Cars · Top 10
Top 10 Porsche Boxster Model Years (Ranked) in 2027
Direct answer
The 2010 Porsche Boxster (987.2) is the best Boxster model year, with 2 NHTSA complaints, no recall campaigns and KBB used prices from $17,000. The 2011 comes second with the same 2 complaints, and the 2004 ranks last because it falls in the IMS bearing lawsuit window.
At a glance
| # | Pick | NHTSA complaints | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2010 Porsche Boxster (987.2) | 2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Boxster | Buyers who want a late 987 with direct injection, no recalls and a low price |
| 2 | 2011 Porsche Boxster (987.2) | 2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Boxster | Buyers who want the last year of the 987 and a possible Spyder or Black Edition |
| 3 | 2009 Porsche Boxster (987.2) | 3 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Boxster | Buyers who want the first facelifted 987 with PDK available |
| 4 | 2008 Porsche Boxster (987.1) | 1 complaint filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Boxster, the fewest of any year here except the 2019 and 2021 | Budget buyers who want a 987 with the 3.4-litre S and the lowest entry price |
| 5 | 2015 Porsche Boxster (981) | 3 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Boxster | Buyers who want a naturally aspirated flat-six with a modern chassis and styling |
| 6 | 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster (982) | 0 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019 718 Boxster | Buyers who want the newest turbocharged Boxster |
| 7 | 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster (982) | 0 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Boxster | Buyers who want the 718 with the 4.0-litre flat-six and the highest-spec trims |
| 8 | 2000 Porsche Boxster (986) | 5 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2000 Boxster | Buyers on a tight budget who want a 986 built after the casting fix |
| 9 | 1997 Porsche Boxster (986) | 23 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Boxster, the most of any year here | Collectors who want the original 1997 Boxster at the lowest price |
| 10 | 2004 Porsche Boxster (986) | 4 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Boxster | Collectors who want the 550 Spyder anniversary edition and will inspect the IMS bearing |
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2010 Porsche Boxster (987.2)
Best last 987
2011 Porsche Boxster (987.2)
Cheapest
2008 Porsche Boxster (987.1)
Best modern flat-six
2015 Porsche Boxster (981)
Best 718
2021 Porsche 718 Boxster (982)
The ranking
1
2010 Porsche Boxster (987.2)
Photo: M 93 / Attribution via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe sweet spot.
NHTSA complaints: 2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2010 BoxsterNHTSA recalls: 0 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2010 BoxsterKBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $17,000 for the Boxster (originally $54,835) and $19,000 for the Boxster S (originally $64,695)Power and economy: 255-310 hp across trims (KBB); 22 combined mpgEngine: The facelifted 987 has a 2.9-litre base flat-six, direct fuel injection on the Boxster S, and a 6-speed manual or optional 7-speed PDK; the IMS bearing lawsuit covered Boxsters built between 4 May 2001 and 21 February 2005Owner rating: KBB owners rate the second-generation Boxster 4.9 out of 5 for reliability
The 2010 is the facelifted 987 with a 2.9-litre base flat-six and direct injection on the S. NHTSA lists 2 complaints and 0 recall campaigns; KBB prices run from $17,000 to $19,000, and owners rate reliability 4.9 out of 5.
Go ifBuyers who want a late 987 with direct injection, no recalls and a low price
Skip ifYou want a turbo four-cylinder or the newest safety tech
Why #1 over #2: It matches the 2011 on complaints (2) and recalls (0) but starts at $17,000 versus $19,500.
2
2011 Porsche Boxster (987.2)
Photo: Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe last 987.
NHTSA complaints: 2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 BoxsterNHTSA recalls: 0 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2011 BoxsterKBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $19,500 for the Boxster (originally $55,680) up to $40,000 for the Spyder (originally $64,510)Power and economy: 255-320 hp across trims (KBB); 22 combined mpgSpecial editions: The 2011 Boxster Black Edition was limited to 987 units; KBB also lists the Boxster Spyder for 2011Owner rating: KBB owners rate the second-generation Boxster 4.9 out of 5 for reliability
The 2011 is the last 987 year, with 2 NHTSA complaints and 0 recall campaigns. KBB prices run from $19,500 to $40,000 for the Spyder, and the Black Edition was limited to 987 units.
