2002 Porsche Boxster Manual (986)

Highlights 

• Engaging and iconic two-seater roadster

• Later 220bhp, 2.7-litre flat-six engine

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• Extensive service history

• A wholly original and very usable example

• Well-maintained

• In good condition throughout

Overview

The Porsche Boxster has been setting the benchmark for dependable yet eminently drive-able two-seater roadsters since its inception way back in 1996, which we've been reliably informed is now 30 years ago as we tick over into 2026. 30! That puts the original 986 Boxster slap bang in modern classic territory and it's a car that has very much earned its right to reside in such a prestigious enclave.

Three decades on it's easy to see why it was the car that shifted Porsche's fortunes for the better at a time when the German giant was very much flailing. Going on to become one of the company's biggest sellers the Boxster is still being made today, such is its popularity, but those original genesis models will forever be revered as affordable, usable sports cars that are deeply gratifying to own and drive.

The pick of the litter back in '96 for those looking for a bit more oomph and a touch more elan from their roadsters, the 986 Boxster truly was a defining car for Porsche that immediately set a precedent as the yardstick by which all others would be measured. Beautifully balanced and satisfyingly stable thanks to its all-new six-cylinder boxer engine sitting right behind the driver's noggin it was an instant hit. Base power was initially 204bhp from 2.5-litres of displacement but this was soon upped to 220bhp in '99 thanks to an increase to 2.7-litres and the 986 would end up with 225bhp before all was said and done. 

This particular 2002 model Porsche Boxster comes complete with the more powerful 2.7-litre engine along with a five-speed manual gearbox, which as anyone will rightly tell you is the correct one to have. Reported to be running perfectly, the car benefits from a fully stamped service history from new up to October 2022, meaning that it has been properly maintained throughout its life.

The car's condition is very good overall with the usual light wear and tear commensurate with its age and mileage and presents as a notably usable example in an alluring black on black colour scheme.

History and documentation

• 2002 model year

• V5C present and correct

• Two keys

• First registered 01 May 2003

• Two former keepers

• In current ownership since 27 Oct 2022

• Full service history with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: 2004 @ 11,941 miles (yearly, main dealer), 2005 @ 19,863 miles (yearly, main dealer), 2006 @ 32,044 miles (yearly, main dealer), 2007 @ 40,989 miles (yearly), 2009 @ 48,260 miles (major), 2011 @ 60,929 miles (minor), 2013 @ 73,614 miles (minor), 2015 @ 85,011 miles (major), 2015 @ 90,887 miles (minor), 2018 @ 98,864 miles (service), 2019 @ 100,181 miles (major), 2022 @ 105,650 miles (yearly,minor)

• Current keeper delivery invoice

• Vendor reports the car is garaged and has covered approximately 500 miles in three years

• Please note that there is an issue with the odometer display which means that the mileages quoted on the listing, MOTs and services may not be entirely accurate but are best estimations based on the display and available information

• HPI clear

• MOT until 30 Jun 2026 

• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• In decent condition overall commensurate with the car's age and mileage

• Wholly original

• No evidence of any major damage

• Light signs of wear and tear including some marks to the passenger side dash front

• No reports of any warning lights but there is an issue with the digital display beneath the rev counter meaning the mileage is unreadable

• Some scuffing to the driver's side kick panel

• Door cards and dashboard present well

• Porsche branded floor mats installed

• The leather and Alcantara seats are wearing well

• Some debris present in the footwells as well as in both load spaces

• Space-saver spare wheel and CD changer present

Exterior

• In great condition overall

• The paintwork presents well for its age with only a few light marks to speak of

• No evidence of any damage or corrosion

• Rear spoiler looks to be fully functional

• The soft top appears to be in decent shape and looks like it fits well 

• All body panel gaps are uniform

• Glasswork remains free from damage and the light lenses are clear

• The original 16” five-spoke alloy wheels present well and are free from any major kerb damage and the Porsche centre caps are in good shape

• Tyres are a mix of Pirelli Cinturato P1s on the front and Bridgestone S-02 models on the rear

• The underside presents well overall with only light scratches in places and a touch of surface rust to some of the suspension components to note

• No signs of any major damage underneath but the exhaust looks to have had some repair work in the past

Mechanical

• 220bhp, 2.7-litre flat-six engine

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 6.5s

• 155mph top speed

• Battery recently replaced as reported by the vendor

• No mechanical issues to report

• The vendor informs us that the car sounds lovely and starts immediately

Summary

One of the great things about the original 986 Boxster is the ability for the driver to really utilise the car's performance without feeling overwhelmed by too much power. Combine that inherent usability with a five-speed manual gearbox and its driver paradise, as is the case here. Reliable, comfortable and practical to boot the 986 still makes a lot of sense and it all comes at an affordable price point, so have at it!

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.