PORSCHE 986 BOXSTER S 2000 // Why you (and I) should buy one right now.

[@jeffamburgey7485]

I bought a one owner 2001 Boxster with low miles and unbelievable condition because I just loved it. I thought I was perhaps paying too much for it, but the condition was exceptional. On the drive home I just started thinking, wow what a dynamite car. Can I really like this more than the 911. 6 months and 5k miles later, the answer is yes. These are spectacular and overlooked cars, I think their day will come. Quality is so evident in driving. I've never enjoyed a car this much.

[@inCARnationAustralia]

Glad to hear stories like that Jeff. We get to drive a lot of cars and yes the early Boxster and Cayman are terrific value, great fun and rewarding to drive. Happy for you. SG

[@georgespix7125]

I'd like to lift a compact electric wheelchair totally foldable plant 60 lb but it would be nice to have a form of block and taxol just Plastic

[@mrhardwork8924]

Brought one too 6 months ago, black manual 145,000kms loving it so far fits my golf clubs and was worth the buy.

[@Josh-er6oz]

I’ve just bought a Boxster S, and I can easily say it’s the best car I’ve ever owned! And might I add the sound is intoxicating, but at low speeds/revs I actually like how quiet it is. It’s the best of both worlds, superb Germanic engineering.

[@franklinsantana3553]

I just bought one 🙌2000 model yellow and I am ready for summer🙌🔥🔥❤️

[@markwilliamson8662]

Congratulations

[@simonodell2103]

One day the car world will wake up to how good these really are ...and for no money in comparison to the air cooled Porsches.Had mine for 4 years and won't ever let her go.

[@markwilliamson8662]

Yes I agree

[@floatfacebook2013]

Might get this or cayman

[@floatfacebook2013]

People will say u having a mid life crisis but if u like cars 🚗 who cares

[@johnmorgan7262]

Shhhh. Let us keep them to ourselves.

[@simonodell2103]

@@johnmorgan7262 Actually they are awful cars ...😉

[@Jalen9434]

I own 986 automatic beautiful car, you definitely get attention all day.

[@davidmoore5822]

Thank you for discouraging people thinking of tracking these works of art. I spent 15 months looking for a 986S. By far and away the most beautiful mid engine roadster ever built. I bought a first run '97 986, the most loved example I could find. The S variant is scarce here and mostly fell into the hands of heathens. Australia!

[@maxcarter970]

Very underrated cars. Negativity about IMS has made them very affordable.

[@bryansmith4595]

I agree I have a 2002 2.7 68k miles. I picked it up for 8,000.US. change the oil every 5k not 10k.

[@markuk7010]

My 2003, 986s... is unbelievable. I upgraded the whole exhaust system ( Wider manifold and tubes ) and added a 20bhp remap, along with a 911 CARRERA 4s throttle body and plenum. It's AMAZING. 0-60 in 4.4 secs.... Top Speed 190mph

[@metalguyn]

where'd you get the remap? I have full exhaust, 911 intake and plenum etc but need a remap.

[@alfonso87ful]

Just got an old S from 2000. Love it - more than my 5 other cars

[@iijaydakingll6232]

Are these reliable cars?

[@alfonso87ful]

@@iijaydakingll6232 i would say yes.. but they do have certain maintenance cost above average

[@glennhand4053]

After watching this great review you guys really helped with my decision-making. Just bought an '03 Boxster S. after originally looking for a Z3. I probably paid a little over the current market value, but it has a complete service history and is so much fun to drive! Thanks, guys :)

[@grumpystu]

Makes me happy to hear that Glenn. Hope it gives you years of pleasure.

[@markwilliamson8662]

Well done Glenn, great decision

[@brightenupcc]

You lads should know that I bought a manual 2002 Porsche Boxster S because of THIS video. Great car. Costly to maintain but great car

[@inCARnationAustralia]

That's gratifying. Congratulations. Hopefully the maintenance cost thing will stabilise once you get it the way you want it. Boxsters definitely are real Porsches.

[@brightenupcc]

Thanks and keep up the great content Stu and Mark!

