Models · Porsche
Porsche Boxster 987.1 buying guide
The second-generation Boxster in its first form, built from 2005 to 2008, with a 2.7 in the Boxster and a 3.2, then a 3.4, in the Boxster S. The known faults are well documented and most have a check you can do at the viewing.
The versions
- Boxster 2.7 flat six: 240PS, then 245PS from the 2007 model year
- Boxster S 3.2 (M96/26), 280PS, 2005 to 2006
- Boxster S 3.4 (M97/21), 295PS, from the 2007 model year
- 5-speed manual on the 2.7, 6-speed manual on the S, or 5-speed Tiptronic S automatic (PDK arrived with the 987.2)
- Special editions include the RS 60 Spyder (2008) with 303PS
What to check on a 987.1 Boxster
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Tailpipe soot, side to side
What to look for: Before the engine is started, wipe the inside of each tailpipe with a white cloth. Both should be a similar light grey and dry. One noticeably blacker, oily or wet than the other is the thing to note.
Why it matters: Each side of the exhaust serves one bank of three cylinders, so a difference points at one bank burning more oil. It's one of the signs of cylinder bore scoring, which affects a minority of these engines, the 3.4 in the 2007 to 2008 Boxster S more often than the 2.7 or 3.2. A borescope inspection settles it.
A tick or knock from cold
What to look for: Start the engine from fully cold and listen at the back of the car. A light tick that fades within about 30 seconds is normal. A tick or knock that carries on beyond that is worth noting.
Why it matters: A persistent cold-start tick is another sign specialists associate with bore scoring. On its own it isn't a diagnosis, but with uneven tailpipe soot or high oil use it makes a borescope inspection essential before buying.
The intermediate shaft bearing
What to look for: Ask for the engine number and the build date before you travel. Look in the history for any work on the bearing, and listen at the back of the engine for grinding or knocking that changes with revs.
Why it matters: From late 2005 these engines use a larger bearing that fails much less often but can't be replaced without splitting the engine. Some very early 2005 Boxsters have the earlier, serviceable type, which is often upgraded at a clutch change. The engine number tells you which, not the model year.
Also in the full guide
- Front radiators and condensers
- Broken coil springs
- Blue smoke while driving
- Roof drains and pushrods
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 987.1 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 981 · Porsche Boxster 986 · 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.