Porsche Boxster

Text: Richard Dredge / Photos: John Colley

November 2006

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• Latest deal price: from £36,424 to £49,232

When it comes to driving thrills, the Porsche Boxster is one of the best cars available at any price – and if you buy second-hand, you can pick one up for only £10,000.

That’s right; for the cost of a new Kia Rio, you could have a slice of motoring heaven on your driveway, safe in the knowledge that you won’t lose your shirt when you come to sell it on. But before you get too excited, here’s every-thing you need to know about the Stuttgart firm’s entry-level offering.

Checklist:
Gearboxes - If you’re buying a Tiptronic version, ensure that all changes are smooth. Problems are not unheard of, and they are pricey to put right. Also, watch out for manuals which have been used in built-up areas – long clutch life isn’t a Boxster trademark.

Coolant - Check these are up to the required mark and that the anti-freeze level has been maintained. If either of these is allowed to drop, the engine can overheat – and if you are unlucky, it can be destroyed in the process.

Hood - All examples which were built before 2002 feature a plastic rear window in the soft-top, which can scratch and turn opaque. You should test the hood operation and check the back screen. Later models have a heated glass unit which is much better.

Running costs - The Boxster is affordable in terms of price, but its mid-engined layout can make maintenance a chore. Limited access to the engine and gearbox, plus relatively high labour rates, can make even simple jobs a costly task.

Service history - Go through the car’s service records with a fine-tooth comb, paying particular attention to the mileage. The digital odometers can easily be fiddled by crooks, so clocking these models isn’t difficult – especially as they wear so well.

History:
Oct 1996: Boxster goes on sale with 204bhp 2.5-litre engine. Also available with Porsche’s Tiptronic S transmission.
Aug 1999: Original six-cylinder motor upgraded to a new 220bhp 2.7-litre powerplant. Boxster S introduced with a 252bhp 3.2-litre unit.
Jun 2002: 2.7 gets a power hike to 228bhp; 3.2’s output rises to 260bhp.
Sep 2003: Anniversary limited edition arrives with 18-inch alloy wheels, unique interior and exterior colour schemes, plus a power boost to 266bhp.

Prices
The first 2.5-litre Boxsters are now changing hands privately from £10,000. However, if you want something with fewer than 100,000 miles on the clock, budget at least £12,000. Add £3,000 for a 2.7-litre car. A dealer will charge a minimum of £18,000 for a 1999 V-plate 2.7 with 30,000 miles, while Tiptronic examples carry a £400-£500 premium. A 10,000-mile 54-plate 2.7-litre Boxster fetches £30,500 – an equivalent Boxster S is £35,000.

What to look for
If you’re tempted by a left-hand-drive car, ensure it’s significantly cheaper than equivalent UK models – there are plenty to choose from. And while Tiptronic is great to use, don’t pay too big a premium, as the manual’s also a delight.

The bigger the engine, the nicer the car is to drive. But even the 2.5-litre unit gives decent performance, so don’t fret if you can’t afford a 2.7 or 3.2 model.

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