Float like a Butterfly, Sting like a Bee – The Porsche Boxster
When Grant Larson first introduced his Boxster designs idea and Porsche released their Boxster specifications and information to the consumer market in 1996, it’s no wonder the Porsche Boxster models instantly became the most serious, and quality, competitor among sports cars with substantial engines that don’t break the bank – despite ample contention in the same sports car models price bracket from BMW and Mercedes, especially in the United Kingdom.
Taking the most notable design inspiration for the first generation from the 550 Spyder cars models, but also the 356 Cabriolet and Speedster cars models, the Porsche Boxster has had only minor design revitalisations throughout the four generations it has been around.
The Porsche Boxster, the name of which is a combination of boxer and roadster (a reference to the Porsche Boxster’s engine and body style respectively), carries the charm of one of the cars you would expect to see in a James Bond film with the Porsche Boxster’s slim, graceful and delicately agile exterior, but which, within the interior, also carries the power to match any lone spy’s needs.
You see, as the cliché saying goes, you should never judge a book by its cover (which is often the case with Porsche, but certainly in the case of the Porsche Boxster).
The Porsche Boxster is, maybe somewhat ironically due to its name connotations, comparatively similar to Muhammed Ali’s famous words “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” – and sting the Porsche Boxster does.
With all that in mind, it’s no wonder that we often get asked how expensive to maintain the Porsche Boxster is, what the price of servicing and services are for the model, what Porsche Boxster running costs are and what parts are the most used when servicing one of these cars models.
So, without further ado, let’s run through that together.
Vehicle Maintenance Kit
Typically, the idea of maintenance often leads to a sinking feeling in the stomach – I just got done financing the thing now I have to deal with this issue too!
You say to yourself while running through seemingly extortionate third-party “specialist” maintenance and servicing options online, trying your luck at finding something affordable.
In actual fact, if you aren’t opposed to getting your hands grubby, doing some work and taking on some responsibility, maintenance costs can be extremely affordable, not to mention you get to be involved in the condition of your automobile.
Take a look at our kit, that’ll cut out said “specialist,” specifically composed of the tools you’ll need to work on maintaining your Porsche Boxster 986 (2.7L 1998-04) or Porsche Boxster S 986 (3.2L 1998-04), running, or should I say driving, in at a price of just £65.
How on earth do I use this all by myself? It’s pretty simple. There are tons of (rather specific) YouTube videos and tutorials online that go over anything from changing a sump plug ring to pollen filter — just take a look at this tutorial on changing a Porsche Boxster spark plug, which is something found in the kit.
You may even find yourself picking a new hobby (and having little extra cash leftover from keeping your prices down and not getting third-party servicing).
Ignition Coils
Ignition coils are quintessential to the condition of any car, not just the Boxster – any servicing company will tell you that. They take low voltage currents directly from a car battery and then transfer it into a high voltage – strong enough for the spark plugs to then go on and create a spark as the battery isn’t capable of doing this alone (thus starting the car and stopping initial engine failure and any related problem). See it as the middleman between the battery and sparkplug, the catalyst.
A catalyst is typically needed to create any kind of reaction and that’s why there is an ignition coil in every cylinder.
Here you can find car parts (a pack of six ignition coils) for the Porsche 996 3.6L Inc C2 / C4 / C4S, Porsche 986 Boxster 2.7L / 3.2L 2003>>, Porsche 996 GT3 MKI, Porsche 996 GT3 MKII, Porsche 996 Turbo, Porsche 987 Boxster 2.7L / 3.2L, Porsche 987C Cayman 2.7L / 3.2L and Porsche 997 3.6L, 3.8L / 997 GT3, along with a tutorial for how to change and work the parts on a Porsche Boxster 986 (which can be found here).
Coming in at £125, you shouldn’t expect to break the bank, and can keep your prices down with these car parts.
Exhaust Muffler / Silencer
While you can get away with some of the cheaper alternatives of an exhaust muffler, we strongly recommend going strong with the Porsche 986 Boxster Cat-Back with Chrome Tips. Why? The system boasts being one of the strongest contenders for the best cat-back exhaust available for the Boxster 986. The exhaust also features a hand-fitted heat shield and is specifically designed to provide power gains and a smooth sports note. Professionally mandrel bent and TIG welded, this stainless steel exhaust system is a perfect upper-market piece, performance fit for the Porsche 986 Boxster. It includes all gaskets and bolts required to fit the exhaust system. Exhausts may be somewhat more difficult to work with on your Porsche, which is why we’re working on making further content specifically on fitting them and also offering partial refunds for your attempts; we love to see you getting involved with your Porsche so it really is a win-win for everyone! For the time being, here’s a general video tutorial on changing the part in your Boxster 986. This part fits the Porsche Boxster 986 2.5L 1997-99, Porsche Boxster 986 2.7L 1999-02, Porsche Boxster S 986 3.2L 1999-02, Porsche Boxster 986 2.7L 2003-04 and Porsche Boxster S 986 3.2L 2003-04.
Rear And Front Brake Pads
When you use your brake pedal, how often are you thinking about what is going on down there? For the average driver, this is almost never and they play on their luck (until there are noticeable problems, which happens more frequently with older age, higher mileage car with lower traction control).
Applying the brakes sends hydraulic fluid in the calliper against the brake pads which are situated on each side of the rotating brake disc; in turn, the friction created begins to bring your car to a halt.
In everyday terms, brake pads are very important and regularly checking and replacing them is a must for any driver – avid or not. The rear and front brake pads (found here and here, respectively) are fit for the Porsche Boxster S 986 3.2L 1999-02, Porsche Boxster S 986 3.2L 2003-04.
