How'd You Lose That? 2000 Porsche Boxster 986 "S"

You don't have to be an expert in the automotive market to see how cheap used Boxsters have become -- it probably has something to do with Porsche stamped them out like boxes of number 2 pencils headed to your local dollar mart.  Various interweb sources claim something like 160,000 of the 986 designated convertibles left the factory, but you'll have to search harder and pay more for the 3.2 liter S version...or you could buy this next basic Boxster that has had an undocumented upgrade to the 3.2 liter flat-6 if you don't mind buying a Porsche that was built in Finland. Find this 2000 Porsche Boxster offered for $5250 in Mountain View, CA via craigslist.

Premium Vintage: 1999 Porsche Boxster

I hate paying premium price for anything...which is why I spend a large part of my day obsessing over used cars, scouring the web for cars that have depreciated into the basement and can be purchased with your coronavirus stimulus check.  However...there is something captivating about time capsule cars -- those which appear to have avoided the inevitable decay for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. This next car is old enough to legally drink in all 50 states but only has 33k miles on the odo and is offered for a "premium" price, but not an insane one.  Does the clean condition merit the premium price? Find this 1999 Porsche Boxster offered for $13999 in Palos Verdes, CA via craigslist.

Hardtop Added: 1998 Porsche Boxster 986

When Porsche released its mid-engine Boxster in 1997, it wasn't just the first roadster to be designed since the original 550 Spyder, but it was also the first mid-engine Porsche to hit the road after the Porsche 914, which was really a Volkswagen project if you believe the web.  Anyway, if you wanted a hardtop version you had to wait until Porsche released the Cayman in 2006 or get one with an added roof, like this 1998 Porsche Boxster 986 offered for $11,500 in Omaha, NE via craigslist. Tip from Jeff. 

Guards Red: 2002 Porsche Boxster S

Ten thousand dollars doesn't get you much in Guard's Red with the Porsche crest on the hood and an S badge on the trunk...but if you choose carefully you might be able to get something with fairly low miles and a 6-speed manual box.  Did I mention it handles well too? Find this 2002 Porsche Boxster S offered for $11,590 in Temecula, CA via cargurus.com. Tip from Jeff G.

Rock Bottom: 2000 Porsche Boxster

DT regular tipper/commenter Jeff sent in a tip with a low buck Porsche Boxster and asked the question "have these things hit bottom yet?"  Not sure if they've hit absolute bottom, but if they get much cheaper they'll be giving them away when you upgrade your phone plan.  Find this 2000 Porsche Boxster here on eBay offered for $5,800 buy-it-now located in Takoma Park, MD.

Sunday 5K German Toss Up: 1998 Porsche Boxster or 2004 Audi S4

Late model German performance cars have a well earned reputation for lightening owner's bank accounts in order to keep them in top shape.  We have two cars for sale today with similar amount of miles, similar price tag, and similar known engine issues.  First generation water cooled Porche Boxster and 911 engines are prone to IMS bearing issues.  Audi B6 and B7 V8 engines were similarly blessed with timing chain issues.  With these potential issues in mind would you be willing to take a five grand flyer on either of these autobahn burners?  Today's craigslist choices are this 1998 Porche Boxster in Ridgefield, CT for $5,000 firm or this 2004 Audi S4 in New Canaan, CT for $4,900. 

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Fried Eggs Benedict: 1997 Porsche Boxster with 911 Flat-6

I've been a big fan of the Porsche Boxster since it hit the market about 20 years ago, and my enthusiasm has only grown as they've aged into cheap abused late models.  You really can't beat the performance-per-dollar ratio of a $7,500 mid-engined Porsche, particularly one with the big 3.4 liter engine from a 911. Find this 1997 Porsche Boxster with 911 Flat-6 offered for $7,800 in Millbrae, CA via craigslist.

Seller Submission: 2002 Porsche Boxster S

Seller Submission from Rod: I am submitting for your consideration my 2002 Boxster S 6spd. Asking price is $11k OBO (on the low end of Good and Fair on Hagerty's scale). The car has been fantastic and driven pretty sparingly. The only reason that I am selling is that I picked up a 996 and I want the Boxster to go to a fellow driving enthusiast.

