Porsche 986 Boxster S – Best Cheap Sports Car?

"ethan drives dumb cars" (helloroad) 01/06/2020 at 17:15 • Filed to: boxster, porsche boxster s, boxster s, 986 boxster, 986 boxster s

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Over 20 years since the debut of the Boxster, the prices of these supremely capable machines seem to have hit an all time low. Is now the time to buy one?

My friend Glenn texted me the other day.

Glenn: “I’m thinking about selling my Boxster. Want to make a video with it before it’s gone?”

Me: “Of course! I might even buy it.”

And no, I wasn’t joking. I don’t need any more vehicles, but I’d quickly make an exception for a clean, well-maintained Boxster. I’ve had the pleasure of driving his 2000 Boxster S in the past, and was surely looking forward to experiencing it again.

There is something really special about the 986 Boxster, especially the S. The incredibly balanced handling of this mid-engined sports car turns any back road into a playground. It’s near impossible to drive this vehicle without a huge smile on your face.

2000 Porsche Boxster S

The S variant gives you a 3.2 liter flat 6 directly behind your seat—churning out 250 horsepower. Shifting is courtesy of a 6 speed manual gearbox. All this propels the rear wheels, in a package that weighs under 2900 pounds. Zero to 60 occurs in under 6 seconds.

But the Boxster doesn’t get much love, especially the 986 with its saggy “fried egg” headlights. Setting aside the looks, this car has spent its entire existence being overshadowed by the 911. But what some people don’t realize is that this car can be just as much fun as a 911. With its mid-engined design, some might argue that it’s more fun.

These often underrated cars are an incredible value right now—they seem to have hit the bottom of the depreciation curve. I’ve come across several decent Boxster S’s for just under 10 grand. Is now the time to buy one of these machines before the prices start going up?

Given the state of the market for these vehicles, it seemed like the perfect time to interview Glenn and get his thoughts on 17 years of 986 ownership. In the video below, we talk about why you might want to choose a Boxster, common problems, the major issue that he had, and why through thick and thin he kept the car for so long.

If you have a few minutes to spare, and want to hear more about his Boxster S, check out the video below!

Future next gen S2000 owner > ethan drives dumb cars 01/06/2020 at 17:23

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Boxsters/Caymans are always a great sports car.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > ethan drives dumb cars 01/06/2020 at 17:24

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My father in law bought one as a fun car and has let me drive it a couple times. I’d have to say, I agree with this being a great buy.

Dakotahound > ethan drives dumb cars 01/06/2020 at 17:25

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Buy it. I bought a 987 a year-and-a half ago, and do not regret it one bit. Boxsters are quick, they handle well, and are reliable. Surprisingly, there is ample luggage space (front and rea r) , and they have fairly good gas mileage. In fact, the 987 is my daily driver.

Cash Rewards > ethan drives dumb cars 01/06/2020 at 17:26

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You can get one it these, or an NC Miata. Running costs cheaper than the boxster, but yeah, boxsters are cheap

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > ethan drives dumb cars 01/06/2020 at 17:35

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It might be cheap to buy, but I wouldn’t expect it to be cheap to own in the long run due to higher maintenance/repair costs.

The best cheap sports car is the Miata as it’s cheap to buy, operate, maintain and repair.

Now don’t get me wrong... the Porsche isn’t a bad choice.  Just don’t expect it to be economy-car cheap even if the selling price is similar to an economy car.

Grindintosecond > ethan drives dumb cars 01/06/2020 at 17:37

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Buy it. Renegade hybrids recommends the S for their ls conversion kit for the big brakes. Something required before adding another 200hp. Remember, a lower CG engine means nothing if it's a heavier engine...

Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing. > ethan drives dumb cars 01/06/2020 at 17:43

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I haven’t driven a Boxster, but I want to. I’m sure it’s even better than my old 968, and that car was no slouch.

