2005 Porsche Boxster S 987

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

• 2005 987 Boxster S with a later 3.2-litre engine

• Manual gearbox

• Just two owners from new, in current ownership almost 15 years

• Fastidiously maintained

• Very good condition

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Porsche’s mid-engined marvel, the Boxster, started strongly with the 986 and then, in 2005, the 987 arrived with a series of incremental improvements that added up to a car that was 80% new. This upgrade helped to cement its position as an all-time great sports car, providing Porsche with some internal competition to the 911. Particularly when endowed with the 3.2 litre flat six of the S derivative, it was a compelling driver’s car that also incorporated the usual levels of Porsche usability.

Obviously that’s now quite some time ago and values have long since passed into the realms of affordability for those who are perhaps less… respectful of the Porsche heritage. Which is why it’s important to know that your bargain Boxster has been well looked after, like the one we have here. The stack of invoices that accompanies it show that any issues arising have been promptly attended to.

“What about the IMS bearing?” we hear you cry. Well, the failure of this crucial part only reportedly affected around 5% of the engines so it’s not hugely prevalent. However, this was one car that was sadly impacted in the worst possible way. Pistons met valves and the result was not pretty.

Loving the car as much as he did, the owner decided that he would seize opportunity from disaster and located a 3.2 litre engine from a later, lower mileage and post-IMS issue, car. This was duly installed by a Porsche specialist and the car has enjoyed many trouble-free miles since, its usage only tailing off when the seller added another car to the driveway.

This is a reluctant sale but presents a great opportunity for the prospective buyer: it’s a well specified and beautifully maintained Boxster S with a manual gearbox and an engine that’s some 30k miles younger than the rest of the car. Add in an attractive and subtle combination and we reckon that the next owner should be very happy indeed.

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

• Registered 21 April 2005

• Purchased by the current owner 1 Aug 2009

• Unfortunately it had one of the 5% of engines to suffer IMS bearing failure which resulted in pistons and valves coming into contact

• A 3.2 litre replacement engine from a later Boxster (after the IMS issue was addressed) which had covered just 41k miles, was sourced and installed Feb 2014

• Full document pack, including hardback book on the Boxster and two service books: one for the car and one showing the full main dealer history of the replacement engine

• Slightly confusingly, a couple of the services were recorded in the wrong book

• Luckily, the owner has kept all invoices, in date order

• We can therefore deduce that the car has been serviced as follows: Sep 2006 @20,152 miles, Oct 2008 @45,552 miles, Feb 2011 @60,939 miles, April 2013 @76,241 miles, replacement engine Feb 2014, Aug 2015 @86,204 miles, Sep 2017 @91,087 miles, Oct 2019 @102,551 miles, Dec 2021 @109,913 miles

• Significant other work includes the replacement of the radiators and aircon condensers under front bumper, new gearchange cables, new suspension coils all round and front shock absorbers, new coil packs and a Miltek stainless steel sports system

• Two keys, one with a flat battery

• Current MOT expires 29 May 2024

• V5 present in owner’s name, though still showing original engine number and capacity

• HPI clear

• London ULEZ compliant

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

• The cabin of a Boxster of this era is simple, classy and stylish

• Specified with the Porsche Sport Chrono package, a stopwatch sits atop the well-thought out dashboard

• The heated black leather seats show some signs of use but are in good condition and are free from rips or tears

• There are Porsche branded mats

• The optional wind deflector comes with its own protective cover

• In terms of mod cons, there’s cruise control, climate control, heated seats, wind deflector, and a upgraded stereo with a 6 CD changer

• Everything works just as it should, though the owner notes that the driver’s electric window switch can sometimes be slightly sticky

• Both front and rear boots are neat and tidy

• In short, the interior has worn really well and presents very nicely

𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

• Finished in Atlas grey that can appear a little blue or green depending on the light conditions, it’s a fine looking car

• The bumpers have been resprayed to address minor scratches and the paintwork presents very well

• Bodywork is all straight, with just a small car park ding on the offside rear wing which isn’t hugely noticeable until pointed out

• The 18-inch wheels are in decent condition and although they could be improved by a refurb and new centre caps, they don’t detract from the overall appearance

• Tyres are Michelin Pilot Sports, with the rears having been replaced since they were noted as an advisory on last year’s MOT

• Underneath and at the rear of the front wheel arches, there is a little surface corrosion but nothing that looks terribly serious

• The electrically-powered roof looks to be in good condition and, although could perhaps use a little lubrication to free its passage when opening, it works just fine

• In summary, then, it’s not perfect but is in very usable condition with perhaps a few jobs to attend to in the coming months and years

𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹

• 3.2 litre flat six, mounted amidships and hidden from view

• As it’s a replacement, the engine is around 30k miles younger than the car

• The rear wheels are driven via a six-speed manual gearbox

• Porsche Stability Management (PSM)

• A Milltek exhaust was installed in 2020, which sounds great

• There is reportedly a tracker fitted which unusually does not require an ongoing subscription to be paid

• Currently showing 119,017 miles, it’s due a service based on time

• The car starts easily and idles smoothly and the owner reports that it drives beautifully with a delicious flat six rasp from the upgraded exhaust

• A replacement engine, comprehensive history and obvious care of the owner in addressing any problems as they have arisen should mean that mechanically it’s as good a Boxster of this age as you’re likely to find

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆

The 987 Boxster S remains a highly regarded sports car and has become eminently affordable, providing you buy wisely. This car has all the right ingredients: a younger engine, huge history file and a caring owner. If you’re looking for a sports car in which to enjoy the sun when it appears but can equally cope with the rigours of the British weather, then this is a prime candidate.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Montgomery