Coffee Brake: Summer School

Welcome to Coffee Brake, where we take a break from the mundane and explore the urbane.  Tuesday of this past week was the first day of summer for those of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere and the sunshine (plus long days) are very welcome.  Of course then i'm going to talk about the best cars for summer...because that is what we do around here.  Things happen.  We talk. Blah blah...yeah. I will have the audacity to suggest that all you need for a summer car is a manual gearbox and a convertible top...but you might have other ideas.

Nice or Ice: 2002 Porsche Boxster

A few times a week I see a deal for a car on the frinternet (free internet...it is a new word that I just invented and think should be added to dictionary) and wonder...If you show up with cash to buy said vehicle, will you end up in (a) a sweet deal of a car, or (b) a bathtub of ice water missing your liver.  Either way, you'll end up screaming.  Find this 2002 Porsche Boxster offered for $3,900 in Los Angeles, CA via craigslist.  Tip from Rod S.

Not So Little Brother- 1997 Porsche Boxster 3.4

The all new mid engine Boxster made its debut as the entry level Porsche in 1997.  Power came from a modestly powered 2.5 flat six engine that made 201 horsepower.  In subsequent years, a higher power S model was introduced, but no Boxster was able to outperform the 911.  Today's Boxster has a engine swap from a 2000 911 Carrera gaining at least a 100 hp and about 75 lbs of torque in the process.  Find this 1997 Porsche Boxster 3.4 for sale in Roxbury, CT for $15,500 via craigslist.

Mid Week Match-Up: Mid-Engine Madness

It is Wednesday, hump day, the day before Thursday, whatever you call it -- around here, we know it is time for the Mid Week Match-Up.  This is your chance to find a car for our readers, and this week, we are looking for the best mid-engine car for less than $10k.  Any color, any location, gotta have an engine in the middle.

1998 Porsche Boxster

In 1996 Porsche introduced their first mid-engine street car since the last 914 left the assembly line in 1976.  Styling by Grant Larson was said to evoke the 550 Spyder of yesteryear and the biggest complaint you got from Porsche guys was that it looked too much like the 911...as if that was a bad thing.  The 986 generation Boxster depreciated hard and fast, and today you can pick them up for next to nothing.  Find this 1998 Porsche Boxster offered for $5,995 in Portland, OR via craigslist. This post is part of DT's 2016 Birthday Celebration of 100 cars; enjoy the ride!

Idles of March: 1998 Porsche Boxster 3.4L Swap

Beware the non-idling cars of March, celebrated today on the Ides of March. This next car doesn't run, and it should send a sword through shiver down your spine quicker than you can say "Et tu, Brute?!"  That's right, we found the ultimate unloved Boxster with a busted 911 engine swap.  Did somebody dial 911? Find this 1998 Porsche Boxster with 911 engine offered for $3,000 in Katonah, NY via craigslist.  Tip from Cory.

MId Week Match-Up: $10k Sportster for Arlow

Today's Mid Week Match-Up request comes from Arlow who writes: I want sports car that's fun to drive and won't leave me stranded too often.  While I'm not a fan of convertibles as my DD, a 'vert might work here.  I've looked at Alfa Spiders and of course there's the Miata.  Currently my thinking is Miata is always the answer (I drove a Spider and decided that the idea of an old Alfa is way better than the reality of an old Alfa), but maybe I'm just not thinking far enough out of the box.  It doesn't have to pull .98g's on the skid pad, but shouldn't wallow, either.  Budget is 10K or under or maybe a little above for the right car. 

15k: The IMS In The Room: 2000 Porsche Boxster S

Yesterday's Porsche 968 bidding for around $15k prompted a few commenters to point out that you can get some newer/nicer/faster/less-pricky cars for that same amount of money.  The Porsche Boxster S is one that springs to mind, you are getting a car that is 10 years newer, faster, better balance, and more cylinders...so why do they cost about as much?  Find this 2000 Porsche Boxster S offered for $15,900 buy-it-now here on eBay with 3 days to go, located in Jacksonville, FL.

15k: Low Mile 986: 1999 Porsche Boxster

The Porsche Boxster was a spiritual revival of the Porsche 550 Spyder, offered at the Porsche 914 price point.  The Boxster is a great handling car for in base or S versions and today prices couldn't be better in the used market.  Find this 1999 Porsche Boxster with 9k miles on the odometer currently bidding for $11,600 on ebay with 3 days to go, located in Hermosa Beach, CA.