Porsche Boxster Review - Cheap Sports Car - The Case For The Base - TestDrive | Everyday Driver

Indeed, older Porsche 986 Boxsters can be purchased for under $8K, and within the Cheap Sports Car parameters. This 2003 Boxster has been nicely maintained and upgraded with Carrera wheels, but remains stock otherwise. Mid-engine dynamics are timeless, and the guys relish the handling, balance, and most of all, the engine noise.
#Porsche #PorscheBoxster #Boxster #Review #CheapSportsCarChallenge
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[@carterkozminski]

I sold my track toy Miata and my daily Fiesta ST for a clean and relatively low mileage 986 Boxster S. I am consistently amazed by how good these cars are and the fried egg headlights really are not as bad as people think. Coming from a Porsche loving family, this was the perfect first Porsche for me. So far the ownership costs are much less than people expect, and my insurance became much cheaper coming from the Fiesta. Buy a 986 before they start creeping up, it already is starting to happen!

[@shrayusshirali6894]

How much are the maintenance costs? Like is it in the $1,200 a year range?

[@djpollo2474]

@@shrayusshirali6894 man when it comes to old cars you just don't know, so many factors but if you need assurance, these last over 200k miles

[@heyaisdabomb]

Prices are a lot higher now. 15k to 20k is where the well kept, low millage examples are sitting now for an S. You can still find some good base examples around 15k.

[@arricammarques1955]

MX-5 NC3 + PRHT & Beck 550 Spyder : )

[@thefaceofbobby509]

A lot of people hate the early 2000s interior but I love them. My truck has the same kind of crappy plastics but it’s home

[@bora9491]

Same, there is just something so cosy about old plastic interiors.

[@grc0456]

I’ve had an 03 2.7L for over six years. Mine is a high mileage (with a rebuilt replacement M96 motor and DOF IMSB), and I absolutely love the car. German, mid-engine, NA, flat six, RWD, manual at 2,800lbs - what’s not to love? And yes, Paul, I am 100% fulfilling my obligation to keep serviced and maintained. It’s also IMHO one of the best color combos of Midnight Blue Metallic over Savanna Beige.

[@nornibres]

I love the way Paul thinks about this car. As the owner, you are a caretaker. Your job is to maintain and improve the car while you own it. The shape of this car is flat out stunning. The 986 is becoming my favourite Boxster.

[@razvandavid1510]

Indeed, I am the caretaker. As it happens, the car had some faults... and I corrected them.

[@evalonious]

Sorry, but you can not get an '03 for $8,000 unless it's beyond trashed I've been window shopping for quite awhile now. This is my dream car.

[@papasmurf986]

I see them all the time in the southern US for near that price...might be higher mileage and no guarantee it is going to have a full service history but they are out there. I do think the prices may have started to plateau and even rise in some cases though as most used cars have lately.

[@kroozin]

@@papasmurf986 I'd be curious to see where you're looking. I'm also in the US and I can't find any for under $10k haha

[@DC5Brandon]

@@kroozin I believe you when you say you can't find them for the right price, but have you looked nationwide? I did that to find the right 12 Cayman. I arranged the PPI, bought remotely and had it shipped to me. Shipping a car cross-country is cheaper than you think. (Sorry, reply meant for Evan)

[@evalonious]

I've just be looking on autotempist... my neighbor found a 996 for $5,000 But all the boxsters seem to be 10,000 and up with plenty of early ones still between $15,000-$18,000 nuts...?

[@papasmurf986]

@@evalonious that is nuts...I can't imagine a 5k 996 being in very good shape. I looked today on CL and prices overall were higher than normal but many of the cars were not in great shape so I doubt owners are getting anywhere near what they are asking.

[@JimBob_1975]

I really don't get why so many dislike the headlamps. Personally I like how they blend into the shape of the car. The interior isn't the best admittedly but it's less generic than that in a 987 which wouldn't look out of place in any VW.

[@eduardotoledano]

A classic can only be recognized with time. One day the fried egg headlights will be one of the most revered Porsche designs. 🖊✨

[@HOG883R]

I'm glad you guys recommend the basic version... Everyone always said you need to get the S, but unless you are putting it on a track, there is no big deal about the S. The better breaks, more power, 6 speed, all if this would make a difference on a track. On public roads it doesn't, and the basic version would be cheaper to run... I've got a basic 986 04, and absolutely love it.

