The Boxster is 25 this year, so I decided to take a drive in a 1997 base Boxster with a 2.5-liter flat-6. It may only have 201-horsepower, but this old Porsche is one of the best driver's car for the money.
I bought one and absolutely love it. A big kids go kart filled with design cues that make it trick. The different tyre sizes and need for directional treads mean that tyre rotation is impossible but the feed back is unsurpassed. A bag of tricks that upgrade the driving experience.
I think the less powerful engine can be more fun on twisty roads, becasue you can really rev out the engine. Driving a car hard, is allot of fun. The smaller engine is closer to the spirit of the Porsche 550 spyder.
Finally, someone who has got the 2.5 spot on as far as the drive AND the interior..The interior is totally Porche and is not cheap. I think guys who are accustom to the more vintage Porsches, "get" the Boxster interior design. It follows suit with the modern progression of Porsche. In '98 I absolutely loved this interior.
Excellent video! I’ve got a 97 2.5 heavily modded but steer legal and I absolutely love it!!! She’s done 20 trackdays and never ceases to amaze me considering her age!
"Lack of power"...4:18. This car has more than enough power for 99% of the people who will buy it. You will run out of driving skills long before you run out of car.
@@papatorr3669 well, if you dont have skill to handle 200hp wheelbarrow.with overly long gearing you prolly shouldnt drive a car at all m8 😂 Stock 86 will prolly easier to break traction than on that contraption
@@Angry-Lynx Dude, get a spell checker! I live at the foot hills of the Smoky Mountains and drive motorcycles and sporty cars on narrow two lane twisty mountain roads. We have over a dozen cars. I am no race car driver, room for improvement, but have yet to be overtaken running up the mountains. And I'm sure you're right about an (Toyota?) 86 loosing traction before a (Boxster?) contraption will. If I can make sense of your comment.
Having grown up in Detroit where everyone and their grandma had a muscle car I’ll always feel like I’m missing some low end torque in my 2001 2.7L. Once I got over my fear of high revs and learned to drive the car as intended everything is good… As I recently read…..It was designed to be driven fast, not to accelerate quickly.
PN I got 2006 boxster s, and it was made in FINLAND!! makes sense now!!!! Thanks for the info!! was confused not German built. Love driving my car, especially in Hawaii!!!! Top down and bikini babes year round!!!! Aloha!
People that have never driven a Boxster 986 have no idea of the automotive masterpiece of a sports car this platform is! I have an 02, 3.2 liter, 6 speed, 986 Porsche Boxster S with a Fabspeed exhaust, CAI, catless headers, IPD Plenum/TB, Numeric shifter, Bilstein performance struts, H&R lowering springs, 18×10 in BBS sport classic rims, Polyurethane GT3 front bumper etc... It drives/handles like a dream and sounds absolutely glorious!! Next step is either a lightweight flywheel/clutch or the Fabspeed "Spec Boxster exhaust"... luv this car!! 😂
Great review, I love my 99 986. Its plenty fast and when you get higher up in the RPM band look out. Great sounding engine and exhaust note too. If you are willing and or able to do most of the maintenance yourself these cars a not expensive to maintain and own.
Featured with the hood not properly closed. Expensive part is not the purchase price yet maintenance after. There is ALWAYS something to fix on weekly basis.
Actually the hood is closed properly. The seal between the hood and the bumper was old and dried out, so it was removed and will be replaced at some point. I disagree that there is something to fix on a weekly basis, especially if properly maintained.
Thanks for video. Look almost exactly like mine. Please tell your brother that is seems the two bottom air intake scoops (between rear wheels) are missing. It just helps with better cooling when racing hard. By the way mine now has 210 000km and still drives fantastic, and still immaculate. Best drivers car in the world.
I read about high maintenence/part failures in every post/comment section. I have to wonder what the cost/failures would be if drivers simply drove more like a normal person. Sure, the normal person would take it out to stretch it's legs a bit, but I have a hard time believing that is what the failures are coming from.
We are very interested in a 2.5 Boxter. Wow, your brother has a lots of miles too. We worry about reliability, maintenance and general costs. Heard rumors of IMS issues, seals, clutch and cracked head concerns. Don't know if they are real issues or not. I love the car and want one. Just moving slow.
