What's the skinny on Boxsters?

[Baz]

Now that we had a productive convo on 993 vs 964.....what about Boxters?

I've been considering selling my 914 and replacing with a Boxster.

I know that a Boxster S is better than a Boxster, but to be honest....I think a Boxster would check the boxes for my needs at the moment.

There was a really nice Blue one that sold in less than 1 day on FB MP. But here's a nice looking Yellow one I just noticed. Manual transmission, which would be my preference.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/758508002926563/?ref=browse_tab&referral_code=marketplace_top_picks&referral_story_type=top_picks

2001 Porsche Boxster Cabriolet 2D
$7,900

Driven 127,000 miles
Manual transmission
Exterior color: Yellow · Interior color:
17.0 MPG city · 25.0 MPG highway · 20.0 MPG combined
Seller's Description
IMS Bearing Upgrade completed by previous owner. Paperwork available. Racing exhaust added.

[Jeff Higgins]

I bought a 2002 Boxster S from my son about eight years ago. It was always going to be no more than a stopgap while my '72 911 was torn apart for rust repair and paint. Well, I still own that Boxster...

They are wonderful cars. Mine now has over 160k on the clock with very few issues along the way outside of just your basic maintenance. It's been pretty darn trouble-free. It's easy to work on, most parts are cheaper than the equivalent on my '72, and Wayne even has a 101 Projects book for them. Handling is superb, much better than my 911, with brakes to match. Maybe a bit down on power, but I'm a bit spoiled in that regard because of my 911. Most folks seem pretty happy with the power, though, at least with the 3.2 in the S model.

It has made for a fantastic GT car for my wife and I. Far better than my overly track focused 911, that's for sure. We love the versatility of the convertible top. Funny, though, we joke all the time that we wonder if it even runs with the top up, choosing to go top down most of the time even up here in the soggy Pacific Northwest. Just today, for example, we went north to our world famous tulip fields and got caught on the freeway in a driving rain storm on the way home. As long as I kept the speed up we stayed dry.

It does get pretty darn claustrophobic with the top up. Rearward visibility sucks, with the "B" pillars afforded by the soft top being huge, resulting in equally big blind spots. That's my only real complaint. Put the top down, though, and that all goes away. That's really how it's meant to be driven.

I would not hesitate to recommend an early Boxster, 986 or 987. Simple enough to DIY, relatively inexpensive parts, and a real joy to drive.

[look 171]

The early ones are a bit under power IMO, compared the later cars. The real difference is the S is just a little more piss off when you get on the gas. In those years, it does help. I had a stock S 2000 and I think it faster and handles better then the 2000 my friend owns. Baz, I think you will like the way it drives and the AC is a huge plus compared to the 914 but no one will give you the thumbs up like the 914. For the money, you can't go wrong. How much are 914s now? Three to four time that of the yellow car?

[LWJ]

01 S manual here. Wow. What a great car. It has all of the visceral feedback of an air-cooled car without the janky stuff. It is really perfect.

Also the only car I have owed that my wife enjoys.

[Daves911L]

Bought one for my daughter when she was 16. Friend had it so I knew it was well cared for. Figured it would be a cute fun car for her, force her to drive a manual (so her friends couldn’t borrow it!) and have no back seat . I’ve owned a ton of old p-cars over the years, all air cooled except for a 924 ( which I really liked) . So I’m a bit of a purist and sort of poo-pooed the boxster.

But after we got it I found it was a really nice little car to drive. Smooth, quick, handled beautifully, quite comfortable. Very much like a modern 914 (I’ve had several, including as my first car in high school, and I love ‘em). A genuine sports car. Found it easy to take care of. Good mileage. Almost dead reliable ( only left her stranded once, with dead fuel pump). Neat little car . A ‘98, in arena red. We still have it. I drive it every so often just for fun. Some day it will go back to her, when she’s ready for it again.

[911boost]

I really wanted one back in '04 or so, at 6-4 I just could not fit in it. Maybe I am all torso, but for the first gen cars I was just too tall. Staring through the top of the windshield frame tall.

Even went to the dealer to drive a gorgeous maroon S with a tan top and interior. I still wish I had fit in it.