[@adamsangels9874]

Wrong…the s is better and yes I own both base and s variant 986….track difference comes down to auto or stick and once again I have both …..auto for traffic conditions ..stick for nighttime or weekend drives is best

[@HOG883R]

@@adamsangels9874 I know that the S is 'better', but what I said is that on normal road use it's irrelevant, as you won't use it at the limit (or even close) to that 'better' makes a difference, unless you are breaking traffic laws. The only thing I envy a little bit about the S is the extra torque, but that's it. And by the way, Ive driven both...

[@Jorge_Magallon]

Hilarious Paul’s giddiness makes me forgive his possible lack of objectivity.

[@thirdpedalnirvana]

Todd summed up the duality in the Porsche extremely well! It feels like a sports car thats at if not above the capability level of any sports car you’ve driven, but when you drive it soft it drives soft and luxurious. It’s eerie.

[@jeffreyspencer4005]

Shortly after the release of this review, I bought a virtually new 2002 Boxster S with 27,500 miles on it...and while I paid over 3x what you're talking about here (good luck finding one without a lot of needs for $8K now), this is without a doubt the best value sports car in the market on a dollars to performance ratio basis. I personally think the S is the way to go, but I drove several with the 2.7 that were fun cars at good prices! I'm just from the school that thinks you should buy the best possible example you can afford. If that's $8K and you can find a good one, go for it! Back in 2002 I passed on this car for practical reasons (I had young kids) in favor of a BMW M3, and it was a great car...but I'm so glad to finally have this one in my garage and I'm working on racking up some miles and smiles!

[@superiorautomotive143]

I just got a blown up one for 3900 $ with 59k miles Manual 2.7l. Couldn’t find a running and driving model for less than 20k in these miles.

[@Den0317]

How in the world were you able to find a Boxster S with 27,500 miles?!! 😮

[@jeffamburgey7485]

Excellent video, I came across my 01 base Boxster by accident. I was looking at another car and the Boxster really caught my eye, I'm a sucker for red with black interior. Came to find out this was a one owner 35k car with IMS done and very good maintenance. I'm a little embarrassed to say what I paid, but it was well north of 8k. With that said the cars condition was just exceptional, and my wife kept commenting that it looked like a new car. The owner wanted 14 and would not budge. I looked at many others at 10 to 15k and they did not compare condition wise. I bought the car thinking you paid too much but its so nice, and you are so picky, so suck it up. I have been very fortunate and own and have owned some great cars. I have enjoyed this car which with fluid changes has been perfect and flawless and what a blast to drive. Best 14k I ever spent

[@flat6fever680]

They are far more than that now and most base models have been badly neglected and had many owners. Finding a clean base in nice condition is incredibly rare and worth the premium. Since this video has come out prices are double what they are suggesting for a base. The one they are driving has sun damaged headlights and some interior wear so it is not likely a low miles, garage kept, one owner, serviced only at Porsche dealer kind go car. I'd rather pay 16 for what I just described. I go for one owner cars that dealer maintained. I don't care how much more it costs.

[@zoomzoom3950]

I recently purchased an '02 Boxster, metallic silver with black/grey interior, black soft top. good price, so far so good, in great condition for its' age, already upgraded with touchscreen, bluetooth entertainment center and backup cameral. Previous owner passed away, took very good car of the car. If I get at least 3 years out of it with regular maintenance / wear and tear costs, I'll be happy. Can't cost more to own and maintain than my Lotus Esprit back in the '00s. I'll be taking it to the dealer for an oil change, inspection and to get a spare key made; after that there are a few Porsche / German car repair shops around here, closer than the dealer.

[@iantownsend500]

986 is a damn good car. Shared the same interior with the 996 & the Carrera GT

[@JuanLopez-kw9of]

Love Paul fizzing all over his commentary! Great entertainment and very informative at the same time Thank you for your enthusiasm, fun to watch a couple of 12 yr olds discussing fun cars!

[@TestDriveVideos]

12 year olds… wow, we are getting older all the time! Thanks for watching.

[@chrisluecke3341]

I keep coming back to these. I know I will have one at some point in time.

[@jehl1963]

It's fun just watching you two have fun together. Regarding the Boxster's styling, keep in mind that it was intended as a bit of an homage back to the original (mid-engined) 356 prototype. The early Porsches (356s) were known for their almost cherubic proportions -- even compared to the ample proportions of 1950's cars. I suspect that the design was possibly influenced by the Rococo style of art which is commonly seen in the many 18th century buildings in southern Germany and North-Western Austria -- two regions where the Porsche family had roots. This style really doesn't have any parallel in Asian art and style. BTW - Since it came up in some of the other reviews -- there is a racing series for the Boxster too, in fact multiple series. And for the most part they all run under the same Spec Boxster technical specs.