Generally speaking, these are reliable cars. When it comes to the IMS bearing failure, it's not as much of an issue with cars that have higher miles like my brother's.
I just bought a 2002 boxster s- had them replace the IMS bearing and rear oil seal just to be cautious. Only 8% have IMS failure but didn’t want to take the chance. Go for it!
Those headlights need a good scrub and clear coat. Never liked the gawky hardtop but this particular two-tone combo looks sleek! As does the body coloured centre console. But would you choose this over a Corvette C4? I'm not sure I would.
Just traded my Miata for one of these cuz Miata price took off. Yea, I’ll spend more on maintenance but I think it’ll worth it. And 200 hp is a huge power for me lol.
Retromod my one is a factory one came with the car from new you can pick them up in uk second hand £500+ people often get shot of them for 2 reasons, firstly they are a pain in the butt to store, and putting the stretch cover on 😁
Got a chance to get one of these not too expensive, BUT what are maintenance costs on these old Boxsters compared to Porshes other cars? Are these easy to work on? or do you have to drop the motor to do anything? thx
Maintaining these are more or less the same as you basically have a 911 /996 apart from the mid engine position,but they are very reliable most basic stuff you can do yourself.
@@TheYjmfan u right I have 2 a 1998 white and red top and 2001 midnight blue they're very reliable all u have to do is maintenance and I replace the IMS bearing because I don't want to take a chance but they been whit me for about 12 or 13 years and they still turning heads and they star and the first try every time
Man they are fun to drive and they still porsche I have 2 a 1998 white whjt red top similar to the one on the video but not hard top and 2001 midnight blue they're very reliable I have it for about 12 13 years and still looking good maintenance is the key and do ur home work if u buy one especially for the IMS Bearing cuz is a common problem with this cars but they're very fun to drive and they're A PORSCHE good luck 👍
Yes, good driving experience for a used car. Mentioned was the $6k to $8k range for a used Boxster, which is pretty accurate. But man, you sure didn't mention what a maintenance nightmare the car can be. It's almost like Porsche built this into the car, for a continuous revenue stream, a mechanical machine meant to fail if not serviced. Toyota, Honda for example, can be driven MANY miles with BASIC maintenance. The IMS bearing which was an engineering mistake, coupled with chain guides (internal engine part) that wear way too soon, water pumps that need replacing by 60K miles, etc, make for an expensive cheap car. OK, rant over. Yes, I own a 97 Boxster.
@@nikolayk.3670 Well pardon my ignorance! Haha, I did not know that! I coulda bought an S 3.2 when I bought my 2.7 instead five years ago when they were all cheap. But it's only 0.5 second difference 0-60, and a sixth speed was of no consequence on the twisty mountain roads I drive my Boxster. And the Boxster is already faster than public roads allow.
Sweet ride! but I don't think you can dismiss the Miata, BMW or Benz that easily. yeah, if you are used to paying Porsche prices for parts and repairs the Boxter is a deal. The RX7s and the Miatas have spoiled me for German money-pits - which you have to admit, is what you are getting into with any Porsche. Just be ready for it. (in case your daddy didn't tell you)
True, Porsches are pricier to maintain. The other cars I mentioned are all great cars in their own right. I had a Z3 with the 1.8. Great car, not enough power. Would love to have a 2.8 or 3.0 Z3, which are definitely going up in value. And Miatas are legends for a reason.
The rivals are NC Miata with 2.0 with about 160 hp and Z4 with I6 3.0 which sound amazing! Z3 is a shitty car from different category, dont mixt it up here. Maybe 350z roadster is also in the same price category.
Agree with most of what your saying. But a Z3 2.8 or 3.0 is a pretty fun car. Z3s have better steering than the Z4, which is pretty devoid of feel.The styling of the Z3 is classic front engine, RWD roadster, the Z4 is more futuristic looking thanks to the Chris Bangle "flame-surfaced styling".
Not sure where you got your opinion of the Z3 and you certainly have a right to your own opinion, BUT I can tell you without a doubt you are about .1% minority. 99.9% of everyone Ive spoken to absolutely enjoy them. The only complaint Ive heard is the same (except for the Z3M) as with the boxter.. It could use more power.
