’s car. Porsche should be handing out cigars right now, according to Car and Driver, who claimed that “if there has been a contest going on among BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche to determine which German automaker could develop the best-performing compact roadster.” However, hairdressing jokes and the famed (and perhaps exaggerated) IMS bearing problem persisted, aiding in the depreciation of Boxsters to a small portion of their initial selling price.
In fact, the 986 Boxster stopped depreciating in 2017, when a 1997 model in #2 (“excellent”) condition could be purchased for $13,000. Although the #2 value has increased by 27% since then, it is still affordable at $16,500. much more affordable than slower, older entry-level Porsche models like the 944.
This Cars & Bids vehicle has the ability to become a popular Boxster. It checked all the collectability boxes: first-year model, desirable colors, recent servicing, and a ton of paperwork. It also had an absurdly low mileage. However, it ultimately sold for just a little bit more than our current condition #1 (“concours” or “best-in-world”) value of $25,000, which we believe to be reasonable and fair. For context, it’s also crucial to keep in mind that a new Boxster in 1997 cost $40,000 even with no options. According to the vendor, this automobile cost $46,328 when it was new, which translates to more than 78 thousand after accounting for inflation. That’s close to 68 grand in 2021 currency.
Other 986 Boxsters and Boxster Ss with more mileage have also sold for comparable prices on other online auction sites, and used front-drive Hondas regularly sell in the $20k bracket online these days. Therefore, it appears that the crazy money isn’t after these inexpensive two-seaters at least for the time being. That’s most likely advantageous.
The Cost
Depending on the year, mileage, condition, transmission, and service history, the cost of a 986 Boxster varies greatly. A high-mileage early version with an unloved automatic transmission should often cost less than $8,000, while a later, low-mileage Boxster S should cost between mid-$20,000. Porsche sold more over 120,000 986s during the course of its eight-year production cycle, which accounts for their current low price. The parts are easily accessible. Some things to think about when shopping: Porsche made a number of upgrades to the 986 throughout its production run, elevating the appeal of the later models.
The 2.5 liter flat-six engine was the only one offered with the Boxster from 1997 to 1999. Porsche increased the 2.7-liter base engine in 2000 and unveiled the Boxster S, which included a larger 3.2-liter engine and an optional six-speed manual transmission. For 2003, the vehicle underwent a redesign that removed the amber taillights, installed a glass back window, and enhanced the interior. The power of both engines was somewhat increased during this makeover.
Prices for the Porsche Boxster and Cayman will increase universally in 2022.
For this model year, the price of the base model 718 Boxster and Cayman will go up by several hundred dollars, and for the higher trim levels, it will go up even more.
Luxury and high-end brands have always raised the prices of their high-end goods. The Porsche 718 twins (Cayman and Boxster) will see a price hike for 2022 like clockwork.
Both the Cayman and Boxster base models will cost $600 higher than the corresponding 2021 versions. The starting price for the Boxster is $63,950, while the standard Cayman is now $61,850 before extras. The modest variations between these two cars that account for their nearly $2000 price differential are typical.
The Boxster has a heavy and mechanically complex top arrangement that is probably more expensive to produce than the Cayman’s standard hard top. The Boxster’s popularity in California may potentially be a factor in the little price increase.
Price increases will also apply to 718s with higher trim levels. Additionally, the sticker prices of the GTS 4.0 Boxster and Cayman, which made a comeback with the 4.0-liter flat-six last year, will increase by $600. The two 6C 718 engines provide a respectable 394 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque (PDK).
Price margins for the top-tier Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder will be significantly greater than for the 2021 versions. Both will be $1,000 more expensive than last year’s models. Just inside the six-figure threshold, the Cayman GT4 will cost $102,550, and the Boxster Spyder will be $99,650. It will also cost extra to purchase the recently announced Boxster 25, a tribute to the 1993 Boxster Concept. More precisely, $2,500 more. It will now cost $101,450 for the select few who are able to purchase one.
