We are in a new year, which means the Boxster (and all of us) got one year older. So how has it aged, and is it still worth buying over two decades from its release? Check out this video and find out!
I got insanelly lucky and found a 69k mile 5-speed one for 3000 Dollars, you heard this right, 3 GRAND!!! car is in impecable shape for a 2003 and had the ims serviced in 2019. Truly a gift from God and a amazing car.
I agree, Miata's are great little cars, but they are becoming wayyyy to expensive. Meanwhile, these Boxster's are maintaining some very attractive price points.
Had to do mine at 160,000 kms. My porsche mechanic was doing 4 of them at the same time and says it’s definitely an issue with most of them. My porsche mechanic doesnt own a porsche and says he will never buy a porsche again. I agree with him
Question is did they need doing or was it the owners choice. Research is important when buying any car, all cars have weak spots, Porsche is no exception. I wont own anything but a Porsche, DYOR and being handy with the spanners are the key to success.
@@mrporsche4236They’re an owner specific issue. It’s a common belief and pretty evident at that, that if you drive your PORSCHE how your PORSCHE is supposed to be driven, you don’t really get that issue. See plenty of people in my city daily driving 986s and 7s with no issue.
Bought my 986 Boxster new in 1999 and 24 years later still have it. Done 30k and in mint condition, never been driven in the rain. Fortunate enough to have 2 other Porsches but still enjoy taking it out occasionally.
@@carcaveofficial No I guess not. Everytime I've thought of selling the sun comes out and the car comes out. By modern standards it's under powered but because of that you can have a bit of fun without breaking the speed limit to much. Mines Ocean Blue with full leather Savannah interior. The aircon needs gas but apart from that the only thing that's broke in 24 years is the spring on the vanity mirror. Must have used it to much🤣
Having a crazy fast car isn't always the most enjoyable. Car's like the Boxster have just enough power to be fun and the open top experience with that flat-6 is just such a nice drive.... Blue with savannah sounds stunning!
I owned an Orient Red Metallic 986 for 6 years, and would still have it if I hadn't moved a long way away. Buy another one? Tempted, but I'm 7 years older and knees would scream at me.
I think the 986 with 217hp manual is a bit faster to 69. Car and Driver recorded a 5.9 and mid 5's with the S. So low 6's for the standard is reasonable.
I have a 986 S 2003 and to be honest it's ridiculously good. I wasn't originally keen on the 'humble' Boxster but after driving one a few years ago looking for a car for my better half ... it blew my socks of and instead I bought one for myself. I also drove 987's which of course were also epic but I really wanted the first generation after really becoming engaged with it's looks and retro feel. I also really like the cabin and the way it sit's on the familiar 18 turbo twists from the previous generation of 911. The handling and steering is particularly staggering and the 258 bhp of the S is easily enough power but I reckon the car could take more it's that sure footed.
I was always hesitant with the first gen because I let the IMS bearing concerns really bother me, but after actually owning a Porsche, I wouldn't worry about it at all. They are such well made cars, the design is spectacular, and it really doesn't matter what trim you get, they are going to be great great driver's cars.
As a kid, I remember seeing the concept car at the auto show. Then a few years later, I remember my dad and I watching every Boxster on the highway to see if they get the spoiler out. We both thought it was the coolest thing ever, watching people get up to speed from a toll booth and *ope* out comes the spoiler.
@@michaellong2661 Yes ... I think the 986 has such a great rear end with it's curved smooth lines and of course it's party trick spoiler is indeed epic. I can remember when the 924 came out and when 944's starting driving around my village. Great cars in their own right but the 986 Boxster was a return to a new proper Porsche mindset being totally akin to the 550 and original 718.
Exactly the same for me Michael. I also saw the 924 and 944 start to be driven around my village in the late 70's and early 1980's. But I am a traditional Porsche fan leaning more towards the development and ethos of the 356 and 550 which of course is now the 911 and Boxster. So the same as you.
I’ve had a handful of sports cars, 350z roadster, Mitsubishi evo, Pontiac gto, Infiniti q60 red sport, and got a 2002 boxster s last year, it has been my favorite so far from any other car I’ve owned.
I bought a 1999 will only 86k kms on it but with a failed engine (IMS), for cheap, took my time, did the work myself, found another low km engine, replaced IMS with an aftermarket improved bearing plus clutch and main seal while I was at it, and then fell in love with driving it. The driving experience for me is the immediacy of response which is so different from the C6 Corvette that I also still own. Everyone should own one of these cars at least once in their life.