I bought one and absolutely love it. A big kids go kart filled with design cues that make it trick. The different tyre sizes and need for directional treads mean that tyre rotation is impossible but the feed back is unsurpassed. A bag of tricks that upgrade the driving experience.
I think the less powerful engine can be more fun on twisty roads, becasue you can really rev out the engine. Driving a car hard, is allot of fun. The smaller engine is closer to the spirit of the Porsche 550 spyder.
Yep, very true.
Got a 2.5. There's plenty of power for a fun ride. This car was never built for racing anyway.
Finally, someone who has got the 2.5 spot on as far as the drive AND the interior..The interior is totally Porche and is not cheap. I think guys who are accustom to the more vintage Porsches, "get" the Boxster interior design. It follows suit with the modern progression of Porsche. In '98 I absolutely loved this interior.
Thanks form watching.
Agreed - spot on - and love the two tone look hardtop - it works!
Love my 98 - as mentioned perfect power for daily driving and very engaging
I have a 2000 Boxster with a 2.7L H6 and I love it. Don’t ever want to get rid of it. Unless I can get a 964.
Excellent video! I’ve got a 97 2.5 heavily modded but steer legal and I absolutely love it!!! She’s done 20 trackdays and never ceases to amaze me considering her age!
These are great cars!
just bought a 99 2.5, great car and fast enough for me
"Lack of power"...4:18. This car has more than enough power for 99% of the people who will buy it. You will run out of driving skills long before you run out of car.
it doesnt work that way
@@Angry-Lynx Yeah it does.
@@Angry-Lynx Yeah it does!
@@papatorr3669 well, if you dont have skill to handle 200hp wheelbarrow.with overly long gearing you prolly shouldnt drive a car at all m8 😂
Stock 86 will prolly easier to break traction than on that contraption
@@Angry-Lynx Dude, get a spell checker! I live at the foot hills of the Smoky Mountains and drive motorcycles and sporty cars on narrow two lane twisty mountain roads. We have over a dozen cars. I am no race car driver, room for improvement, but have yet to be overtaken running up the mountains. And I'm sure you're right about an (Toyota?) 86 loosing traction before a (Boxster?) contraption will. If I can make sense of your comment.
Having grown up in Detroit where everyone and their grandma had a muscle car I’ll always feel like I’m missing some low end torque in my 2001 2.7L. Once I got over my fear of high revs and learned to drive the car as intended everything is good…
As I recently read…..It was designed to be driven fast, not to accelerate quickly.
Porsche also made these boxster's in Finland at Uusikaupunki Valmet utomotomive factory. In 1997-2004 they made total 109 213 Boxsters in Finland.
PN I got 2006 boxster s, and it was made in FINLAND!! makes sense now!!!! Thanks for the info!! was confused not German built. Love driving my car, especially in Hawaii!!!! Top down and bikini babes year round!!!! Aloha!
People that have never driven a Boxster 986 have no idea of the automotive masterpiece of a sports car this platform is!
I have an 02, 3.2 liter, 6 speed, 986 Porsche Boxster S with a Fabspeed exhaust, CAI, catless headers, IPD Plenum/TB, Numeric shifter, Bilstein performance struts, H&R lowering springs, 18×10 in BBS sport classic rims, Polyurethane GT3 front bumper etc...
It drives/handles like a dream and sounds absolutely glorious!! Next step is either a lightweight flywheel/clutch or the Fabspeed "Spec Boxster exhaust"... luv this car!! 😂
Another great video guys. You are the masters of tracking shots 👍👍👍
Thanks for watching and for the feedback!
Boxster is one of the best cars for the money and specs. Don't know why people say their slow. Faster than many other ''fast'' cars of the 90s!!!!
Modern wheels totally make MK1 boxters look awesome.
Yes they do
Great review, I love my 99 986. Its plenty fast and when you get higher up in the RPM band look out. Great sounding engine and exhaust note too. If you are willing and or able to do most of the maintenance yourself these cars a not expensive to maintain and own.
Excellent real-world review. And I love the New Mexico scenery.
Thanks for watching.
Great cars! I love my 2000! Prices are going up fast!
Loved my 2002 986s in Artic Silver. Moved to a 987s 3.4 then an Alfa Romeo 4c and Lamborghini Gallardo. 986s 3.2 was great car!
