Don’t Tell Anyone The Porsche 986 Boxster S is the Best Cheap Sports Car!

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The Porsche 986 Boxster S just might be the most fun, most thrilling cheap sports car you can buy right now. Over 20 years since the debut of the Boxster, the prices of these supremely capable machines seem to have hit an all time low. These often underrated cars are an incredible value right now. So I figured now is the perfect time to interview my friend Glenn, a long-time Boxster S owner, and get his thoughts on 17 years of 986 ownership. We'll talk about why you might want to choose a Boxster, common problems, issues that he's had, and why through thick and thin he kept the car for so long. Come join us! (But don't tell anyone else these cars are a steal-the prices might start going up!!)
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For videos of Glenn's rebuild process, check out www.986fix.com
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Music used in this episode:
1000 Names - Rio
And selected tracks from the KZbin music library.

[@Dre4m5]

The first car I bought with my own money when I was in the military was a used 2004 Boxster S. Being single and living in the barracks, everything I owned, my entire life, used to fit in that car. I had been stationed at 4 different bases, and with the front trunk packed with 2 sea bags, the passenger foot-well and passenger seat filled with my belongings (and my roommate's belongings, ironically), and the small, briefcase trunk at the back filled with the rest, I traveled cross-country in that car from the west coast to the east coast over 4 duty station changes. To this day, it is STILL the only car I own. Every time I start the engine, and hear the flat 6 come to life, it continues to put a smile on my face.

[@jrr7031]

You either came from money......or had a very poor NCO.

[@kingrohan11]

late to post.. currently in the market and im also military.. Seriously thinking about a 996, im really starting to fall for these cars

[@barnabydinosaurroadsafetyp3457]

Boxster great car - not sure about USA in UK older ones are very good value many think they will be expensive for what you get they arent really - but buy a good older one and reliable, fun to drive, solid built and park it somewhere safe ..

[@steventfarwell788]

Was the IMS bearing problem fixed by then?

[@crotchee3031]

@@steventfarwell788 It got fixed in 2009 and later models

[@jaredb908]

I'm 19 and have a '99 non s Boxster with 33k miles. My grandfather bought it new and due to my passion for cars he promised it to me when I got my license. That is one car I will never sell.

[@darioalemanno8401]

I'm 17 and my papa left me his 99' boxster 2.5, what was the insurance like... Was it very expensive for a first car ?

[@mr.terwilliger5728]

Change the oil 4500 miles. Full synthetic. Have fun, but don’t abuse it. Pleasure drive it.

[@darioalemanno8401]

@@buffkangaroodog I'm really grateful I'm a car guy but I don't see it as a Porsche just more like my papas car, it's getting a full respray right now, new alloys, new badges. Recently had the interior restored, can't wait to see it gonna look after it. Civic sounds like alot of fun though

[@timetravler3arewethereyet639]

with only 33k miles on it thats not good ...u better change the IMS bearing dude... theses cars cant just sit in the garage... people kill me thinking that low miles is better or a good thing.. not all the time its not!. that IMS bearing must be driven hard to keep oil in it. cant just sit. now if you want to avoid the whole ims threat..just get a 2009 or 10 model with the pdk an be done with it man. like most of us did...

[@bigbigbruh2557]

time travler 3 are we there yet its a ‘99 they are very less likely to have this problem

[@davidmoore5822]

I had no interest in Porsches until I helped a friend buy a 987.2 S Cayman. After driving it for 500kms I couldn't get it out of my head. Hooked on mid engine Porsches. At age 67 I bought my first "P" car, a "first run" 986 out of Stuttgart. Don't wait as long as I did to experience these beauties. Test drives are free.

[@larrypowers2553]

My dad owns a construction company and one summer he had this college kid come work for him the whole summer just to buy a Porsche it was like a late 80s red but anyway at the end of the summer he got it and had it at the motel took me for a ride I haven't been able to get that out of my head since that ride that was the nicest fastest car I had ever been in I was like 11 years old fast forward to now I'm 30 and am about to finally own my own a boxster s 2001 finally

[@sunset986S]

After a crappy day at work all I have to do is fire up the flat six on my '02 Boxster S and I'm knocking on heaven's door...

[@molotovcocktail6671]

Yes and the sound of that camshaft bearing shreading into the engine like what happened to my 987S.

[@wolfgang_h3t]

@@molotovcocktail6671 Holy hell, you were outright spamming cringe shit everywhere, weren'tcha?

[@SilverScarletSpider]

That moment when a Porsche Boxster costs less than a Honda S2000 :)

[@ianedmonds9191]

That's been the case for ages. Literally five years. The Boxster was sold in huge numbers but the S2000 was a passion project from Honda. I doubt they made anything from the S2000. it was a showpiece and a very special one. I always wanted an S2000. 240bhp from 4-pot revving to 9k? Where do I sign? Luv and Peace.

[@molotovcocktail6671]

Boxsters are cheap for a reason. Money pits.

[@fsddevelopment4513]

The S2000 is a very special car. The Boxster is a very good car.

[@michaelfromaustin]

When I bought mine, the Boxster S was about $3,000 more than the S2000. Now they're about the same in price. I would love to zip around in an S2000 but I was swayed by the newer interior and more power in the Boxster and the size. I was 50lbs heavier then and the S2000 was small to me.

