Porsche Boxster S 987
2005-2012
The 987 Boxster S captures the essence of pure driving pleasure through its mid-engine balance and naturally aspirated soundtrack. It represents the sweet spot between performance and accessibility, offering genuine Porsche DNA without supercar pretensions.
Quick Take
The 987 Boxster S represents Porsche's mid-engine roadster philosophy at its finest, offering genuine sports car performance with everyday usability. Its naturally aspirated flat-six engine delivers pure, linear power delivery that modern turbocharged engines struggle to match.
Best For
Key Strength
Mid-Engine Perfection
Watch For
IMS Bearing Time Bomb
The Story
Heritage & Legacy
Building on the success of the 986 generation, the 987 refined Porsche's mid-engine formula with sharper styling and improved dynamics. This generation solidified the Boxster's reputation as a proper sports car rather than just a budget Porsche alternative.
Design Philosophy
Porsche designed the 987 around the principle of honest performance, prioritizing driving purity over luxury amenities. The focus remained on creating the most communicative chassis possible while maintaining the practical benefits of a convertible sports car.
The Driving Experience
Engine Character
The 3.4L flat-six delivers power in a beautifully linear fashion, building intensity as it climbs toward its 7200 rpm redline. Unlike turbocharged engines, it rewards commitment and revs freely, producing an intoxicating mechanical symphony that defines the Porsche experience.
Chassis Dynamics
The mid-engine layout provides exceptional balance and turn-in response, with neutral handling characteristics that inspire confidence. The steering offers remarkable feedback and precision, while the suspension strikes an ideal balance between comfort and control.
Sound Signature
The flat-six produces a distinctive growl that intensifies to a mechanical wail at high rpm. It's a pure, unfiltered engine note that represents everything enthusiasts love about naturally aspirated Porsche engines.
Strengths & Tradeoffs
Defining Strengths
The 987 Boxster S delivers textbook mid-engine handling with perfect weight distribution and incredible balance through corners. The car rotates naturally and predictably, making it incredibly rewarding for skilled drivers while remaining approachable for novices.
The 3.4-liter flat-six produces 310hp with a linear power delivery that builds to a spine-tingling 7,200 rpm redline. This engine represents the end of an era before Porsche switched to turbocharged units, offering pure throttle response without lag.
Porsche's hydraulic steering system in the 987 provides unmatched road feel and precision. Every surface change and grip level is communicated directly to the driver's hands, creating an intimate connection between car and driver that modern electric systems struggle to match.
Honest Tradeoffs
The intermediate shaft bearing issue affects most 987 Boxster S models and can cause complete engine failure without warning. While preventable with proactive replacement, this represents a significant $2,000-3,000 maintenance item that must be addressed.
The cabin materials and technology feel distinctly dated, with cheap-feeling plastic trim pieces and basic infotainment. The seats, while supportive, show wear easily and replacement parts are expensive.
Annual maintenance costs typically run $2,000-4,000 even without major repairs. Porsche parts pricing and specialized labor requirements make this significantly more expensive to maintain than Japanese or domestic alternatives.
Ideal Owner
Perfect for driving purists who appreciate naturally aspirated engines and precise chassis dynamics. Best suited for enthusiasts who value the visceral connection between driver and machine over outright speed or luxury.