2003 Porsche Boxster: Regular Car Reviews

[@RegularCars]

Go to drinkag1.com/rcr to get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 and 5 AG1 travel packs with your first purchase. Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring today's video!

[@kskeel1124]

Paul Walker, Ryan Dunn, James Dean, all killed while driving Porche not to mention many other "celebrities"...

[@EllieSant]

With MR2 prices becoming absolutely insane these boxsters are a legitimate contender for first entry level mid engined car

[@realAlexChoi]

I’ve been watching the MR2 market since 2016, it’s insane seeing people demand close to 10K for *NA cars*

[@closedcl8]

And because ain't nobody respects the egglamps and are turned off the bearing, it's likely to stay kinda cheap for a while, at least until more Porschephiles get desperate.

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

Not now RCR’s reviewed it.

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

@@closedcl8The egg headlights look alright if you polish them up. There’s just way too many people driving around with them oxidised to hell!

[@Petrospect]

Heck, I'm gonna test drive one this week because I reached the same conclusion. I'm glad Mr Regular "got" it.

[@jasonyoung5628]

The dream of the 90's is alive in those seats. That is a color of interior you just don't see anymore.

[@MongooseTacticool]

Windows 95 teal

[@bobhill3941]

​@@MongooseTacticoolOh yeah, I love it❤

[@hellocar123]

except in porsches still lol and maybe rolls royce and bentley if someone specs it like that

[@ge8198]

@@hellocar123the Genesis GV70 has a Pine Grove Green interior option in 2023

[@colesspotifyemail]

I like it a lot on anything but interiors the seats fr look like a lethal injection cot

[@iLupi]

I love that interior color; definitely miss that days of interiors coming in cool color options that aren't just RED

[@JoJoJoker]

Porsche still does interesting interior colors.

[@coliimusic]

You get Red, Black, Beige, or BROOOOOOWN

[@damienlee1165]

Bring back blue interiors!

[@Iamthestig42069]

I saw a Buick Roadmaster wagon yesterday that was plum with a plum interior. It was faded and worn in they typically 90s gm way so it had to have been factory.

[@RegularCars]

Right?!

[@240zwannabe]

Ah yes, Mr. Regular has finally ascended to Porsche Club America member

[@FlymanMS]

Hehe, member.

[@Joey856721]

And he’s got an A M E R I C A N MEMBER

[@james_chatman]

I N T E R M E D I A T E S H A F T

[@TakeFlightGarage]

I dust my AC vents and I’m proud.

[@TottiSchlecker]

I never got why so many people disliked it so much. It's a true porsche. For me It's a straight homage to the 718 racecar from the 50s.

[@calebdavies526]

its ugly

[@bwofficial1776]

Porsche has never really built a bad-driving car. Some may be questionable aesthetically but they know how to tune a chassis.

[@robmanueb.]

911's have got bigger and fatter over time, the Boxter and Cayman are indeed to the true successors to the brand name.

[@pervertt]

Spoken like someone who knows Porsche history pre-1964.

[@Bertinator-nm9ld]

I think people chasing status symbols dislike it because it's a more affordable way to get into the 911 brand. I'm not sure if anyone else cares. And most non-car people wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a Boxster and a 911.

[@joemeans8212]

I worked at a Porsche dealership as a lot boy when these were still new, and I knew I’d never really get to 911 Status. Heck, I figured I’d never get to Porsche status. But I found a base one around 6 years ago with 120k+ miles and was able to make it happen. I’m glad I did. Only had it for about a year since we had a newborn shortly after, but I can check it off my list. Honestly loved it and didn’t care about what the 911 folks would say, but it was used up enough to be my daily driver in all Central Illinois seasons. Winters were interesting, but my 25 mile work commute was one of the best parts of my day.

[@dubvuchyea502]

I've heard they're fairly reliable

[@griffins750]

@@dubvuchyea502They have their issues but like with any car especially a Porsche, if it’s been driven and taken care of it will be reliable…

[@Stout936]

​@@dubvuchyea5022.7's are, yeah. The IMS thing is a bit overblown, and is easy enough to permanently fix, though it is an expensive set of parts.

[@IHateMyAccountName]

The 217 winters are no joke, brave.

[@notarabbit1752]

If I had one I'd never worry about status. If I was in a room full of 911 people I would just leave regardless.

[@transamericanlife]

I love it when Mr. Regular does a mainline accent.

[@glennhavinoviski8128]

Actually if you read from a Porsche manual, which is usually written in Germish, you either need a Germish accent or a fake British accent.