[@SAMMYJR00777]

@@michaelfromaustin now boxters s are up big time lol 20k at least

[@d.808lf5]

I have a 2000 S for 17 years now. Very fun, balanced, great sound, still love driving it the day I bought it. Maintenance has been next to nothing. Dials, knobs, switches, everything is where it should be...

[@PaulbylPaulbyl]

I have the '01 Boxster S and have been happy with it. I am glad you mentioned the IMS bearing because that is what keeps the resale value of the earlier Boxsters down and your viewers should be aware of that. Serious engineering flaw. I have had no IMS bearing issues and actually very few mechanical problems with the car - but every once in awhile that cloud hovers over me while am accelerating to very high speeds.

[@Bobster986]

In the last few months the 986 has jumped $5000-$10,000 depending on mileage and options.

[@SAMMYJR00777]

all cars went up due to chips etc..everything is up yep and boxters also lol

[@user-gp9qn6kl9t]

Joaquin Pheonix has a good taste

[@tonye2695]

I have these and drive to south France and through Rhone Alps last year, total 2500 miles and loved every moment.

[@kenmacphee7400]

Avoid before 2001 due to cylinder weakness issue. So I bought a 2001 s. Eventually had the infamous ims failure. Rebuilt engine for 7K. Been enjoying it for 10 years, never get tired of it.

[@dongtr00]

When you had the ims issue, what was the symptom? Engine suddenly died?

[@shike67]

I bought my Boxster S for $35,000 in Oz about 10 years ago, drive it every day, have something like 260,000 km's on the clock and never had an issue, still love it

[@HelloRoad]

Glad to hear it's still running great! Love these cars.

[@neilthomas128]

im 15, my uncle bought an 01 s boxster one week before i was born, and throughout the years, left in pristine condition throughout the years for me, gifted to me a couple months ago. will be my all time fav car.

[@LS1Cobra]

I've had a 986S for a few years now and I love it. Super capable little sports car.

[@rosettedsouza7265]

God bless Pelican Parts, one can buy any Porsche and afford to run them with excellent quality parts at very good prices. Ask for Glenn, Boxsters are wonderful vehicles......as are any Porsche’s

[@ahmedaltaher1225]

Just sold mine 2months ago. Nice car, reliable, beautiful handling and power, well balanced. Such a joy and fun to drive. Always and still love it!

[@mueber0513]

I purchased a 2000 Boxster S with only 45,000 miles on it in 2016. I took it to a foreign car garage when an idiot light came on right after I bought it. The service manager joked, "You'll be on a first-name basis with your technician." $7,000 and two years later, I gave up and sold it at a huge loss. But it was great to drive on those rare occasions when it ran.

[@eddherring4972]

A classic mistake, just because your vehicle has low mileage don’t forget that the parts are unlikely to have worn out, they are still as old as the car and standing around for long periods doesn’t do them any good. If your car was 20 years old that’s 2000 ish mile per year, 166 miles per month or more likely it’s only driven very infrequently and then very short distances, possibly the engine doesn’t reach standard operating temperature. Your best off with a higher mileage car with a solid history, plenty of receipts from reputable companies, not much DIY except for the things you might expect.

[@kamakauketwo5282]

Mark Ueber I think the moral here is to avoid any older sports car with low, low miles. That’s a dead give-away the car was a garage queen. Porsche’s are meant to be driven often and wound out before each gear shift. You don’t have to go to the red line, but don’t let that flat-six lug. And the worst thing to do to any Porsche is to let it sit in the garage for 2 or 3 months.

[@molotovcocktail6671]

@@kamakauketwo5282 The difference with high mileage Porsches is that some schmuck has already forked out for the replacement parts. They start imploding after 50k.

[@molotovcocktail6671]

Your experience is similar to mine, I had a 986 which was OK, but had a 987 RS60 Spyder 2008 and it needed a new engine as well as constant new parts. Cost £5.2k for replacement engine.

[@NewArt1]

Nice production! After tracking and modifying two Porsche Boxster S 986s, I'm on the lookout for a 987S!

[@metalguyn]

I recently bought a speed yellow boxster s. Funnest car I've ever owned hands down.

[@golfingCitizen]

had my 2.7s 2000 for 2 years... amazed by it! 97k on the clock and drives like new! So much fun with the roof down.. cheap to run (to date!)

[@Rockit181]

Just bought one a couple weeks ago lol

[@lionheart93]

how much specs?

[@Rockit181]

@@lionheart93 2001 986 S. Not too many options, it is an S with 150k on it. $4750 USD. Needs seat upholstery, AOS, oil tubes, coolant flush

[@RickyG225]

@@Rockit181 Good Luck with your vehicle! At $4750, you have a lot of elbow room for future improvements! Cheers!

[@vladimiralvarez1162]

Rockit181 I have a 2001 S and I’ve owned it for 4 years now ...I decided to change the dreaded IMS bearing ( which this cars had a fault with ) and the clutch ,the AOS ,the fuel filter ,the battery and this thing is gem with 90,000 Miles ...arctic silver .oh and I changed the top with the glass window

[@BradDavissellsssi]

Me too! 2002 S with 90k miles for $7500. Upholstery is perfect. Had to replace the LCD screen on the AC. Pelican parts sells a kit for about $70. It was an easy fix. Just replaced wipers, have an air filter ordered (the one in it was filthy). Next, performance exhaust.

