Porsche Boxster 986

The Boxster was originally seen as a Porsche for those who couldn’t afford the legendary 911. Over time, he was recognized as one of the best roadsters.

Review

The Boxster was originally seen as a Porsche for those who couldn’t afford the iconic 911. Over time, he was recognized as one of the best roadsters. The Boxster is not only an interesting alternative to the 2-seat coupe, but also the cheapest used Porsche.

Even with a 2.5 / 204 hp engine with a weight of 1250 kg, the 986th reaches the first hundred in 6.9 seconds. The S version features a stronger engine and more efficient brakes.

In the model range of the manufacturer from Zuffenhausen Boxster replaced the 968th with a front engine. Due to the central location of the power unit, the character of the Boxter resembles the underrated 914, as well as the iconic 550 and 718. The 986 is more neutral in control than the 911 (996). The Boxster is much cheaper, but it’s a trap.

Limited resource

Obviously, lower cost is not associated with lower maintenance costs. This is especially true for powertrains. They belong to the M96 family, the liquid-cooled one that went to the first 911. And, unfortunately, in Boxster engines are not particularly hardy and can withstand, as a rule, 200-250 thousand km. This is especially true for versions of 2.7 and 3.2 liters. But that doesn’t mean that the 2.5-liter engine will relax. To make matters worse, before leaving, the engines do not show any characteristic symptoms (e.g., they do not start to devour a lot of oil). Access to powertrains is better than 911. But to replace the timing system chain, the engine must be removed. And it has to do already in 120-130 thousand km. The costs will be about 70 000 rubles. Experts to extend the service life of the engine recommend changing the liners at large runs. If you hear disturbing sounds in the area of the crankshaft, then you should not delay the repair. Possible overhaul will be very expensive, especially if you have to upgrade the crankshaft (280,000 rubles). Therefore, buying a Boxster with a broken engine (usually turns the liners) makes no sense, since the total cost of repairs will be about 350,000 rubles. Finding a motor is extremely difficult. And in what state it will be a great mystery. Very often flow glands crankshaft (30-50 thousand rubles for elimination), and fail the ignition coils (2 200 rubles per piece).

Transmission

Boxes are more durable, although sometimes synchronizers of the second transmission of the manual transmission fail.

Hard clutch operation means that the linings are worn out. Mechanics believe that the problems with intermediate shaft bearings (IMS) are far-fetched.

Tiptronic automatic transmissions are much more stable, but, admittedly, they are quite slow.

Walking

The suspension components have average strength. The weak link is aluminum levers. Finding a substitute of good quality is difficult.

The rear lever attachment points are located in the supporting structure for the engine.

Bodywork

The 986 is much stiffer than the 911 convertible (996) and is very well protected from corrosion.

Often break aluminum thrusts door handles. Porsche does not provide for repairs. You can install a used pen, which will significantly reduce costs.

During the inspection of the car, you should pay attention to the roof covering - it is wiped in the central part and on the sides. New in companies specializing in the manufacture of roofs for convertibles, costs about 100 000 rubles. Another typical problem is broken plastic thrust fixers.

Even small roof leaks and clogged drains can have serious consequences. In the water may be low-lying ECU, and, therefore, you will have to spend on a new unit, its programming and keys.

Beware of cars after an accident. A strike to the front in many cases leads to problems with geometry tuning. The angles of tolerance in the front suspension are very small, so if the spars were damaged, then it is better not to consider such an instance at all. "Docking" in the center or rear part often affects the operation of the transmission and the folding roof.

Interior

The front panel lines resemble the 911 (996). The quality of the finish is very good, ergonomics is at a high level. The chairs, although they do not have a pronounced lateral support, but perfectly hold the body and are comfortable.

With age, paint is erased from the buttons, scuffles are found on the driver's seat and the parking brake lever.

Exploitation

The service intervals recommended by the manufacturer should be reduced. The oil in the engine should be changed every 10,000 km, and in cars undergoing heavy operation – every 7,000 km, not after 20,000 km, as advised by Porsche. The air filter should be updated not once in 60,000 km, but every 30,000 km. Oil in the manual transmission should be refreshed every 100,000 km, and in automatic transmission – every 60,000 km.

Model history

1993 – The first Boxster concept for the 550 Spyder

2002 – body and interior renovation, changes in exhaust and intake systems, rear window made of glass instead of scratching plastic

2004 – End of production of the first generation

2005 – successor – 987 model, and with it the Cayman closed body variation

Limited resource

• But to replace the timing system chain, the engine must be removed.
• Experts to extend the service life of the engine recommend changing the liners at large runs.
• If you hear disturbing sounds in the area of the crankshaft, then you should not delay the repair.
• Possible overhaul will be very expensive, especially if you have to upgrade the crankshaft (280,000 rubles).
• Therefore, buying a Boxster with a broken engine (usually turns the liners) makes no sense, since the total cost of repairs will be about 350,000 rubles. Finding a motor is extremely difficult.
• It should be remembered that these are the first six-cylinder Porsche boxers without a dry-case lubrication system.
• Due to the features of this scheme, lubrication problems may occur during races on the track.

Transmission

• Mechanics believe that the problems with intermediate shaft bearings (IMS) are far-fetched.

Bodywork

• The 986 is much stiffer than the 911 convertible (996) and is very well protected from corrosion.
• Often break aluminum thrusts door handles. Porsche does not provide for repairs.
• During the inspection of the car, you should pay attention to the roof covering - it is wiped in the central part and on the sides.
• Another typical problem is broken plastic thrust fixers.
• Even small roof leaks and clogged drains can have serious consequences.
• A strike to the front in many cases leads to problems with geometry tuning.

Interior

• With age, paint is erased from the buttons, scuffles are found on the driver's seat and the parking brake lever.

Exploitation

• The service intervals recommended by the manufacturer should be reduced.
• The air filter should be updated not once in 60,000 km, but every 30,000 km.
• Oil in the manual transmission should be refreshed every 100,000 km, and in automatic transmission – every 60,000 km.

Most cheap Boxers are cars that require a lot of money. For this reason, it is better to use the help of specialists when searching. This will definitely pay off, because repairs to the roadster are estimated in tens of thousands, and in the case of the engine – even hundreds of thousands of rubles.

• The Boxster was originally seen as a Porsche for those who couldn’t afford the legendary 911.
• Limited resource: If you hear disturbing sounds in the crankshaft area, then you should not delay the repair.
• Transmission: Mechanics believe that the problems with intermediate shaft bearings (IMS) are far-fetched.
• Driving: Suspension components have medium strength.
• Body: The 986 is much tougher than the 911 convertible (996) and is very well protected from corrosion.
• Interior: With age, paint is erased from the buttons, scuffles are found on the driver's seat and the parking brake lever.
• Operation: The service intervals recommended by the manufacturer should be reduced.
• Model history: 1993 – the first Boxster concept related to the 550 Spyder 2002 – body and cabin renewal, changes in the exhaust and intake system, rear window of glass instead of scratching plastic 2004 – end of production of the first generation 2005 – successor – model 987, and with it the variation with the closed body Cayman

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

Leave a request with the car data. We will discuss the preliminary assessment and inspection. After checking the status and documents, we agree on the final price and terms of the transaction.