Very succession of cars!
Great video...your a real car guy. Not a crazy bastard
Man looks great I have 1998 white red top very similar I like the hard top and 2001 midnight blue and I love it keep the good work
Thanks for watching!
Worth noting - biggest competitor is probably the Honda s2000 as manual roadster
Love my 99
What a beauty!!
Featured with the hood not properly closed. Expensive part is not the purchase price yet maintenance after. There is ALWAYS something to fix on weekly basis.
Actually the hood is closed properly. The seal between the hood and the bumper was old and dried out, so it was removed and will be replaced at some point. I disagree that there is something to fix on a weekly basis, especially if properly maintained.
I have a 97 boxter not fast but a joy to drive
Thanks for video. Look almost exactly like mine. Please tell your brother that is seems the two bottom air intake scoops (between rear wheels) are missing. It just helps with better cooling when racing hard. By the way mine now has 210 000km and still drives fantastic, and still immaculate. Best drivers car in the world.
Will do
I read about high maintenence/part failures in every post/comment section.
I have to wonder what the cost/failures would be if drivers simply drove more like a normal person. Sure, the normal person would take it out to stretch it's legs a bit, but I have a hard time believing that is what the failures are coming from.
Agreed, these cars are more reliable the more they are driven.
We are very interested in a 2.5 Boxter. Wow, your brother has a lots of miles too.
We worry about reliability, maintenance and general costs. Heard rumors of IMS issues, seals, clutch and cracked head concerns. Don't know if they are real issues or not.
I love the car and want one. Just moving slow.
Generally speaking, these are reliable cars. When it comes to the IMS bearing failure, it's not as much of an issue with cars that have higher miles like my brother's.
I just bought a 2002 boxster s- had them replace the IMS bearing and rear oil seal just to be cautious. Only 8% have IMS failure but didn’t want to take the chance. Go for it!
Don't worry. The 2.5 was not affected by the IMS issue. They are pretty reliable. And engine parts aside, reasonable to maintain.
I bought a 2000s 6-speed a year-and-a-half ago unbelievable car for the money although they are really skyrocketing now
Yea, the secrets out. Actually all the roadsters from this era are going up in value, BMWs etc.
Those headlights need a good scrub and clear coat. Never liked the gawky hardtop but this particular two-tone combo looks sleek! As does the body coloured centre console. But would you choose this over a Corvette C4? I'm not sure I would.
C4 Corvettes are fun, but in my opinion don't offer the same handling and precision of the Boxster.
Loved the video! I'm curious about those wheels, what are they?
Forgot to mention it in the video. The wheels are actually 18-inch 987-generation Cayman S wheels.
What tire dimensions ?
I own a 2003 Boxster. Everything you say about this car is true. It is a pure driver's car. Will never sell mine.
@@Retromod Boxster S actually comes with 18” wheels and drilled disk rotors
Question - I have this car (1998) same color. How did you (your brother) get the hard top, and was it custom painted?
He actually found the top locally on Craigslist. It came in the burgundy color, which happened to go with the white that the car was already painted.
Just traded my Miata for one of these cuz Miata price took off. Yea, I’ll spend more on maintenance but I think it’ll worth it. And 200 hp is a huge power for me lol.
How is the boxster compared to the Miata? Moving from a Miata to a boxster too, hopefully soon.
Me next on the move up, sold Miata at a profit. Talked myself up to a Boxster S at 2x the price of a Boxster base. Now rethinking that.
Where did you get the hardtop? Beautiful 986!
I got the hardtop with my one but you can get them occasionally on Ebay.
He bought the hard top from another local Porsche owner. It's a factory hard top, but they are rare are usually $800 to $1200.
Retromod my one is a factory one came with the car from new you can pick them up in uk second hand £500+ people often get shot of them for 2 reasons, firstly they are a pain in the butt to store, and putting the stretch cover on 😁
@@Retromod thanks good deal!
Where did you get the hardtop or did it come with the vehicle? Thanks
He bought it from a local seller. The hard tops were optional when they were new.
Got a chance to get one of these not too expensive, BUT what are maintenance costs on these old Boxsters compared to Porshes other cars? Are these easy to work on? or do you have to drop the motor to do anything? thx
Maintaining these are more or less the same as you basically have a 911 /996 apart from the mid engine position,but they are very reliable most basic stuff you can do yourself.
