Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (290 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2020
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment is overwhelmingly positive regarding the driving experience, with the Boxster consistently praised for its exceptional handling, fun factor, and the special feeling it provides.
6 problems reported (3 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 1 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentHigh and unpredictable maintenance/repair costs
- Very frequentIMS (Intermediate Shaft) bearing failure (986 and early 987)
Can cause catastrophic engine failure.
- Very frequentGeneral age-related failures
Including suspension components, CV joints, window regulators, clutch, rear main seal (RMS), and various rubber/plastic parts.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentBore scoring (M96/97 engines)
Noted as a threat.
- RecurrentOil leaks
- IsolatedWinter driving inadequacy
Poor traction and stability in snow/ice without proper tires.
The version owners recommend
The 987 generation (2005-2012) is generally recommended over the earlier 986 as a "better car all around," being more modern, refined, and having a better interior (including a glass rear window and glove box). Within a specific comparison, a 2007 base model was favored over a 2000 Boxster S for a $5,000 USD price difference. For the 986 generation, later models (post-2000) are noted as improvements over early ones, which had plastic rear windows and were "chronically underpowered." The "S" variants are recognized for more power but are not universally deemed essential for enjoyment.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Mazda Miata (MX-5), Honda S2000, BMW Z3/Z4, Lotus Elise/Exige and Toyota MR2.
Is the Boxster right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment is overwhelmingly positive regarding the driving experience, with the Boxster consistently praised for its exceptional handling, fun factor, and the special feeling it provides. The consensus is that it is a "perfect" or "best" driving car, particularly on back roads, offering a level of engagement and chassis dynamics that are highly valued. However, this enthusiasm is heavily tempered by very frequent and serious warnings about the high and unpredictable costs of ownership, especially for older models (primarily the 986 and 987 generations). The community feedback presents a clear dichotomy: the cars are loved for their driving character but are acknowledged as potentially expensive liabilities if not purchased carefully and with a significant maintenance budget reserved. There is also a noted perception among some owners that the model does not receive the respect or "love" it deserves from certain automotive circles.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more refined, better-handling, and more special-feeling alternative to the Mazda Miata, but with significantly higher running costs. Compared to the Honda S2000, it is often viewed as offering a different, more accessible driving experience, though some owner discussions note the S2000 was similarly priced when new. The Lotus Elise/Exige is acknowledged as providing superior, more raw handling dynamics. Within the Porsche family, the Boxster is frequently described as a more engaging and satisfying drive than the contemporary 996-generation 911 by some owners, positioning it as a purer driver's car, albeit with less prestige. It is consistently seen as a purpose-built, mid-engine roadster rather than a modified coupe.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is preferred by enthusiasts. A comprehensive Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) at a Porsche dealership or reputable independent specialist is very frequently and strongly recommended as an absolute necessity before buying any used example. For older models (986/987), purchasing from an owner with a full service history is critical. Owners advise budgeting a significant sum ($10,000 USD is cited as a rule of thumb) for immediate or near-term repairs and maintenance upon purchase. For winter driving in climates like Connecticut, dedicated winter tires are strongly advised, as the car can be "terrifying" on all-season tires in snow and ice.
General recommendations
Suitable for enthusiasts seeking a pure, engaging driving experience who are financially prepared for potentially high maintenance costs. Ideal as a second car or summer toy rather than a primary daily driver, especially for older examples. Not recommended for buyers on a tight budget or those expecting Japanese-level reliability and maintenance costs. The value proposition is strong for the driving experience, but total cost of ownership is the primary caveat. Buy the newest, best-maintained example you can afford, prioritizing maintenance history over low mileage. Join owner communities like the Porsche Club of America (PCA) to find better-maintained cars and reliable specialist mechanics.
Remarks
The IMS bearing issue is a dominant topic for the 986 and early 987 generations, with failure rates cited as 1% for 1997-1999 models and 8% for 2000-2005 models. Replacement is considered a "must" for at-risk models and is a major cost factor. The community emphasizes that "there is no such thing as a cheap Porsche," as purchase price is only the initial cost. Annual maintenance budgets of $1,000-$2,000 USD or more are suggested for older cars. Specialist independent mechanics are preferred over dealerships for cost savings, though parts ("Porsche tax") remain expensive. Analysis based on owner discussions spanning over two decades of model history, with a strong focus on the first two generations (986, 987).