[@nomoreheroes93]

We know you did that slow mo of the almost-spin at 9:40 because your triceps looked good, you're not fooling anyone Mr Regs

[@carbharharbcar5867]

not one of us is fooled. we know.

[@GuntanksInSpace]

Giving us a tease of that regular gun show I see

[@docternoblex]

I bought a boxster for $6000 last year, some maintenance was deferred, but a few trips to my local pick and pull and $2500 later(new headlights, roof, and a couple body panels), I had a very good date night car

[@CatzRuleZWorld]

I bought mine for $2500 and put $6000 into it over the past 3 years. I have yet to find a date to use it for date night though.

[@joseph_the_human]

I have a date night bmw... Im still ah lonely dude.

[@SicSemperBeats]

nice i just got some head while driving my 981 boxster about a week ago. First time doing that, pretty cool

[@hakeemsd70m]

​@@CatzRuleZWorldA whole Boxster for $2,000? Did it have 300K miles on it? Was it just a body on some bricks? What a deal.

[@jimmynickelz]

The only Porsche on Craigslist!

[@vwestlife]

Your editing made it look like the pink shorts guy stayed in the frunk during the test drive!

[@doctoremil2678]

11:54 About the IMS bearing, every time I hear someone worry about it, I always say: just replace the damn thing! Reliable aftermarket replacement parts are readily available. Just have one of them installed, and you'll never have to think about the IMS bearing again. Edit: I've given some basic info on what to look for in the replies, please do your own research for more details.

[@Deschain-um7jz]

Are they all serviceable?

[@doctoremil2678]

@@ItzzzBeamo Depends on what replacement parts you choose. LN Engineering in particular is regarded as having the best parts by far. They offer a few options. The first two are bolt-on kits with new bearings themselves that you intall instead of the OEM bearing, and no other changes to the engine are needed, they cost $800 or $950. The other option is a kit that includes an oil-fed plain bearing (similar to what air-cooled Porsches had), a metal pipe that connects it to the oil filter and an adapter for the oil filter. This option is reportedly the most durable and should last forever. It costs $1900. A special toolkit is also needed regardless of the option you choose (because Porsche), but I think it's included in the package. And even with the labor cost included (unless you are skilled enough to do it yourself), it's still cheaper than a new engine or rebuilding the original engine. Edit: EPS also has good replacement bearings.

[@doctoremil2678]

@@Deschain-um7jz I know LN Engineering's parts are, the others I can't say.

[@Eatinbritches]

Yeah, another thing is so many of them will have been replaced by now with upgraded parts - it's hardly the brow sweat Mr. Regular makes it out to be

[@veedriver]

First thing I did when I got my 01 in 2018. Haven't had to worry about it since!

[@Rob-ii9gl]

Mr. Regular got that fresh cut

[@klasseact6663]

Yeah by Stevie Wonder 🤪

[@marioricardo7934]

​@@klasseact6663hope he didn't tip his barber😂

[@sump22]

As I've finally gotten a Porsche (a 'lowly' Cayman), your reading of the manual is what I think of all those 'that guys' that own Porsches. I struggled for years even owning one. But first rip on the back roads in mine, you get it. Love the writing in the final 'chapter' here.

[@davidryder5082]

What year, engine and transmission you get?

[@Petrospect]

The 2.7 has the longest gears out of all the Boxsters but even still nice to see you enjoyed it for what it was, 987s are supposedly even nicer to drive with a louder exhaust, lower seat and a notchier gear change but these 986s have been looking pretty spicy to me recently too. I *have* kind of resigned myself to not being able to stretch for a 996 but this is the same interior, same sort of noises and the same sort of vibe for half the price. Some say when they finally got their 996/997 they missed the sportier vibe of the Boxster, chasing redlines rather than cruising the wave of torque those have. Also, some bozo on Instagram claimed these were NA Miata priced new as an """"entry level Porsche"""" vs the supposedly "much more expensive new ones" and holy hell good to see you call out how expensive they really were in their day; socially in Greece this was the yuppie E30 for the 00s, an excess toy but it's so much more clever than that when you give it a little bit of thought. I really could see myself in one. I love Porsches.

[@240zwannabe]

Notchier gear changes is an understatement.. a 986 shifter feels like churning butter compared to later gens. Hard to beat for the money though

[@S50Sinner]

That's why I'm looking for a 2.5, shortest gearing of the bunch and the only one with a cable throttle. Throw in a short throw shifter and 987 seats and you've got a car with all the great characteristics of both.

