Porsche Boxster (1997-2005)

After several attempts to present a worthy entry level stablemate for the 911, Porsche finally hit pay dirt with the Boxster. Second hand early models now offer outstanding value because the last of the 986 Boxster series actually cost less new than the first 1997 model.

HISTORY
The Boxster was launched locally in January 1997, the first entry level Porsche with an authentic Porsche boxer six cylinder engine since the rare 914/6, hence the Boxster name. Because it also revived the mid-engined Spyder philosophy with a hint of Speedster, the Boxster was also the first recent Porsche developed exclusively as a full roadster, delivering body stiffness levels more often associated with a fixed roof model.

Ever since the 911 took over as Porsche's main model, the company's existence hinged on whether the 911 fell out of favour and the varying fortunes of its wealthy buyer base. After the 356 and the 912 were withdrawn, Porsche had been under ongoing pressure to develop a cheaper model. Early efforts included the mid-engined 914/4, a joint VW-Porsche effort with VW power and the 924 which also featured joint VW, Audi and Porsche input. There was also a big-bumper 912 sold in the US with a VW Transporter engine that is now an embarrassment to purists. Although the 924 evolved into the 944 and 968 and its Audi engine was later replaced by Porsche engines, most of these cheaper models were built off-site away from the Porsche factory.

Although the 986 Boxster marked a return to core Porsche values at a lower price and initially took over 928 build capacity, most examples are now not only built outside the Porsche factory, they are built outside Germany. The Finnish company Valmet, better known for Saab cabriolets and other low volume Saab models, is now supplying the lion's share of Boxster volume. Although this has not compromised quality or engineering, its high volumes and offshore origins rob the Boxster of the mystique and pedigree of the 911.

Because Porsche purists also see the Boxster as more disposable with its higher plastics content, its future resale prospects are not likely to match older 911 models. There is an upside to this when so many of the Boxster's body parts and trim items cost a fraction of 911 parts. The company's tight financial position prior to the Boxster launch delivered another upside.

Most of the Boxster's architecture ahead of the windscreen was shared with the new 996 Carrera series which is great for Boxster owners, but not so good for 996 owners when their cars can be mistaken for a half-price Boxster. This may impact on 996 values as the Boxster drops in price.

As Porsche returns to its traditional headlight shape in 2005, it is not clear yet whether the "fried egg" headlight look of the previous Boxster and Carrera series will be valued by the market as an interesting styling departure or an aberration.

Why would you choose a Boxster over a used Carrera? Depending on how much you have to spend, the same money can buy a Boxster up to ten years younger than a Carrera with lower maintenance and repair costs. The Boxster's engine sits ahead of the rear axle line, not behind like the Carrera for better balance, but it loses the Carrera's occasional rear seats and storage. Its purpose-designed roadster body conceals the hood so it doesn't look like a converted coupe as a used 911 Cabriolet of similar value does.

The down side is reduced performance from smaller engines but the Boxster S is quick enough for it not to be a concern under road use. The Boxster rear suspension is also a cheaper and inferior design to later Carrera rear suspensions but its superior balance and lighter weight make it feel more nimble. And to some younger enthusiasts, the Boxster represents a fresh new direction while the Carrera is an older driver's car.

Although the Boxster is a delightful car to drive in any one of its many variations and they all carry the hint of the great flat-six soundtrack, the classic 911 rumble is missing from the showroom specification. It's also water cooled and doesn't have the separate oil tank and dry sump arrangement of earlier 911 models.

The other key difference is that you can see very little of the engine from above when it is more easily accessed from underneath. In hot Australian conditions, there are indications that elevated heat levels and the enclosed engine compartment are affecting some engine seals.

MODEL TIMELINE

Buyer Beware: There were key headlight and lower body differences throughout the Boxster model life but these are not to be trusted as key recognition points when many earlier cars have been updated. If in doubt, check local history with Porsche Australia.

CHECKLIST

Running Gear
Boxster mechanicals are generally reliable apart from the occasional electronics glitch and porous early engine blocks which should be rectified by now.

If the engine is modified or upgraded including exhaust and engine management system check credentials of the parts and who did the work. Lowered suspensions are common but not all are an improvement.

As the Boxster ages, it springs a number of oil leaks that can be costly to rectify. These include the O-ring seals in the spark plug tubes and a breather hose that perishes and pours oil down the driver's side of the engine. All perishable hoses and engine fittings need to be checked for heat hardening and perishing.

Timing chains may need attention on high mileage examples. Low hanging sump can get biffed which disturbs seal and causes oil leaks. Listen for engine rattles on cars with missing service histories.

Check operation of Tiptronic in manual and auto mode. First gear can break up in the manual gearbox making it sound like a vintage gearbox. The faulty part is replaceable in the Boxster but may require a new gearbox in the Boxster S. Check clutch operation and take-up point.

Brake pads struggle to get past 25,000 km and soft rotors may require replacement at each pad change but they are not excessively priced.

Drivers who back into kerbs or scrape the gutter with the rear wheels can bend rear suspension toe-arms destroying the handling and cause severe tyre wear problems. The Boxster requires routine four wheel alignments to preserve expensive tyres. Check for rim damage and buckling as low profile tyres running below pressure provide little protection against sharp bumps.

Hard to get at battery means that topping-up is usually overlooked.

Body
Low slick body is vulnerable to parking scrapes and side dings. Front section is vulnerable to excessive stone damage if driven by a tailgater. Check that any repairs match original high quality. Front overhang can also generate severe scraping underneath. Check underbody carefully, front to rear, and make sure that long life galvanized structural parts have not been disturbed.

Factory alloy wheels are costly to replace if gouged, buckled or scraped beyond the point of repair. Specified tyres are expensive so check that replacements meet minimum standards as prescribed on the ADR tyre placard.

Leather trim may need rejuvenating if a leather conditioner has not been used regularly or if driven top down on a regular basis. Check that all seat trim fits neatly and there is no UV or rain damage to cabin fittings and carpet.

Check operation of all electronic controls, especially door locks and switchgear. A creaking and rattling dash can be annoying on some examples. Look for broken glovebox hinges.

Hood cables are starting to seize and break the arms. Check hood operation carefully and early soft rear window for clarity and damage from sharp objects. Check operation of retractable rear spoiler.

Service data confirmed by Porsche Boxster experts Auto Art (03) 9416 2931.