[@timwright1566]

I bought a 2002 Boxster at the start of 2021, I was looking to buy a 987, however a well maintained 986 Tiptronic fell in my lap, thanks to flukey timing and a helpful cousin. I was lucky to be introduced to a German mechanic by a German friend. As I'm more a wood than metal guy, its very reassuring to have a Porsche lover in my corner, keeping an eye out for me. This car has been an absolute joy to drive. I'm lucky to live at the start of the Great Ocean Road, and have had a blast playing with the Mid Engine format along the twists and also thru the Otway ranges. I don't think there is a better way to enjoy the 25K investment I have made. Thanks for a fantastic and realistic review. You guys nailed every aspect of this little German beauty..

[@stuartgreaves4539]

Thanks for your feedback Tim. We hope you continue to enjoy your 986 on those great twisties for many years.

[@joeaza544]

I bought a manual, 2001 Boxster S with 35K miles and service history including IMS correction for $18K yesterday and will pick it up today. I cannot wait! I was floored by how smooth it shifted and easy it was to drive. The clutch is light. I also have a 2016 981 GT4 manual which is a different beast. Life, is good.

[@mikegags9115]

Last year I purchased a 2003 Boxster S, black on black, with 5800 miles and it was garage kept. The car looked new, I just changed the IMS and ordered new Michelin (N) tires. I love this car , and cruising with the top down makes me feel young again.

[@markwilliamson8662]

Sounds like a great car

[@MK-su6eg]

MG!!! Got a 2006 boxster s, and I feel 20 years younger every time I drive it, because the babe attraction has been another example of how much younger you feel driving it. Especially when you're driving to the beaches, in Hawaii, topdown and all of those bikinis around you!!! My 2 adult daughters girlfriends are treating me like a dilf?..!!bugging me to take them for a ride,!! gotta be real careful or careless??!!! Aloha!!

[@Gozar111]

I was very sceptical until I drove it. I now own a Boxster S with 3 other Porsches and two other new and also fast cars. I drive the Boxster the most of all of them now. Fun, fast and easy to use every day. Even my girlfriend loves to drive in it!

[@markwilliamson8662]

Yes it’s easy to be sceptical about this car. But as you’ve found through ownership they are a pleasure to drive.

[@gsk5161]

OMG, you broke rule #1. No one drives my car! 😂😂🤔🤔

[@johnbambo9036]

Bought my 6sp manual MY00 986s 18 months ago. 3 previous owners, 71,000km. Spent money on New RMS, Front Brake Discs and Pads, Bump Stops and minor suspension items and Minor trim repairs, (centre armrest hinge, and both sunvisors). The car runs on 17s with new Yokohoma ADV SP V105's all round. (tyres fitted and balanced for AUS $1,120.00). Oh and I did put a Pioneer Deck in for better sound and Bluetooth (but have original radio for retrofit). The car owes me probably all up AUS $32,000.00 and is a slowly (glacial slow) appreciating asset. The car is fantastic, power is more than adequate, brakes are very good and handling on 17s is more than just good. Very comfortable on any trip. It's now done 86,000 trouble free kilometers and I plan to only ever sell in the event that I upgrade to a 987 or later. Note the IMS in pre 2000 models should have the double row IMS which has a failure rate of < 1%. Great review guys

[@markwilliamson8662]

Thanks John, Yes they are just a great car to drive, involving and so much fun. Thanks for your comment.

[@sjdunks1115]

Is the 987.2 boxster (2009-2012) without the IMS bearing issue worth the $60k price tag that it currently commands? Is it much more fun than the 986 S? Thanks

[@johnbambo9036]

@@sjdunks1115There was a 987 Series II recently for sale here on the GC. Advertised for around $64k, Yes a better interior with GPS and better Stereo. and yes it has the 3.4l new Boxer engine without IMS issue and it's got the PDK. All improvements but incremental not fundamental in my opinion and for me the PDK is merely a step sideways from the manual. Bear in mind the 987.2 is now a 10+ year old car and a 986s is now a 20+ year old car so individual car condition will vary significantly. In the end I decided that my 986s with the 6sp manual was the better bet. The interior is basic but comfortable and it's just a hoot to drive. My recommendation get the 986s but pay for a good one @ around 30K. That's what a good one is really worth now and just drive it. Seriously Porsche with the S got the 986 just right. With the IMS, regular Oil Changes, 10,000km or 12 months and touch wood you're good. The guys at GC Porsche reckon I won't have a problem, but as with all things in life there are no guarantees.