[@normdavis3450]

I have a triple black 2002. Got it for $7900, but had to slap down another $2500 for front & rear bumper paint/repair and a new fuel pump. So fun to drive, this is the best car I have ever owned!

[@felixdacatwitdamac1084]

U still got it?

[@normdavis3450]

@@felixdacatwitdamac1084 Oh yeah. Still going strong at 134K miles.

[@eduardotoledano]

You give back to the universe when you drive your 986 away! 👊😎✨

[@PaulCuenin]

I have a 2003 Boxster S and I love it.

[@eduardotoledano]

Owning a 986 isn’t mandatory but when you own one then driving it is! 🎯✨

[@brianfreeman8951]

Was trying to find a good 914 or a good 944 when I came across this video…….I now have my first Porsche that I always wanted. 2001 Boxster S. So far so good, so much fun to drive. Thanks guys.

[@TestDriveVideos]

Glad this was helpful to you. Great buy!

[@modvavet]

It's such an absolutely phenomenal car. Probably the scariest possibility is the IMS bearing problem, but if you don't buy within the years of 2000 to 2005, you've already avoided the ones that were really problematic. Hell, frankly, if you can turn your own wrenches and shop around online, it doesn't even have to be particularly expensive to maintain.

[@neilfisher7999]

I own a 987.2 which I absolutely love! The 986's are an incredible bargain when purchased right. I previously owned a 2000 996 911. The fried egg light's are not that bad at all. The main reason those headlights were so maligned is because Porsche had the iconic round lights for so long. It was such a different look that it put some people off. The prices are starting to creep up on the 986 and 996 because more people are finding out how great these cars drive.

[@mohella8855]

Future if not a current classic. The first gen Boxster is truly a drivers car. If you can and are willing to work on the car yourself it is also very affordable to own. I like the fried egg lights because they are different and quirky. I also completely agree that with a car like this you should take pride in ownership and that includes improving and maintaining the vehicle as it ages.

[@carllinnington]

Just picked up a base '99 986 for only $6k ... once I dry all the water out of the floorboards and install a CarPlay radio, I'm keeping it forever!

[@Tacman556]

Just got mine as a result of this video, 2000 2.7 986, cheap clean fun!

[@hawkinsjd11]

I bought my 03 S in 2019. While I have put a considerable amount of money into parts and upgrades, I would love to keep the car for many years.

[@michaellong2661]

$8,000... lol. I got an excellent condition Boxster with 99k miles for my 37th birthday. So far, including the actual price of the car, I've invested about $3100. The car wouldn't move, but ran, when I got it. Threw in a clutch and bam, it drives amazingly well. I'm beyond thrilled and absolutely LOVE the car. But the days of insanely cheap Boxsters are likely coming to an end, from what I've seen, so act fast if you want one. PS: coming from a 2005 SLK350, I can't disagree more when it comes to the Boxster not being the better road trip car. Boxster 100% destroys the SLK in comfort, materials, fit and finish, ride quality, and ACCESSIBLE cargo space.

[@miklom41]

Nice, I have the 01 Boxster Lapis Blue, upgraded the rims to bbs and its amazing to drive

[@luisluiscunha]

You are so right: 9:35. If you have one, please, please take good care of it. I wish I can buy / drive / take care of one some day. And that will be my attitude. Totally agree.

[@jhobaugh45]

I like that Paul and Todd have always been sort of dismissive of the German car maintenance fear, then Paul has to replace his shocks on his Cayman and now talks about Porshce tears when maintenance is needed. Love the show, love the podcast, and I am now shopping fried egg Boxsters

[@TestDriveVideos]

More updates to come… but Paul’s tears comment have nothing to do with Cayman shocks. (Turns out, those were fine anyway.). Tale of the tears still to come.

[@jhobaugh45]

@@TestDriveVideos Dang, thought I had some insight from listening to the podcast! Some day I'll be brave enough to buy an older Porsche or BMW, your shows are helping feed the disease!

[@joshuaszeto]

I think this is the perfect car to do an LS swap. apparently, they can fit with very little to no modifications to the body of the car. I have yet to verify but some LS engines are lighter than the 2.7. I keep eyeing this 986 at the porsche dealership that has been there for a very long time. but the owner wants way too much for a car that hasn't moved in the last year.

[@jacquesc3166]

Yeah, great car. Up here in Canada for 8K USD you would not get the mid-cycle refresh, and you'd have 180,000+ km on a 90's Porsche. Good luck.

