The Porsche Boxster is one of the greatest automotive bargains available in the UK today. A mid-engined, rear-wheel drive roadster with genuine Porsche DNA, extraordinary driving dynamics, and a badge that commands respect — available for less than the price of a new family hatchback if you know where to look.
Buying a used Porsche Boxster requires the same careful research as any Porsche purchase — these are precision engineered machines and a poorly maintained example can be expensive to run. But get it right and you’ll have one of the most rewarding driving experiences available at any price point.
This is our complete guide to buying a used Porsche Boxster in the UK.
Buying a Used Porsche Boxster: Which Generation Is Best?
First Generation — 986 (1996–2004)
The original Boxster was a revelation when it launched. Here was a proper mid-engined roadster at a price point that made Porsche ownership accessible to a whole new generation of enthusiasts. The 986 shares its front end styling and crucially its engine with the 996 generation 911 — which means it shares the same IMS bearing issues.
The 986 is now extraordinarily affordable — but buyers need to go in with eyes open about the potential for expensive engine repairs.
Best 986 variants:
- Boxster S (986) — the 3.2 litre flat six produces 252bhp and transforms the driving experience over the base car. Later S models from 2003 onwards are the most reliable. Prices from £5,000–£12,000.
- Late 986 base Boxster (2002–2004) — the most reliable early Boxsters. Prices from £4,000–£8,000.
986 variants to avoid:
- Very early 986 (1996–1999) — highest IMS bearing risk, earliest build quality issues
- Any example without IMS bearing replacement documentation
Prices for 986 generation:
- Boxster base: £4,000–£10,000
- Boxster S: £5,000–£14,000
Second Generation — 987 (2004–2012)
The 987 is where most Boxster buyers should focus their attention. Improved styling, better interior quality, and refined dynamics made it an immediate hit. The 987.2 facelift (2009–2012) introduced the direct injection engine — eliminating the IMS bearing issue but introducing potential bore scoring concerns.
Best 987 variants:
987.1 Boxster S (2004–2008) The 3.4 litre flat six producing 295bhp is an extraordinary engine — free revving, characterful, and deeply satisfying. Early 987.1 cars still carry IMS bearing risk — look for cars with the bearing already replaced. Prices from £10,000–£20,000.
987.2 Boxster S (2009–2012) The direct injection 3.4 litre engine is the most refined Boxster S yet. IMS bearing issues are eliminated — though bore scoring is a consideration on higher mileage examples. The 987.2 is our top recommendation in the 987 range. Prices from £14,000–£25,000.
987 Spyder The Spyder is the lightweight, driver focused variant of the 987 range — manual roof, stripped out interior, lower ride height. One of the finest driver’s cars Porsche has ever made. Prices from £25,000–£40,000 for good examples.
Prices for 987 generation:
- Boxster base: £8,000–£16,000
- Boxster S: £10,000–£25,000
- Boxster Spyder: £25,000–£40,000
Third Generation — 981 (2012–2016)
The 981 was a significant engineering step forward — wider, lower, and more dynamically capable than any previous Boxster. The introduction of electric power steering divided opinion but the overall package is more accomplished than ever.
Best 981 variants:
981 Boxster S The 3.4 litre flat six producing 315bhp is magnificent — one of the last naturally aspirated Porsche sports car engines before turbocharging became universal. The 981 S is our overall Boxster recommendation for buyers with a slightly higher budget. Prices from £22,000–£35,000.
981 Boxster GTS The GTS adds 15bhp, sport exhaust, PASM sport suspension, and the most aggressive standard specification in the range. An exceptional driver’s car and increasingly sought after. Prices from £28,000–£42,000.
981 Spyder The 981 Spyder uses the 3.8 litre engine from the 911 Carrera S — producing 375bhp in a car weighing just 1,315kg. One of the greatest driver’s cars of its generation. Prices from £45,000–£65,000.
Prices for 981 generation:
- Boxster base: £18,000–£28,000
- Boxster S: £22,000–£35,000
- Boxster GTS: £28,000–£42,000
- Boxster Spyder: £45,000–£65,000
Fourth Generation — 718 (2016–present)
The current 718 Boxster controversially replaced the naturally aspirated flat six with a turbocharged flat four. The performance improved but the soundtrack divided the Porsche community — the flat four simply doesn’t sound as spectacular as the flat six it replaced.
However the 718 GTS 4.0 and Spyder brought back a naturally aspirated flat six — the 4.0 litre unit from the 911 GT3 — and these variants are genuinely extraordinary.
Best 718 variants:
718 Boxster GTS 4.0 The 4.0 litre naturally aspirated flat six produces 394bhp and sounds absolutely magnificent. This is the variant that silenced the critics and reminded everyone why people love Porsche engines. Prices from £55,000–£75,000 for good used examples.
718 Boxster S For buyers who can live with the flat four the S offers 350bhp, excellent performance, and the most refined Boxster chassis ever. Prices from £35,000–£55,000.
718 Spyder The ultimate 718 — 4.0 litre naturally aspirated flat six, manual roof, and sensational driving dynamics. Prices from £65,000–£85,000+.
