This is a superb vehicle at an affordable price! With less than 30,000 miles on the odometer, this vehicle glistens in the crowded convertible segment! All of the premium features expected of a Porsche are offered, including: a tachometer, a power convertible roof, and leather upholstery. Porsche made sure to keep road-handling and sportiness at the top of it's priority list. Under the hood you'll find a 6 cylinder engine with more than 200 horsepower, providing a smooth and predictable driving experience.
You will have a pleasant shopping experience that is fun, informative, and never high pressured. Please don't hesitate to give us a call.
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.…
5.0
Great Car
by Frustrated Biker | on 2/11/2026 5:30:40 PM
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.…
5.0
25 yrs awarded safety , no need for smog test
by Porsche Boxster | on 4/20/2025 1:41:29 PM
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.…
The selling price does not include additional dealer accessories, fees and costs of closing, including government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer documentation fees, any emissions testing fees or other fees. Dealer accessories are not included in the advertised pricing, see store for details. All prices, specifications and availability subject to change without notice. Contact dealer for most current information. MPG estimates on this website are EPA estimates; your actual mileage may vary. For used vehicles, MPG estimates are EPA estimates for the vehicle when it was new. The EPA periodically modifies its MPG calculation methodology; all MPG estimates are based on the methodology in effect when the vehicles were new (please see the Fuel Economy portion of the EPAs website for details, including a MPG recalculation tool) All prices, specifications and availability subject to change without notice. Volvo Cars Bend (541) 749-2156 for the most current information. We make every attempt to keep posted prices and vehicle information accurate and up to date. In the event that inaccuracies occur, we reserve the right to modify and make corrections in a timely manner. All prices are subject to this correction policy and are a part of the terms of use of this Web site. MSRP is the suggested retail price and is subsequently listed as a reference point only, prices may vary due to market demand and availability. Please check with a Contact Volvo Cars Bend Manager to verify. Discounts are not combinable with lease offers or Special Factory Employee Affiliate Plans. For In-Transit inventory, any date of arrival is estimated. The actual date of delivery may vary due to circumstances beyond OEM's and the dealer's control. Please contact Volvo Cars Bend for availability details. Max payload/towing estimate ratings shown. Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload/towing weights. See dealer for details.
Advertised price does not include $200 doc fee and $50 electronic
filing fee.
4.7