[@sjdunks1115]

@@johnbambo9036 thanks for the advice mate. I saw a 987.2 Boxster s in a manual in Sydney advertised for $62k (90,000kms on the odo). Sounds like a good deal but trying to keep my 2nd car/weekend car purchase under $50k. Currently looking at a 986 boxster s, 987.1 boxster s or a Honda S2000 AP1 which all should be within that budget…going to test drive them all and see which one delivers the most fun!

[@johnbambo9036]

@@sjdunks1115 Yeah mine is likewise a weekend car and it's cost me all up perhaps $36k, insurance maintance yada yada. On a purely pragmatic view, spend as much as you are comfortable with. Mine is Guards Red with a Grey interior and it is amazing how many people stop and ask about it. Get boys with their dads point at the car as we drive past. If you can do without the tech get the 986, and save yourself 30k. Gotta say if the advertised 987s is genuine and has a Porsche Service History and not raced or crashed then it's mightily attractive. All the best. Bam NB: I wouldn't get the 987.1 as it has the IMS issue and much harder to fix (look up the three IMS Bearings. - Double Row, Single Row and Bigger Single Row). They reckon the Honda is really good but it's a bit of an orphan and I never considered.

[@hawkinsjd11]

I have an 03 Boxster S it is a brilliant car. With a new exhaust and an IPD Plenum/Throttle body and she is a ripper.

[@sunset986S]

Got my 2002 Boxster S ten years ago and love it! Next thing on my bucket list are those 911 wheels when it comes out of winter storage in April.

[@inCARnationAustralia]

Great to hear stories like that Heidi.

[@themancuniancandidate2744]

Great report. My 2000MY 3.2S has been utterly reliable, and is still on the original IMS bearing at 205000kms (albeit with full Porsche history). The suspension is starting to creak a bit so I think it's time for some new bushes and control arms, but it starts first time every time, and has never let me down once. And even though it's 21 years old, I still get kids pointing at it, going "Porsche! Porsche!". Also, people think Boxsters cost way more to buy and run than they actually do. I went for a used 986 because it is 90% of a 911 for less than a third of the money. If you're wanting to dip a toe into Porsche ownership, this is the way to do it. Make sure it's been properly serviced by a dealer or a specialist, and you'll be fine.

[@inCARnationAustralia]

I love hearing stories like this. Well done!

[@kellynash4588]

I've owned my boxster for 2 years now. And I agree with every point made on this video. Having owned front-engine Porsches in addition to rear engine air-cooled, I have more fun in my boxster than any other model I've ever owned.

[@inCARnationAustralia]

Thank you Kelly.

[@petergaltry4529]

And thanks. What a great review. A fellow BMW nut put me onto the 986 as an add to the collection. I was close.This review sent me down the path. Thanks

[@markwilliamson8662]

Thanks for your feedback, you won’t be disappointed they are a great car

[@Roland_Rohrle]

Well done on a very comprehensive review. I looked long and hard at Boxster S’ for over a year, but in the end I realised I’m a coupe guy and went for a base 987.2 PDK, just before the COVID tax was applied... Very happy with my decision, but these older Boxster S models are great value.

[@inCARnationAustralia]

Thanks Roland. Good decision. And thanks for your continued support of the channel. SG

[@stevebennett282]

Have three now: ‘98 manual, 01 Tiptronic, and ‘06 S manual.. all three a different ride. Love the Tiptronic.. one just need to learn how to drive them properly! Agree about radios.. I never turn them on.. what’s the point?!😝 The ‘06 S.. the best of the three for so many reasons!👍😎👍

[@wildwest5436]

Very underrated. A friend drove mine who had a 996, came back and simply said, "I never knew just how fun the Boxster was. I have to admit I used to talk shit, but I won't now."