[@veedriver]

@@S50Sinner Find an S model with a 6 speed. Closer ratios

[@S50Sinner]

It's more expensive and has drive by wire, I'd rather get a tidy 2.5 than a high-mile 3.2. Plus, double-row IMS is nice to have.@@veedriver

[@jogrobler]

I've got a 987 S Manual, never driven a 986, but can tell you the 987 is well worth the money!! Best fun I've ever had in a car, and because it's not break-the-bank inflated-911 expensive, I love sharing it with whoever (almost) wants to have a go.

[@gtoger]

Have owned 2x 986-gen Boxsters, an early base model and a late Boxster S. Both have been enjoyable, but the step up to Boxster S was drastic. Like a different car, especially with the 6-speed and short(er)-throw shifter. Absolutely a blast anytime the wife lets me behind the wheel.

[@ShishirTandale]

Yeah i whole heartedly agree, the base 986 is worse than an S2000, but the S is faster and feels sportier overall.

[@BillyBob-ip9uy]

Wouldnt care for a early silver regular booster BUT THAT GREEN INTERIOR WITH THE OPTIONS MAKES IT! i absolutely love that interior and is first silver one i ever am fond of

[@isaacfalvey]

These are great. Especially the S versions. My friend has a 2001 S and I LOVE to borrow it. It's one of the best cars I have ever driven. I love convertibles.

[@bendaga]

The voice impression he made when reading the manual is exactly how I imagine owning a Porsche 😂

[@alfredoladino9838]

As a Boxster owner, I never thought I’d see the day you’d review this car. I always would make fun of these cars for how awkward they looked until I got behind the wheel of the S model Boxster. Maintenance is a hassle, but driving it makes me forget about the worries of life. I’m always smiling when I’m driving it. Driving a 964 and then the 986 made me a Porsche guy. Love these cars.

[@p8ntballnxj]

Mr. Regular putting on a gun show. Gym gains are showing, keep it up!

[@Stavr0ss]

Welcome back mr regular, I’ve missed you

[@MrJayrock620]

$2100 is an absolute bargain for that green interior when you consider they probably only made 5 of them

[@mattknight6691]

Thanks for outing the only affordable Porsche, that people say “isn’t a real Porsche” and I’ve been saving to buy before anyone else noticed. Yeah, thanks a lot!

[@bubboi2413]

944 is more affordable most of the time than a boxster. fits your criteria of "not a real Porsche" comments from some as well.

[@kepofshangri-la8942]

I thought this video came out a while ago. Strange that I came very early to a brand new video and it was for something I was vicariously researching online for the past month.

[@soapxddd]

16:19 awsome halley labs cd

[@kotelypiesely1268]

takes one to know one

[@FairfoxLibrary]

Thanks!!

[@daria_morgandorffer5768]

Boaters are great! Me and my hubs bought me a new Cayman GT4 and I looooooooooooove it! I got rid of my TRD pro Tacoma for something with slightly better fuel mileage and way more fun to drive. My GT4 gets around 38mpg on long highway trips which is damn near double what the Tacoma got! The car is a hoot to drive but I’ll say get rid of the stock tires IMMEDIATELY! They will get you hurt/killed in inclement weather. I replaced my tires with Michelin all seasons and the car drives better, is quieter, gets better mileage, and handles like it’s on rails rain or shine! We had the same tires on our wide body Hellcat and they were good in the snow too, but I haven’t got to try these in the snow yet. Unfortunately what you said about Porsche people is true and I’ve had people be rood to me just because I’m a woman in a Porsche, they assume I’m stuck up. It’s unfortunate because me and hubs both love cars and hell we drag race every weekend he’s off of work! Mr. Regular than you for a fair and honest review of the Boxter. If you can get a hold of a 2013-2016 Cayman, they are similar but in a lot of ways they are WAY different! IMO Cayman is superior in every way except putting the top down. But I still love and want a Boxter too. Sorry I know this is long but I hope it finds you well! If you’re ever in the north west message me, we have a few interesting cars for you to review!

[@Meatwad650]

I dunno what you were looking at. Boxster S MSRP starts at $82,400. Base Boxster is $70,400.

[@materialstwit]

Great feature. I bought a '99 two years ago and it's a lovely thing. My ride home yesterday was exactly as Mr Regular described at the end. Have had a couple of "oh, I see you can't afford a 911" comments, to which I just reply "yes." People are so scared of the engine imploding that values are surpressed. But a similar-era 911 is probably more likely to lunch itself, it doesn't rot like a Miata/MX5... and read about the Triumph Stag if you want some perspective.I found it difficult to find one with uncloudy headlights.