I agree 100%, I was a bit nervous about getting my Boxster, thinking it wouldn't be a fast car and therefore, I would get tired of it quickly. Not the case at all, it is such a great drivers car, I don't even care about the power. I just enjoy being behind the wheel!
I bought a well optioned speed yellow 2000 986 S NEW (yes, 23 years ago) and have put 75,000 miles on the car. Over the years I have made a few mods (most notably GT3 console delete and factory GT3 seats). I still love the car! It looks amazing and is just a blast to drive. So much fun. I may end up eventually adding another Porsche to the stable, but I intend to keep my 986 S for the long term.
Speed yellow is such a nice color! Mine is the same color, and I wouldn’t get rid of it. Especially if it’s your first Porsche, it would be like getting rid of your first born
Yes; you nailed it. I had a somewhat negative opinion about the Boxster for years as I had never driven one. While shopping for an older 911, the dealer had a 987.1 base 5speed next to the 911 I was looking at. I took it for a test drive, then another test drive, and then dropped the top and drove it. I was sold, completely. The amount of awesome you get per dollar just can’t be beat. This is my 3rd year of ownership and I will be driving this car for years. I now have 94k miles on it and it doesn’t miss a beat while still getting looks from everyone from every generation.
I was the same way, I actually, believe it or not, was indifferent towards Porsche entirely...but driving one changed everything. Everyone says they are drivers cars, and they really are. You almost cannot appreciate them without getting behind the wheel. 94K miles, you still have plenty more to go! Thanks for sharing and watching!
Have a 1997 artic silver metallic with boxster red interior 5 speed manual with 43000 miles. Owned it for 5 going on 6 yrs now. Great ride fun to drive and not hard to work on.
@@carcaveofficial That colour combination was the launch car. At the time I agonised over that or my Ocean blue. I still have all the origional brochures that were hard backed books and came in a metal presentation canister. Those were the days.
My concern is about doing maintenance and getting parts, i some what handy and can follow directions on RU-vid. I located a Boxster s, not running, wanting to pull the trigger on the deal? Any comments
My daily driver is a 2002S Rain, snow or shine. Best car for the money on the road. Compared to my Wife’s 1999 M3 convertible, it feels light years ahead of the BMW and has held up much better.
I've had my 2002 Boxster S now for 12 years and every time I take it out it feels like a go cart for adults...I feel like a kid again and at 72 that's saying a lot!
I have the S6 speed with a few mods and it's plenty fast enough and I also have a 996.2 I actually like the interior better on the 986 than The 987.. I have done the IMs bearing and the headlights
This past November, I got myself a birthday present: a 99 Boxster that didn't move. Ran, but wouldn't do anything when you released the clutch. Car is in similar shape to this one and had 99k miles, but only cost me $2500 delivered. Figured it was the clutch, but was prepared for a new trans if necessary. Fast forward a week, and I'd completed the most complicated auto repair I've ever done (previous was intake gaskets on a GM L67). Release clutch in reverse, and it moved. Total, including tools and other parts I've swapped out (blown speakers, frunk struts, other little things), I think I've got $3100 into it. Total. The interesting thing is that the maintenance stuff is a pain in the ass, BUT the big repairs are actually pretty damn easy compared to, say, a Ford Escape. Are these a good buy? Absolutely, I agree with everything in this video from experience. Only difference is that I don't have to give it back lol
Small little correction, at 3:00, the driver side air duct is the air intake. Cooling intake is in at the front bumper, as is the radiator. Passenger side duct actually does nothing at all, it’s just there for looks.
I bought my one owner 1999 Forest Green Metallic Boxster 19 years ago when it had 44K miles. Still driving it … it’s brilliant! Just rolled through 100,000 miles on the Odo. Black top/interior, manual transmission and sport classic wheels … perfect. Installed the LN Engineering Retrofit IMS bearing 12 years ago … so far, so good. PS: The headlight design is great … especially since nobody seemed to mind them on the GT1. The 986 is timeless.
Very solid opinion of a very solid car. I have a 1999 986 with 86k. Runs and drives perfect and has been very reliable. If you can do the maintenance your self it is very affordable too.
I love that you can put miles on them, you don’t have to have a car that only works as a bedroom wall poster, you can beat them up and they will still work, day after day.
