With values of the early Boxster dropping to less than £5,000; the 2.5 model from 1997 to 1999 represents an excellent buy. The ‘S’ model with the 3.2 litre engine can be found for as little as £8,000 too. Early 986 Boxsters are now similar money to the 944S2 and 944 Turbo models with Cabrio versions of either costing a little more. The 968 still fetches a higher premium, but how do these different models really compare?
In the workshop we see lots of Boxsters. They are a very popular car and on the whole offer good performance with good reliability. As most are at least 10 years newer than the older generation 944/968 – how do these very different cars compare from a performance and durability perspective?
A few years back, I had a Boxster 3.2S. It was an excellent handling car and very enjoyable to own. I’ve also had quite a few 944 models (including Lux, Turbo and S2 Cabrio) and have driven a few 968 models. Both cars have similar performance and similar running costs (apart from the 944 Turbo – which is still in a different performance league). Corrosion is the big concern for 944 models that are now all reaching 20+ years of age. Despite being fully hot dip galvanised when built, many are suffering the ill effects of corrosion (sills, wings, rear wheel arches and fuel pipes) – but, if cared for seem to stand the test of time very well. The Boxster is a little more challenging when it comes to major engine surgery, but also suffers corrosion in many areas (mainly components rather than external bodywork). Hence, it’s interesting how comparable the two cars are. What would you choose on a £5k Porsche budget? Andrew S