RE: Porsche Boxster (986): PH Used Buying Guide

[edc]

A good spec car but the only special edition / limited run 986 was the 50th Anniversary 550 Spyder.

[EX51GE R]

RM said:

What colour is the boxster? Looks great.

I think it’s forest green metallic.

[b11ocx]

I have a 2001 low mile 37k Boxster S in Guards Red.

Bought it last year as a stand in for a European trip and have been very impressed. Other than a lambda and a back box, it has never missed a beat. It has very much shifted my Porsche perception and I suspect I will swap it to a 996/997 at some point in the future, but only if I can find the right one.

One thing it has focused my mind on for older cars, you really don’t want sat nav as it just ages a car without offering an advantage.

[kambites]

They look remarkably dated now, but it's still my favourite Boxster to drive and indeed my favourite modern Porsche full-stop for road use. No, it can't compete with an Elise let alone a Caterham for B-road fun when you're in the mood or with a fully fledged GT for long trips but it's a wonderful blend of the two.

Definitely top of my list to own when I'm too old and decrepit to get in and out of my Elise. Far from the best example of "quality German engineering" but they are remarkable value now.

[Julian Thompson]

I've just picked up a 25k mile 02"S" model. It's a terrific little thing and I'm planning to chuck some cash at it to warm it over and make it a permanent addition to my garage. Already bought a set of M030 suspension from Porsche and soon I'll add a quick shift, decent exhaust and a few other choice mods. To my eye the 986 is a very good looking car and I love the fact that it is no longer appreciated by the "fashionista" - great bargain Porsche!

[Sunnysider]

I have a 997 911 C2 & my wife has a 986 Boxster. If I ever fancy going for a drive just for pleasure on twisty roads, every single time I take the Boxster.

They really are fabulous little cars.

[billzeebub]

I have owned four 986 S to date (covering over 100k miles between them) with only issue having been one knackered battery. It's better to put money in at purchase to get a good car. I always seem to come back to them, despite trying 987/981 at servicing time I still prefer the 986. As an all round package they are hard to beat. Have been on numerous road trips, great storage with front & rear boots. A true analogue drivers car and an absolute bargain. If not fitted with the sports exhaust, doing the bypass mod really completes the car and the sound is epic.

Edited by billzeebub on Thursday 11th January 20:35

[JMo22]

ooid said:

Ashgood, JZM, RPM and even 911 Virgin?

911 Virgin bought my early 997.1 S off me no problem last year and very quickly sold it on via their website too, so would have had a very nice return. Why would they turn that away?!

I had 3 happy years with no engine issues and no expensive items on a minor and major service.

The engine issues are on <5% of cars, which means it is more than priced in. You can buy a 997.1 and 2 engines for the price of a 997.2! The 997.1 engine reportedly has more character than the .2 as well, although I never drive one as I decided the price premium didn't stack up. I imagine the same applies to these Boxsters/Caymans.