[@weejim48]

I bought a Boxster S 5 years ago. Fantastic fun to drive. It just puts a big grin on your face. Nice to drive in summer with the roof down & goes round bends like it’s on rails. One small gripe , the key fobs are crap & you can’t get a good after market replacement. Good vid. 👍👍

[@jgregg7100]

Rented 06 boxster base 2.7 on turo and it was fantastic. Had it for my honeymoon in san diego and unbelievably fun to drive considering the power. Never had the top up and enjoyed every second of it. If I had one complaint it was that it was a 5speed and really needed an overdrive (which the S has) for highway driving, but nothing worth mucking the experience

[@ghb7860]

I own one like this and reworked the exhaust system. It now sounds exactly like a race car. I'm so so happy with this car

[@teodormarkovic4187]

I bought a 2003 boxster 6 years ago in 2014 with 27k miles on it and have about 70K miles on it now. Amazing car, i do wish it was boxster S but with how clean and low milage it was i didnt care much. In my 6 years of ownership the car had been great, very fun to drive and pretty reliable. I only hd to replace the clutch and throwout bearing at 50K. Throw out bearing was bad when i bought but i drove it until ot went bad completly one day and was screaming, the clutch still had about 10k of life in it but i still replaced it. Other than that only other things i replaced was water pump and alternator. People always talk about the IMS bearing failure i say dont think about it just enjoy the car the more you drive it the better it is. I’ve driven mine slow and take it up to red line and never have problems. Overall great car and i am happy with the purchase i am keeping it until it’s falls apart if it ever does lol!

[@molotovcocktail6671]

Sounds like you have replaced half the car. Throwout bearing, Clutch, water pump, alternator..yes, VERY reliable. All Porsches are money pits.

[@geoffreydeibel]

I just bought a 2004 S a month ago--it is so much fun! Fingers cross that IMS doesn't go out...I just had the local dealer here do a pre-purchase inspection and it's very good shape (phew!). I also like that little things that go out in the car are easily DIY fixable.

[@fastestride2990]

The hate of this car just keeps on making it an amazing value, let them hate and let me enjoy one of the most fun cars to drive on a twisty road

[@anthonyfmoss]

I’ve been driving mine on twisty roads with the top down for the last 5 years. Incredible fun!

[@basshead.]

The S2000 is better.

[@papatorr3669]

@@basshead. DEFINITELY! All it's HP at the very top, it's a lot of fun when you hit peak HP at the apex of a corner! And all that anticipation waiting for the power to kick in; it's like having a two stroke in a modern vehicle! The limited production numbers assure that your car will always be worth more in parts, so you can drive it with abandon knowing that it may be worth even more after the wipe out! It even has a higher market value than the Boxster! It was such a good car that Honda decided to keep the machining and molds to themselves, preferring to give commuter cars like the Civic to the public. And since they didn't want to put Mazda out of business by killing off their main source of income, the MX-5, they ceased production of the better S2000. God bless Honda. Boxster owners gave a sigh of relief, and Miata owners can sleep at night now. RIP S2000

[@michaelric3540]

Lol!

[@fastestride2990]

Around the track the S would take the S2000 everytime, on the road the s2000 is uneventful in the low rpm range, so the S is more enjoyable as a daily. Prove me wrong 🙂

[@got2bharmony]

I have a late 2005 987s. It is a great car to drive, perfect balance and the engine roar always brings a smile to your face. I maintain it and it is no more expensive than my E46 325i to run. My car is one of the first to have the larger IMS bearing which has less failures than the earlier bearing, though I feel this issue is over hyped. The basic sound system in my car is rubbish, if possible find one with the Bose upgrade, otherwise just replace the door speakers and put in a modern head unit. Headlamps are not up to the performance of the car and replacement LED or Xenon units would be a good upgrade if you are going to drive regularly at night.

[@johncarter5425]

I owned a 2003 boxster S 10 years ago. It's been my only experience with a Porsche. To this day I am still a Porsche fanboy. The car was amazing.

[@isaacfalvey]

I love your taste in cars. Spot on.

[@76mpc]

It's funny I feel the same emotions as this guy. Thinking of selling my Boxster s through lack of use.But every time I drive it heart rules the head.A truly drivers car!!

[@maico125]

I've had several Porsche cars and the Boxster S has been amazing. I've had a 914 (2 of them), 911L, 911 SC, 924, 944 (85.5)and even a '77 930.

[@danielpendergast8839]

I bought my 2000 Porsche for $3,000 US. Fun car

[@vladimiralvarez1162]

Daniel Pendergast wow that’s cheap ! Is it a S model ? How many miles ?

[@Deemy23]

Wow! Can you elaborate more on this - mileage, condition, etc?

[@vladimiralvarez1162]

Alex Smith I’m sure it had lots of miles and maybe it was the basic model ..not the S ..but they are fun to drive!!!

[@danielpendergast8839]

Vladimir Alvarez It was not a S. But it has S exhaust and a Garret turbo added from Old owner. It was well taken care of. Looked nice but little things here or there went out, but to the eye looked perfect!

[@danielpendergast8839]

Alex Smith 20 year old car, so there’s that but for the most part it was pretty straight. No body damage, (major atleast). 63k miles when I got it. Loved the car until I went to replace the clutch.. lol pushing stuff like that aside it’s fun!