You can get them super cheap - I picked up one with a VERY loud clanking sound - that the vendor/seller thought was bearing noise. I paid about $2,000 for it - as we all know rebuilding any Porsche engine (even yourself) is a real arm and leg proposal. I tinkered for a few weeks, and it ended up being a stuck exhaust valve. Once freed and carbon deposits removed....................its running just fine. Was going to repower, so at least now I have a good engine to on sell 🙂
Excellent review. I have a red 01 5 speed that I've owned for several years. 1 owner 30k very good condition car when I bought it. It now has 46k and has been stone reliable, and although I paid up for a nice example, the best car dollar for dollar I've ever owned. We still love it, it is a ball to drive, and I would trust it to go anywhere. Not the most powerful car, but magnificent underrated driver and a very happy car above 4000 rpms.
Your Boxster sounds brilliant, honestly, you don't ever really 'need' a faster car. Fast cars are great, but having a lot of fun in a really fast car can be nerve inducing and usually involves breaking the law. With our cars, older Boxsters, you can push the car, have a blast, and nobody needs to get hurt.
You know their is a lever on the left side of the driver seat that will lower the seat, isay that because(well you did not say how tall you are) but i am six two and weight about two twenty and am sort of long legged and have absolutly no issue with head room or leg room. I love my 986, honestly did not think i would fall so hard for it.
Hi thanks for that, confirms my thoughts. I have run my 2004 Boxster S 6 speed manual for about 5 yrs and love it still, very reliable. Deliberately looked for one with the IMS replaced. Bought for £6000. Even got like to the red interior preferred to the mustard of my first 2.7 Boxster. Great cars still affordable and not that bad to work on, once you get underneath or on top in service mode.
They are such good cars, and once you get over the reality that you don't have to service it at the dealer, it really isn't too bad in terms of cost for ownership
7 years ago I decided to treat myself to a Porsche. After a bit of research I narrowed my search to either the Cayman S or the Boxster S. I drove both. They were absolutely identical apart from 2 things. 1/ the Cayman is a coupe as opposed to the convertible Boxster. 2/ the Cayman was £5k dearer. So I bought the Boxster simply because you get more BANG FOR YOUR BUCK. Great to drive and not stupid money to maintain. 👍👍
I came to the exact same decision. For what we use these cars for in the real world, the Boxster is just as good, if not slightly better than the cayman. The open top experience is not something you can describe with words, but it’s something truly special!
I went with the jag xk8 convertable over this model,, and a S2000 as they both seemed to me just too small and liked the looks of the xk8 more. But I was also new to sports cars and new nothing about porsche cars back then.
My first Boxster was a 1999 which was simply great for many years - before it was totaled (….not by me). I really enjoyed driving it as it felt completely analog. No fancy electronic helpers at work. Clearly a car for “purists” and the engine is literally screaming just behind you. I actually preferred the seating position in the 986 compared to the newer ones…way more “in the wind” in the 986.
I have a 2009 987.2 Boxster 'S' with PDK. It was my first Porsche. I purchased a 986.2 2004 base Boxster with a manual last week. It doesn't have the power of the 987, but because of the manual it's a riot to drive, Each sound fantastic. I bought the best examples I could. Both came from my local Porsche dealership. I don't think you can go wrong with either. Thanks for the video.
If you want to enjoy a Boxster … you drive it open!! Agree, 986 is an iconic timeless design. Fried-eggs are a design-statement ;-) I bought my 986 2.5 in 1999 and still own it. Ratio of driving-smiles to cost-of-ownership is unbeatable.
I got an 04 986 boxster with 51k miles I love it! Manual, tented, wrapped, radio swapped, headlights swapped. Only thing left is rear tail lights. ✨️ fantastic car ✨️
@carcaveofficial No, it was not a Porsche radio. I wanted to give the interior the only form of face left I could think of, which came in the form of a Pioneer double din touch screen radio.
I have a 1998 986. It's in near mint condition. I am very happy with it and would not get rid of it. The newer cars are not built as well as the older ones. I also don't feel I need to upgrade. Others tell me to trade it up, but I feel it's plenty of power and a blast to drive. It also has that classic Porsche look which I love. I would tell people looking to buy one make sure you get a car fax and buy from a reputable person. More money in the beginning will save you in costly repairs later on..
Great advice! I feel the same way about mine. I drive new Porsche's and they are great, but I don't feel compelled to 'upgrade' because I don't feel like it will be much of an upgrade at all.
I have a 2000 Boxster S with 39,000 miles. Still performs like new. When originally purchased in 2003 my research and comparison with the 911 made the mid engine Boxster a " NO- BRAINER" Awaiting the 25 year mark to be officially a classic. Love it, love it, love it.
I think your budget is going to be a big factor, and what you are really looking for. If all you want is a fun sports car for the weekend, a base or an S would be perfect.
