In 2003, a black Porsche 986 Boxster rolled off the assembly line and hit the streets. Eleven years and 64,000 miles later, this Porsche became mine. The tiny entry-level two-seater sports car has a long lineage of being one of Porsche’s most popular models- and for good reason. Unlike other models such as the 911, Cayenne and Panamera, the Boxster is not only easier to maintain but is also cheaper. The Boxster is a great starter car for those looking to enter not only the Porsche market but also the exotic car world and here’s why:
It’s cheap. A 2003 Boxster can easily be had for under $10,000. When you consider what the Porsche brand is and the prestige it represents, the entry cost is far less than rival brands like Maserati, Lamborghini and Ferrari. For example, to get into a Lamborghini, you’re looking at a price of at least $80,000- and that would be considered an amazing deal. An entry to the Ferrari brand could occasionally be done for around $30,000 for a model a few decades old. Entry to Maserati can come at a reasonable price range of $17,000-$20,000.
The next factor relates back to the price, and that is the maintenance. Like the low price, the Boxster has a relatively low maintenance cost. An oil change can be accomplished for about $120, new brakes for around $700 and a new clutch for $3,000. Those prices are more than your average car but the Boxster and the Porsche brand are far from average. The 986 Boxster is also a very reliable car and needs far less regular maintenance than other entry-level cars from rival companies.
The last reason why this Porsche is the perfect entry–level sports car is the Stuttgart, Germany crafted engine. The 986 Boxster and Boxster S are certainly no competitors of high performance sports cars with the latter of the two boasting the more powerful 3.2L Flat 6 making 258hp. The 986 without the ‘S’ package (the model I currently drive) have the smaller 2.7L Flat 6 producing 227hp. These may not be staggering numbers but the soft rumble of the German Flat 6 and the gear changes of the 5 speed manual (or PDK Automatic) transmission will bring joy to any car enthusiast. While the car may be underpowered, the handling is pure Porsche perfection and will not disappoint.
The Porsche Boxster has been a coveted car in the Porsche brand since it’s introduction in the late 1990’s. For under $10,000 you can get behind the wheel of car built by the same company that gave the world some of the best cars ever produced in the Carrera GT, 918 Spyder and GT3 RS. If you’re looking to enter into the Porsche brand or the exotic car world, the Porsche 986 Boxster and Boxster S are great considerations.
Photos by Michael Newman & Zach Cohen
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For more pictures of my 2003 Porsche 986 Boxster click HERE.