[@jhobaugh45]

Interior center console buttons and air vents remind me of the all-oval shaped Ford Taurus

[@abccbc11]

The amazing part of this video is that people we are told are about 6'3" talk about long road trips in a Boxster. I am 6'4" and can't drive this car out of a parking lot, although I always wanted one if only I could modify the interior space.

[@MDQDZINE]

Total height is not as important as proportion of legs to torso...

[@thomashaynes9487]

I really enjoy coups and I have a base RSX its really fun to drive, I think this might be my next car. good video thanks for sharing.

[@TestDriveVideos]

Glad it was helpful to you. Thanks for watching!

[@dodibenabba1378]

I love the fried eggs it looks more like a seventies Porsche with them.... which I love!

[@rodsalvador3608]

Been loving my 986S for several years now. Nothing much matches that flat six wail at 5k rpm!

[@bealzibub4002]

What rear spoiler does the black boxster have?

[@j3rmy916]

Oh great now I gotta convince my wife that we need one for the family

[@thorandmoljnir]

Porsche's are one of the few vehicles (in any model) that aren't disposable. These machines were meant to keep going and going and then get restored to become collectables.

[@danielwillett7164]

Headlights are from GT1..Enough said 👍🏽

[@user-bu2en3cl6s]

These cars are BRILLIANT. The interior of the first generation Boxster is the most lovely of ALL. This is my next car.

[@blackhawk32b4]

You really can't touch a Boxster for 8k unless it has 150k miles

[@doctortruth4094]

Can't agree on the 987, guys. I strongly prefer the 986. The 987 has those hideous side vents.

[@cristmh]

Seriously, you’re still complaining about the awesome GT-1 inspired headlights?

[@michaelsheedy]

Make sure you find a good Porsche mechanic and have him do a PPI before buying. Doesn't take much to add up $10,000 in repair costs in 1st year of ownership. And find a good German mechanic that doesn't charge Porsche dealership prices.

[@markely1752]

I'm on the fence between a 986 base and S model. You mentioned the power loss at elevation with the normally aspirated engine. I live at 7,000' feet and most twisty driving will be between 8,000' - 11,000'. I'm wondering if the extra torque of the S will help offset the power loss?

[@flat6fever680]

Buy the best you can afford and then adapt. More importantly don't driver a nicer model of anything that you have purchased. You can make do with anything that was reasonably well designed which obviously this 986 base is.

[@SpiritoftheWoods863]

Am looking into a 111,000 km one now. What about the dreaded IMS issue? Is it common, or a lot of fear mongering? Greatvideo, have fun!

[@TestDriveVideos]

The IMS issue does exist, and there are known fixes for it. However, in spite of the internet fear of it, the problem seems to hit about 10% of cars and generally those rarely driven or those driven hard on track. A well maintained high mile car may already have the fix done. Safest call is to get it addressed, but no reason to avoid this era of Porsche outright.

[@justaddafan]

They're really GTs. Much more refined than the Miata or MR2 and a little boring at low speeds. I really wish they'd have carried through with the original '93 concept car.

[@papasmurf986]

I wouldn't call them gt's...they are heavier but also much more powerful and every bit as capable through a corner. I too wish the car was a bit smaller like the original concept and closer to the miata and z3 in dimensions. I have had mine for about 13 years now and still enjoy it alot. My dad has a z3 of the same year and I enjoy driving it too but it is a very different experience as the car feels smaller, has closer gearing, is more torquey, and much softer sprung. The 986 sounds so good though once you get above 3k and it has none of the squat that the z3's trailing arm suspension is known for and much better brakes.

[@justaddafan]

@@papasmurf986 I had a 986S for 6 years. Very capable on the track but also very comfortable on long trips. The test is to see if it's fun at 30mph. If it doesn't come alive until 60mph, it's leaning heavily towards GT.

[@gsk5161]

MR2 is always the answer! 😝😝😝😝

[@michaelwelschmidt9338]

8G is not going to get you a sorted driver. These are regularly going over 15 G on BAT, plus 1-2G transportation and fees. Many 986s are going for over $20G. Get one now while you can still afford it.

[@marcolcorreia]

No one said the GT1 race car had ugly headlights, funny but the 996/986 had the same design

[@chizzlemo3094]

an $8k boxster is more reliable than a $200k Ferrari or Aston Martin

[@Te1ecastermaster]

Sorry, have to disagree about the 'fried eggs'. First experience i had with them was watching a GT1 flying down the Mulsanne straight, I will forever have a soft spot, and unpopular opinion, 996s look WAAAAY better than the 'melty' styling of the 993, and 959.