[@bwofficial1776]

You'd think that people would be over the "it's not a 911" snobbery. The Cayman/Boxter have a different driving experience but they're still Porsches. Porsche has never built a bad-driving car. Engine issues are known and can be remediated before issues happen. Parts are readily available. If it makes the driver happy, who cares that it's not a 911?

[@ByTorSnowDog65098]

Glad to see the Boxster get a review. Back in 2020 I was in the roadster market and was down to finding an ancient Z3, Boxster, or Miata. I decided on the Z3. I don't regret my choice at all. The wife and I love little weekend getaways with it.

[@capanema-0]

I fell in love with this generation boxter after watching Adam Kesher drive one in Mullholland Drive

[@sethmarcell1131]

55 seconds in and i am feeling SUCH classic RCR energy. How do you maintain such quality?

[@diyforlife2809]

I just bought a Japanese Market 1998 Boxster 2.5 for about $6,000. It's in great shape and a lot of fun for the money. I've been making videos on the small projects that have been needed to get it all sorted out. Thanks for the obnoxious video ;) as always.

[@Coldax-w4H]

This is uncanny...I just bought a 1997 Boxster less than two months ago and wanted to submit it to RC. My car is the same but different but also the same. Mine is less 'tarted' up, it's pretty base (2.5 engine) with a manual and cruise, not even a trip computer (it was an option). The engine compartment is easily opened (it's explained in the manual), takes about 2-3 minutes once you've done it. That's where the MAF and air filter are. You check/add oil and coolant from the trunk. Despite the 'snob' veneer of this car I always wanted a Porsche (I'm 59), and I don't give a rat's ass what people think when I drive it. IT MAKES ME HAPPY. It's just a simple, well-built, good looking top-down car. I won't be streetlight racing it, auto-crossing it or showing up at car shows. It drives wonderfully to me, after decades of FWD cars and minivans. This car is where I decompress. I don't even turn on the stereo. It's a wonderful little car that always puts a smile on my face, even if others wince or eye roll. Oh, and the early years used a better made IMS bearing that is not a problem. It's an issue for some Boxsters but not really the apocalypse as some people claim.

[@bentheory]

Similar story here. I’m in my early 40s and less than a month ago bought a 2000 boxster base with like 39k miles on it. I had 911 posters on my wall when I was a kid. I still want a 911 someday. But this car is really so. Much. Fun. You don’t know until you’ve lived with it, gotten to know it.

[@jstogdill]

I had to get rid of my motorcycles (for reasons) and a more recent Cayman T replaced it. I know some people think I’m a douche, and the rest think I’m too poor for a 911 (true). But who gives AF? It’s such an amazing drive.

[@choryferguson2196]

"Chest hair toupés…" you are ALWAYS so spot-on!

[@_red_scorpion_]

I had a 2005 boxster s. The 987 gen. That car was incredible. Great handling, plenty of power, very reliable and plenty of comfort and storage. I daily drove it for 4 years and over 80k miles..sold it at a total of 120,000 miles and it never left me stranded. The total mechanical failures for that car were a leaky water pump (like $450 bucks) and an AOS( around $100) that had started to go out. That was it. I beat the shit out of that car and it took it all in stride. Looooooove these things

[@skateecho]

haha loved that intro and damn! what a lovely interior. im sure the s2000 is a better sports car and the 911 is faster but i feel like the boxster is plenty fun and probably more comfortable and accessible. S2000's are just sooo snappy. this is probably better for more people if you can deal with the maintenance. my dad would love one of these. you could totally daily drive one of these too. i Daily a miata and love it but its def not as comfortable overall.

[@SicSemperBeats]

that is one of the most beautiful specced 986's I've ever seen

[@coliimusic]

The porsche-guy transformation is one of the best bits I've seen on here, peak Mr. Regular

[@danksupplyco]

Daily drove one of these things in high school to teach myself stick. To this day one of the most fun driving experiences i had (when it runs)

[@peterspeeder6973]

This and the MRS/MR2 Spyder are so similar that they evoke the same emotions. You look at them and think to yourself “who tf would drive this hideous monstrosity?” Then you look at it some more, and some more. You begin to notice how the over exaggerated rounded lines evoke a sense of nostalgia back to the early 2000s. You view it is as beautifully simple. And then you drive it. It takes every corner you throw at it with a great eagerness, almost as if it is begging you for more. Next thing you know, you’re in love. You’re in love with a frog looking monstrosity with awful luggage space and all around ergonomics. This goes for both the MRS and the Boxster, and i unfortunately fell for it.