[Baz]

Thanks for all the helpful input so far.....I didn't realize they had such a passionate following here....very nice to see!

Although it's midnight here, I just replied to his ad with my cell number.

Ad's been up for 3 days but not marked sold yet so we'll see.......

Stay tuned......

[WPOZZZ]

I loved driving my 987.1 Boxster. It was a Tip, so it was easy for anyone to drive. I think the base 987.1 had about the same hp as a 986 S. It was a blast to drive as I could actually wind out the motor without hitting triple digit speeds. I did wish the Tip had another gear.

If you like top down driving it is fantastic! If not, get a Cayman. You will not regret it.

[rfuerst911sc]

I bought my 2002 S back in 2015 . Classic silver over black . I sent it to FSI for a 3.6 rebuild . That transformation built a street rocket . Very quick and handles like it's on rails . Two useable trunks , a great HVAC system , fantastic brakes and that great flat six sound . Rowing through the 6 gears is a joy . I have only driven 10k in 9 years but she has been drop dead reliable . In my opinion the absolutely best bang for the buck in the Porsche world .

[oldE]

You know a Boxster takes up the same amount of room as 5 motorcycles.

Just saying.

In all seriousness, Go for it!

Best
Les

[KRLocke]

Wife had an 02 S and she really loved it. From her point of view it was comfortable, fast and fun to drive. And it made her cut her hair short which was a nice change.

I thought she looked great in it and could tell when he had a fun drive.

I think if there was a way to take 3-400 pounds out of it, I'd like one too.

[rfuerst911sc]

The base Boxster is still a great car . Less power than an S , one less gear are the biggest differences . You can't go wrong with either as long as you get a good one .

[GH85Carrera]

I have never owned one, but I have driven a few. Every single review I have ever seen raves about the handling. I will never own one, and I had 26 years of convertible in my 914, and I see zero reason to ever own a convertible. In 29 years that I have had my 911 I have opened the sunroof three times, and I wish it were not there.

If some fool comes along and pays me above market value for my 911, I would replace it with a Cayman most likely.

Boxsters are get toys, and cheap for the older ones.

[astrochex]

I have to consider looking at Boxsters too because they are generally cheaper than Caymans and there are more out there.

Good luck on your quest Baz!

[Cairo94507]

I have bought 2 of them, both S's for my BIL; a 2005 and a 2009. The '09 is my favorite. It is a PDK car and in a PTS color. The '09 is the year they switched to the direct injection motor and they are bullet proof. I keep waiting for him to reach out and tell me to come get it as he is not driving it anymore. I have always loved the Boxster platform as it is (to me) just a modern 914-6 with AC. Good luck in your search Baz.

[mgatepi]

BOXSTERS ARE CHICK CARS!
There... it had to be said!

[911 Rod]

It's on my list.
I've thought about selling the 996TT and banking some coin and buying a older Boxster.
But will I regret it?

[Paul T]

I absolutely love them! As others have said, the early ones are underpowered, however I had a ‘99 base model and it was still a blast w/ 200hp. Handling is phenomenal. My current boxster spyder is probably fav car and the one I would keep if I had to keep just one. My wife has a newer S (4 cyl) and I’m not really a fan of the 4 banger, but it’s still a great car. Plenty fast, I just don’t like the sound - silly, I know.

[jhynesrockmtn]

My first Porsche was a 2001 S. The S is more than just the bigger motor. Trans is 6 vs 5 speed. Brakes are bigger, suspension differences, etc. I'd go S on a used one. The prices can't be that different after all these years. I am 6'1" and never quite fit in it. I understand the later cars were a bit bigger. My 914's feel bigger inside. I've always thought about getting an 09 or later. You have similar issues to the 996 so a good PPI is in order. I'd want the IMS to be done and to check for bore scoring. Water pumps, coolant tank, etc. My indy who did the PPI on my old 996 C4S said he saw the most issues with the garage queens that saw little use. He literally had one grenade (IMS went) in his lot when they started it to pull into the service bay. The interior materials on the early cars feel a bit cheap. I loved mine though and loved my 996 as well. Great cars.

[maxnine11]

Posting a pic for my hairdresser.