[@markwilliamson8662]

Yes I totally agree, it’s easy to dismiss the Boxster. But once you spend some time in one it’s hard to fault them

[@rickbullock31]

Love my boxster as well, great car

[@johannesvdh1711]

Thoroughly enjoyed the clip guys. I have owned my October 99 built Boxster S since 2013. Apart from having a black interior with a dark burr maple central surround, my car has a similar external resemblance to the care evaluated in the clip. With my Boxster also being optioned with 18” turbo twists and being a 6 speed, I can certainly vouch for the fun factor that it provides. At current prices it represents one of the great value rides of all time.

[@markwilliamson8662]

Thanks Johannes, we are glad you enjoyed the vid. You’ve made a great choice of car and you will certainly enjoy it.

[@MrOmgfreak]

i bought one..2.7 love it i did change the ims tho now im good! oh change the water pump to...a must

[@wokka6850]

Good Aussie review. 986 S is a very underrated car. I really like that savannah interior colour. It lifts the whole cabin, feels more spacious and airy. Also a good car because the ims in the 986 can be accessed and changed and the 3.2 (and 2.7) generally do not score bores due to the thicker cylinder walls.

[@markwilliamson8662]

Thanks for your thoughts Warwick and glad you enjoyed the review.

[@Gavin-oq5tt]

Great review (as always). If only we could have larger garages....

[@markwilliamson8662]

Thanks Gavin, yes we all need bigger garages !

[@blackdragonx715]

Still have my 986 s 01 bulk/blk with 18s and hardtop. 10 plus years I’ve had it. Love the damn thing.

[@simoncrest5354]

Great review. Agree 18 wheels look good but they are very unforgiving on poor rds and around town. I fitted 16 inch on mine replacing the 18 and the ride comfort is miles better.

[@inCARnationAustralia]

Thanks for sharing

[@MrKaiKai]

that was a well done little video,, nice job!

[@petero2778]

Great video gents, love the channel, keep it up! I am lucky to own several Porsches (not bragging just a tragic…) 928 GT, S4, 997 C2 and 986 S ‘04. They are all very different, the steering feel links them but the Boxster is the sweetie and the first set of keys I grab for a ‘nice’ all ‘round drive, ‘nuff said!

[@inCARnationAustralia]

Great story. Thanks Peter. And is the 928GT your second pick?

[@petero2778]

@@inCARnationAustralia The GT is a beast: mechanically; technology wise for its time (PSD etc.); and aurally. The sound just idling has a subliminal menace that compliments the black on black visuals. The high lift cam gives a turbine like intake tune. Then when you get on it, the beast wants to fry everything including the driver! The dogleg 5 speed is rifle bolt and the whole car feels like it’s carved from a single piece of granite. It’s a sensory overload and one must be ready for it or it will tell you to wake up and have a double expresso if you want to drive me! This GT is absolutely stock and feels like it’s pegged a bit from factory with potential if you dared (not for me). From 2nd to 3rd it gives AMG’s (now historical) V8s a decent run. So to answer your question, it’s a sure second, if only we had the environment to use its power here in Oz. In 1989 it was the fastest production Porsche 275 kph. My GT is also a family heirloom that I was fortunate to buy from my Dad a few years back, so it’s very special in many ways. Thanks for your passion on EV progress too. So important for the future. As an environmental engineer working for an electricity utility, I can see Australia finally has enough ‘ground swell’ at all levels to make EV’s the dominant form of propulsion from an ‘integrated renewables’ network. Cheers @petero928

[@inCARnationAustralia]

@@petero2778 I'm hearing ya, mate. I've owned a couple of 928s and loved them. Both automatics, sadly. But just loved that burbly exhaust, particularly with RMD (Rear muffler delete) on the S4.

[@gtrdaz6611]

Another very informative and enjoyable review - thanks guys!

