The Porsche Boxster 986 buying guide

The first-generation Porsche Boxster 986 wasn’t met with universal praise when it was launched in mid-1996, but it was continually improved and is now one of the great modern classic bargains.

The odd headlight design and relatively tepid 2.5-litre flat-six motor were the main causes for concern. In true Porsche tradition, continuous incremental updates addressed those issues and the 986 stayed at the top of its class until it was replaced by the 987 in 2004.

The original 201bhp 2.5-litre flat-six was not exactly slow, but the capable chassis could handle a lot more power. So, in 1999 it was replaced by a 217bhp 2.7-litre motor, while a 250bhp 3.2-litre S variant was introduced to head up the range and silence any remaining critics.

Part of the reason the Boxster helped save Porsche from financial ruin was that it shared a number of key components with the soon to be released 996 911. This cut production costs as both cars were largely the same up to the A-pillar. They also shared the new M96 water-cooled engine architecture. Thanks to the Boxster’s mid-engined layout, it was actually more composed around fast bends than a contemporary 911.

Sales picked up as the years went by and prices are attractively low for most 986 models these days. Despite some issues on earlier cars, the majority have proven to be reliable and largely trouble-free. That said, these cars are two decades old now, so being armed with some knowledge of what to look out for is essential. Otherwise, your mid-engined Porsche dreams could turn into a nightmare.

Porsche boxster flat-six Engine

Most internet searches will highlight an apparent glut of IMS (Intermediate Shaft) bearing and RMS (Rear Main Seal) failures. The truth is, that while affected cars can suffer expensive engine problems, the issue is not quite so prevalent. There are also several preventative measures that can be carried out to give you extra peace of mind.

The RMS seals tend to leak oil on most cars, unless oil is pouring out of the seal it can be replaced with the next clutch change as the gearbox needs to be removed for the job.

The IMS bearing was a weak point on early cars and can cause an engine failure. The design was upgraded several times, so the issue is far less frequent on later cars. Specialists also offer upgraded bearings, so check if this has been done on your potential purchase. Again, it’s worth doing when the clutch is changed.

Cylinder bores were also known to crack on some cars, however this tended to happen below 50,000-miles and if the car has lasted 20-odd years it is unlikely to happen now. Still, check the service history and if you suspect anything then have a borescope inspection carried out by a specialist. High engine temperatures are a warning sign, as is a creamy oil/water mixture under the oil cap.

The flat-six engine itself is a strong unit, available in 2.5, 2.7 and 3.2-litre capacities. They require a service every 12,000-miles or annually, so watch out for low-mileage cars that have not had regular oil changes. Missed oil services can lead to worn chain guides on the VarioCam timing chain tensioner, an issue that is more prevalent on pre-2002 models.

Lumpy idling or hesitation while accelerating could indicate a cracked HT lead or a mass airflow sensor that needs replacing. Neither is overly expensive.

Porsche boxster 986 Gearbox

The base models came fitted with five-speed manuals while S variants had six-speed units. A five-speed Tiptronic automatic was also made available, but opting for one of these is missing the point a bit. All are reliable, although specialists recommend that the fluids are changed more frequently than the long intervals suggested by Porsche.

A stiff clutch, tough gear changes between first and second, or untoward noises from the rear when engaging gear may indicate that the transmission needs inspecting.

Suspension and brakes

The lower arm bushes and rose joints on the trailing arms in the rear tend to need replacing every 40,000-miles. Creaking noises when turning or going over bumps may indicate worn or cracked springs; uneven tyre wear is also something that needs to be explored further.

Uneven tyre wear may be a simple case of the tracking needing adjustment, but it can also indicate worn shocks or damaged suspension components. Aftermarket wheels can exacerbate any of the above issues, so it’s best to stick to standard fitment alloys.

The standard fitment pads and discs (larger up front on S variants) are more than up to the task of bringing the Boxster to a stop. OEM replacement parts are not cheap so look out for warped discs or pads with not much life left in them. Discs also tend to corrode if left standing for long periods.

Porsche boxster 986 Bodywork

Rust is not a particularly common issue but it is still advisable to check around the arches and under the car for signs of corrosion. Blocked drainage channels can have water pooling behind the seats which will rot the rear arches over time or damage the ECU.

The engine and aircon radiators are mounted low behind the front bumpers, and tend to accumulate road debris and dirt over time. If they are in good condition it is a potential sign that the current owner carries out preventative maintenance. If not, they may have corroded and could require replacing.

Early cars came with a plastic rear window that would haze and crack over time. Glass replacements can be installed and facelifted cars have them as standard. The roof mechanism requires periodic lubrication and should be raised to ensure there is no shrinkage or tears.

boxster Interior

The interior layout and design is very similar to the 996 and suffers from most of the same issues. The build quality did improve as production went on, but buttons, switches and door bins can feel flimsy. 

Check that the fabric roof closes snugly around the frameless windows, and that the seat bolsters, pedals and steering wheel exhibit the wear expected for the mileage. 

Make sure that the navigation system (if fitted) still operates properly. Some owners have installed their own aftermarket systems which may look out of place but will most likely be an improvement on the two-decade old setup.

Porsche boxster 986 History

1996: 986 Porsche Boxster launched with 201bhp 2.5-litre 6-cylinder mid-mounted engine. Five-speed manual or Tiptronic gearboxes offered

1999: 217bhp 2.7-litre engine becomes base engine. 250bhp 3.2-litre Boxster S introduced with uprated brakes and a six-speed gearbox

2001: PSM anti-skid system introduced

2002: Facelift carried out, interior gets new steering wheel and glove box as well as glass rear window. Front indicators now clear units and new wheel and body colour options made available

2003: Power increased to 225bhp for 2.7-litre cars while the S gets bumped up to 258bhp

2004: Special edition 550 Spyder released. All 1953 were painted GT Silver Metallic and fitted with MO30 sports suspension and sport exhaust. Power up to 266bhp. Last Boxster rolls off the production line with over 160,000 cars produced.

Which Boxster 986 to Buy?

The first-generation Boxster is a great modern classic that offers an immersive driving experience without feeling like a design over 20 years old. While early cars can be had for temptingly low sums, we suggest spending a little extra and focusing on the improved post-facelift models.

Don’t get too caught up on the mileage. Rarely used cars tend to have more issues than ones that see regular use if servicing intervals have been adhered to.

If low cost is a priority then a 2.7-litre Boxster is a fine option, especially the post-2002/3 models. These later models had a tad more power and benefited from a number of incremental improvements.

The 3.2-litre S variants do offer a significant boost in performance, and most can be found for a pittance over their less powerful stablemates; a post-facelift manual transmission model would be our choice. The ultra-rare 550 Spyder is the surest bet if you are looking for a collectible 986. However, any decent Boxster is a joy to drive and practically unmatched at current prices.

Porsche boxster Specifications

1996 M96 2.5-litre flat-six

Power: 201bhp

Top speed: 149mph

0-60mph: 6.7sec

Economy: 31.7mpg

1999 M96 2.7-litre flat-six

Power: 217bhp (225bhp post-2002)

Top speed: 155mph

0-60mph: 6.5sec

Economy: 32mpg est

1999 M96 3.2-litre flat-six

Power: 250bhp (258-bhp post-2002)

Top speed: 162mph

0-60mph: 5.6sec

Economy: 30mpg est

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Text John Tallodi  Photos Porsche

Author: David Lillywhite

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