Overview
The 987 Boxster succeeded the original roadster with revised styling, a redesigned interior and a broader options list. The generation began in 2004 for the following model year and continued until the 981 replaced it. Its most important buying distinction is within the generation: early cars use the older engine family and could have Tiptronic, while later cars gained revised engines and PDK. Porsche identifies PASM adaptive dampers, ceramic brakes and Sport Chrono among the available equipment, so two cars wearing the same Boxster badge may be quite different to maintain. Porsche’s Boxster history.
Versions and engines
Read this section: Versions and engines
- Early Boxster and S: the initial 987 retained 2.7-litre and 3.2-litre flat-sixes, rated at 240 PS and 280 PS respectively. Porsche Boxster history.
- Updated early range: Porsche’s 2006 update brought a 245 PS 2.7-litre Boxster and a 295 PS 3.4-litre S. Do not assume every pre-facelift S has the same displacement. Porsche annual report.
- Later 987.2: by the end of the generation, the Boxster had a 2.9-litre engine rated at 255 PS and the S a 3.4-litre engine rated at 310 PS. PDK replaced Tiptronic S as the automatic choice. Porsche Boxster history.
- Boxster Spyder: this lighter, distinctive roadster has a 3.4-litre engine rated at 320 PS. Compare a genuine Spyder with other Spyders, not with a Boxster S carrying similar-looking trim. Porsche Spyder specifications.
What drives the price
Read this section: What drives the price
Identify the engine generation before looking at options. A later PDK-equipped 987.2 and an earlier Tiptronic S are distinct products; an advert describing either simply as “automatic” hides a major difference. The Spyder needs its own comparison set, with factory specification checked carefully. On ordinary Boxsters, PASM, Sport Chrono and ceramic brakes can influence desirability, but each brings inspection questions. Confirm that adaptive damping works and that expensive brake components match the advert’s description. Porsche Boxster history.
Maintenance evidence is the other major factor. Early engine-family cars merit questions about the intermediate-shaft bearing and cylinder condition; later cars should not be assessed using exactly the same fault checklist. Across the range, a dry cabin, sound hood and intact cooling system matter more than an unverified claim of “full history”. Read invoices for work performed, not just service stamps. PcarWise common-problems guide.
Common problems and what to inspect
Read this section: Common problems and what to inspect
- Early engine concerns: PcarWise identifies an IMS bearing in the 986 and early 987 engine families, with risk varying by engine year. Ask a specialist to identify the fitted engine and investigate abnormal noise or metal in the oil filter. PcarWise.
- Oil smoke and leaks: look for persistent smoke, oil around the engine-to-gearbox joint and leaks near spark-plug areas. An air-oil separator fault can imitate a more serious engine problem, so diagnosis matters. PcarWise.
- Cooling: inspect the expansion tank, pump area and low-mounted front radiators. Coolant smell, gradual loss or dried residue should prompt a pressure test. PcarWise.
- Hood and gearbox: run the roof through a complete cycle and check for water ingress. Drive manual, Tiptronic or PDK cars long enough to assess their particular shift behaviour when warm. PcarWise.
Running costs
Read this section: Running costs
A Porsche maintenance checklist for later 987 Boxster and Cayman models calls for oil and filter every 10,000 miles or 15,000 km, plugs every 40,000 miles or four years, plus scheduled air-filter and drive-belt checks. Those figures come from a market-specific checklist; use the service book for the car’s year and country as the governing schedule. Porsche maintenance checklist. Inspect the radiators and their intakes during routine service, and keep records for roof, cooling and transmission work. PcarWise common-problems guide.
FAQ
Read this section: FAQ
What changed with 987.2? The later range gained revised engine specifications and PDK in place of Tiptronic S. Confirm the engine and gearbox from the car, because first registration can lag a model change. Porsche Boxster history.
Do all 987 Boxsters have IMS risk? No. The bearing question depends on the engine family and production period; it is not a label that can be applied equally to every 987. PcarWise.
Is a Boxster S always a 3.4? No. The early 987 S began with a 3.2-litre engine before the 3.4-litre update. Check the exact car before comparing listings. Porsche Boxster history.
What should be checked after a short test drive? Look again for coolant smell, fresh leaks, warning lights and moisture around the hood and cabin. Some faults become clearer only after the car is warm. PcarWise.
Sources:
- Porsche, Boxster generation history — checked 4 November 2026.
- Porsche, annual report covering the engine update — checked 4 November 2026.
- Porsche, Boxster Spyder specifications — checked 4 November 2026.
- PcarWise, Boxster and Cayman common problems — checked 4 November 2026.
- Porsche, later 987 maintenance checklist — checked 4 November 2026.