WTB 987 Boxster 2.7

[mmm]

Hi All,

Hope everyone is well. 

Just wondering if anyone has experience with owning a 987 Boxster (non s) and is willing to share their experiences? Ownership costs, maintenance issues, common faults etc. I'm mostly looking at the early 987 models (2005 build), but interested to hear all thoughts. 

Also, if anyone has a 987 Boxster or Cayman they are looking to sell, then I'd be keen to hear about it. Only interested in manuals. 

 

Thanks for your help. 

[TwoHeadsTas]

We had an S manual, but the issues (very few) we had are probably common with the standard car.

Replaced a couple of coil packs and starter over 5 years, not an uncommon issue with a car of this age probably.   Had a check engine light which was diagnosed as secondary air-pump problem which cost a motza to fix via an OPC.  If I had known better at that time (early in our first Porsche ownership) I would have gone to an independent and used OEM parts at 1/2 the cost. I'm actually not sure whether the OPC looked  as to whether there was a fix to the existing unit, or whether they just ordered a new one automatically, which had to come from Germany.

Sticky radio rocker switches are a common problem, we didn't do anything about it, but there are replacements available - do a search on the forum and you'll find some details about this, and I think they are also available on Amazon.  A lot of the surfaces have a spray on rubberised type surface which can also wear.  Looks a bit untidy, but I think there is suitable spray to fix, or you can remove the surface and repaint with a plastic spray.

It an 05's age now, if there's a few clunks in the front suspension, then you might need to factor in replacement of coffin arms etc but I now have an 01 996 with 140,000kms and they're still fine - exactly same system in 986 & 987.

With an 05 there is always the elephant in the room, aka the IMS.  Always best to get a car where the IMS has been replaced (and the LN Engineering option isn't the only option, they've just done the best job of advertising and creating fear about the potential problem). However, if it hasn't then do as we did - be alert but not alarmed.  We did oil changes every 5,000kms, used good oil, and had the oil filter cut open each time to check for metal particles.  I rationalised that if we worried about the IMS constantly, we'd never enjoy what is a fantastic, fun car to drive.  Our plan was always though, that if we did need to do a clutch change, we would do the IMS at that stage.  I understand the 05 has to have the casing split to be able to change the IMS, which is engine out (I might be wrong on this, we never got to this stage).  If that is the case, there's no doubt a few "while you're in there" jobs you'd do.

Otherwise, we had 5 years of enjoyable ownership and did around 60-70,000kms, and the car was used as my wife's daily drive - it was actually her car.  Go for it!!!

[42 South]

Things to look out for, though all fixable:-

• Replace the nylon ball joints in the roof mechanism with alloy ones which are more durable - the nylon ones can split
• The door speakers are very poor and the rubber join to the fibre/paper cone deteriorates. The main speakers are an odd size but there are some replacements out there (see previous post from me). The standard CDR-24 stereo is a double DIN and there are plenty of good replacements out there with GPS and Apple Carplay - if you get the correct harness it is plug and play and you retain the car's main amplifier.
• The AOS is another potential item to look for (see YouTube videos on that)

Let me know if you would like more information on my current Boxster as it is available.

[P-Kay]

Please note:

Before you reply to this post trying to sell your Boxster.....make sure you are financial, otherwise the post is hidden!

[mmm]

On 12/10/2022 at 12:37, TwoHeadsTas said:

We had an S manual, but the issues (very few) we had are probably common with the standard car.

Replaced a couple of coil packs and starter over 5 years, not an uncommon issue with a car of this age probably.   Had a check engine light which was diagnosed as secondary air-pump problem which cost a motza to fix via an OPC.  If I had known better at that time (early in our first Porsche ownership) I would have gone to an independent and used OEM parts at 1/2 the cost. I'm actually not sure whether the OPC looked  as to whether there was a fix to the existing unit, or whether they just ordered a new one automatically, which had to come from Germany.

Sticky radio rocker switches are a common problem, we didn't do anything about it, but there are replacements available - do a search on the forum and you'll find some details about this, and I think they are also available on Amazon.  A lot of the surfaces have a spray on rubberised type surface which can also wear.  Looks a bit untidy, but I think there is suitable spray to fix, or you can remove the surface and repaint with a plastic spray.

It an 05's age now, if there's a few clunks in the front suspension, then you might need to factor in replacement of coffin arms etc but I now have an 01 996 with 140,000kms and they're still fine - exactly same system in 986 & 987.

