9 1997 - 2004 Porsche Boxster | Porsche Purity For The Penurious
By Joe Lorio
When the miracle of depreciation puts one of the world's most perfect sports cars, from the world's most esteemed sports-car maker, within the grasp of the average new-car buyer, that's an opportunity not to be missed. With the Porsche Boxster, that opportunity is here.
Upon its debut, the Boxster was a sensation, instantly redeeming the notion of a sub-911 Porsche with its shades-of-550-Spyder styling, mid-engine layout, and proper flat-six engine. Near-perfect steering feel and an amazingly responsive chassis supply the fun factor; a comfortable (if plasticky) cabin and surprising luggage space (in two trunks) make this roadster practical as well. We're currently well into the second generation of the Boxster (the 987, to the cognoscenti), which means that the first-generation cars (the 986, or '97-'04 model years) are selling for bargain prices. But the current model's layout, function, and appearance follow so closely in the tire tracks of the original that the earlier cars do not seem at all dated.
During the 986 era, there were several changes. In 2000, the Boxster's engine grew from 2.5 to 2.7 liters, with an attendant bump in power, from 201 hp to 217 hp. More significant, 2000 saw the arrival of the Boxster S, with a 250-hp, 3.2-liter version of the mellifluous flat six as well as a sport suspension, standard seventeen-inch wheels, and a six-speed manual gearbox. (A five-speed Tiptronic automatic was optional for both cars.) Whether the base Boxster has enough gusto for you or whether you require the added punch of the S is a highly personal question, so try both before deciding. Consider, however, that the premium for an S declines significantly with age.
The '03 model year brought a mid-cycle update, with added power for both models: 228 hp for the base car, 258 hp for the S. A more rounded nose; restyled, body-color side air intakes; and a reshaped top with a glass - instead of plastic - rear window are additional marks of these later cars. For 2004, Porsche released a special Boxster S to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the 550 Spyder, with 264 hp, a silver exterior, and a cocoa (or gray) full-leather interior and matching top.
As you might expect, service is expensive; tires are, too (figure $1000 for a set of seventeen-inch rubber), and they last only about 15,000 miles and wear out first on the inner ribs (due to negative camber). Naturally, you'll want a full service record and a prepurchase inspection by a Porsche specialist.
Price Then $51,600 (2002 s)
Price Now $16,000
> Awards
Automobile of the Year ('98), All-Star ('00, '02, '03, '04)
> Watch Out For
Boxsters are generally robust, but scary tales do exist of engine failure due to a weak intermediate shaft and/or cracked cylinder liners. Thus, buying a certified pre-owned car or at least an aftermarket warranty is wise. 2003 models appear to have more issues than other years.
> Fun Fact
A 2.0-liter four-cylinder variant was proposed but never produced.
> Certified Pre-Owned
6-yr/100,000-total-mile warranty
> Web sites
pca.org, 986forum.com, boxsterforums.com
> Specs
- 2.5L flat-6, 201 hp, 181 lb-ft; 2.7L flat-6, 217/228 hp, 192 lb-ft; 3.2L flat-6, 250/258/264 hp, 225/229 lb-ft
- 5- or 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic
- Rear-wheel drive ...next page >>