@@TheYjmfan u right I have 2 a 1998 white and red top and 2001 midnight blue they're very reliable all u have to do is maintenance and I replace the IMS bearing because I don't want to take a chance but they been whit me for about 12 or 13 years and they still turning heads and they star and the first try every time
Man they are fun to drive and they still porsche I have 2 a 1998 white whjt red top similar to the one on the video but not hard top and 2001 midnight blue they're very reliable I have it for about 12 13 years and still looking good maintenance is the key and do ur home work if u buy one especially for the IMS Bearing cuz is a common problem with this cars but they're very fun to drive and they're A PORSCHE good luck 👍
I think the only other car that is as good of a sports car in this price, is a mr2 spyder. That are a budget Elise
Prices have gone up substantially in 2024.
Yes, good driving experience for a used car. Mentioned was the $6k to $8k range for a used Boxster, which is pretty accurate. But man, you sure didn't mention what a maintenance nightmare the car can be. It's almost like Porsche built this into the car, for a continuous revenue stream, a mechanical machine meant to fail if not serviced. Toyota, Honda for example, can be driven MANY miles with BASIC maintenance. The IMS bearing which was an engineering mistake, coupled with chain guides (internal engine part) that wear way too soon, water pumps that need replacing by 60K miles, etc, make for an expensive cheap car. OK, rant over. Yes, I own a 97 Boxster.
I still wish mine had at least 270hp. To the wheels. On straight always I have outgrown it.
You can swap a 3.4L into yours with almost 300hp. I test drove the Convertible 911 3.4L and decided I preferred my 986 2.7L. : )
@@nikolayk.3670 Well pardon my ignorance! Haha, I did not know that! I coulda bought an S 3.2 when I bought my 2.7 instead five years ago when they were all cheap. But it's only 0.5 second difference 0-60, and a sixth speed was of no consequence on the twisty mountain roads I drive my Boxster. And the Boxster is already faster than public roads allow.
@@nikolayk.3670 Thanks for the info
Are there any problems to look for?
Is that the stock exhaust on that car?
Yes, stock exhaust but has a snorkel delete on the intake on the driver's side. That adds a little intake noise. Sounds good.
I did the snorkel and the crios mod to the exhaust I swear I feel a little bit better throttle response
Sweet ride! but I don't think you can dismiss the Miata, BMW or Benz that easily.
yeah, if you are used to paying Porsche prices for parts and repairs the Boxter is a deal.
The RX7s and the Miatas have spoiled me for German money-pits - which you have to admit, is what you are getting into with any Porsche. Just be ready for it. (in case your daddy didn't tell you)
True, Porsches are pricier to maintain. The other cars I mentioned are all great cars in their own right. I had a Z3 with the 1.8. Great car, not enough power. Would love to have a 2.8 or 3.0 Z3, which are definitely going up in value. And Miatas are legends for a reason.
Very purist. Very fun. Do NOT put a non-oem exhaust. The humming will ruin the car for you
Some aftermarket exhausts don't drone, but you're right, a lot of them do.
@@Retromod mine has a terrible drone. I haven’t put a non-drone exhaust on yet.
You guys think a 97 boxer with 109k miles is a lot? Itching to buy one..
i own one with 200+ miles. not a single problem
They are very good cars and quite reliable. Ignore people that have never owned one.
The rivals are NC Miata with 2.0 with about 160 hp and Z4 with I6 3.0 which sound amazing! Z3 is a shitty car from different category, dont mixt it up here. Maybe 350z roadster is also in the same price category.
Agree with most of what your saying. But a Z3 2.8 or 3.0 is a pretty fun car. Z3s have better steering than the Z4, which is pretty devoid of feel.The styling of the Z3 is classic front engine, RWD roadster, the Z4 is more futuristic looking thanks to the Chris Bangle "flame-surfaced styling".
Not sure where you got your opinion of the Z3 and you certainly have a right to your own opinion, BUT I can tell you without a doubt you are about .1% minority. 99.9% of everyone Ive spoken to absolutely enjoy them. The only complaint Ive heard is the same (except for the Z3M) as with the boxter.. It could use more power.
Boxtet review or Porsche history lesson…???