I have owned and driven a ton of different Porsches. I most recently sold a 964 Carrera 2 Targa. Out of all the different Porsches I've owned the one I regret selling the most is a 2004 Boxster S 550 Spyder Edition. That car lives rent-free in my head. The simple reality is that it is the perfect formula for a sports car that is enjoyable for your average car guy on the street. It's not fussy, so it's always ready to go. Don't underestimate how important that is. The S model has the right amount of power for being able to thrash it around town and on some good twisties. Many sports cars today simply have too much power to be able to really thrash the car on the street. It's very light and tossable- and the handling reflects that perfect balance. It's deceptively beautiful. It's familiar and understated... but I still find myself captivated by it from certain angles. It seems every time I look at one these days, at some point I am surprised by how much I like looking at it. Ultimately though, IMO, the real secret that just makes it such an incredible joy to drive is a design feature that is likely to go completely unnoticed. It took me a long time of reflecting back on why I missed this car so much to realize it. And only then after driving it back to back with a 987 Boxster S. It has a very low beltline. When you are sitting in the car, the door sill sits well below your shoulder. In the 987 and later, the door sill back even with your head is at your shoulder (or even above in later models). The 986 has a feeling of openness and connectedness to the whole driving experience that is unmatched by any other car I have ever driven. It's just the right amount of every ingredient needed. It's the perfect recipe.
Appreciate the passion you put into it. The 986 is a brilliant platform, from an era where driving was the focus. Car's today are lost in the numbers, more power, more torque, faster 0-60, and the product is cars that are inherently less connected. Like you said, you notice it most when you do drive a proper drivers car. Thanks for sharing, hope you stick around and enjoy the rest of our content!
I have a 2004 2.7l in classic Porsche grey. 85,000km. It had the big transmission service a couple of years back and needed a new gear change controller. Other than that, it’s a blast.
2000 base with 18600, bought last year. Original IMS, original clutch. Original top. I upgraded the shifter. Great condition Awesome fun. My first Porsche.
Good tip, if buying one (ofc used no durr) be sure to get one with some miles on it (not too much) as chances are IMS and RMS issues were already fixed. However a low mileage boxster ain’t a bad way to go just be sure to budget some money aside for its eventual IMS failure and clutch replacement. And finally no matter the mileage, have it brought to a European Oriented Mechanic and have an inspection done, it’ll be worth the 150-200 something dollars in the long run (this applies to all used cars that come from private sellers)
I agree, based on my findings, higher mileage cars are a safer bet. Also, you will feel less bad about putting miles on a car that already has them compared to a low mileage museum quality car.
The early 986's do not really have an IMS problem. My 1998 has over 120k miles and I cut the oil filter open and pull the pan as well each time I change oil, no specks of silver to be found thank goodness. If I won the lottery I'd change the IMS to the best available but will not until then. I notice the test car is missing the top inside headliner and the two plastic many tiny holes grills that go into the roll bar hoops. Not sure if the grills have any function other than cosmetic, not having them might affect the sound of the wind at high speed. The grills see decades of sunshine and it makes the plastic VERY brittle so they break VERY easily. Replacements are over $50 each from Porsche so a lot of folks just don't replace them.
I believe the early IMS design was a single row, later changed to two smaller dual row bearings, and to the best of knowledge the dual row was more prone to failure, so I agree. Earlier models are the better bet!
It depends on a lot of factors, mileage, condition, trim (do you want a base or an S), transmission, etc. For a car with decent mileage (around 100K) manual, as a base, I would try and stay around the $10-$12K mark. Give or take a bit. Go too low, and you will likely have a car with some cosmetic issues, go too high and I just don't think its worth it if you plan on driving the car and putting miles on it. Just my two cents of course, others might feel differently.
I know a guy near me who has one, Im pretty sure it doesnt run, but if I can own a porsche at 22 that i can put work into then by all means im going to buy it
Great videos!! Very composed and professional. Kind of a breathe of fresh air compared to a lot of the RU-vidrs out there! Sub’d! Keep up the good work, especially with the P-car content.
The 987.2 is a brilliant car, it is quite a bit more expensive though. If you do not want to dish out the extra money, and have the patience to do your research and diligence on a 986, I think it can be a great, affordable way into Porsche ownership
I agree .... the pccm looks to be an awesome bit of kit and also demonstrates Porsche's own thought's on making sure the new wave of classic vehicles remain functionally usable yet maintaining the authentic looks.
Ive owned a 986 and driven almost every porsche. The 986 is not good at all. I do not recommend buying one. They look good and a better buy then the 911 but a waste of money.
