Porsche Boxster: Market Watch
Bag yourself a Boxster bargain ... but which one? Check out our model-by-model guide!
What is certain is that the original Boxster's combination of premium build quality (the 986 shared much of the contemporary 996's front end), a charismatic 2.5-litre flat-six engine, predictable yet engaging handling and an electric soft-top roof gave the new Porsche an edge rival roadsters simply couldn't live with.
Performance wasn't remotely in the 911 league though, but a switch to more powerful (and more reliable) 2.7 and 3.2-litre units in 2000 closed the gap considerably. These engines boasted real character too, daily usability combined with real thrills on the open road meaning Boxster snobs had to eat humble pie.
And despite going through a series of further evolutions - with a new 987 model in 2005 and the latest 981 in 2012 - Porsche has always managed to retain that original Boxster's unique character.
As a big-selling model used examples are numerous, but not all have proved utterly virtuous in terms of reliability. So make sure you research forums and buying guides thoroughly before buying one.
But assuming you've done your homework, what you really need to know is which Boxsters are likely to become collectable in the future, and which are more likely to fade quietly from the collective memory? Which make the finest track-day tools? And, perhaps most importantly, which Boxsters make the best buys right now?
Introduction
Porsche Boxster (986 - 1996-2004)
Porsche Boxster (987- 2005-2012)
Porsche Boxster (981 - 2012-present)
Many thanks to Porsche Club of Great Britain, The Independent Porsche Enthusiasts Club, JMG Porsche Ltd, Specialist Cars of Malton and Glass’s Guide for their help with this feature
Photos: (986) Dan; (987) Porsche; (981) Tom Begley
It's light, "analog", relatively unique at the price point, looks different, not that many were built, N/A flat sixes are going the way of the dodo and if the reviews are to be believed it's one of the best drivers cars of the time.
Also it's last of the old Boxster line until the radical redesign of the 981, this may not be a big deal now because the 981 looks far better than the 987, but in 20 years collectors might prefer the older, softer lines to the more muscular look of the newer car.
I also believe that very clean early 986s (1996/1997) have bottomed out a while ago and will be classics eventually.
I love my 986, easily the best motoring decision I've made (OK, maybe the bike license is up there with it...) but I can't see it as an investment. The best I can hope for is for mine to hold it's value reasonably well and for the 987 S to depreciate a little bit more so that good ones come within reach.
We have one practical car in the household, but as a childless couple there's not much we use it for that wouldn't fit in the Boxster, including big supermarket trips, a weeks camping kit, lugging fishing kit, taking my very frail grandmother out and about & handling 500+ mile trips in comfort.
It'll be interesting to see what happens with 987 values.
In fact, as a self-confessed die hard 986 fan, I can report that my piss is actually boiling and I may spring a leak (with a replacement expansion tank being the only cure).
2016 marks the 20th anniversary of the launch of the 986 I would wager that that it will kick off a resurgence of interest in the early 2.5L cars.
Mark Mullen / SCOM are either misquoted here or have gone down in my book...
In fact, as a self-confessed die hard 986 fan, I can report that my piss is actually boiling and I may spring a leak (with a replacement expansion tank being the only cure).
2016 marks the 20th anniversary of the launch of the 986 I would wager that that it will kick off a resurgence of interest in the early 2.5L cars.
Mark Mullen / SCOM are either misquoted here or have gone down in my book...
Anyway for the amounts we're talking about, say £5k-£12k, I think BMW have a trio of cars that are on the up; The Z4M Roadster, Z4M Coupe and the often talked about PH favorite, the E46 M3. Okay perhaps the M3 isn't in the same category, but it's almost an icon and values for clean examples are holding firm to rising. I think the rather normal 'M3 CS' is going to his £20k one of these days, and the Z4M Coupe has already reached those lofty heights.
I'd increase the budget a little and go for the Z4M Roadster. Rarity alone makes it more desirable for me, and to me it seems even more 'analog' than the Porsche.
Would definitely consider a first-gen Z4 / Z4M coupe.
Would definitely consider a first-gen Z4 / Z4M coupe.
I really like these cars but the prices are very strong for mass-marketed stuff.
That Spyder version looks like a good punt at the moment though, if you have the cash to splash on that kinda car right now I'd be getting one!
Dave
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1997-R-PORSCHE-BOXSTER-2...
Think that it has a knackered engine and the seller is trying to get shut ?
Could be a bargain if its not.
They are cracking cars and sold my late Esprit V8 to buy the Boxster and it's lovely knowing that once warmed up properly you can fully exploit the performance without the worry of things falling apart or breaking. Unusually for me I've had the car for coming up to three years now and I've never kept a car more than a year.
And the only car that I feel can replace it is a 911 Gen 2 Turbo S soft top so that's what it will be next.
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