[@TheWolvesCurse]

i own a 2003 non S boxster. best car i ever had. 227.000km so far on the first engine.

[@ThaWoundedFox]

My profile picture says it all. Proud owner and love this car!

[@ezekielvaldez5517]

Great video man! Good audio quality considering the convertible. 👍🏾

[@wma6019]

I'm a big fan of the 986, but I raise you the Mazda RX-8, especially if you got ahold of a good clean one 5-6 years ago when they were at their bottom dollar before they started appreciating in value.

[@one7decimal2eight]

I have a 2006 cayman with a 3.8 conversion and I can concur that these mid engined cars are an absolute blast to drive especially on a hot day with the windows down and the music up.

[@cecilnoriega7276]

I’ve been eye balling the Cayman GT4. Now they are coming out with an RS version. I am so sold on the GT4 version. I currently own a 2001 Boxster S manual in Silver with black interior, with 85000 on the ticker. I love driving it in the Utah canyons.

[@ScottFentonfullbe6]

Thank you! Great video, very helpful!

[@brucebolla4148]

I have owned the basic Boxster 2002 since 2005. It has been a wonderful car. It is extremely well well balanced. The power is ample and the enjoyment unsurpassed.

[@peterburch3511]

I've got the Boxter S great drive puts a smile on ya face.

[@rogerp6903]

Exactly the same as a 996 with the engine and gearbox turned 180 around.The S has enough hp to spin the wheels in 2nd gear so any more hp would be a waste.Perfect balance and the aero works really well over 100mph

[@boyracer3477]

Roger P I love fast things. But as you say, I don't need any more HP. (I have the S).

[@glenn986s]

Great video and thank you so much for letting me be a part of it!!!

[@d.s.v.6404]

Owner of a 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS and a 2000 Boxster S. The Boxster S is an absolute thrill to drive.

[@rodsalvador3608]

I've got a 986S and 996 cab. Using a Clarkson analogy, the 996 is an F-15 fighter bomber, while the 986 is an F16. I use the 996 to daily drive and the 986 up Angeles Crest. Both are great cars, and I hope both remain undervalued so that more of us normal schmoes can live a piece of the dream.

[@hernanlecea7041]

I own a 2005 Boxster S and it's so therapeutic to drive. Makes me forget about my troubles.

[@molotovcocktail6671]

Yes....until the crankshaft bearing self destructs into the engine....

[@dangozo8167]

It is one of the best for the money. I traded mine for a 996 4S and it wasn't a patch on the Boxster as a daily driver. Paid around 40k back in the day so to think I can buy the same car for around 4k is crazy, just buy one !!!!

[@DeanMilan]

I love my dad's silver 01' :) We got a SOUL exhaust system for it and lifted the wheels!

[@arubanman]

When the back end goes on the boxster s it goes out hard!

[@anneallman1]

I have owned eight Boxsters - five of them "S' models (both 986 and 987 models). I currently have a (987) 2008 Boxster S RS 60 Spyder Limited Edition. It is the most fun Porsche I have ever owned. To be clear, I also own a 2006 911 cabriolet. The cab is a fun cruiser but the RS is the one that goes to the track. An amazing car - sort of the spiritual descendant of the 914/6. (Which I also owned) PLEASE get one and make yourself happy.

[@timcasagrande944]

Just bought a 2000 2.7 Boxster yesterday and I couldn’t be happier with the deal I got :) :) :) all smiles!

[@molotovcocktail6671]

Just wait until things start going wrong. You smile will soon disappear.

[@thesillyhatday]

The IMS is really blown out of proportion. I changed mine myself. If you can change a clutch then you can change the bearing. You don't need special tools, the ones you do need you can make easily. I used a new drill bit to lock off the crank pulley. It sharing parts with a 911 is also the downfall that makes those parts more expensive! It's a great car but it really doesn't make me smile. It does everything so well that it's boring. I am slowly falling for it. I have one. Nice video, really enjoyed it!!!

[@SAMMYJR00777]

try 944 s2 or 928 gts ahhhhh love them

[@jls8069]

Porsche asked me for 22K€ to change the engine after I broke the IMS. I finally manage to change it on my own for 10K in a specialist garage in the south of France. Now it’s brand new ! I love this car so much I could never sell it 😍

[@cpgixxer]

If i had Porsche ask me that I couldn't sell it either, i'd burn it.

[@mortenberg2897]

Very nice film. Enjoyed it 🙂

[@HelloRoad]

Thank you!!

[@otter25702]

I'm on my third 986 and this one is a 6 speed S model in orange. I drive this car daily and I've never owned a garage queen. Even at 21 years old it makes heads turn. With the new generations of folks that have never driven a manual shift car I get a lot of questions and comments about shifting gears. The value of these little gems may be going down but driving one can turn a frown to a smile in a shift!

[@molotovcocktail6671]

It only turns heads because it is orange and people are thinking that's a tacky car.

[@3000marco1]

I just got a new job, if everything goes smoothly 6 months from now, I'll definitely start looking for a Porsche 986, basically I want to experience of owning a sports car and a mid-engine car. A 986 seems to be a great car to get my foot through the door.

[@molotovcocktail6671]

Purchase price is the tip of the iceberg.

