Models · Porsche
Porsche Boxster 981 buying guide
The third-generation Boxster, built from 2012 to 2016 and the last with a six-cylinder engine in the standard car. It has 2.7 and 3.4 direct-injection flat sixes, electric power steering and a lighter, longer body. It has no widespread trending faults; most checks are about care and wear.
The versions
- Boxster 2.7 flat six (MA1.22), 265PS
- Boxster S 3.4 flat six (MA1.23), 315PS
- Boxster GTS 3.4 (2014 to 2016), 330PS
- Boxster Spyder 3.8 (2015 to 2016), 375PS, manual only
- 6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK dual-clutch
What to check on a 981 Boxster
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Over-revs and the engine computer mileage
What to look for: Ask for a diagnostic readout, or have a specialist do one. It shows engine over-rev events and the mileage stored in the engine computer.
Why it matters: The engine computer logs over-revs in ranges, and high-range events on a manual point to a missed gearchange that can damage the engine. Comparing its stored mileage with the dashboard reading also catches a clocked instrument panel.
PDK service and behaviour
What to look for: On PDK cars, pull away gently several times and creep in traffic. Changes should be smooth with no judder. Look in the history for the PDK fluid change, which Porsche schedules every 6 years.
Why it matters: Rough low-speed changes on early cars are often fixed by a software update or a fluid change. A car past six years with no fluid change has missed a scheduled item.
Front radiators and condensers
What to look for: Shine a torch through the openings in the front bumper. The radiators and air conditioning condensers sit just behind. Look for packed leaves, corrosion and damaged fins, and check the air conditioning blows cold.
Why it matters: Debris in the ducts holds moisture against the cores. Specialists expect condensers to need replacing at around seven to eight years, so a clean front end and a cold air conditioning system are good signs.
Also in the full guide
- Misfires and plugs
- Coolant leaks
- Roof operation and drains
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 981 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 718 · 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.