Launched in late 1996 at £33,950, the first-generation Boxster shared quite a few interior and exterior components with the 996 generation 911. And although it now looks a little dated, there's no denying the build quality. The driving position is excellent too, whilst the high waistline makes for a snug driving experience. But performance from that original 201hp 2.5-litre flat-six wasn't earth shattering.
3.2 S is probably the one you want
At 6.9 seconds to 62mph the manual version just pipped the Tiptronic. So Porsche improved things with a new, better sounding 2.7-litre engine in 2000, plus an even faster 3.2-litre Boxster S model for £42,161. This 252hp Roadster took just 5.9 seconds to pass the 62mph benchmark on its way to 162mph, and was followed in 2003 with a facelifted 260hp Boxster S which recorded just 5.4 seconds. The facelifted 227hp 2.7-litre base model took just 0.7 seconds longer.
All 986s provide plenty of feedback too and are a delight to thread through the corners. And there's a high level of grip along with impressive chassis control. In 2004 Porsche revealed a 550 Spyder 50th Anniversary Edition Boxster 3.2 S - 1,953 GT Silver Metallic examples were made to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original Porsche 550 and boasted a host of goodies including 18-inch Carrera alloys, and a tweaked 266hp engine capable of propelling the soft-top to 62mph in just 5.7 seconds.
Cabin reminiscent of contemporary 996 911
And this is - not surprisingly - the most sought-after 986 model, as Mark Mullen, Sales Manager at Specialist Cars of Malton, explains. "The only 986 Boxster with a possibility of appreciating is the limited production Spyder," he says. "The rest were made in large numbers, so supply is relatively high." In fact Porsche sold a staggering 160,578 986 Boxsters across the world.
But 986s aren't currently dropping much in value, according to Rupert Pontin, Head of Valuations at trade bible Glass's. "Prices have bottomed out now and start at £3,500 for high-mileage 2.5s," he tells us. "And the 3.2 S is valued from £5,500 and holding up well."
So why is this? Well, aside from the fact that the 986 still looks reasonably modern, and that a 3.2-litre Boxster S makes a pretty good value open-top track-day ride, 986 values may actually be falsely elevated. Interestingly, according to Jon Mitchell, Managing Director at JMG Porsche Ltd: "Early 986 models are currently being propped up in value, as some Boxster engine failures have led to a high demand for good used Boxster engines. So even an unloved 986 in need of a respray is worth £3,000 without an MoT- as long as the engine is still good."
Buy if: You want an appreciating classic (550 Spyder 50th Anniversary only)
Don't buy if: Performance is paramount
We found: 2002 Boxster S 3.2 in Seal Grey, service history, 92k miles, £7,995
Price Guide
Poor: Under £5,000
Good: £5,000 to £10,000
A1: £10,000+
Special Editions: 550 Spyder 50th Anniversary, £11,500 to £13,000