[@panthers865]

I owned a ‘99 2.5l Boxster with a 5 speed. It was the most thrilling car I’ve owned. I enjoyed it more than my PEC with a 991.2 in Atlanta. Was the 911 better overall in performance? Of course. What makes me enjoy the 986 more than a 991.2 is the soul and driving experience. Sometimes simple is better.

[@danielfloyd1492]

Had a 99 Boxster since 2001. Now has 212,000 miles and still drive it to work. Just keeps on going.

[@donaldbarron7916]

Awesome show !!

[@HelloRoad]

Thank you! :)

[@mikepaquette5711]

Not so long ago I bought a 986 boxster at the bottom of the market with 54k miles. Daily driven for almost three years with very minimal issues. People couldn’t believe I owned such a car for being so young; neither could I. If you have some extra cash, I highly recommend getting into one of these while the prices are still low :)

[@boyracer3477]

Mike Paquette I got mine (2000 S model with 48K miles) about when you did. 2020 or so, right before Covid. It was at the bottom of the market. It has appreciated about 35%. Not that I plan on selling it. But it still feels good to have proof I made the right decision. Great car.

[@thepimppresident653]

@@boyracer3477 i bought mine 4 days ago with 44k miles on it. best purchase i’ve made

[@boyracer3477]

@@thepimppresident653 Oh, you will be entirely sure of that after a while of getting to drive it more. Dollar for dollar, you can't find a better nor a more fun car to drive. And you will never lose a penny on it if you treat her right. People will start catching on about them and want them. Meanwhile kids will be buying them at this low price and then run them into the ground by ignoring regular maintenance while also putting on cheap new wheels and loud $50 exhausts and hacking up the panel to install cheap aftermarket stereos. The price will go up as numbers go down.

[@jonasoblouk667]

It was between a Boxster S for 9K and an MR2 Spyder with a 2ZZ swap for 6K. I chose the 2zz spyder and have had no maintenance costs other than oil changes for 40,000 miles. Sure, the Mr2 is not as pretty, but with the 190 hp 2zz and the coil overs, is is pretty close performance wise. I am still glad I chose the MR2, but the Boxster sure is pretty for hair dressers. LOL. Kidding. It is a much nicer looking car.

[@captaincoyote1792]

As a proud ‘90 944s2 Cabriolet owner, loved the comment, (regarding the 911’s handling) “There’s a threshold, and I didn’t want to discover what that threshold is!” I can’t help but wonder, how many novice ex-911 owners who have “ditched” their cars or wrapped them around a tree, have wished they heeded that! At 65 now, and still enjoy driving “hard”, I am considering a late Boxster S in my near future (uh, I haven’t told the wife that yet....more to follow on that front!). Great video....Bravo-Zulu, sir!

[@SAMMYJR00777]

dont let your wife wear the panths and go buy what you want and enjoy

[@captaincoyote1792]

@@SAMMYJR00777 Yeah….she would likely say “go for it”. But I’m retired, both military and federal LEO. She, on the other hand, still works. While I was out “God knows where doing God knows what”, she did an outstanding job over the past decades keeping the family together and the house maintained. So….yeah. These days, she has a strong say in how I spend. I appreciate your encouragement, though! Take care!

[@ViralHub1]

i would say the best bang for buck is 2010-2011 987.2 boxster S. or the 981. i owned both the 986 and 987.2. older porsche break down a lot too. i spend 5k+ usd just on maintenance on top of the servicing.

[@YELLOHidora]

Love it I need to get me one

[@richardcrosby8037]

I had a 2001 boxter speed yellow loved it great car Now I have 2016 race yellow boxter awesome car It’s like being in a slot racer The balance is incredible

[@eduardoschumi]

Excellent video and KZbin channel, I subscribe to your channel. Please keep uploading videos like that to KZbin. Greetings from Chile! :) 🇨🇱

[@gumpster66]

Ironically enough, tomorrow morning I'm picking up my 2004 Boxster S 6-speed manual, Porsche. I had been looking for about 3 months, researching and watching youtube videos, like this one, when I found one that was close to me and in the price range I was working with. It's a midnight blue exterior, with a light blue interior. The owner was selling it to pay off some debt his, soon to be ex, wife had left him with. So it's a sad situation for him, but a great one for me. 87K on the odometer and paid 14K for it. While stationed in the the Stuttgart Germany area, in the mid 80's, I fell in love with the 1985 Porsche 928 S. Use to go to dealership and drool over that car. This will be my very first Porsche, and I'm extremely excited with anticipation. Tomorrow can't come soon enough. Thanks for the great vid. :) The only changes the previous owner did was swap out the shifter with a shorter one and he added the side skirts. Whoever did the paint job, nailed it. You can not tell a difference between the skirts and the body of the car. Looks like a factory install. This will be the first car I've ever bought with ONLY myself in mind. I'm 2x divorced, 5 grown kids, single, and live alone. So it's solely for myself.