Here’s a tutorial on changing Porsche Boxster brake pads. Replacing them yourself with these parts is by far the most economical solution to things and will keep your prices down.
Other Asked Questions
How often should a Porsche Boxster be serviced?
Whatever model car you are driving, regular servicing and maintenance is a necessity. Why? Because it ensures the proper function and safety of your vehicle.
Porsches are no different (although servicing checks will depend on your model and mileage) but, while the usual advice of Porsche is servicing once every 20,000 miles, it’s always best to refer to the owner manual and this will give you the specifics of your models needs in regard to service.
Are Porsche Boxster parts expensive?
No, Boxster parts do not have to be expensive. Although some of the more ‘niche’ Porsche parts for older models can cost more than your typical component, maintaining and servicing your Porsche by buying your parts from us can be extremely economical, as this blog shows.
Is the Porsche Boxster a good investment?
The Boxster is not really a car or model that you should be looking at in terms of a financial investment. It’s more of an investment in regard to the quality of your drive and the reliability and the sheer power of the car, which it certainly is.
On average, a half a decade old Boxster can depreciate to as much as 50% in value, that, coupled with the fact most drivers hit between the 8-12k miles a year mark, means that you’ll be making a compromise in terms of seeing the Boxster as a financial asset.
However, if you’re looking for a long-term, reliable mid-engine sports car (especially as Porsche’s are made for reliable use over long periods), and aren’t as bothered about seeing your car as a financial venture – the Porsche Boxster is definitely a great investment into your day to day driving experience.
What is the best year for the Porsche Boxster?
It depends on what you’re after. If you’re after a classic mid-90s style and beauty but are willing to put aside the improvements made later on the models, then that’s case closed for you. The same goes for if you just want the latest version of the model of the Boxster.
However, many Boxster owners would argue that the Boxster model between 2009-2012 is the best and most reliable – the 987.2. Data suggests that the later models are more solid than the 987.2, but, from many people’s experiences, the driving is noticeably better in the 987.2s period of time, rather than in more recent revitalisations of the model.
Why? Well pre-2012, one of the Boxsters most notable characteristics was the great steering feel – which was due to the hydraulic steering. Post-2012, Porsche went with electric steering for the Boxster which may take away the “raw” feel and power of driving the Boxster that you come to expect.
Also, it’s great to mention that up to this point IMS had caused engine failure in earlier engines (M96/M97) of the Boxster, but with the introduction of the 987.2, this was completely removed with the entering of, still six-cylinder, designated 9A1.
After this point, the Boxster models went on to have four-cylinder turbo motors – which are noticeably louder, despite their benefits. The 987.2 also improved even further on the 987.1s interior adjustments, upgrading the durability of the inside.
Is a Porsche Boxster a good daily driver /
Is it worth buying a Porsche Boxster or Boxster S?
A daily driver is a car that is used for all occasions and convenience. While the Boxster can be this, depending on your lifestyle, you have to bear in mind that it is also a two-seater sports car with smaller space, so if you’re after a family car that requires a lot of things crammed into the boot, this may not be the model for you.
However, saying that, the Boxster does offer two trunks (both in the front and back) thanks to the engine, but the roadster body style of the model does make packing your things in typically more of a struggle than your average automobile.
Of course, if you’re after all the latest and modern features in a car, the older models of Boxster are not going to accommodate all of these. While the newer versions (the 718 to be specific) do offer a solid stereo system, heated seats and dual-zone climate control, you may want to wait for the latest Boxster model (which is absolutely going to incorporate the newest components) to be released if contemporary car hallmarks are a decider for you.
All that being said, where the Boxster really shines is in its reliability, where you shouldn’t expect to be pay as much for servicing costs. Many people still drive older Boxster models today with little to no issues or wear, as is expected of any Porsche model.
While the Boxster may be more of a hard sell as a family car or typical daily driver, it was developed purposely to be a performance-driven, extremely enjoyable, all-rounded sports model that will give no qualms if used daily; so if you’re after a luxury sports car for regular use, the Boxster is an excellent bet.
The Boxster or 911?
Of course, the 911, the flagship Porsche model, is both bigger and carries more functionality than its Boxster counterpart.
However, the 911 is also considerably more expensive, and the Boxster is a great choice for those after a luxury Porsche model that are more on a budget – considering the difference in prices.
Not only that, but the Boxster also offers more luggage space, and, while the 911 allows more people in the car (with four seats), the back seats are typically not big enough for the average person anyway.
So the Boxster is a “poor man’s” 911?
Not at all. If we disregard everything talked about above and solely talk about parts, functionality and the engine, many people jump to the assumption that the 911 is the far better model because of the difference in prices.
While the 911 is obviously more powerful and boasts more features, the Boxster actually shares about 80% of its parts with the 911 – while being significantly cheaper. People even come under the misassumption that the 911 engine is considerably better than the Boxsters.
If we take a look at the standard 911 engine, which is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six making 370 horsepower and 331 pounds/feet of torque, and the base engine of the Boxster, turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four makes 350 hp and 309 pounds/feet – performance figures are very close, particularly if you take into consideration that the Boxster is lighter of the two.
The Boxster also being a mid-engine model means it proves to have the better handling of the couple, and, of course, has the lower profile as well.
In terms of aesthetics, it comes down to the person. Many actually prefer the look of the Boxster (especially in terms of the classic models), over the 911.
This coupled with all mentioned above proves that the Boxster is anything but the “poor man’s” Porsche, but, in fact, a very decent contender no matter what price bracket you’re in.
Final thoughts
The Porsche Boxster is a model that has been around for decades, which only speaks to its reliability, power and class. Despite its features and premium automobile standing, the car is anything but elitist – with some time and effort on your end, you can still enjoy one of the most captivating vehicle models Porsche have ever created.