[@markwilliamson8662]

Thanks, appreciate your thoughts

[@04dram04]

Second gen Boxster and cayman wheels, really bring out the style of the first gent Boxster

[@wesleycarusos8225]

I have a 2000s 6-speed. I love taking people out in this car, the ones that think it's a hairdresser's car. I have a tune, exhaust mod and intake mod on mine... it will run with a lot of Corvettes and out handle them.. definitely the best car for the money although they are getting more expensive... mine is a keeper.

[@19hundoc47]

lol a boxster with a tune won’t hang with any corvette. I would know, I own an 01S and have owned C4/5/6 Corvettes. Nice try tho

[@wesleycarusos8225]

@@19hundoc47 I have $4,000 worth of suspension work and I run with Corvettes every other weekend in the mountains. Power isn't everything.

[@wesleycarusos8225]

@@19hundoc47 certainly will not keep up with anything modern as far as straight lines speed.

[@19hundoc47]

@@wesleycarusos8225 I can see that, thought you meant a drag race

[@Boxsterox]

@@19hundoc47true on a drag strip, but on a road course driver variable is most important. I tracked a 986 Boxster S for 10 years, and now track a 911 GT3 Cup (factory built race car). The data shows that I was as fast or faster through most turns in that Boxster than I am in the much more powerful Cup car. Not on straight portions of the track, but in the turns. I used to put down faster lap times than many drivers in cars with twice the hp,such as the Vette you mention. Because the Boxster is a faster car? No, because on a road course track, where Porsches are built to excel, driver skill is a more important variable than the car. If I am faster through 17 turns like at Sebring raceway it doesn’t matter that I am slower in the straight portions.

[@edbecton5077]

Whew! I won't lie. I was nervous as hell because I'm about to purchase a 2000 Boxter -S (manual, of course!) with 39K miles, one owner with well-kept service records. I was nervous because it's 2024 and the car is a 2000 model. I'm trading in my VERY reliable Honda Civic and will now have one car. Hearing stories about IMS bearings had me worried, and I'll make sure to read service records to see if the IMS bearings have been an issue. Nevertheless, after watching this video and reading corresponding comments, I feel a LOT more relaxed about my impending purchase (Monday morning!). So, thanks to the gents at inCarnation Australia and those who commented in this thread. I did test drive the car (3x!!!) and, I SWEAR, it was THE best driving experience I have EVER had in my 6 decades of driving. So, if I'm not glued to my Boxster on Monday, I'll write a follow-up. Thanks, folks, for making me feel a LOT more comfortable with my upcoming purchase! Dr. B.

[@gomertron6329]

Interesting review, thanks.

[@Justin23908]

Great channel. keep it up!

[@markwilliamson3185]

Thank you

[@honguenloh4612]

Thanks mate….planning to get ONE since i cant return to Australia due to the pandemic…

[@markwilliamson8662]

Yep go get one, you won’t be disappointed

[@pandabear8142]

I own a 1997 with a Sony Bluetooth radio and it’s awesome mate lol 😂 👍

[@The888Redlich]

Great review, I want one of those

[@kellynash4588]

If you buy one, you won't regret it.

[@jeffamburgey7485]

I promise, if you follow the excellent buying advice here and pay up for the nicer car, you will love it.

[@RadDadisRad]

Lol, I’m looking at them currently

[@Myboxter98]

I bought a 1998 base model boxster new and I love everything about it. It’s a third car so I tend to drive it when the weather is decent even in the winter. 5 speed. Has 22,000 miles. Radio died so I upgraded to a Bluetooth model had one electric problem that cost me $1000 because only Porsche dealer would fix it. Other than that flawless.

[@markwilliamson8662]

Sounds like a good buy

[@ukwan]

I had a 1999 2.5L it was a nice enough car but wasnt anything to write home about, I much preferred my 1999 911 Carrera 4 Aerokit.