One Boxster memory that sticks in my head was a drive in the twisty sections of the Sepulveda pass in LA. I was in my highly-modified BMW E34, and always thought that it was a pretty good handling car with all of the suspension and wheel/tire upgrades I had done. The road finally opened up and the Boxster and I took full advantage. But he was doing things in the turns that just seemed impossible. Flat as a rail, he just took those turns like they weren’t even there. I guess that’s the difference between a proper sports car and a sports sedan.

WRXforScience > ethan drives dumb cars 01/06/2020 at 17:44

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The Boxster/Cayman are the most similar cars I’ve driven to my BRZ. The S versions are noticeably more powerful but they exhibit the same excellent driving dynamics and fun qualities (the Porsches are quicker to spin when they reach the limits thanks to the lower polar moment from the mid-engine design).

They don’t have the cargo capacity of my BRZ but they are much more upscale inside (usually, there are some low spec early models that are a bit spartan). I’ve always liked the Cayman (not a convertible guy, I’m bald) and have a great time driving them at the track whene ver I instruct someone with one. I’m a little intimidated by the mid-engine and possible high maintenance /repair costs associated with the Porsche badge though. It’s nice to hear that some of my concerns are a bit overstated.

The spec Boxster guys complain about the fragility of the 5 speed in the non-S cars, but that’s the only reliability issue I’ve ever heard actual racers worry about (IMS/RMS are mostly forum worries).

WiscoProud > ethan drives dumb cars 01/06/2020 at 17:47

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Part of the problem, along with the 996, is the IMS issue. Sure it can be fixed now, but you always have to wonder if a car you’re buying is a timebomb

Poor_Sh > ethan drives dumb cars 01/06/2020 at 18:17

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Hey you! SHUT UP. They’re crap! Crap I tell you! Stay away!

That’ll keep th e prices down hehe

glemon > ethan drives dumb cars 01/06/2020 at 18:18

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My brother bought a ‘97 last year for $4 grand, a couple small tears in the top and some wear to seats and carpet. Runs and drives well, no record of IMS, he went ahead and did the replacement. Incredible deal really, Miata money, ratty old Fiat or MG money, MR2 money, a similar condition 914 or even 944 these days would be more, much more for the 914.  Definitely best Porsche deal, probably the best sports car deal.

Mid Engine > ethan drives dumb cars 01/06/2020 at 18:22

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Highly recommended, my 987 Cayman is a blast to drive. Two major expenses were the water pump ($1200) , and recently one of the catalytic converters ($3k). Can’t complain as the car is 14 years old, and generally speaking these things are pretty damned reliable if you do the basic maintenance.    

M.T. Blake > ethan drives dumb cars 01/06/2020 at 18:25

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Doesn’t the IMS bearing scare away people on these too?

ethan drives dumb cars > Poor_Sh 01/06/2020 at 18:35

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hahaha!

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 01/06/2020 at 21:44

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If you were a DIY person, it shouldn’t be too bad. Whenever my 996 C4 shares parts with the boxster its a big sigh of relief for me  because the parts that aren’t shared tend to be a bit higher. 

BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > ethan drives dumb cars 01/07/2020 at 00:32

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Yes, and no.

There are better inexpensive sports cars.

987, and 981.

But please... don’t make them chase air-cooled Porsche prices...

How can other car companies not see this, and build something NEW and affordable?

BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > Grindintosecond 01/07/2020 at 02:02

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Actually a heavier object with a lower center of gravity can create stability.

A ship with a heavier, lower keel lists less. A car with a lower CG, even if it is heavier, rolls less, if the CG is lower than the car’s roll center, by lowering the mass objects in the chassis, like the engine or the driver’s seat. Or lowering the chassis entirely on it’s suspension.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ethan drives dumb cars 01/07/2020 at 09:20

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Buy and enjoy, but don’t expect values to climb.

The design of this one will likely keep collectors away (yes, I know everyone thought that about the 914, too).

I’d love to have a 987 Cayman S.