2004 Porsche Boxster S

Highlights

• Desirable 3.2-litre Boxster S 

• Final model year

• Tidy soft-top

• Recent service and battery

• Everything working, and great fun to drive

Overview

As much as some of us wouldn’t like to admit it, the original Porsche Boxster is turning 30 years old this year, meaning that it’s passing gracefully from ‘modern classic’ to ‘actual classic’ in the eyes of many – and this means that the 986-generation Boxster is becoming increasingly desirable and collectible. Yes, there have been assorted impressive variants across the generations since, but this one is the OG, the one that started it all. 

A 2004 car is highly prized, as it’s the newest possible version available; 986 production ran from 1996-2004, before it was replaced by the 987. And silver is an iconic colour for an early Boxster, particularly for those of us who remember playing Porsche Challenge on the PlayStation back when the model launched.

Taking of which, here we have a silver 2004 Boxster S, positively dripping in retro charm and ready to play. The current owner has had it since 2017 and, while he acquired it without a service book, he’s kept meticulous records of its annual maintenance throughout his tenure; we can see that in recent years it’s had the rear main oil seal and IMS seal job done along with all the correct servicing. 

We’re told that the car has lived inside in a garage, and its soft-top is in very tidy condition and opens and closes as it should. Equipment is all factory spec, including the optional rear parking sensors, and it’s recently been fitted with a new battery. So it’s all up-and-at-’em, ready to enjoy. And as that endless winter ebbs away and spring really starts to show that it has sprung, can you just imagine yourself haring around in this Stuttgart sweetheart with the top down?

History and documentation

• Registered 27 May 2004

• V5 present in owner’s name

• Service book absent; service documentation since 2017 present (plus assorted older docs from former keeper)

• Invoices for services as follows: 2017 £2348 – service, number plate plinth, boot actuator, etc, Oct 2017 £244 – service, Sep 2019 £1930 – MOT, service, gearbox service, front top mount, bearings, brake discs and pads, drive belt, Sep 2020 £786 – MOT, service, Sep 2021 £2402 – MOT, service, rear main oil seal and IMS seal, wheel bearing, four-wheel alignment, Oct 2023 £429 – MOT, service, Sep 2024 @ 43,310 miles £465 – MOT, service, Oct 2025 @ 43,888 miles £1149 – MOT, service, washer jet replacement

• Invoices show other work as follows:  Sep 2017 £1017 – roof control unit and lock microswitch, Jan 2018 £531 – new key, Feb 2018 £1351 – ignition coils, n/s lower wishbone, etc, May 2018 £1035 – air-con condensers, interior temp sensor, Sep 2018 £57 – MOT, Jul 2022 £1230 – air-con condensers and centre radiator, Sep 2022 £576 – MOT, upper and lower horns, key coding, Mar 2023 £780 – transmission switch, 2025 £855 – lambda sensor replaced, Nov 2025 £502 – gear selector switch module

• 2x keys (1 functional remote)

• Current MOT to 01 Oct 2026

Interior

• Sought-after grey leather trim

• Age-related wear to driver’s side bolster

• Clean carpets and rear trim

• No undue wear to dash buttons and controls

• Tidy doorcards and storage bins

• Clean front and rear compartments, with space-saver spare present

• Owner reports that everything is functioning correctly

• No warning lights illuminated on the dash

Exterior

• Soft-top hood in good condition, and raises and lowers correctly

• Heated glass rear window (unlike plastic item of earlier cars)

• Rear parking sensors

• Light lenses and window glass in good order

• Facelift model with clear indicators 

• Shutlines are all even and correct-looking

• Small paint chip between front tow eye and number plate, and scuff above nearside front intake

• Small dent to offside front wing/arch

• Alloy wheels in decent condition, largely free of kerbing 

• Tyres renewed in 2023

• Red brake calipers

Mechanical

• New battery (March 2026; 4-year warranty)

• 254bhp 3.2-litre flat-six

• Tiptronic transmission

• 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds

• Owner reports that the car runs very well, with good acceleration and strong brakes

• Underside looks tidy and solid

Summary

The original Boxster shape has aged so well that the average passer-by would likely never guess the age of this car. The condition certainly doesn’t give that fact away either, it’s clearly a car that’s been looked after throughout its life, and the colour scheme still seems crisp. The right spec, plenty of receipts, this Boxster S makes a strong case for itself – so bid early and bid well, this car could really make your summer.

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