Prices for 718 generation:
- 718 Boxster base: £28,000–£42,000
- 718 Boxster S: £35,000–£55,000
- 718 Boxster GTS 4.0: £55,000–£75,000
- 718 Spyder: £65,000–£85,000+
Common Porsche Boxster Problems to Watch Out For
IMS Bearing Failure (986 and early 987) As with the 911, the IMS bearing is the most significant concern on 986 and early 987.1 Boxsters. The consequences of failure are catastrophic — always check for documented IMS bearing replacement on any 986 or early 987 purchase. For a detailed breakdown of this issue read our complete guide to Porsche 911 common problems — the same engine is used in both cars.
RMS Oil Leaks (986 and 987) The Rear Main Seal is another common issue shared with the 911. A small seep is common and not urgent — a significant leak needs addressing. Budget £600–£1,200 for RMS replacement.
Bore Scoring (987.2 and 981) Direct injection engines in the 987.2 and 981 can suffer from bore scoring — check oil consumption carefully and always get a compression test. Repair costs £8,000–£15,000 for a full engine rebuild.
Convertible Roof Issues The Boxster’s convertible roof is a potential source of problems — particularly on older cars. Common issues include:
- Hydraulic roof mechanism failure — budget £500–£1,500 for repairs
- Roof fabric tears or leaks — replacement roof costs £1,500–£3,000 fitted
- Rear plastic window yellowing or cracking on older cars
Always test the roof operation multiple times during a viewing — open and close it fully at least three times and check for hesitation, unusual noises, or failure to latch correctly.
Intermediate Shaft Seal Leak A less well known but common issue on 986 and 987 cars — the intermediate shaft seal can leak oil into the bellhousing. Not as catastrophic as IMS bearing failure but worth checking during a PPI.
Coolant Leaks The Boxster’s cooling system can develop leaks over time — particularly the coolant expansion tank which cracks with age. Budget £150–£300 for expansion tank replacement.
For technical advice from experienced owners visit the Porsche Club GB forums at porscheclubgb.co.uk
What to Check at a Viewing
Test the roof thoroughly Open and close the roof at least three times. Listen for unusual noises, check it latches correctly, and inspect the fabric for tears, staining, or signs of leakage. Check the carpets and boot for damp.
Cold start test Start the car from completely cold and listen for IMS rattle or chain tensioner noise — a rattling sound that clears after a few seconds warrants further investigation.
Check oil condition Check the oil on the dipstick for a silvery shimmer — a sign of metal particles indicating potential IMS bearing wear.
Compression test Essential on any 987.2 or 981 to check for bore scoring. A good independent specialist will carry this out as part of a PPI.
Body and paint Use a paint depth gauge to check for accident repair or respray. Walk around the car in good daylight looking for uneven panel gaps.
Get a PPI A pre-purchase inspection from a Porsche specialist is essential for any used Boxster purchase. Budget £150–£300 — it could save you thousands.
Running Costs — What to Budget
Insurance: The Boxster is generally cheaper to insure than the 911 — it sits in a lower insurance group and its values are more modest. Typical annual costs:
- 987 Boxster S: £600–£1,200 per year
- 981 Boxster GTS: £800–£1,500 per year
Servicing: At an independent Porsche specialist budget:
- Oil service: £250–£400
- Major service: £600–£900
- Annual servicing budget: £500–£800
Roof maintenance: Budget for periodic roof fabric treatment to maintain water resistance — quality products like Renovo Fabric Hood Reviver cost around £20–£30 and should be applied annually.
For full insurance advice read our Porsche 911 insurance guide.
Boxster vs Cayman — Which Should You Buy?
The Boxster and Cayman share the same platform and engines but offer very different experiences.
The Boxster is the open top option — the roof transforms the driving experience in good weather and the sensation of a mid-engined roadster with the roof down is genuinely one of motoring’s great pleasures.
The Cayman is the closed coupe — stiffer, slightly more dynamically focused, and available at slightly lower prices in many cases. The Cayman’s fixed roof also gives it a slight structural rigidity advantage over the Boxster.
If you want the open air experience buy the Boxster. If driving dynamics are your absolute priority and you don’t mind sacrificing the roof buy the Cayman. Both are exceptional cars — there is no wrong answer.
For a detailed comparison read our full Porsche 911 vs Porsche Cayman guide.
Which Boxster Offers the Best Value?
For most buyers — 987.2 Boxster S The combination of IMS-free engine, refined dynamics, and now very accessible used prices makes the 987.2 Boxster S our top recommendation for anyone buying a used Porsche Boxster on a budget. A good example costs £14,000–£25,000 — remarkable value for the driving experience on offer.
For enthusiasts — 981 Boxster GTS The last naturally aspirated mid-engined Boxster in standard form — the 981 GTS will be looked back on as a modern classic. Buy one now before values firm up.
For the ultimate experience — 718 GTS 4.0 or Spyder If budget allows the return of the naturally aspirated flat six in the 718 GTS 4.0 and Spyder makes these the definitive modern Boxsters. They will appreciate in value.
Final Thoughts
Buying a used Porsche Boxster in the UK is one of the best decisions. The combination of mid-engined dynamics, open top motoring, and Porsche engineering makes it one of the most rewarding cars available at any price point.
Do your research, buy the best maintained example you can afford, insist on a PPI, and find a good independent Porsche specialist to look after it. Do that and the Boxster will reward you with years of driving pleasure that no mainstream car can match.
Looking for more Porsche buying advice? Browse our complete guides at PorschePro — the UK’s home for honest Porsche content.