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2003. Years to avoid: 2013, 2005, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Porsche Boxster years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 9 | 2 | suspension |
| 2014 | 2 | 3 | engine |
| 2013 | 11 | 1 | engine |
| 2012 | 1 | 1 | service brakes |
| 2011 | 6 | 1 | power train |
| 2010 | 2 | 0 | power train |
| 2009 | 3 | 0 | power train |
| 2008 | 1 | 0 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2007 | 2 | 0 | power train |
| 2006 | 5 | 0 | engine |
| 2005 | 19 | 0 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2004 | 4 | 3 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2003 | 26 | 4 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2002 | 22 | 4 | engine and engine cooling |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices39 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2015 · power train:axle assemblycampaign 21V679000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Boxster, 2013-2014 Boxster S, 2014-2015 Cayman, Cayman S, 2015 Boxster GTS, and Cayman GTS vehicles. The rear-axle carrier side sections may fracture.
2015 · latches/locks/linkages:hood:latchcampaign 14V698000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Porsche 911, Boxster, and Cayman vehicles manufactured May 7, 2014, to September 23, 2014. The front hood upper lock components were not manufactured to specification and may fail to securely latch the vehicle's hood during operation.
2014 · electrical systemcampaign 13V502000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2014 Boxster, Boxster S, Cayman, Cayman S and 911 Carrera (S, Cabriolet, S Cabriolet, 4, 4S, 4 Cabriolet, 4s Cabriolet) vehicles manufactured September 2, 2013, through September 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the passenger seats may be equipped with defective wiring harnesses resulting in intermittent contact with the harness plug.
2014 · latches/locks/linkages:hood:latchcampaign 14V698000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Porsche 911, Boxster, and Cayman vehicles manufactured May 7, 2014, to September 23, 2014. The front hood upper lock components were not manufactured to specification and may fail to securely latch the vehicle's hood during operation.
2014 · power train:axle assemblycampaign 21V679000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Boxster, 2013-2014 Boxster S, 2014-2015 Cayman, Cayman S, 2015 Boxster GTS, and Cayman GTS vehicles. The rear-axle carrier side sections may fracture.
2013 · power train:axle assemblycampaign 21V679000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Boxster, 2013-2014 Boxster S, 2014-2015 Cayman, Cayman S, 2015 Boxster GTS, and Cayman GTS vehicles. The rear-axle carrier side sections may fracture.
2012 · seat beltscampaign 11V409000
PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 911 SPEEDSTER AND 911 GTS RS 4.0; AND MODEL YEAR 2012 BOXSTER (INCLUDING S AND SPYDER); CAYMAN (INCLUDING S AND R); 911 CARRERA (INCLUDING S, GTS, 4, 4S, AND 4 GTS); 911 TARGA 4 AND TARGA 4S; AND 911 TURBO AND TURBO S MODELS MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 31, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 10, 2011. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE MOUNTING HOLES IN THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR PLATES FITTED TO THE VEHICLE ARE TOO SMALL. IF THE HOLE DIAMETER IS TOO SMALL, THE ANCHOR PLATE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ROTATE ABOUT THE FASTENING BOLT AS DESIGNED.
2011 · visibility:sun/moon roof assemblycampaign 10V125000
PORSCHE HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 BOXSTER SPYDER 2 DOOR CONVERTIBLE PASSENGER VEHICLES. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE LOCKING HOOK ON THE SUN SHIELD (TEMPORARY SOFT TOP) MAY NOT ENGAGE CORRECTLY INTO THE LOCK CATCH WHICH IS POSITIONED ON THE WINDSCREEN FRAME OF THE VEHICLE.
2004 · exterior lightingcampaign 09E012000
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
2004 · exterior lighting:headlightscampaign 09E025000
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
2004 · exterior lighting:headlightscampaign 22V656000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2003 · exterior lightingcampaign 09E012000
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
2003 · exterior lighting:headlightscampaign 09E025000
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
2003 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 03V004000
CERTAIN 2-DOOR CONVERTIBLE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TIPTRONIC (AUTOMATIC) TRANSMISSION MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH AN INCORRECTLY ADJUSTED KEY-LOCK-CABLE DOWN TO THE SHIFT SELECTOR. IF THE KEY-LOCK-CABLE IS NOT ADJUSTED CORRECTLY, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE IGNITION KEY WILL SNAG UPON BEING REMOVED FRO THE IGNITION LOCK OR THE SLECTOR LEVER CAN BE SHIFTED FROM POSITION "P" WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED AND THE LOCKING BUTTON OPERATED.
2003 · exterior lighting:headlightscampaign 22V656000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
24 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: 981
Spyder 3.8
3.8L 6-cylinder · 375 hp · RWD · manual
Built 2015–2016