Which is the best 986 Boxster?
Chloe Ramirez
Updated on March 01, 2026
Which is the best 986 Boxster?
The best 986 Boxsters are those with the glass rear window. These 2003 MY onwards cars (usually with a 53 plate onwards in mainland Britain) received a minor facelift and power upgrades to both the 2.7 and S models.
Is Boxster 986 reliable?
The good news is that the Boxster 986 is generally reliable and has an MoT pass rate of 78%, which is well above average for cars of that age. The most common reasons for failure are minor headlamp defects and worn tyres.
Is 986 Boxster a classic?
The Porsche Boxster (986) is a modern classic. Even by today’s standards, its lively handling is enjoyed by motoring enthusiasts the world over.
Whats the difference between a 986 and 987 Boxster?
The interiors are very different and most prefer the 987. To me the 987 feels more rigid and rides more firm, but the 986 feels lighter and more nimble. The 986 has the M96 motor and it can have some issues- the most widely discussed is the IMSB. The bearing can be upgraded by dropping the transmission.
How much does it cost to replace the IMS bearing on a Porsche?
The cost of a IMS Retrofit replacement bearing and labour for installation is usually more than $4,000 but can be done in conjunction with the clutch.
Are 986 Boxster S going up in value?
It’s a great first Porsche and it’s likely to continue rising in value over the coming years. It’s not too demanding on maintenance, and is fun to own and drive. Sure, some Porsche fans will downplay the importance of the 986, but don’t be fooled.
What year Porsche Boxsters have IMS problems?
The statistics suggest that the versions used for model years 2000 to 2005 are most susceptible (mostly the 996 version of the 911 and the Boxster 986), while the chances of IMS bearing failure on a Boxster 987 or Cayman manufactured after a stronger bearing was introduced in late 2005 are very slim.
Will a 986 Boxster go up in value?
It’s a great first Porsche and it’s likely to continue rising in value over the coming years. It’s not too demanding on maintenance, and is fun to own and drive. The popularity of Porsche’s 986 Boxster has stood the test of time and is now increasing as more people realize how much car you can get for your money.
Which Boxster year is best?
When the Porsche Boxster came out in 1996, it had some problems through the next few years as all new vehicles experience. Then after a couple of redesigns, Porsche would find their sweet spot in 2012, which is the best year for the Porsche Boxster.
Which Porsche Boxster is the fastest?
2020 Porsche 718 Cayman, Boxster, Spyder Power Breakdown
| 718 Cayman | 718 Boxster | |
|---|---|---|
| Max Horsepower | 300 horsepower | 300 horsepower |
| Max Torque | 280 pound-feet of torque | 280 pound-feet of torque |
| 0 – 60 mph | 4.9 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Top Track Speed | 170 mph | 170 mph |
What is the best year for Porsche Boxster?
How common is Porsche IMS failure?
According to information published about the Eisen IMS Class Action Lawsuit, the single row IMS bearing used in 2000 through 2005 model years is reported to have an 8% failure rate, versus less than 1% with the dual row IMS bearing which has twice the load capacity of the single row bearing used by Porsche.
