8 Porsche Boxster cars for sale

Used Porsche Boxster for sale: everything you need to know

Just like the Porsche 911 has slowly evolved since the 1960s, you can still see the similarities between the very latest Porsche Boxster and the model that debuted back in 1996. The Boxster has grown in size, weight, and performance over the years, but it remains pretty much the definition of a mid-engined sports car, and with that Porsche badge on the nose, one of the most desirable sports cars too.

The latest model has been around since 2016 and changed only a little in that time, but it didn’t need much tweaking. Power comes from a choice of four-cylinder turbo and more recently, six-cylinder non-turbo engines, and the roof is still an electric folding fabric arrangement - if you want a fixed-roof car, Porsche offers the Cayman.

Should you buy a Porsche Boxster?

The Porsche Boxster is one of the best sports cars on sale, and has been ever since the first model was introduced in 1996. It’s got the right badge, the right shape, and the right driver appeal, is built as well as any of the cars you might call competition, and is even pretty easy to live with. Basically, if you don’t need the practicality of a more conventional car, it’s hard to beat.

Performance is strong across the range. The initial fuss over the four-cylinder turbocharged engines has largely died down now, but even the basic 2-litre model has always been very quick - it’s hard to sniff at a 0-62mph time in the five second range. All Boxsters are impeccably balanced too, with some of the best steering you’ll find, and both the manual and PDK automatic gearboxes are great to use.

The cabin can comfortably accommodate two people and the soft-top roof is as quick and weatherproof as they come. Meanwhile, you get not one, but two boots - one in the nose, and one behind the mid-mounted engine, so there’s little compromise on luggage space. The car feels well-built and if you buy well, it should be reliable too, though bear in mind servicing and consumables may cost more than less exotic cars.

With the Boxster having been around for nearly three decades now, you don’t even necessarily need to buy the latest model to get the same thrills, but if you’re not set on a Boxster, other drop-top sports cars to consider include the BMW Z4, Audi TT Roadster, and Mercedes-Benz SLK. As a more budget-friendly alternative, the Mazda MX-5 is also one of the best.

What’s the best used Porsche Boxster model to buy?

There’s no real wrong answer here, but some models are more desirable than others. When Porsche introduced a four-cylinder engine to the range, enthusiasts kicked up a bit of a fuss, but from a pure performance standpoint, there’s no reason to avoid these turbocharged models - some drivers may even find them more fun thanks to their extra torque.

If you have the budget though, the pick of the range is still the six-cylinder Boxster GTS 4.0, for its sound, response, and performance - and if you can’t quite stretch to it, remember that all previous Boxsters before the 718 generation was introduced came with six-cylinder engines too. As far as options go, PASM dampers and Sport Chrono are both desirable, but not essential.

Used Porsche Boxster fuel economy and performance

• Porsche 718 Boxster: The basic Boxster uses a turbocharged, 2-litre flat-four engine producing 300PS, with manual and PDK automatic gearbox options. The manual gets from 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds and the PDK 4.9, with economy of up to 31.7mpg. The Boxster T and Style Edition also use this engine.
• Porsche 718 Boxster S: The more powerful Boxster S gets a larger 2.5-litre engine producing 350PS, dropping the 0-62mph time down to 4.6 seconds for the manual and 4.4 seconds for the PDK. Economy is up to 29.4mpg in some variants.
• Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0: GTS models are the only current Boxsters (outside the GT range) to get a six-cylinder engine, with a 4-litre flat six making 400PS. Manual and PDK versions are offered, with 4.5-second and 4-second 0-62mph times, while both are good for around 28mpg.

What used Porsche Boxster trim levels are available?

The Boxster lineup is relatively simple, with Boxster, Boxster S and Boxster GTS models at its core, with one or two special editions released now and then, such as the recent Style Edition. There’s one model not mentioned below, the 718 Spyder RS - which is technically part of the Boxster range, but doesn’t carry the Boxster name.

• The Porsche 718 Boxster comes with the 2-litre engine mentioned above, plus equipment such as 18-inch alloy wheels, sports seats, cruise control, and bi-xenon headlights.
• The Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition is one of the more recent special editions introduced into the Boxster range, with equipment similar to the regular Boxster but embellished with unique colours (such as the bright ‘Ruby Star Neo’ magenta finish) with white wheels and graphics, and 20-inch alloy wheels.
• The Porsche 718 Boxster S doesn’t differ greatly from the regular Boxster but gets larger 19-inch wheels as standard, more option boxes to tick, and of course the larger 2.5-litre engine.
• The Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 gets a specification similar to the Boxster S, but has PASM active suspension, a torque-vectoring differential, larger brakes, 20-inch wheels, and the Sport Chrono package as standard.

Used Porsche Boxster dimensions and boot size

The Porsche Boxster’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4379mm
• Width: 1801mm
• Height: 1281mm
• Ground clearance: N/A

The Porsche Boxster’s boot size is:

• 150 litres (front)
• 122 litres (rear)

Used Porsche Boxster road tax

All current generation Boxsters built since 2017 are subject to a flat rate of VED or ‘road tax’, while a surcharge for costing more than £40,000 brand new is applied in years two to six. This means most recent Boxsters will cost £600 per year to tax, the earliest post-2017 models should now be dropping down to £190, while pre-April 2017 models are taxed on their CO2 emissions.

How much is it to insure a Porsche Boxster?

As a sports car from one of the most prestigious automotive brands, you can expect higher insurance costs on a Boxster than most other cars. All sit in groups 48-49, which makes even the most affordable car more expensive to insure than something like an Alpine A110, which starts in group 44, or the BMW Z4 with its lowest group 30 rating.