Go ifBuyers who want the last year of the 987 and a possible Spyder or Black Edition
Skip ifYou want the lowest price: the 2010 starts at $17,000
Why #2 over #3: It lists 2 complaints versus 3 for the 2009, with the same 0 recalls.
3
2009 Porsche Boxster (987.2)
Photo: Calreyn88 / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first of the facelift.
NHTSA complaints: 3 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 BoxsterNHTSA recalls: 0 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2009 BoxsterKBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $20,000 for the Boxster (originally $52,210) and $22,000 for the Boxster S (originally $64,945)Power and economy: 255-310 hp across trims (KBB); 22 combined mpgFacelift: The second-generation facelift added new head and tail lights, a 2.9-litre base engine, direct fuel injection on the S and an optional 7-speed PDK dual-clutch gearboxOwner rating: KBB owners rate the second-generation Boxster 4.9 out of 5 for reliability
The 2009 is the first facelifted 987 year, with new lights, direct injection on the S and optional PDK. NHTSA lists 3 complaints and 0 recall campaigns; KBB prices run from $20,000 to $22,000.
Go ifBuyers who want the first facelifted 987 with PDK available
Skip ifYou want fewer complaints: the 2010 lists 2 versus 3
Why #3 over #4: It adds the PDK and direct injection that the 2008 lacks, although the 2008 lists 1 complaint.
4
2008 Porsche Boxster (987.1)
Photo: free photos & art / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheap 987.
NHTSA complaints: 1 complaint filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Boxster, the fewest of any year here except the 2019 and 2021NHTSA recalls: 0 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2008 BoxsterKBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price from $8,800 for the Limited Edition (originally $50,760) to $22,900 for the Boxster S (originally $65,300)Power and economy: 245-295 hp across trims (KBB); 21-23 combined mpgEngine: For 2007 the base Boxster got a revised engine with VarioCam Plus and the Boxster S grew from 3.2 to 3.4 litres; the IMS bearing lawsuit covered Boxsters built between 4 May 2001 and 21 February 2005Owner rating: KBB owners rate the second-generation Boxster 4.9 out of 5 for reliability
The 2008 is a late 987.1 with the 2007 engine revisions (VarioCam Plus, 3.4-litre S). NHTSA lists 1 complaint and 0 recalls, and KBB prices run from $8,800 to $22,900.
Go ifBudget buyers who want a 987 with the 3.4-litre S and the lowest entry price
Skip ifYou want direct injection or PDK, which arrived with the facelift
Why #4 over #5: It lists 1 complaint and 0 recalls versus 3 complaints and 2 recalls for the 2015, at a far lower price.
5
2015 Porsche Boxster (981)
Photo: Navigator84 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe modern flat-six.
NHTSA complaints: 3 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 BoxsterNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA (axle assembly; hood latch)KBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $33,800 for the Boxster (originally $53,065) up to $50,000 for the GTS (originally $76,680)Power and economy: 265-330 hp across trims (KBB); 22-24 combined mpgThird generation: The 981 has a chassis 40 per cent more torsionally rigid than the 987, a 2.7-litre base engine and a 3.4-litre S; Porsche claimed 15 per cent fuel savings and added the GTS in March 2014Owner rating: KBB owners rate the third-generation Boxster 4.9 out of 5 for reliability
The 2015 is the third-generation 981 with a stiffer chassis and a naturally aspirated flat-six. NHTSA lists 3 complaints and 2 recall campaigns (axle assembly; hood latch); KBB prices run from $33,800 to $50,000.
Go ifBuyers who want a naturally aspirated flat-six with a modern chassis and styling
Skip ifYou want zero recalls: NHTSA lists 2
Why #5 over #6: It keeps the flat-six that the turbocharged 2019 718 dropped.
6
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster (982)
Photo: Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe turbo-four Boxster.