Well, first off well done having a good paying job at 16. In my opinion, and again, this is just my opinion, I wouldn't buy a Porsche if you are on a budget. They aren't expensive to own, but at the same time, they aren't going to be as cheap as a typical daily driver either (Civic, Camry, etc), at least not if you want to maintain it right. If it were me? I would buy a good, cheap, reliable daily for the time being, and when you have some 'extra' play money, the Boxster is a great entry level Porsche at an attractive price point. Just my 2 cents mate.
I want a 986 for a weekend, summer car. My left ankle doesn’t allow me to drive a manual these days, but I’m hoping that saves me money when i look for an auto. Lol.
@@carcaveofficial exactly. I just want a slick looking cruiser. I’ve had super fast motorcycles, so I got that speed out of my system. I just want something zippy that handles great. You make solid content, bud!
I am 6’2”, so it might be a bit of a squeeze…but I would go drive one for sure. The biggest problem I had with some of the earlier cars, that prompted me to get a 987.2 was the steering wheel would saw off my legs. It’s more forgiving in the later cars
@@carcaveofficial thanks for the feed back man I'm gonna go test drive one sat I've been wondering about how I would fit and I noticed you looked like a tall guy tall guy problems lol
It such a frustrating crutch. So many cars that we will never properly fit in. The worst disappointment was sitting in the first generation NSX...couldn't make it work otherwise I would have got one just before they shot up...
A beautiful car. Got mine as a gift a while ago from a car graveyard and spent a big sum of money at the time (10k euros or something) to restore it, many people told me it was a stupid decision to spend so much money, however that was the best investment I ever did
Some people told me that my Boxster was a stupid decision too, if it makes you happy and you can afford it, that's all that matters mate. Thanks for watching!
@@carcaveofficial Boxster is one of the last good looking porsches out there, and is really affordable also, personally after Cayman S came around most of the newer models started to look really bad...shame people kind of forgot about boxster and 924 and some other classic models when the newer models came out
The 928 is never talked about, and I think that car is brilliant to look at, and really a different direction for Porsche that I wish they explored more. Who knows, maybe in the future!
@@carcaveofficial 928's are kinda rare, however I know someone who straight up offered me his keys to a Porsche 944 for free just cuz the transmission failed and because he doesn't want to reapair it due to the "ugliness" of the back car lights...
I have to angle my leg as well, the steering wheel does not adjust quite far enough out to release the clutch straight. I have the seat as far back and far down as possible.
i was looking into buying a low milage (Kilometers here in belgium) but prices are soaring up over here , finding an early one 1997 - 2001 with lets say 120.000 -150.000 km's , in good original condition puts you back 14.000 - 18.000 euro's right now
If your intention is to have the car serviced at the dealership, then I would brace yourself for a service bill with quite a few digits. But if you are willing to source the parts yourself, and either find an independent shop that you trust, or venture through the RU-vid tutorials, then I think affording this car will be manageable. Don't get me wrong, it'll still be more than your average Toyota or Honda, but not something that is impossible to afford on a budget.
I'm planning on getting one with around 150k on it or in that ball park. When you said the IMS isn't something to much to be worried about. If you can could you clear that up for me a bit better?
Sure, first off, keep in mind I am by no means a professional mechanic, I am just an enthusiast, so my opinion literally means nothing....BUT that being said, from the research that I have done, it seems that IMS bearing failures tend to happen early on. It seems like it is more of a defect in certain bearings as opposed to a defective design entirely. That being the case, if a car made it to 150K miles, it probably doesn't have a defective bearing. All that being said, I would still consult a Porsche mechanic and 100% do not take my word on it.
It isn't large, but I wanted a Tacoma once upon and time, and I can't comfortably fit in that either. The biggest let down for me was the original NSX. I love that car, and want one more than my liver, but I can't fit.
@@carcaveofficial imagine trying to fit in a ferarri 308gts not only is there no head/leg room but the peddles are angled to wear you can't drive it if your really tall
For video I use a standard dslr, nothing fancy. For sound, I recommend I started with a Rode lav microphone, but more recently have been trying out the DJI Mic, they seem to be working quite well.
@@carcaveofficial 1998 Finland built 36k mi. Base. Black on black. 9.0 condition. Stock 17s on MP Sports. Love taking her into mountain twisties!!! Not loosing any sleep over my dual row IMS.
I own a 986 2.5 1997 for more than 10 years now. I just have to replace the clutch (145 000km) for the rest it is a super experience, power adapted to today's speed repression and wonderful chassis (I have the M30 OEM option). Only minor point is the weak convertible electric mechanism. Highly recommended as an entry point to the classic Porsche world.