With an 05 there is always the elephant in the room, aka the IMS.  Always best to get a car where the IMS has been replaced (and the LN Engineering option isn't the only option, they've just done the best job of advertising and creating fear about the potential problem). However, if it hasn't then do as we did - be alert but not alarmed.  We did oil changes every 5,000kms, used good oil, and had the oil filter cut open each time to check for metal particles.  I rationalised that if we worried about the IMS constantly, we'd never enjoy what is a fantastic, fun car to drive.  Our plan was always though, that if we did need to do a clutch change, we would do the IMS at that stage.  I understand the 05 has to have the casing split to be able to change the IMS, which is engine out (I might be wrong on this, we never got to this stage).  If that is the case, there's no doubt a few "while you're in there" jobs you'd do.

Otherwise, we had 5 years of enjoyable ownership and did around 60-70,000kms, and the car was used as my wife's daily drive - it was actually her car.  Go for it!!!

Thank you so much for putting that all together for me! Very much appreciated. 
I do get the feeling with things like these 'known major issues' that it is a case of being alert, as you said, rather than just diving in and replacing something that very rarely fails. 

 

In terms of general running costs, how do these sit?

And finally, I'm sure you can confirm my assumptions that they are simply very good cars to drive?

 

Thanks again and have a great weekend. 

On 12/10/2022 at 13:10, 42 South said:

Things to look out for, though all fixable:-

• Replace the nylon ball joints in the roof mechanism with alloy ones which are more durable - the nylon ones can split
• The door speakers are very poor and the rubber join to the fibre/paper cone deteriorates. The main speakers are an odd size but there are some replacements out there (see previous post from me). The standard CDR-24 stereo is a double DIN and there are plenty of good replacements out there with GPS and Apple Carplay - if you get the correct harness it is plug and play and you retain the car's main amplifier.
• The AOS is another potential item to look for (see YouTube videos on that)

Let me know if you would like more information on my current Boxster as it is available.

Thanks for your reply 42, much appreciated. 

I've heard that the roof mechanism joints are potentially better left as nylon to create a weak spot, rather than making them stronger and potentially moving a problem to a more expensive part? 

Regarding the AOS, is this similar to the IMS in that its something to be conscious of and fix when the time is right? 

If you don't mind sending me a private with some details on your car that would be great. 

Thanks again and have a great weekend. 

[42 South]

Plenty of videos about the AOS on youtube and what the cause is which seems to be deterioration of a rubber membrane. Part is not that expensive (approx $150?) but is a bit awkward to reach. Symptons are smoke on a cold startup.

Another problem that occurs with the roof is that there are some elastic webbing straps that pull the roof fabric in a certain direction as the roof closes. The webbing stretches or comes undone which leads to a poor alignment of the roof gutter with the window frame. Again this is a simple fix you can do with a sewing needle and some new webbing from Spotlight and there are videos on this easy fix. Youtube "Porsche Boxster 987.1 Fixing the roof elastic"

[mmm]

On 14/10/2022 at 14:00, 42 South said:

Plenty of videos about the AOS on youtube and what the cause is which seems to be deterioration of a rubber membrane. Part is not that expensive (approx $150?) but is a bit awkward to reach. Symptons are smoke on a cold startup.

Another problem that occurs with the roof is that there are some elastic webbing straps that pull the roof fabric in a certain direction as the roof closes. The webbing stretches or comes undone which leads to a poor alignment of the roof gutter with the window frame. Again this is a simple fix you can do with a sewing needle and some new webbing from Spotlight and there are videos on this easy fix. Youtube "Porsche Boxster 987.1 Fixing the roof elastic"

Thanks again for that 42. Lots to keep in mind but I get the impression no reasons to steer clear. 

[TwoHeadsTas]

55 minutes ago, mmm said:

Thanks again for that 42. Lots to keep in mind but I get the impression no reasons to steer clear. 

Yep, we had to do the roof elastic fix too.   You will be able to tell if the owner has left it a long time to fix, as there will be some scuffing on the outside of the plastic part that sits around the top of  the door window, particularly on the rounded back corner.

Absolutely no reason at all to steer clear, they are a great car.  You asked about running costs - I would say they are less than my everyday Touareg, certainly more economical (unless you playing track days!!)

[Sabotage]

Hi mmm,

I am the new owner of TwoHeadsTas' old 987S. I've had it for 10 months now and it's my first Porsche car ownership. The thing runs like a swiss watch. I did have to get the coolant container replaced because it had a slight leak, but it was very slight. The independent that looked at the car for rego in NSW actually picked it up and when it when to Porsche themselves, it took them a couple of goes to find the leak. Like TwoHeads, knowing what I know now, I would've got it replaced at an independent as well. The front bump stops on the suspension need replacing, which is not unusual for a car its age but it's not an urgent job yet.

