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Porsche Boxster

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Porsche Boxster: Porsche's mid-engine roadster. Affordable Porsche entry. The 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 brought back flat-six charact
Photo: Alexander Migl / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Porsche's mid-engine roadster. Affordable Porsche entry. The 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 brought back flat-six character.

The Porsche Boxster is a mid-engine roadster in production since 1996, sister car to the Cayman coupe. The Boxster shares platform with the Cayman; both use the same chassis and powertrain. The Boxster has been Porsche affordable entry-level sports car, providing the Porsche driving experience at lower price points than the 911. Boxster generations include the original (1996-2004), Type 987 (2005-2012), Type 981 (2013-2016), Type 718 Boxster (2016-2024), and current Type 982 (2025+). The 718 Boxster initially used turbocharged flat-four engines (controversial reception). The 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 (2020-2023) brought back naturally aspirated flat-six in a focused sport variant. On WhipJury, Boxster submissions are common across generations. The 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 and the older 981 Boxster Spyder are particularly desirable.

Boxster generations

Original (1996-2004). First generation. Various flat-six engines.

987 (2005-2012). Refresh.

981 (2013-2016). Refined chassis. Spyder variant introduced.

718 (2016-2024). Turbocharged flat-four (initial). GTS 4.0 brought back flat-six.

982 (2025+). Current. Returns to flat-six across more variants.

Frequently asked questions about Porsche Boxster

How is the Boxster different from the Cayman?
Same platform, different bodies. Boxster is convertible, Cayman is coupe. Both share chassis, engine, transmission, and most components. Boxster is slightly less rigid (open-roof structure) but more open-air. Cayman is slightly more focused due to coupe rigidity.
How much does a Boxster cost?
Used pricing varies by generation. Original Boxster: $20,000-$45,000. 987 Boxster: $35,000-$60,000. 981 Boxster: $50,000-$80,000. 718 Boxster: $60,000-$100,000+. 718 GTS 4.0: $90,000-$140,000.
Is the Boxster reliable?
Generally yes when maintained. Common issues include IMS bearing concerns on early water-cooled cars (similar to 996/997). Modern Boxsters are generally reliable.
What is the GTS 4.0?
The 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 (2020-2023) is the focused performance variant with naturally aspirated 4.0 flat-six (the same engine as 992 GT3). The GTS 4.0 returned to flat-six character that the turbocharged 718 lacked. Highly regarded by enthusiasts.
Should I get a Boxster or Cayman?
Personal preference. Boxster offers open-air driving; Cayman offers slightly stiffer chassis and traditional coupe character. Both share platform; choice depends on whether you want roof-down driving or coupe styling.

More on the Porsche Boxster

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