[@stevehurt1227]

Great experience! The main thing on buying a used 986 is you have to be willing to get items that are/could create problems fixed/replaced/etc. I bought a used 986 with 133,000 miles and read extensive maintenance records. I still had to go into the IMS (it had the LN ceramic bearing with 52,000 plus miles worn beyond limits), coolant tank, Air/oil cooler, new spark plugs, new coils, new ignition wires, borescope for cracks in cylinders, etc. I always expect the worse and try to get the best; I believe if questionable, replace the items and in preventive maintenance; Get the car where it is repaired on most if not all the expected items, enjoy and take care of items as they occur; I have found the solution for me regarding the IMS was to replace everything with Direct Oil Feed and new bearing; here PCA (Pablo expert on 986 gave sound advice); The car is certainly a complete enjoyable sports car; I have had and still have some old Alfa's, Lotus Esprit, 914 modified, Corvettes, TR-6, Austin Healy's, etc. I enjoy the 986 for what it is - complete sports car for total road enjoyment; the Corvette C-6 is a great GT car. I have the best of all worlds; too old to race.

[@molotovcocktail6671]

Porsches are complete money pits. I owned two over 11 years. They are also overrated as driving experiences. I currently have an Abarth 124 Spider and it is just a 100 times better sports car, reliable and exciting to drive.

[@stevehurt1227]

@@molotovcocktail6671 Now you are in the time frame I really enjoyed. Era of cars have different cost structures being from simple and straight forward to the later models which are certainly entirely different. I can remember when I was an "Alfisti" and "Loti" through and through not, not wanting to look at a Fiat 124. Abarth is a name who changes production cars into road course competitors. People seek the enjoyment of sports cars where they can thus leading to potential money pits. I have many Alfas and Lotus' having a ball and enjoyment with each. Some where Abarth preparation designations and they all were potential and actual money pits. The basic costs were controlled by which car needed what repairs, changes, purpose, etc. You can put as much money into each project as you see needed; if you buy a project which costs more than you are willing to pay and what is needed to bring the vehicle to how you want the car for your needs then one needs to plan to determine actual costs before making any expenditures. I bought my cars in various cost levels and enjoyed working on them being from complete rebuilds to complete running cars needing very little work. In sum, the term money pit varies with the project and how one may try of it without having complete success: Always in the eyes of the beholder. In the end after having great fun and loosing problem money, I cannot label any of my projects as 'money pits' since it was only a hobby and I was having a Lott of enjoyment in my endeavors including the Boxster S I currently have. In my opinion and experience, the Boxster S is a great driving experience. I am now at the age where it hard to get up and down thus paying more money out by not be able to do most of the work. Still not a "money pit" since it a continuation of the "Sports Car Adventure" I started over 40 years ago. I will honestly say none of my cars were "money pits" just being part of a very enjoyable long term hobby. I even had respect for the Fiat 124 Spider since it was PinaFarrina design; but it has an old saying attached to it: FIAT means Fix It Again Tony. Became the standing joke against Fiat 124 Spider owners. Just part of the hobby as costs related to projects.

[@molotovcocktail6671]

@@stevehurt1227 I don't have an original 124 Spider I have the new one from 2018. It is extremely reliable and the Fix it again Tony acronym is definitely an outdated description of Fiats today.

[@stevehurt1227]

@@molotovcocktail6671 Congratulations. More modern and newer the car, it always seems to be have gotten better. I did not and am not making the point of t how good or bad certain cars are.. The point is if you enjoy your car to the ultimate, then that is the perfect car for you; others find total enjoyment in whatever they can find total satisfaction in their selected cars no matter what they cost because they have achieved a satisfaction with it including dependence and enjoyment in their selected cars. It is alright to have an opinion about one make of car along with negative experiences and yet find another which fills the 'bill' totally for them. I really enjoy working on them that is my main problem and that leads to higher costs which leads total enjoyment. A car developed by Singer or Abarth are each unique in their own right. I am very happy you have found the Abarth and it will not steer you wrong. That is one great car I am an "old Alfisti" (aka Old Alfa Romeo Nut") who now has to buy parts from Fiat/Alfa dealers since Fiat owns Alfa. Coming from an old back ground of Alfa's it only follows to accept change and find vehicles that give you satisfaction. I completely understand your experiences after owning a Boxster for eleven years and finding the Abarth experience. Now that is enjoying sports cars because you experienced the negatives but found the end of the rainbow in the Abarth. Congrats. I said said enough so "ENJOY YOUR ABARTH FIAT" because it will provide many miles of enjoyment to you.

[@molotovcocktail6671]

@@stevehurt1227 Thank you, hopefully, it will... it's the most complete sports car I've owned and the best driving experience. It is mostly built by Mazda in Hiroshima, so, it's probably more reliable than Fiats of old. Had it over a year and faultless so far. Previous to my 986 and 987s I had a modified/customised mark 1 MX5 S-limited for 8 years. That was also a great car. All my cars have had either burgundy/tan or terracotta leather interiors. and been silver or black. I think Alfas probably have a worse reliability reputation than Fiats. Porsches are overrated and super expensive to maintain. My engine imploded on the 987 RS60 and cost me over £5k to replace.

[@CoachSteve4u]

I had the 1988 and 1989 Porsche 944 turbo Ss and loved them. The handling was incredible. I'm thinking of this next! How is the headroom and legroom compared to the 944? I'm very tall. I fit fine in the 944.