NHTSA complaints: 0 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019 718 BoxsterNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed by NHTSA (fuel system); Porsche recalled 14,388 Caymans and Boxsters on March 5, 2019 over a luggage compartment bracket that could puncture the fuel tankKBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $48,400 for the 718 Boxster (originally $60,250) up to $64,000 for the GTS (originally $84,050)Power and economy: 300-365 hp across trims (KBB); 21-24 combined mpg718 era: The 718 Boxster swapped the flat-six for turbocharged flat-four engines of 2.0 and 2.5 litres; the GTS has 365 hpOwner rating: KBB owners rate the 718 Boxster 4.9 out of 5 for reliability
The 2019 718 Boxster has a turbocharged flat-four and a 365 hp GTS. NHTSA lists 0 complaints and 1 recall campaign for the fuel system; KBB prices run from $48,400 to $64,000.
Go ifBuyers who want the newest turbocharged Boxster
Skip ifYou want a flat-six: the 2.0 and 2.5 are turbo fours
Why #6 over #7: It lists 1 recall versus 2 for the 2021, at a similar starting price.
7
2021 Porsche 718 Boxster (982)
Photo: Alexander-93 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe flat-six returns.
NHTSA complaints: 0 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 BoxsterNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA (suspension; engine, which includes the Boxster GTS 4.0)KBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $48,000 for the 718 Boxster (originally $63,350) up to $83,000 for the 25 Years Anniversary Edition (originally $99,950)Power and economy: 300-394 hp across trims (KBB); 19-22 combined mpgFlat-six returns: The 2020 GTS 4.0 brought back a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six rated 394 hp and 310 lb-ftAnniversary: The 2021 Boxster 25 Years edition was limited to 1,250 units
The 2021 718 Boxster includes the GTS 4.0 with a 394 hp flat-six and the 25 Years edition limited to 1,250 units. NHTSA lists 0 complaints and 2 recall campaigns; KBB prices run from $48,000 to $83,000.
Go ifBuyers who want the 718 with the 4.0-litre flat-six and the highest-spec trims
Skip ifYou are on a budget: KBB prices start at $48,000
Why #7 over #8: It lists 0 complaints versus 5 for the 2000 and a 394 hp engine option.
8
2000 Porsche Boxster (986)
Photo: Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe budget 986.
NHTSA complaints: 5 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2000 BoxsterNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed by NHTSA (Tiptronic key-lock)KBB price: KBB lists a current resale value of $8,670 and a trade-in value of $6,852; the original MSRP could not be confirmedPower and economy: 217-250 hp across trims (KBB); 19-20 combined mpgEngine: Cracked or slipped cylinder liners in the early M96 engines were resolved by a minor redesign and better casting control in late 1999; the IMS bearing lawsuit covered Boxsters built between 4 May 2001 and 21 February 2005Owner rating: KBB owners rate the 2000 Boxster 4.7 out of 5 overall and 4.7 for reliability
The 2000 is an early 986 built after the late-1999 cylinder liner fix. NHTSA lists 5 complaints and 1 recall campaign; KBB lists a resale value of $8,670, and the original MSRP could not be confirmed.
Go ifBuyers on a tight budget who want a 986 built after the casting fix
Skip ifYou want the lowest risk of engine trouble
Why #8 over #9: It lists 5 complaints versus 23 for the 1997.
9
1997 Porsche Boxster (986)
Photo: Damian B Oh / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe original.
NHTSA complaints: 23 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Boxster, the most of any year hereNHTSA recalls: 4 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA (Tiptronic key-lock; ignition switch; PRNDL indicator; air bag switch kit)KBB price: KBB lists a current resale value of $7,752 and a trade-in value of $6,263; the original MSRP could not be confirmedPower and economy: 201 hp (KBB); 21 combined mpgFirst generation: Grant Larson’s design was inspired by the 356 Cabriolet, Speedster and 550 Spyder; the 986 shared its bonnet, front wings, headlights, interior and engine architecture with the 996Owner rating: KBB owners rate the 1997 Boxster 4.7 out of 5 overall and 4.7 for reliability
The 1997 is the original 986 Boxster with 201 hp. NHTSA lists 23 complaints, the most of any year here, and 4 recall campaigns; KBB lists a resale value of $7,752.
