Models · Porsche
Porsche Boxster 718 buying guide
The fourth-generation Boxster, on sale from 2016, with turbocharged four-cylinder engines in the base, T, S and early GTS, and a naturally aspirated 4.0 flat six in the GTS 4.0 from 2020. Fault patterns are few, and most checks are quick to do.
The versions
- 2.0 turbocharged flat four, 300PS (base and, from late 2018, T models)
- S: 2.5 turbocharged flat four with variable turbine geometry, 350PS
- GTS 2.5 (from late 2017), 365PS, then GTS 4.0 naturally aspirated flat six (from 2020), 400PS
- 6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK dual-clutch on the four-cylinder cars; the 4.0 was manual only until PDK arrived in late 2020
- Electric fabric roof; the 718 Spyder is covered separately
What to check on a 718 Boxster
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Over-rev record and fault codes
What to look for: Ask for a diagnostic readout on a Porsche PIWIS tester, or have a specialist do one. It shows any engine over-revs, active fault codes and the mileage stored in the engine computer, which should match the dashboard.
Why it matters: The engine computer logs every time the revs went past the limit, usually from a missed gearchange on a manual. Higher-range over-revs are the ones that matter. The stored mileage also helps confirm the car hasn't been clocked, as does brake wear that makes sense for the mileage.
Fuel system recalls
What to look for: With the engine running and after the drive, sniff around the engine area and under the car for fuel. Ask for evidence of recall work, or have a Porsche Centre check from the VIN.
Why it matters: Early in 2019 Porsche recalled 718s because a luggage compartment bracket could puncture the fuel tank in a particular type of collision, and in February 2020 Boxsters were recalled for petrol leaks from the high-pressure fuel line in the engine bay. They're free fixes and most have been done, but a fuel smell should always be investigated.
Coolant level and the water pump
What to look for: With the engine cold, check the coolant level and look underneath for drips or stains. On the drive, watch the temperature gauge and note any warning.
Why it matters: The water pump and thermostat have been known to fail. A leaking water pump can drip coolant into a vacuum hose, which can make vacuum valves misbehave intermittently in cold weather. Overheating has also been traced to a leaky transmission cooler solenoid.
Also in the full guide
- Front radiators and air conditioning
- The connecting rod recall (4.0 cars)
- PDK behaviour
- Damp in the cabin
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 718 Boxster
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
Porsche Boxster 981 · Porsche Boxster 986 · Porsche Boxster 987.1 · Porsche Boxster 987.2
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Porsche.