As for the IMS... It's honestly nothing I ever think about. I think it's a very overblown issue especially for my particular car. I did check the engine number and apparently mine has the non serviceable IMS, which only has a 1-2% failure rate. The chance of something going wrong is miniscule and I probably have higher odds of being hit by a bus or having a heart attack while driving my car than the IMS blowing up. It's basically a non concern for me. Of course some people fret constantly about tiny risks and the option is there to go for a later 987 if you are worried. The step up in cost for the so called, "peace of mind" is just not worth it to me. It appears that the price difference between a 987.1 and 987.2 is about the cost of paying for a brand new engine! Ridiculous premium.

Good luck!

[mmm]

On 15/10/2022 at 16:05, TwoHeadsTas said:

Yep, we had to do the roof elastic fix too.   You will be able to tell if the owner has left it a long time to fix, as there will be some scuffing on the outside of the plastic part that sits around the top of  the door window, particularly on the rounded back corner.

Absolutely no reason at all to steer clear, they are a great car.  You asked about running costs - I would say they are less than my everyday Touareg, certainly more economical (unless you playing track days!!)

That's all great to know, and especially re the running costs. Really appreciate you taking the time to share some thoughts

 

8 hours ago, Sabotage said:

Hi mmm,

I am the new owner of TwoHeadsTas' old 987S. I've had it for 10 months now and it's my first Porsche car ownership. The thing runs like a swiss watch. I did have to get the coolant container replaced because it had a slight leak, but it was very slight. The independent that looked at the car for rego in NSW actually picked it up and when it when to Porsche themselves, it took them a couple of goes to find the leak. Like TwoHeads, knowing what I know now, I would've got it replaced at an independent as well. The front bump stops on the suspension need replacing, which is not unusual for a car its age but it's not an urgent job yet.

As for the IMS... It's honestly nothing I ever think about. I think it's a very overblown issue especially for my particular car. I did check the engine number and apparently mine has the non serviceable IMS, which only has a 1-2% failure rate. The chance of something going wrong is miniscule and I probably have higher odds of being hit by a bus or having a heart attack while driving my car than the IMS blowing up. It's basically a non concern for me. Of course some people fret constantly about tiny risks and the option is there to go for a later 987 if you are worried. The step up in cost for the so called, "peace of mind" is just not worth it to me. It appears that the price difference between a 987.1 and 987.2 is about the cost of paying for a brand new engine! Ridiculous premium.

Good luck!

HI Sabotage,

Thanks for your comments, all sounds positive in terms of making the car a good one to own. I agree with the IMS, there is a lot of stuff around but I also get the impression its a very rare thing to actually fail completely. 

And you're happy with how the car drives so far?

[Sabotage]

19 hours ago, mmm said:

That's all great to know, and especially re the running costs. Really appreciate you taking the time to share some thoughts

 

HI Sabotage,

Thanks for your comments, all sounds positive in terms of making the car a good one to own. I agree with the IMS, there is a lot of stuff around but I also get the impression its a very rare thing to actually fail completely. 

And you're happy with how the car drives so far?

I'd be lying if I didn't say that I love how it drives. The car has just over 150K km's on it, it starts every time without fail on the first crank, it never has a puff of smoke on start and the power delivery is so smooth and the car just feels really tight even though it's 17 years old  and has quite a few k's on it. The only thing that rattles is the wind deflector at speed, but I'm told it's an easy fix if it ends up bothering me too much. The Porsche dealership commented on how well it runs and it's been looked after, but to be fair, he may have just been trying to butter me up! The car is Seal Grey in colour with a beautiful full leather terracotta interior and this to me is one of it's great charms. It is very, very rare to find a Boxster with a full leather interior. I know, because I have been looking at them for 2 years now.

It's a great car and for me, at least, the power is more than adequate. I live in a dense part of Sydney and it's really too much power for where I live. I rarely get out of 2nd or 3rd gear. I think you only need loads and loads of power if you are racing. For driving around town, my car already feels too powerful. Got me stuffed why some seem to want ever more power to go to the shops. I'll be able to give it a better crank once I leave Sydney in a few more years.

For reference though, it is my first time having a Porsche and my car ownership experience goes;

1.) Mazda 929

2. Suzuki Sierra soft top

3.) Ford Ka

4.) Holden Commodore VT

5.) Holden Commodore VY

6.) Holden Commodore SV6 VE

7.) Late model Ford Falcon XR6 (can't remember the series type)

8.) Ford Mondeo station wagon

9.) Volkswagen Jetta

10.) Volkswagen Golf Mk7.5 wagon

11.) Porsche Boxster S

So how good the Boxster drives is a reflection of my previous rides. As usual, your mileage may vary...