[@carlfogle6517]

I enjoy my ‘04 boxsterS, full Fabspeed car, super cup pipes.. more fun than my Carrera 4s, yes more fun, let the idiots hate, they’re idiots that enjoy bragging about what they spend as they rattle their jewelry 😊

[@InDaBurbs]

I have owned two 911's and am considering a booster like this as the new 911s are getting too big and not to mention just more and more expensive. Now its more of a GT really. I' prob for for a 2005 and on Boxster to get away from the 'fried egg' headlights. That said, you don't see them when you're driving, and thats all that matters. The driving. Still good value, and more power which is never a bad thing. For anyone looking at a car like this just realize a cheap car does not equal cheap service. Parts are expensive. Find yourself a good independent mechanic who knows Porsches.

[@molotovcocktail6671]

Trust me, they cost a fortune to maintain. I KNOW.

[@6thGearSam]

Looking into a non-s model actually. best bang for your buck quality

[@wildwest5436]

Got mine! Love it

[@akinoshoko4258]

Great choice - 2.7 with the right spec is great.

[@akinoshoko4258]

@@wildwest5436 Me too..... 2.7

[@teodormarkovic4187]

Michael Landon Bear i did muffler delete to min and it sounds amazing, i do caution there is drone but only in certain rpm ranges mine is about 2600-3000 range

[@edwinvonborstel3405]

Get the boxer s it's definitely worth 1 to $2,000 more it's a 911 in a boxer body

[@patrickodonnell4827]

I have the Cayman and it's a blast!! My Cayman is a 2007.

[@blackbilly1965]

I love my boxster, 2000 standard version

[@lucasfillman5965]

I work at a Porsche Dealer and I had the Chance to buy a 2001 Speed Yellow S off a Customer who couldnt afford the Repair. It was not even 3000$. I still need to fix a Dead Misfire on it but its a Solid clean Car. Im looking forward to drive it.

[@lucasfillman5965]

@Blackporsche roadster you must be really bored

[@JaredConnell]

I know everyone hates the runny egg looking headlight cars but I think they're actually pretty good looking

[@nicolasbenicio9081]

This is the car im buying in a year, its literally perfect, i can afford one, all i need is a driver's license

[@molotovcocktail6671]

They are money pits. Purchase price is the tip of the iceberg.

[@matty74123]

If you are handy at doing the mechanical work yourself then yeah get one if not be prepared to spend a few bucks

[@NeilThomas]

i am 15 right now, with a boxter s 01'. my uncle bought this car 7 days before i was born, and promised it to me when i was old enough to drive. today i am driving this beauty and it might be my most favorite car i will ever own. my dad owns a bentley continental GT and my uncle owns a porsche turbo 911, but my 986 is definitely my favorite, one car I will NEVER EVER sell.

[@Senza_1]

I’m 25 and if I could give you any advice (I would never tell you what to do with your stuff). I would really think about spending a summer saving like $3k or wtv u need to buy a daily clunker til you graduate hs. But do NOT drive it into the ground man. Awesome car. Try your best to keep it that way

[@pandabear8142]

I have a 1997 with 100000KM and it’s been a nice reliable car. I replaced the clutch, tires,disks and pads, top fabric, and installed a Sony Bluetooth radio. The Boxster has enough power to have fun with and handles like a go kart 👍

[@marcopenicholi6186]

I paid $3k for mine. Needs a new suspension but they are so easy to fix. These cars are so sweet. 0-60 is 5.1 for the base model and 0-60 for the S is even quicker.

[@boyracer3477]

Marco Penicholi Not sure what year you have but the published specs on a 2000 S model are 0-60 in 5.7 (a couple of places say 5.6) and a top speed of 161.

[@alialrashidi1764]

This is how much I love this car. I bought a very clean one for 18k, then I put $35k in upgrades including 996 engine.

[@ThaWoundedFox]

Nice!!

[@tientrinh943]

What year pimp

[@alialrashidi1764]

@@tientrinh943 boxster is 98, 996 engine 2001

[@molotovcocktail6671]

Oh dear......get money out of the bank and throw it up into the wind and watch it disappear. What a dickhead.

[@casualsuede]

I used to own 7 cars including a 80's detomaso pantera, a 69 barracuda and a 66 Alfa Romeo GTV. I started downsizing and selling my collection, I was left with one car to sell, my 2013 inifiniti g37 coupe or my Porsche boxster. The inifiniti was probably the better car, since I lived in the midwest but I kept the boxster and never regretted the decision, even though it's a boxster 981, not a 986.

[@rowdienights9136]

2002 Boxster S, six speed, I consider it an absolute perfect thing.

[@andyjamess]

I had a 2002 S. I loved that car. Even a 996 owner was complimentary about it.

[@andyjamess]

My IMS was never an issue. The cylinder linings however...... Lol

[@zguy95135]

The 986 is a mid engined, flat 6 Miata in all the best ways. If you can turn a wrench they are very easy to work on, everything is accessible and it's a dead simple car. Change out the IMS when you change the clutch and have fun.

[@Tibbon]

I got a 2005 987 and like it even more. But yea, they are amazing deals!

[@StrinGO]

I'm going to look at a '03 Boxster S this week hopefully it's gonna be my first car :D

[@miporsche]

In 2001, I bought a used 1974 orange Porsche 914. Then in the fall of 2007 I bought a brand new 2008 orange Boxster S! It is still my summer daily driver.

