When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
My nephew is looking at sports cars and naturally I'd like him to get a Porsche. He doesn't have the funds for a 993, but the Boxster is sort of in his budget. Any thoughts about that model? I really know little about them (with the 993, no need to ).
The Boxster is a great little roadster and an excellent entry into the Porsche brand, IMHO. My 1st Porsche was a '98 Boxster (986) which I purchased new, and still own today, 26 years later. I always loved 911's as a kid, but they were financially out of reach for me in the late 90's. When the Boxster came out, it was an opportunity to get into the Porsche brand, in a new, fun little car, with a more affordable entry point.
Several years later in 2007, after saving, and searching in several states, I found my 993 coupe in Charlotte, NC - the 911 I had always wanted. After having a PPI done, I flew to Charlotte and drove the 993 14 glorious hours thru the scenic roads of North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, etc. back to my home in the Boston area - what a memorable drive that was! I still own both cars today. They are very different cars, but I genuinely love and enjoy both of them.
Last edited by mconnolly911; 02-21-2024 at 07:26 PM.
Thank you for the insight...he's in TN so it will be difficult for me to consult, but he's a smart guy. Are there any known issues (like the IMS bearing on the 998) that you're aware of?
The IMS is the 'big' one that I am aware of. I had my IMS replaced several years back, as a preventative measure. Although the more I read and hear about the IMS issue, the less likely it sounds like a catastrophic failure due to IMS is likely to occur. The likelihood of IMS failure changes over the model years and with the type of IMS bearing used in each model year (single vs double, etc.). There is plenty of info about this potential issue on Rennlist and elsewhere online, so researching it beforehand, and ideally purchasing a car that has the IMS issue addressed is worthwhile, although perhaps not entirely necessary depending on model year. Aside from that, I have found the Boxster to be a reliable little car. Mine is very low mileage (only 40k miles) since I admittedly drive my 993 more often since getting the 993.
I guess the other observation I would make is that the Boxster (and especially the 986 model) is a smaller car, as compared to the 993, especially the interior driver's area. In particular with the convertible roof closed, the Boxster is much more difficult (for me) getting in and out of as I have gotten older. At 6' 2", it's likely more of a 'me' problem, than a car problem (didn't seem to bother me when I was younger). I primarily enjoy driving the Boxster with the top down, which makes the egress challenge much less of an issue - but I figured it's worth mentioning.
Good luck !
Last edited by mconnolly911; 02-21-2024 at 08:22 PM.
went from 993 targa (2x) to a 981 bgts 5 years ago and frankly never looked back, except for wishing i held out another year or two on selling the 993, which is a great and legendary car but has crossed the line from practical to garage queen territory what with six figure prices soon to be common. i will never have a bad word for the 993. ive gotten equal compliments on the boxster at this point. its reliable for long roadies, i think better lookin than recent 911's, handles well, pdk is cool and the sound is spectacular.
i did keep both for 2 years but tbh the targa mostly sat. hoping for but not depending on same price curve on the 6na 981. cheers all.
97 C4S here, owned since 2010…with 67k miles under my watch. Bought an 03 Boxster S in the summer of 22, Arctic Silver/Boxster Red leather. I was initially disappointed in the handling of the Boxster, I expected its mid engine nature to equate well to my very well sorted 993. After refreshing the suspension, lowering the ride height, adding a more aggressive wheelset(same tires from stock wheels swapped over), minor intake and exhaust mods….in is an absolute joy to drive.
Depending on budget, I would recommend an S model.
Interesting comments so far, with the top up the interior of the 986 does FEEL tighter that that of the 993….but all parts of the interior are within reach, just like in the 993. Side by side, the 986 is slightly bigger.
Just like any other vehicle, lower mileage higher trim level cars will have a higher asking. I admittedly overpaid for mine, but it was the exact color combo, low mile, IMS(and all the other while your in there bits)done literally a few hundred miles before listed FS…and had almost every option I would have chosen.
Both cars are Arctic Silver, with the same Tramont Cup wheelsets, both are under covers, and on battery tenders when not driven…and both will never leave my ownership. Until they’re passed to my daughter that is…
I used to own a 2007 boxster. TOTAL impulse decision and first entry in owning a Porsche. Did not even know about the IMS issue at the time. A bit of a foolish decision on my part to not have done my research but it thankfully didn’t have any issues. A 2009 boxster is the way to go for sure only unless the IMS issue has been fixed on older models. Otherwise it’s a game of Russian roulette.
That said my boxster was a blast to drive. But I agree like another comment, better with the top down than up. It is a bit tight head room wise with the top up.
IF the IMS has been done they should provide years of fun. If not, beware.
A 987.2 (2009-2012) Boxster or Cayman is a great choice. Base or S doesn’t really matter.
The newer cars (2013 and newer) become bigger and less analog which detracts from the driving experience in ways an owner of a 993 would understand when compared to the newer 911’s.
Our 986 S is my favorite...there I said it. The 993 is what it is, the 996 is the better car (but just not a 993), but the Boxster is just more fun, it is a grin machine. it has also been extremely easy to own, despite a bit of an appetite for ignition switches. IMHO a well bought Boxster remains one of the best sports car bargains and the early ones are almost criminally undervalued for what they offer. I'll admit to a bias towards the 986.1 series, based almost solely on the looks, simple, classic, minimal flares or creases, but they are all great cars. Don't have to say it here but buy the best one you can afford.
Last edited by WingsWheelsHulls; 02-26-2024 at 09:12 PM.
Loved my 2002 Boxster S, liked a few things about it better than the 993 also. Great cars with a few known potential issues most of which are addressable by someone with some mechanical experience.
Good Luck, ones' first Porsche is always exciting.............
Boxsters are great daily drivers - reliable too. I put 60k miles on the Agate 2013 Base Boxster - no problems in 4 years. The White one is a 2015 S. Both manual transmissions, both with sport exhaust (highly recommended).
Can't go wrong with the base or S.
02-21-2024, 06:58 PM
Nephew is looking at a Boxster
).
.