Out of the above I loved my Suzuki Sierra the most and then the SV6 VE Commodore came along and I thought it was the best car I had since the Sierra. I then enjoyed the Volkswagen Golf (still do - I still have it) and out of my list the two best cars are still the Sierra and the Boxster. I can't ever see myself getting rid of the Boxster and my only regret out of losing the other cars on my list is the Sierra. I'm clearly a no-roof guy! Lol!

[mmm]

On 17/10/2022 at 13:34, Sabotage said:

I'd be lying if I didn't say that I love how it drives. The car has just over 150K km's on it, it starts every time without fail on the first crank, it never has a puff of smoke on start and the power delivery is so smooth and the car just feels really tight even though it's 17 years old  and has quite a few k's on it. The only thing that rattles is the wind deflector at speed, but I'm told it's an easy fix if it ends up bothering me too much. The Porsche dealership commented on how well it runs and it's been looked after, but to be fair, he may have just been trying to butter me up! The car is Seal Grey in colour with a beautiful full leather terracotta interior and this to me is one of it's great charms. It is very, very rare to find a Boxster with a full leather interior. I know, because I have been looking at them for 2 years now.

It's a great car and for me, at least, the power is more than adequate. I live in a dense part of Sydney and it's really too much power for where I live. I rarely get out of 2nd or 3rd gear. I think you only need loads and loads of power if you are racing. For driving around town, my car already feels too powerful. Got me stuffed why some seem to want ever more power to go to the shops. I'll be able to give it a better crank once I leave Sydney in a few more years.

For reference though, it is my first time having a Porsche and my car ownership experience goes;

1.) Mazda 929

2. Suzuki Sierra soft top

3.) Ford Ka

4.) Holden Commodore VT

5.) Holden Commodore VY

6.) Holden Commodore SV6 VE

7.) Late model Ford Falcon XR6 (can't remember the series type)

8.) Ford Mondeo station wagon

9.) Volkswagen Jetta

10.) Volkswagen Golf Mk7.5 wagon

11.) Porsche Boxster S

So how good the Boxster drives is a reflection of my previous rides. As usual, your mileage may vary...

Out of the above I loved my Suzuki Sierra the most and then the SV6 VE Commodore came along and I thought it was the best car I had since the Sierra. I then enjoyed the Volkswagen Golf (still do - I still have it) and out of my list the two best cars are still the Sierra and the Boxster. I can't ever see myself getting rid of the Boxster and my only regret out of losing the other cars on my list is the Sierra. I'm clearly a no-roof guy! Lol!

Once again I appreciate you sharing your thoughts Sabotage. Nice an progressive car history as well. Sounds like the underlying point is that its a great car and can be very reliable. 

 

[TwoHeadsTas]

13 hours ago, mmm said:

Once again I appreciate you sharing your thoughts Sabotage. Nice an progressive car history as well. Sounds like the underlying point is that its a great car and can be very reliable. 

 

PO to Sabotage only put about 16,000kms on it after we had the car, so it really has had a relatively easy life - we never tracked it, as I had other cars to do that.  You won't regret getting one.  In fact, when I bought my first 996 I actually wondered what I had done, as it is quite a different car to the Boxster.  Took a little while, but now totally at home with both.  The 981 that replaced the 987 is very much in the same vein, and my wife loves it just as much.  Again the 981 is her daily.

[mmm]

16 minutes ago, TwoHeadsTas said:

PO to Sabotage only put about 16,000kms on it after we had the car, so it really has had a relatively easy life - we never tracked it, as I had other cars to do that.  You won't regret getting one.  In fact, when I bought my first 996 I actually wondered what I had done, as it is quite a different car to the Boxster.  Took a little while, but now totally at home with both.  The 981 that replaced the 987 is very much in the same vein, and my wife loves it just as much.  Again the 981 is her daily.

Thanks mate, I certainly get the impression everyone who drives/owns one falls in love with the car. From an outside perspective the 'image' of the Boxster is always in the back of my mind, but I know the way it drives is what actually maters. And the consensus seems to be they drive damn well. 

[Gnrnr]

6 hours ago, mmm said:

Thanks mate, I certainly get the impression everyone who drives/owns one falls in love with the car. From an outside perspective the 'image' of the Boxster is always in the back of my mind, but I know the way it drives is what actually maters. And the consensus seems to be they drive damn well. 