[@3vann5567]

My step dad has the same year boxster S, black on black with aluminum trim, and it came with the 3.2L making 258HP, and the 6 speed really helps the driving experience. It also came with self-adjusting HIDs.

[@christopherlastname7638]

I drove one for a week it had 800 miles on it ! I drove it so hard the center caps melted off ! I had so much fun and pulled so much potang ! It gripes !

[@secretsquirrel6718]

To access the engine Put the top halfway up. Disconnect the hold down straps and pull the rear window(all glass on the 03) forward. t Then there are four knobs/keys(?) You twist in a screw like fashion. Then you can lift off the carpeted insulated cover and access the engine bay.

[@black99rt]

Yeah if the owner wrenched on this thing he would have it open in 2 minutes, not a big deal.

[@mrmooney25]

I owned a boxster S a few years back. One of my favorite cars i've owned. To me it was like a Miata and a BMW had a baby. Most of the fun of a Miata but all the comforts of a BMW. My weekend car is now an AW11 and sometimes I yearn for my boxster's comfort but you can't beat the popup headlights and toyota door buzz.

[@BrandonAilion]

i just sold my aw11, thinking of getting a boxter s next

[@mrmooney25]

Do it!! Its a great car., also with a Porsche try to get a pre purchase inspection, the only expensive failure point is the motor and its like $15k to get a new one, so make sure someone borescopes the engine to make sure its not on its last leg before buying.

[@scatpack1381]

How do the two cars compare as far as turning dynamics?

[@BrandonAilion]

@@scatpack1381 I honestly haven't really pushed my boxster s yet, just got it and getting caught up on some maintenance. From the couple of rides it's feels way more planted and a lot more willing to get out of corners, but still on street tires. The Miata is pure driving feel and fun, much more go cart like but mine is also pretty much built for the track.

[@mrmooney25]

@@scatpack1381 I never tuned my Boxster S but after redoing the suspension on my AW11 (new bushings and a set of decent coilovers) the ride quality feels about the same. The Boxster definitely had more power and felt more stable due to wider tires and about 100 more HP. Body roll and cornering is comparable though. The Boxster had a limited number of off the shelf tuning available unless you were willing to spend big $. If I can recall you can get about a 20 hp gain from a few bolt ons but the engine is pretty well tuned from Porsche. As for the AW11 tons of suspension and the toyota parts bin goes deep. Engine swaps are documented and parts are available but whether your building the original engine or swapping youre spending the same amount of money to double(or more) the HP of the MR2. I plan on doing a motor swap in the 2 next year or so, or if the 200k miles 4agze decides to give out earlier. All in all both cars are great the Porsche definitely felt more solid and well constructed but there's a charm of 80s toyotas that i love.

[@jogrobler]

I've wanted a 911 since before I was 10. Got a steady job and decent income, and saw a 2005 Boxster S manual for sale. Thought I'd just go for a test drive for a bit of a giggle, knowing that I'd rather save up for a 911. Jokes on me, because I fell in love in less than two blocks. I've considered trading up to a 911 a few times.. But every time I drive this car I fall in love all over again. Roof down on a summers night at any speed, amazing.. And if you're half mechanically minded, they're not that hard to work on either. Changed the clutch and a few other things myself. Access from that top hatch though is a pain in the asshole.

[@Hobotraveler82]

That color in that interior is the bomb diggity. Awesome ❤

[@astouffer]

The first minute of this is Mr. Regular’s finest work

[@rubberwoody]

Idk whats more regular about mr regular. The cars he reviews. His upload schedule. Or his bowel movements

[@Thekhajjah]

Wouldn't trade my 02 T-bird for anything, but I'm glad these exist. Love what you love unapologetically. Whatever makes your commute better is worth it if you can afford it

[@travismaxwell9805]

This was the car all the young sub-prime loan traders bought back before 2007. At the time, the wheels were rare and tire choices were limited to high performance tires that did not last long. I had a friend with one of these and the tires would wear out under normal conditions in about 10,000 miles. He would drive it like a grandma to try to get at least 6 months of commuting out of a set of $1200 tires. So, check tire options before before buying one of these.

[@pibblesnbits]

I remember back in elementary school, one of the playground aids pointed to the parking lot where a Porsche Boxter sat and said, "that's my car, it's a one-hundred thousand dollar car". I had no idea what a Boxter was (other than it being a cool looking car) or how much $100k was, but it all makes sense now. I still don't get how she afforded it though lol.