Porsche is also developing a brand-new Cayman. Last year, the Cayman GT4 RS was sighted on the track with some outrageous new aesthetic enhancements and probably more power. However, dates with Porsches from the GT category are never inexpensive. The price difference between the new 911 GT3 and the previous 911 GT2, which at the time set a lap record at the Nurburgring, is over $160,000 for the 911 GT3.
In addition to the annual price increase, its connection to the 718’s dismal sales in recent years could also be discussed. Since the middle of the 2010s, they have been in decline, although the introduction of the 718 T, GTS 4.0, and Boxster 25 should reverse those patterns in the ensuing years.
Is a Porsche Boxster 987 a wise financial decision?
The Boxster 987 is quite reliable and has a MOT pass record that spans from 82.3% for 2005 models to 91% for 2010 cars, which is fantastic news in addition to being a great drive. However, unless they are detected early, mechanical issues that do arise can be costly to address.
Is the Boxster being phased out by Porsche?
Due to the potential for a connecting rod to crack, 190 of the coupes have been recalled in the United States. To solve the problem, some of them will get new engines.
- Due to the possibility of the connecting rod shattering, Porsche has announced a recall and halt sale for 190 of its 2021 Cayman (seen above), Boxster, and 718 Spyder models.
- Engine replacement may be necessary for the recalled models, which include the 2021 Cayman GT4, 718 Spyder, Cayman GTS 4.0, and Boxster GTS 4.0.
- 20 of these cars, according to Porsche, have already been delivered and will all get new engines.
The 2021 Cayman GT4, the 718 Spyder, the Cayman GTS 4.0, and the Boxster GTS 4.0 are among the 190 impacted vehicles. Of these, 20 were delivered to customers. According to the spokesman, all 20 of those vehicles will have their engines replaced, and the engines of the remaining vehicles, including those that have already been purchased but have not yet been delivered because of the stop sale, will be assessed to see if one has to be changed.
Porsche claims that all owners who have taken delivery of the vehicles have been informed of the recall and that it is not aware of any issues caused by the faulty connecting rod. Porsche learned of the recall on March 8, per paperwork submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
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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.
Will the price of a 986 Boxster rise?
The Boxster might be an entry point if you’ve always wanted a Porsche but haven’t actually bought one. However, the price may not remain low for much longer.
It’s a fantastic first Porsche, and its value will probably keep increasing in the years to come. It’s enjoyable to own and drive and doesn’t require a lot of upkeep.
Beware of Porsche enthusiasts who minimize the significance of the 986. The 911 was made feasible by a car like this. The Porsches that we know and love today might not exist without the 986.
As more people become aware of how much automobile you can get for your money, the popularity of Porsche’s 986 Boxster is growing.
Although we don’t anticipate the 986 to reach the dizzying heights that some 911s have, it’s still a wonderful, practical purchase. If you’re seeking for the model with the highest potential for investment, choose a 3.2 Boxster S in good condition.
Are Boxsters authentic Porsches?
Despite being Porsche’s “entry-level” sports car, the current Boxster is not what we’d call affordable. The starting price for the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster with 300 horsepower is $63,950. The 2.5-liter S variant with 350 horsepower has a starting price of $75,950. You want choices, huh? Prepare to pay close to $100,000. Another problem is that the GTS 4.0 edition of the Boxster costs $90,850 if you want a flat-six engine with normally aspirated fuel. Some purists prefer the flavor and exhaust note of naturally aspirated engines, even though we think the Boxster’s turbocharged engine sounds acceptable.
The new 718 Boxster would destroy the original 986 Boxster in a race, but at least it provides a genuine driving experience for a much lower cost. Recently, used Porsche costs have skyrocketed, and even historically unpopular 911 vehicles from the 996 generation are becoming more valuable. Despite this, the 986 Boxster is still reasonably priced and offers a driving experience that is very comparable to that of the 911 from that era.