1997 Porsche Boxster Consumer Reviews

I've been driving manual transmission cars for 53 years, and I've owned a few pretend sports cars, e.g., BMW 318i, Toyota Celica, Nissan 300ZX, but the Boxster was the first true performance car I ever bought and I've now owned 2 of them. For 18 years I owned a 1998 Boxster base model, and for 6 years I've owned a 2002 Boxster S model. They've both been great cars, but if you value performance over economy in cars, when buying a Porsche always buy the "S" model when possible. Here's what you get: Performance: I do not believe there is a better handling or better balanced car under $150,000 than the Boxster and its brother, the Cayman. It's like driving a go-cart on steroids, only far more comfortable. It whips around corners like it's on rails. The sound of its flat six hitting 5500 to 6900 RPMs is perhaps one of the most beautiful sounds you will ever experience if you like a performance car. 0 to 60 in 6.7 seconds for the 1998 Boxster 5 speed manual transmission was fast enough for me, but 0 to 60 in 5.7 for the 6 speed manual transmission 2002 Boxster S I now own is definitely faster and you'll appreciate the difference. The analog nature of these older Boxsters make them a joy to drive. Is it as fast an a 911? No. But it is better balanced with a mid-engine, and for most a 986 Boxster S is fast enough since 250 HP is more than enough for a car of its relatively light weight. Comfort: A Boxster rides smooth enough for a performance car. Drive a 20 to 25 year old Corvette for comparison. You'll appreciate the difference in comfort, and you'll note the difference on quality of build. I loved my old 1998 Boxster base model and felt great in it, but I'll admit sitting so low to the ground in my 2002 Boxster S is a little more taxing on my lower back now that I am 68 years old. Is it as comfortable as my 2024 Porsche Macan S? No, not really close. But they are very different cars, and an SUV should be more comfortable than a 2 seat sports car. Maintenance: I was too frugal with my 1998 Boxster base model and had only the most basic maintenance performed on it during the 18 years I owned it, only replacing the oil, batteries, brake pads, and tires as needed. Other than that, I had the clutch, O2 sensors, brake rotors, the canvas top, spark plugs, and the serpentine belt replaced in the process of placing 130,000 miles on it. Probably spent only $3000 in maintenance and repairs over 18 years of ownership. Never had a problem, but had it not been totaled by a poor driver that hit it, someone would have bought it from me and been the victim of a lot of deferred maintenance. Now my 2002 Boxster S I bought 18 years old from its second owner, that car is a different story. It was a well maintained car. The second owner had a major overhaul performed on it at 50,000 miles--IMS bearing, clutch, air-oil separator, spark plugs, ignition coils, water pump, drive belt, rotors, and all fluids replaced plus new tires. That was a $9363 repair/maintenance cost. Previous records show another $3000 spent on maintenance. So that car had cost well over $12,000 in maintenance in its first 18 years of life. In the 6 years and 35,000 miles I've put on it, and not counting routine 5000 mile oil changes, I had to replace the front struts ($2500), rear pads (did it myself), and I've replaced all fluids. Unfortunately, now at 98.000 miles, my 2nd gear synchronizer gear is shot so I'll need a refurbished transmission and that's going to cost me at least $6000 more. But since the car cost me only $13,500 (it was $56,000 new in 2002), I'm OK with that expensive repair. Besides, I'm tired of shifting from 1st to 3rd; just not as much fun when I want to romp on that flat 6. Overall: Most performance car for the money. Just be sure to buy one with good maintenance records and replace the IMS bearing (small chance of failure, but why take the gamble)? Buy an old 986 and see if this review is accurate. I'm even considering buying another base 986 largely out of nostalgia for my old 1998 Boxster. I've owned 4 Porsches--2 Macan S models and 2 Boxsters. There is no better car for the money than a Porsche if you prize performance but also want a car you can drive to work every day.

I bought this car in 2016. Like most people I got nervous about the IMS bearing. Had it replaced. The mechanic said there was nothing wrong with the original bearing in the car. Just allowed me to sleep at night! Have had to do very little to this car since I’ve owned it. It is now 2026 and I’m still driving it. Everyone worries about mileage. If you don’t drive a car you’re going to have mechanical issues. I have 83,000 miles on mine and I don’t expect to have any problems. No problems to this point.

Majority parts and midnight dark blue paint color are original. Spent $6,000 to customized leather seats with Porsche seal and vinyl top cover. 25 years awarded with no need for smog test passing, I.e. SAFE Car. I have original record when this was purchased. One tailgate light has cracke ( cost aftermarket $250 to replace. Battery replaced April 2025. Tires maintained and recorded at Discount Tires. Manual and automatic shift. Out of country for 6 months every year keeps it on low mileage. Chips on paint but repairable.original manual and operations booklet available . Change oil , tire replacement etc receipts are available. This car is my 3rd European car with less usage. Ready for a new owner coz I have grandson who needs bigger car.

I put in over 6,000 in repairs and updates She is fun to drive and even better when the top is down.

I've had my 2001 for 7 years now and its been so much fun! Did converter back with custom flow exhaust and changed air intake and it sounds great. Minor improvement is performance but needed exhaust anyway. Two row bearing is a big plus, mine is one of the last 2001 with it. If you can find 2000-01 in great shape, buy it. For $11,000 you will not ever regret it.

I searched for months trying to find the "right" Boxster and with a little luck I found one! 2 owner car with 120k on the clock. Carfax showed it was serviced regularly by Porsche dealers. I knew of the potential IMS issues so I didn't hesitate to go ahead and have it replaced with the Aftermarket oil fed unit. And while it was in service I had the clutch and flywheel replaced as well. No worries going forward. Other than that I drive the HECK out of this car. It handles like a dream. Not the quickest car I've owned but well worth it. I see a lot of negative reviews from other owners who go out and buy one then drive it like they stole it and gripe when something goes wrong. Only advice I can give it not to buy the lowest price car. If your only looking at a cheap buy then you're not the right person to own this car. Enthusiasts know this. Dont be that guy.

Fun car to drive. Car is very clean, looks great. Has Porsche cover. Car is in excellent condition. No body work, or mechanical work needed. Car has been garagegd for 3 years. Color is White with Black Top. Has Grey Leather seats. Very handsome seats.

Hugs curves nicely. Great gas mileage. Such a smooth ride. Glad my husband got it for me as an anniversary gift!!