[@IHateMyAccountName]

Rich boyfriend/husband/parents.

[@clothestravel]

Why the fuck would anyone brag like that? Probably because she only drove it because of the kindness of someone else who spoiled her.😊

[@no-vo1em]

I was here to defend my beloved boxster with my life but im genuinely so happy with this review

[@Keckegenkai]

These IMS bearings issues are easy to fix tho. Replacement parts are abundant and you dont need to worry about it anymore like ever.

[@FokkerBoombass]

Shows just how long it has been since your MR2, you have given an excellent explanation of liftoff oversteer back in the day and now it took you by surprise under the guise of an elegant german car. Stay sharp!

[@snowwolf9055]

Mr.Regular never fails to make me laugh. Even from the many years ago when I started watching, some of these videos have been the funniest I've ever watched

[@dustinwilson1981]

Owned an '03 Boxster S with the 3.2 and 6 speed trans. That was a nice car to cruise and did well on corners/hills. Good cars for basic driving. Enjoyed mine for awhile

[@franciscoramos8872]

Great writing I really enjoyed this episode. My father had a 1976, 914 with a 2.0 liter engine. Same exact 911 gate keeping happened to him. Regardless, it was a fabulous car and always will be. Great job RCR

[@HORUS9]

A cat back exhaust makes those sound so awesome with the long gears.

[@pf6797]

Trapper Keeper Green makes me Feel like I got all my long division done on the bus ride home so I can watch Tailspin. That really spoke to me. And I have a 986S :p

[@skyrocketautomotive]

After many years of watching RCR, it's so awesome to see that their content is still alive and well, for all it's utter fucking absurdity. God I love you guys

[@mirainikki7681]

On god, I remember watching the r32 videos years ago & thinking "Holy shit this is such good car content, how are they gonna survive the youtube algorithm with THIS" and here they are doing it.

[@aygwm]

If you can get past the looming dread of the IMS bearing and the bore scoring, it’s a great car

[@alpha2gproject783]

I never actually knew that about Toyota but for some reason based on my preconceptions of Germans it's crazy to think that a country that was at one point prided on efficiency had to reach out to another country/company that is known specifically for efficiency maximization.

[@Gazdatronik]

Germans aren't anywhere close to that preconceived notion. 75% of our machines are Germanic, and they come over sometimes to finish the build out. There is much cussing, sawing and complaining, but in a clean sort of way. Watching these guys work is borderline painful because they bought into their own Kool-Aid. And unlike the Japanese, their shit breaks down three times a day. They have no idea what the American idea of "Mass Production" actually looks like, but they will happily sell us a smaller, lighter machine that supposedly "makes rate" with a 36 cavity machine. And our American machines are 100 cavity machines built in Michigan that blast out product at a mindboggling rate with minimal maintenance or expertise. It works in Germany. The Americans and Japanese are laughing at them. But people with "preconceived notions of superior precision" keep buying their junk.

[@alpha2gproject783]

@@Gazdatronik Oh no, I no longer have that notion anymore. I'm old enough now and have seen enough German cars to know they're absolutely shit. They're designed as if they never break but then break twice as much as anyone else.

[@Excepticus]

​@@alpha2gproject783which do you have experience with.

[@nickdecker2350]

That gen of boxster is such a hallmark of early 2000s styling. Like as smack in the middle of the rounded-blob style and the more current futuristic-folded-and-clean-cut-edges style as could possibly be

[@JunkRacecars]

9:56 Look at all of the SRT10 trucks, my god I love it

[@rotarychainsaw]

I love my 2001 boxster S. It handles great, sounds awesome, it's fast enough. Boxsters are generally more reliable than their 911 counterparts. And now that the GT4RS is a thing, people are willing to admit that boxsters can be quick. It's really the last enthusiast car that hasn't exploded in value yet.

[@rotarychainsaw]

Oh and when I drive my 986, I get the wave from really really expensive 911 drivers. GT2, GT3, even a 918 once... I think generally porsche people don't really care if you're driving a boxster as long as you're enjoying yourself.

[@hbullock]

Pretty much every serious Porsche person of many years has multiple Porsches, and all but the most class conscious will have a boxster or a cayman.. They are absolutely that good.

[@Eric_Hunt194]

The resemblance between "Porschefied Mr Regular" in the intro and "mid-1970s Ringo Starr" was uncanny 😂😂😂

[@realAlexChoi]

Toyota helped Porsche refine the production process of the 986 and 996 so it’s *kinda* Japanese

[@ajames8237]

Porsche Boxster, the more practical version of the show car that you really wanted.