[@caue3015]

I’m looking one 2000 boxter cabriolet with 139k miles. It is still reliable ? Drive on weekends

[@markuk7010]

All Porsches are galvanized. So they don't RUST. I have SMASHED my 986s for the last 5 yrs, without any issues. They take 100,000 miles to break the ENGINES in -That's a Fact. They are extremely easy to replace parts for. And you can do all the work yourself. IT'S A NO BRAINER.....Top down. Windows down. just go.

[@04dram04]

Id rather have a boxster s, than a 911. Mid engined is more fun than rear.

[@petergaltry4529]

Just about to buy a 2003S manual

[@markwilliamson8662]

You’ll enjoy it, good choice

[@march3769]

Great cars, but prices are going up rapidly!

[@brightenupcc]

In addition to the exhaust and 18s, would you put a set of wheel spacers on it to fill out the arches?

[@inCARnationAustralia]

Indeed. If it was me, just the rears and only a little. No more than 35mm.

[@deltafishingclub]

C’est ma voiture depuis 14 ans et c’est très très bien

[@inCARnationAustralia]

Formidable!

[@ArnoldWinters]

Are there any concerns about the IMS bearing crapping out?

[@inCARnationAustralia]

The owner isn't concerned. But no doubt whenever doing the clutch you'd have a good look.

[@hanshubner4155]

TAKE THE BECKER TRAFFIC PRO wit Yatour MT6 FSE and audio streaming over BT!!!! OROGINAL LOOK! And Jehnert Soundboards original Porsche Tequipement!!!

[@inCARnationAustralia]

Danke Hans. I shall advise the owner.

[@GT.Bugger]

I really want a 986s but I have nowhere to keep one currently. I feel by the time I do they'll be silly prices.

[@inCARnationAustralia]

Maybe you could sell the Bug! Hope you get one.

[@GT.Bugger]

@@inCARnationAustralia couldn't do that, almost 4 years deep in a full restoration. Don't even have space for the bug 😅

[@inCARnationAustralia]

Fair enough! Good luck with the bug resto. The Boxster can wait.

[@GT.Bugger]

@@inCARnationAustralia appreciate it

[@scottseymour9139]

Incarnation how many Ks on the car you are driving? Thanks

[@inCARnationAustralia]

126,000 km

[@petergaltry4529]

So which exhaust are we recommending men? Nice noise but no drone please And a short shift kit maybe?

[@inCARnationAustralia]

I can only speak for the Remus on my Cayman (see review on the channel) which doesn't drone but lowered the car's voice from alto to baritone.

[@petergaltry4529]

@@inCARnationAustralia Thanks. Specifics please. Just a back end replacement?

[@inCARnationAustralia]

Yes I believe so. Done by previous owner.

[@hanshubner4155]

old man at work- down under!

[@markwilliamson8662]

Yes very old !

[@lucrative1020]

32?! That absurdly high

[@inCARnationAustralia]

If we're talking $$ then remember I'm talking Australian dollars. No relevance to UK or USA markets.

[@mikeb1039]

"Why you should buy one right now? - "Because with the new scare of the bore scoring problem (on top of that pesky IMS bearing) we're worried that the market for overpriced german cars might be affected." ;)

[@inCARnationAustralia]

I'd be happy if prices stayed low for a bit longer. Bore scoring issue still pretty rare. And more an issue for the 3.4 motor. Not really associated with the 2.5, 2.7 and 3.2. I wouldn't fret about it. The IMS I would be more concerned about though.

[@mikeb1039]

@@inCARnationAustralia Wasn't aware it was only the 3.4! Thanks for that.

[@TheYjmfan]

You can have my one for 20k if you 2 want it 👍😄

[@revtimewest]

If you ever see how stupid it is to get to the motor you will say "nope". This is why they are cheap to buy and will kill your bank account and patience to own. Luckily for the masochists who must own this car it will always be cheap.

[@hanshubner4155]

Radio not ORIGINAL!

[@inCARnationAustralia]

Indeed. I believe the owner is trying to locate an original radio.

[@sitgesstudio]

20% more expensive after this kind of video hype

[@inCARnationAustralia]

Flatterer! I doubt we have that level of influence or audience reach.