Porche's second-generation 987 Boxster - launched at the 2004 Paris motor show and sold from 2005 - was a little quicker and more capable, and provided greater comfort. It also had a wider track and larger wheels and tyres, variable-ratio steering, Carrera GT-like headlights, larger side vents, bigger arches, and a completely revised cabin. The original 987 came with a revised 239hp 2.7-litre unit, whose output rose to 245hp from 2007, whilst the Boxster S packed a 280hp 3.2-litre motor until 2007 when capacity was increased to 3.4-litres with 295hp. As well as five- and six-speed manuals, there was also a five-speed Tiptronic, whilst Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) became available as an option for the first time. Almost as popular as the first generation, Porsche eventually shifted 74,660 examples globally, with UK buyers greedily snapping up 14,122 cars.
2.7 upgraded to 2.9 for 'base' Boxster
Top speed for the standard £33,170 Boxster was 160mph, whilst the 169mph Boxster S was capable of reaching 62mph in just 5.4 seconds. But you'd have had to splash out £39,850 to get one. November 2007 saw Porsche release a limited edition RS60 Spyder Boxster, with just 1,960 units available, claiming a dashboard plague, 19-inch alloys, PASM and 303hp.
Porsche facelifted its 987 in 2009, with a new 255hp 2.9-litre entry model introduced, plus new head and tail light clusters, larger front air intakes, LED running lights, twin rear diffusers and a revised interior . The facelifted direct-injection 310hp 3.4-litre Boxster S was available with a six-speed manual transmission, or the new seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox.
A special £47,426 316hp Black Edition followed in 2011, based on the Boxster S. Alongside sat-nav, an uprated sound system, bi-xenon headlights with a dynamic cornering function, there was also the option of a PDK gearbox and Sports Chrono Pack Plus - which included launch control enabling you to beat five seconds to 62mph. Just 987 examples of this model were made.
Direct-injected 3.4 S is a serious motor car
As with the 986, a very small number of 987 Boxster engines have suffered intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing failure, which reportedly can occur with little warning and often cause serious engine damage. To fix it owners have been told that the whole intermediate shaft needs replacing, which involves removing and completely stripping the engine, at substantial cost. There is an IMS bearing replacement kit on the market and according to some enthusiasts this can be changed without engine removal on certain 1997 to 1999, and 2002 to 2005 Boxsters.
With buyers it's the limited edition 987 models which are most in demand. "The RS60 Spyder, which starts at just under £20,000 will probably be collectable in a few years time," believes Glass's Rupert Pontin. But 987 values still have some way to drop, as Mark Mullen stresses. "Aside from the RS60 Spyder, the rest of the 987 range was made in too large numbers to see any noticeable increase in value for years to come." £10,000 to £15,000 buys a decent 987 but Black Editions, which are still pretty new, currently fetch over £31,000. These are gently falling in value though and are unlikely to bottom out for a few years yet. In fact, the entire 987 range is only depreciating relatively slowly, with values in part being propped up by its older 986 brother. The pre-facelifted 2007 to 2009 3.4-litre Boxster S looks decent value though.
Buy if: You want a contemporary-looking Boxster for less than half the price of a new one
Don't buy if: You're expecting to get your money back any time soon
We found: 2007 Boxster S in Black, full service history, 40k miles, £15,995
Price Guide
Poor: Under £10,000
Good: £10,000 to £20,000
A1: £20,000+
Special Editions: RS 60 Spyder £18,500 to £22,500, Black Edition £31,000 to £34,500