[@useyourimaginasean]

The best part of this review is the manufacturers letter to the owner

[@dopey473]

God that is such a weird interior color, it's so nasty that I almost like it. Boxters remind me of the good ol days playing NFS Porsche Unleashed (Porsche 2000 here in Europe).

[@a1phamalestud]

It reminds me of those early 2000s Maseratis interior

[@keegan449]

Great video, Reg. I coincidentally bought an ‘01 a couple months back sight unseen and drove it 1,000 miles home. It’s a great little car and nice prep for a Cayman/911. Fabspeed headers, upgraded LED projector headlights, and Sport Classic II wheels really polish these cars off. I still want an S2000…

[@secretsquirrel6718]

Note to potential buyers. There is a "101 projects for the Boxster book" Just like they made for the 911. Its all the manual most people would need.

[@erichobbs4042]

I owned a 2005 Boxster, and it was one of my favourite cars to drive. Expensive? Yes! But damned if it wasn't fun as hell to drive. I got mine used in 2014 for 37,000 AUD. Worth every penny for the fun times we had cruising around in it.

[@UlrichWrangel]

Had an early Boxster for 7 years and it was a great car. The best engine and exhaust note ever. I eventually moved onto a 996 but still miss the top down experience of the 986 on those nice summer days. The Japanese cars will NEVER have the engineering finesse of a Porsche.

[@GRIMEYtheFATMAN]

That was dangerous - was finishing a bowl of cereal, and damn-near did a spit-take all over my laptop at the mention of 'Weather Channel Music'...

[@melberry5379]

As the kid of an old school car nerd and a snarky English major, your channel sounds a lot like my childhood. ❤

[@emaglott]

Looked for one of these for a couple years after I sold the vanagon westy I had owned so long it became too valuable for me to keep. (I had a severely rusted 10 years old 914 in my last year of HS, another cheap mid engine compromise roadster that saved the company during hard times.) A pandemic came. All the cheap 1st Gen boxsters disappeared then returned at +50% prices, and my friend's dad was killed by the virus. His Z4, bought new when he retired in 03, was offered to me at a price I could not refuse. But I really wanted a boxster.

[@Tokey_The_Bear]

I love how you're both composed and articulate, while also being utterly insane. Its like listening to myself. Disturbing. But entertaining. Love it. haha! Oh and those were excluuuuuusive options. Not executive ;) Oh and I have a cx500T, and may have a spare for sale if you reeeaaally want to get back on a factory turbo bike!

[@sporadiceel6246]

Mr Regular! I just wanna say I love the ads. I love knowing RCR can continue and be supported when ads won't.

[@dennislippert8875]

The problem with PA Oil and Chips is that they only apply it during the heights of "summer driving season". So July and August are off-limits to nice cars.

[@ghost-ce1zo]

I never knew there was a green interior option for this car, really like that actually

[@alejandrooceguera4656]

That intro was the best thing ever

[@Iamthestig42069]

Flat 6 Porsche with a manual transmission, hydraulic steering and manual parking brake but is looked down on because it’s not built like a vw bug and has a proper layout. Porsche logic.

[@michaeln2947]

Did not expect to see the Brainticket CD in there, lol this dudes rad.

[@MrTilbin]

My buddy did an IMS bearing on his back in my garage in a few hours with basic hand tools. Don't be scared.

[@thefellowofthefellows]

More winga dinga energy than the Corvette, astounding.

[@DNHarris]

You've done a lot of great reviews. This is the best one to date though. I am waiting to drink my V8 until after I am finished watching.

[@hubertfarnsworth8506]

I'm currently giving love to my 2006 Tacoma (Based Model) The phrase, "I don't like it, it's not Japanese" made my truck blush.

[@Trendyflute]

I really like 986s, and they got a good improvement in 2000, and more in 2001, and then the 03 update really polished it off. An early one is still fun (I like the idea of a ratty 2.5 with the top depowered and don't be sentimental about how you treat it) but a clean 03-04 is attainable dream car status for me, especially an S, honestly heavily for the 6 speed. But the 2.7 is a bit of a sweetheart too. The styling has aged well (even inside, somehow). IMSs are expensive to fix but not insurmountable, and don't happen all the time; just don't ignore your engine making a new rattling noise for too long or you'll be out a whole motor and they are pricey.

