Porsche Boxster Buyer’s Guide
Through the years, Porsche’s entry-level cars have hit highs and lows with the likes of the 912 and 914. But, the 1996 debut of the Boxster roadster helped change the company’s fortunes while setting the pace for future offerings.
And thanks to the Boxster’s popularity, it’s easy to get behind the wheel of a Porsche sports car without buying a 911. Let’s explore a generation-by-generation review of the Porsche Boxster.
First-Generation Porsche Boxster (986): 1996-2004
The Porsche Boxster for sale underwent a lot of engine tweaking during its first generation. For the 1996-1999 models, you’ll come across the 2.5-liter flat-six that was factory rated for 201 horsepower. Beginning with the 2000 model year, the base powerplant grew to 2.7 liters and 217 ponies. At the same time, Porsche added the more powerful Boxster S to the lineup. Its 3.2-liter flat-six is good for 247 horsepower and a spirited 0-60 run in 5.6 seconds (with the stick). 2003 marks horsepower bumps to 222 for the base and 254 for the S.
You’ll also want to take note of the Boxster’s minor refresh for 2002 that includes a glass window replacing the plastic one. $12,000 to $20,000 is a good budget amount for a pre-owned 986, but you’ll find examples on the high or low side of this range.
Second-Generation Porsche Boxster (987): 2005-2012
The best way to describe the second-gen Boxster is as an evolutionary improvement over its predecessor. There are modest changes to the body, with hints of the Carrera GT supercar (especially with the headlights). Horsepower gets dialed up a few notches, too. Porsche also introduces the Cayman fastback coupe, which shares the Boxster platform, but that’s a topic for another story.
2007 marks a larger (3.4-liter) engine for the Boxster S, and the following year sees a refreshed model with the base model also getting a bigger powerplant (to 2.9 liters). Some early pre-owned second-generation Boxsters start under $20,000, but the bulk of examples range from $30,000 to $80,000.
Third-Generation Porsche Boxster (981): 2012-2016
Porsche Boxster For Sale By Owner
Styling for the third-generation Boxster reflects its pricier stablemates more closely, and a reworked (and more rigid) chassis offers a sled-on-rails driving experience. The pair of flat-six engines carry over but with the requisite horsepower gain. The Boxster S (now with 311 ponies) reaches 60 mph in a joyful 4.5 seconds. 2014 sees the introduction of the GTS trim, and the following year marks the launch of the Spyder with a 3.8-liter engine and 370 horsepower. For shopping purposes, examples range from a $35,000 base Boxster to a six-figure Spyder in pristine condition. $50,000 is a sweet spot for the 981.
Fourth-Generation Porsche 718 Boxster (982): 2017-Present
The Boxster’s most significant changes happened with the fourth generation. Porsche joins a chorus of other automakers and lops off some cylinders but makes up for it with turbocharging. As a result, the Boxster gets four-cylinder powerplants for the first time; a 2.0-liter (247 hp) for the base and a 2.5-liter (345 hp) for the S.
But if your Porsche cravings are only satisfied by six cylinders, look for a 2020 or newer Boxster GTS, which is graced with a potent 4.0-liter flat-six. Its 395 horsepower and 3.8 0-60 mph time are sure to put a smile on your face. Keep in mind that the 982 may only be searchable by its new “718 Boxster” designation, depending on where you’re looking. The entry price for a used 982 begins at $75,000 and crosses the low six-figures for the GTS.