Yeah I love my 987S.  It is reliable, but overall maintenance hasn't been cheap.  Including tyres I think I am at around $10-12k in two years all up and the bloody AOS has gone again, but I'm planning on doing the motorsports one this time as I want to fix it once and it to stay fixed.  Ive done just on 40,000km since purchase, but havent driven it much in the past 2-3 months as I'm strapped financially again at the moment (stupidly bought a Peugeot RCZ for the daughter and have been chasing a lot of mechanical work on that for the past couple of months).

Main things I have had to do are
Water pump failure
AOS failure
Gear shift cables (and I honestly think they have gone again)
Discs and pads
Fit new bump stops in front suspension
Split boot on rear suspension
New front wheel bearings
Full set of tyres
Replace broken gearbox mounts (turns out I did about 2,500km with a single loose bolt holding up the left side....)

Every cent has been worth it.

 

[Frank]

On 12/10/2022 at 10:35, mmm said:

Hi All,

Hope everyone is well. 

Just wondering if anyone has experience with owning a 987 Boxster (non s) and is willing to share their experiences? Ownership costs, maintenance issues, common faults etc. I'm mostly looking at the early 987 models (2005 build), but interested to hear all thoughts. 

Also, if anyone has a 987 Boxster or Cayman they are looking to sell, then I'd be keen to hear about it. Only interested in manuals. 

 

Thanks for your help. 

Great car mate.

make sure it has history, not necessarily dealer but even home mechanic that does oil changes/filters, brakes, cleans ducts, gets oil analysis and lets the car warm up before putting boot in.

Its imperative you get a PPI, everything costs and these cars are no different. Tyres when getting old not just illegal but down right harsh(7 years max).

Not sure where you live but if in SA, I let you drive mine. 987.1 manual.

Enjoy

[sydr]

On 15/10/2022 at 16:05, TwoHeadsTas said:

Yep, we had to do the roof elastic fix too.   You will be able to tell if the owner has left it a long time to fix, as there will be some scuffing on the outside of the plastic part that sits around the top of  the door window, particularly on the rounded back corner.

Absolutely no reason at all to steer clear, they are a great car.  You asked about running costs - I would say they are less than my everyday Touareg, certainly more economical (unless you playing track days!!)

Hi Peter, tried to PM you but the forum says NO!  Any reason for that and any other option open to me to contact you?

[TwoHeadsTas]

4 minutes ago, sydr said:

Hi Peter, tried to PM you but the forum says NO!  Any reason for that and any other option open to me to contact you?

No idea why, I'll check if my box is full, but otherwise email 996BusinessTax at gmail.com or 0418 one three zero 375.  

Think we might have spoken before, were you restoring a Riley Imp???

8 minutes ago, TwoHeadsTas said:

No idea why, I'll check if my box is full, but otherwise email 996BusinessTax at gmail.com or 0418 one three zero 375.  

Think we might have spoken before, were you restoring a Riley Imp???

Cleaned out In Box, plenty of room now......

[mmm]

On 31/10/2022 at 13:47, Frank said:

Great car mate.

make sure it has history, not necessarily dealer but even home mechanic that does oil changes/filters, brakes, cleans ducts, gets oil analysis and lets the car warm up before putting boot in.

Its imperative you get a PPI, everything costs and these cars are no different. Tyres when getting old not just illegal but down right harsh(7 years max).

Not sure where you live but if in SA, I let you drive mine. 987.1 manual.

Enjoy

I'm a bit late returning but thanks for all that info Frank, and of course for the offer of a drive. I'll let you know when I'm next in SA and am looking to drop by!

 

Thanks again

On 19/10/2022 at 18:43, Gnrnr said:

Yeah I love my 987S.  It is reliable, but overall maintenance hasn't been cheap.  Including tyres I think I am at around $10-12k in two years all up and the bloody AOS has gone again, but I'm planning on doing the motorsports one this time as I want to fix it once and it to stay fixed.  Ive done just on 40,000km since purchase, but havent driven it much in the past 2-3 months as I'm strapped financially again at the moment (stupidly bought a Peugeot RCZ for the daughter and have been chasing a lot of mechanical work on that for the past couple of months).

Main things I have had to do are
Water pump failure
AOS failure
Gear shift cables (and I honestly think they have gone again)
Discs and pads
Fit new bump stops in front suspension
Split boot on rear suspension
New front wheel bearings
Full set of tyres
Replace broken gearbox mounts (turns out I did about 2,500km with a single loose bolt holding up the left side....)

Every cent has been worth it.

 

Thanks for outlining all that for me Gnrnr, i really appreciate it. Definitely seems like not a bargain to run but the rewards are what matter.