[@Trendyflute]

Also I love the pretentious way Porsche talked in its media and marketing in the late 90s through the 00s, it was confident and classy and they generally had receipts to back up their claims. Also they used to give up so much technical detail to the public. They still do relative to most companies but it's not like it was. I loved being a Porsche nerd in those times, before the douches with watch collections took over the owners clubs and hiked up the values.

[@flat6croc]

@@Trendyflute Douche element was always there, but yeah, it's gotten so much worse.

[@somerled5513]

I just picked up a 'ratty' 2.5 with close to FSH for next to nothing. Roof mechanism removed so it's manual operation. Black with tan leather. Hoping to do most work myself. It's been a great little car so far.

[@evanrhildreth]

I had one, and there were a few things I thought my Boxster did better than my 911. #1 Winter driving. The Boxster's wheels fit proper snow tires - with a set of Blizzaks and mid engine weight, my Boxster was great in the snow! Meanwhile my 911's fat tires limited me to "performance winter" tires that are universally garbage and can't handle three inches of fluff on my unplowed driveway! Also, the Boxster's tiny cabin heated up instantly. #2 Sound. I could hear the engine's mechanical symphany right behind me. Meanwhile the 911's engine is five miles behind me, and is mostly exhaust sound. My favorite quirk with the Boxster is how they fit so much carpet in such a tiny cabin. The lower half of the doors were carpeted. The firewall behind the seat was carpeted. Better carpet than plastic or pleather! The interior reminded me of a building at my university that was trying to be modern - 1980s style - with miles of blue carpeted walls. No carpet on the floors, just the walls, all the walls.

[@cristiansivira8950]

One of my favorite 986 reviews so far.

[@FreshHesh]

I started seing the green leather as a negative image of red and I can't unsee it now. Gosh I love the spec.

[@mikeyboy3054]

914's had the same reputation back when I was growing up in the 80's. I remember a girl in my school bragging her boyfriend had a Porsche and everyone laughed when an orange 914 showed up. I think they've aged well as have the older Boxters.

[@JM-pg8qv]

I'd love to own a 914. I've loved them since I was a teenager in the 80s.

[@esperago]

I just don't understand the appeal of Porches (outside of the driving performance of the top end of their lineup). To me they commit the cardinal sin of making all their cars look the same and unless you have their highest spec rides, they honestly look like pedestrian, everyday cars. So I never really understood why anybody would buy anything from their low to mid range offering. They drive fine but won't blow your mind. Nobody really notices them. Porsche guys go "Oh yeah, decent car" and that's it. Regular guys ignore them. They don't attract women. So what's the point? The point seems to be that Porsche discovered that people who make $300,000 per year and don't want a ubiquitous BMW need another option. This is fine, as far as a sales model goes but it tarnishes the overall brand. It's like how Ford and GM out 4 bangers in their Mustangs and Camaros. It ruins the appeal of 80% of the model variations because they become a dime a dozen. I dunno, I never really understood the hoopla over Porsche (again, outside their high end model or two).

[@bwofficial1776]

@@esperago I don't understand why people want Honda Civic Rs and Acura Integra Ss. Driving the fastest front-wheel-drive car is like being the tallest midget. It's still not as good as X. A Civic R looks like a base Civic that you drive to the grocery store if you don't know what you're looking at. And yet, people buy them because they want them and like driving them. People buy cars that make them happy. It's not just about numbers. The Boxter/Cayman are a little more affordable and less hardcore than the 911. Not everyone wants a hard-edged sports car, many people just want something that drives fine with a bit of sport. Porsche is wise to target that part of the market and it hasn't affected their brand image one bit. When they came out with the Cayenne, it didn't diminish the 911's image. When they came out with the Panamera, it didn't affect the 911's image. They're very careful about how they introduce models.

[@esperago]

@@bwofficial1776 Brother, you said it. Some people buy cars that make them happy. I want to know how a low-to-mid spec Porsche makes someone happy. If someone said their favorite drink was water, you'd ask why? If they said because it tastes good, you'd still ask why, with a little what? thrown in. There are a lot of milquetoast aspects of a whole slew of Porsches. I'd like to know how they rise above in some peoples' minds. Then I'll understand them better. Just saying "cUz tHeY LiKe tHeM!!!" isn't an answer

[@GrandPotatoe]

That manual reading sent me to a different dimension.

[@GTSW1FT]

I have nostalgia for these purely because of scalextric (slot cars). These look the best in the yellow

[@BigDogTwenny9niny2]

meanwhile in a parallel universe: "THIS BOXSTER HANDLES TERRIBLY OFFROAD"

[@oozboy]

your videos bring me so much pleasure mr regular