Go ifCollectors who want the original 1997 Boxster at the lowest price
Skip ifYou want few recalls or complaints: NHTSA lists 4 recalls and 23 complaints
Why #9 over #10: It was built before the 4 May 2001 IMS bearing window that covers the 2004.
10
2004 Porsche Boxster (986)
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe IMS-era pick.
NHTSA complaints: 4 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 BoxsterNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed by NHTSA (headlights)KBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $12,000 for the Boxster (originally $45,485) and $11,000 for the Boxster S (originally $54,485)Power and economy: 225-258 hp across trims (KBB); 19-21 combined mpgIMS risk: Boxsters built between 4 May 2001 and 21 February 2005 suffered engine failures from the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing, which led to the Eisen v. Porsche Cars North America class actionSpecial edition: The 2004 Boxster S 550 Spyder 50th Anniversary Edition was limited to 1,953 units
The 2004 falls in the IMS bearing lawsuit window, with 4 NHTSA complaints and 1 recall campaign for the headlights. KBB prices run from $11,000 to $12,000, and the 550 Spyder anniversary edition was limited to 1,953 units.
Go ifCollectors who want the 550 Spyder anniversary edition and will inspect the IMS bearing
Skip ifYou want to avoid IMS risk
How we ranked these
We ranked Boxster model years by what they give a used buyer today: NHTSA recall and owner complaint counts first, then the IMS bearing risk, engine changes, Kelley Blue Book used prices against the original MSRP, and owner reliability ratings. Counts were read from the NHTSA API and prices from KBB when we checked, and prices change weekly. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare years within a generation. The original MSRP for the 1997 and 2000 could not be confirmed. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best Porsche Boxster year?
By NHTSA records, the 2010 and 2011 Boxsters: each lists 2 owner complaints and no recall campaigns, with KBB used prices from $17,000 and $19,500.
Which Boxster years have the IMS bearing problem?
Boxsters built between 4 May 2001 and 21 February 2005 suffered engine failures from the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing, which led to a class action against Porsche Cars North America. Some say the problem is not limited to those years.
How much is a used Porsche Boxster?
Kelley Blue Book lists a 2008 Boxster from $8,800, a 2010 from $17,000, a 2015 from $33,800 and a 2019 718 Boxster from $48,400.
What is the difference between the 986, 987, 981 and 718 Boxster?
The 986 (1996-2004) and 987 (2005-2012) use the M96 flat-six, the 981 (2012-2016) has a new chassis and engines, and the 718 (982) switched to turbocharged flat-four engines, with a 4.0-litre flat-six returning in the 2020 GTS 4.0.
Cheapest used KBB Fair Purchase Price by model year (USD, as listed) at a glance
2008 Porsche Boxster (987.1)8,800 USD
2004 Porsche Boxster (986)12,000 USD
2010 Porsche Boxster (987.2)17,000 USD
2011 Porsche Boxster (987.2)19,500 USD
2009 Porsche Boxster (987.2)20,000 USD
2015 Porsche Boxster (981)33,800 USD
2021 Porsche 718 Boxster (982)48,000 USD
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster (982)48,400 USD
Official sites
- 2010 Porsche Boxster (987.2) · kbb.com
- 2011 Porsche Boxster (987.2) · kbb.com
- 2009 Porsche Boxster (987.2) · kbb.com
- 2008 Porsche Boxster (987.1) · kbb.com
- 2015 Porsche Boxster (981) · kbb.com
- 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster (982) · kbb.com
- 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster (982) · kbb.com
- 2000 Porsche Boxster (986) · kbb.com
- 1997 Porsche Boxster (986) · kbb.com
- 2004 Porsche Boxster (986) · kbb.com
Sources
- en.wikipedia.org
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
Prices, specs and availability change; confirm on the official site before you buy.