[@sterlingchafey8425]

Hahaha, I wonder which car is going to win.... Also I like this style(986/996), I was 16 when the 996 was first on the cover of Car and Driver.

[@ggisold]

I think that the headlights are my favorite it just screams Porsche

[@GingieCutie]

This car is amazing

[@failforwardfast8609]

I think they are ugly but mark my words they will become huge collectors items and eventually be fetching a lot of money. Most 2 door Porsches gain in value over time.

[@pm6613]

I disagree. Esthetically it is a full package deal. You can't pick and choose what parts of the car look good or don't. Boxster looks decent but not a stunner.

[@Danger-xc6no]

You know, normally I don't mind Paul losing his damn mind over every Porsche (they're great cars after all)... but after watching him spend 70% of the MR2 video just trashing that car it's so off-putting to watch him drive the Boxster just praising everything and completely glossing over the flaws of ownership.

[@gsk5161]

Could not agree more!

[@marcusbeau]

😀love my 97 sound 😀

[@matthewlewis-zw3tf]

Great car!!❤

[@joeyconservative]

That car given its condition would cost twice as much one year later

[@jboogy334]

It’s not about the power it’s about the experience. Great video guys.

[@TestDriveVideos]

Thanks for liking what we do!

[@viewofthedragonfly3969]

hmm

[@thirdpedalnirvana]

I think I’d need an S because of the gearbox. I’m just not a fan of how that 5 speed feels to shift

[@flat6fever680]

Why, how does it feel?

[@JustifyJustin]

All good till something breaks....

[@rvbsoundfactory]

There is a reason why it's eight thousand dollars. 8k + 8k + 8k. These two dudes are the biggest flip floppers on the internet.

[@TheMainMan318]

Where can I watch the video on the early boxster? 3:25 I don't see it on the channel

[@TestDriveVideos]

There should be a link that pops up when that's shown - it's from a comparison film on our other/original channel. You can find it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIOWemxresmCqZo Thanks for watching!

[@TheMainMan318]

@@TestDriveVideos interesting I didn't see the link pop up on my side. But thanks for sharing the link I'll give it a watch!

[@olimphus26]

They’re expensive now. Remember when Miatas were cheap? This is the new Miata.

[@mirotvorez1134]

I got no fear of buying a Porsche. I got no money. One day.

[@mattpeterson4351]

Better than mopsr doors

[@thorandmoljnir]

So which Porsche does Paul own? A Boxster?

[@TestDriveVideos]

Paul has owned a 987 Cayman, and currently has a 981 Cayman GTS. He also has a long running 928 that he’s taken on road trip films. Thanks for watching!

[@thorandmoljnir]

@@TestDriveVideos Cool. And what are your cars?

[@michaelsheedy]

Really, the porky 987 is better than the 986?

[@TheClarkCoffey]

$8k or less? Where is this fantasy land please?

[@MDQDZINE]

Your 8k price is a joke. Because of the 25th Anniversary of it's launch prices are steadily climbing, albeit not into the stratosphere, but climbing none the less. I can't touch my Boxster today for what I paid for it over 7 years ago.

[@TestDriveVideos]

You can’t buy any car for what it was listed for seven years ago…

[@19hundoc47]

I bought a nice 02 today for 7k, guess you’re wrong

[@MDQDZINE]

@@19hundoc47 what do you consider "nice"? Mileage? Maintenance records? Vehicle history? Etc etc ... So guess what? You provided anecdotal evidence at best. A simple online search will show you that your price isn't typical (check hagerty etc and their analytics and they will tell you 986 prices have been rising since 2017} Nice try though. :Fail:

[@MDQDZINE]

@@TestDriveVideosif you are getting to the chip shortage issue, the older the car is the less that has any bearing on it's price.

[@19hundoc47]

@@MDQDZINE Wow I didn’t know you could evaluate my deal from your moms basement! You have some special powers there buddy. For your next trick maybe you should get a job and some real friends?

[@georgealex19]

Here, they start around $16k so…. Fck

[@uniwerksdesign]

Like.

[@ttinnovations3310]

still annoying

[@jamesreckling6697]

Sorry Paul that is not a good looking car.

[@cecilnoriega7276]

It is totally subjective. I own a Boxster and depending on where I stand it looks sexy or it looks weird. I don’t think there is a perfect design on any car.. It is all bias on both sides. What I will say : it is definitely a great investment and a joy to drive hard. I can now sell my 22 year old Boxster for what I paid for it 13 years ago.