[@zzquakercooler1171]

I’m lovin’ it! 👍🏻

[@godzla69]

So apples to apples, I disagree with the "totally different animal" thought with regards to the "S" vs. The base seeing as I have driven both. But regardless of that I can't agree with you more as far as the boxster family being enormously fun to drive. Switched from 2001 R turbo 996 variant. 😁

[@RobertMacCready]

I'd like a 2002 Z06 Corvette which would give me loads of performance and handling. That was a great car.

[@troymuni6120]

I'm on a business trip so I upgraded my rental from Hertz to a C7 Z06 to try, since the company is paying a huge chunk of the cost. The car they gave me has 25k miles on it and but it feels like I'm driving a car with 125k miles. Overall build quality is worse than my former gen6 Camaro (manual transmission), which modded to 700rwhp and sold last year. Honestly, the Corvette is a complete POS. Everything creaks and is loose. It sounds good, handles good, but the automatic transmission is beyond bad, it's atrocious. When I shift from park to drive or to manual mode, it feels like someone dumped a bucket of sand into the gear selector. In track + manual mode, there's more than a full 1 second delay from when I hit a paddle to downshift to the car changing gears. It feels huge too...I can't tell you how much I miss my RS3.

[@Rgh71fish]

@@troymuni6120 a rental car with 25k miles is probably comparable to a regular car with much higher miles. Makes sense, seeing how everyone treats them like trash. I cant speak for the crappy auto gearbox (probably thrashed), but a vette with a stick is a sweet car to drive.

[@chrisberg2083]

I own the Best Value in Sportcars C5 Z06

[@troymuni6120]

@@Rgh71fish very true but this was so bad you would've had to shift into drive from park yourself to feel how bad it was. I loved the tremec M6 manual transmission that I had in my Camaro. Even Corvette owners will tell you it's much better than the 7 speed manual they use in the C7, but that 7 speed isn't bad either - it's actually pretty good once you get used to the 7th gear being there. It's all of the ZF torque converter automatics in both Camaro's and C7's that have all of the issues, which continue on into the rear differential. So many complaints across generations of both cars that I learned to drive stick before buying my car, and I recommend everyone to do the same. There are quality issues with all American cars though, rental or not. They all degrade quickly (rattles, fitment, paint, wheel finishes, etc.). GM engineers cars great on paper. Great design, terrible execution on the little things you notice over time during ownership.

[@troymuni6120]

@@chrisberg2083 Probably true overall. It all comes down to whatever deal you're able to work out for yourself...right place, right time sort of thing. I planned out my Camaro purchase all the way into modding it before I even bought it. 12% off MSRP when i ordered it, but still raped on depreciation. I made out on the back end though. I had the top Camaro tuner/performance shop in the country showcase it as their first gen6 build. Sold it without even listing it anywhere.

[@stevehurt1227]

Additional comment: Abarth is a historic production car development company in it's era which is very similar to what Singer is to the Porsche community today. Times and cars are different along with maintenance, construction, parts, etc which relates to cost expenses.

[@cgnieves1]

Awesome car at a very affordable price. Haters of fried egg headlights, YOU can NOT see them while having a ton of fun driving it !!!!!!! 😂😂😂

[@RickyG225]

I have been watching the market on these cars for over 1 year. Some great great deals out there now. 2006-07 with 45k for 15k (US) in pristine condition. Auto trans and Bose sound system to boot. A steal. Not sure about needed repairs though. Looks like these get Brake fluid flushes on a regular basis. I don't get it. Anyone?

[@joeyoung1498]

Cheap to buy but parts and labor are super expensive. If you know how to work on them it's a killer deal.

[@jamesmulla1442]

I've had a Boxster for 18 years and love it more than my 991 911. However both cars have constant quality control/maintenance issues.

[@panchosspeedshop8576]

What issues have you had with the 991?

[@molotovcocktail6671]

@@panchosspeedshop8576 You should ask him how long his arm is, as the problem list will be about the same length.

[@panchosspeedshop8576]

@@molotovcocktail6671 Really!?? 991s are that bad?

[@LOTPOR0402]

@@molotovcocktail6671 Or ask him how long his nose is , as he has probably never owned one , just another troll

[@stevehoward3981]

My boxster has been perfect after 5+ years of ownership.

[@lgz2006]

It's basically a bargain Porsche, aside from 944 Turbo... But still I love the Boxster, especially the S version.😍

[@linussjoberg3116]

The 944 Turbo is no longer a bargain 😅

[@SAMMYJR00777]

@@linussjoberg3116 ahh love the turbo and 928gts the besttttttttttt

[@ragadallas1982]

Im looking a 2002 base manual with 117k miles , yellow in color , seat are in bad shape car outside is decent check engine is on but the car still drives good . for $5k you think is a good price ???

[@theplayernkc]

I bought a 2003 Boxster S in 2013 and I love this car. I will never sell it, there isn't even any rust on this car and it has 128k miles on it with it's original IMSB. When the eingine goes, I'll put another engine in it and keep on enjoying this marvelous car.

[@RickyG225]

If the engine goes, wouldn't it be more economical to just buy another car altogether? A new engine would likely be over 10k US, from what I have seen from other owners.

[@theplayernkc]

@@RickyG225 Where did I say I would put a new engine in it? I would get a used engine.

[@RickyG225]

@@theplayernkc My bad. I should have restated my comment as "another" and not new.