Ever wondered what classic car to consider? Paul Murrell tests the 1996-1999 Porsche Boxster 2.5 with pricing, specs, ride and handling, safety, verdict and everything the over-50 classic car buyer needs to know.
Summary: A car that was expensive when new is now very affordable. A good one could even be used as an everyday driver.
1996-1999 Porsche Boxster 2.5 sports car
Price range: $16,000-$25,000 (1998 model)
Safety: Dual front airbag package, anti-lock braking
Engine: mid-mounted all-alloy DOHC 2480cc flat six-cylinder engine with multi-point injection
Power: 150kW
Torque: 245Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Steering: power-assisted rack and pinion
Body: 4315mm (long); 1780mm (wide); 1290mm (high)
Build country: Germany
Interior features: automatic air conditioning/climate control, compact disc player, remote central locking, leather trim, power mirrors, power steering, power windows, sports seats, 10-speaker sound system
Exterior features: alloy wheels, electric hood, rear spoiler
Kerb weight: 1252kg
Wheels: 16-inch alloy
Tyres: 205/55ZR16 (front), 225/50ZR16 (rear)
Brakes: ventilated discs, front and rear
Fuel tank: 57 litres
Consumption: 9.7L/100km (premium unleaded)
The Porsche Boxster is arguably the car that saved Porsche.
It’s hard to believe now, but when the Boxster was released in 1996, few pundits thought Porsche could survive as an independent.
It shared more than half its components (including bodywork from the A-pillar forward) with the 911 (the upcoming 996 which debuted a year after the Boxster in 1997).
It was occasionally insulted as “the Porsche you bought if you couldn’t afford a real one.” It is finally being recognised for what it really is: a natural successor to the original 356 Porsche
The engine was situated behind the driver and continued the Porsche tradition of a horizontally opposed (boxer) six-cylinder engine, although this one was cooled by water rather than air.
It had a top speed somewhere around 220km/h, passing 100km/h after just 6.5 seconds. Hardly earth shattering by Porsche standards, but more than enough to provide driving thrills.
Build quality was typically Porsche – bullet-proof and high quality throughout. And even by modern standards, road holding and handling was exemplary. Steering feel is a given, as are the Boxster’s balance, safety and composure.
What to look out for
The first thing to check is that you’ll fit. The Boxster cabin doesn’t have an abundance of legroom and anyone much over 170cm (six feet in the old money) should ensure they’ll be comfortable in both the short and long term.
The 2.5-litre Boxster was the first of the breed, and generally acknowledged not to be the best (unlike most other “first-of-the-breed” models). When the engine was expanded to 2.7-litre in 1999, more of the potential was released. Most desirable of all is the 3.2-litre Boxster S, introduced at the same time as the 2.7-litre, with six gears, better brakes, more highly evolved suspension and capable of more than 250km/h
A full service history is always worth looking out for, but as these cars are now more than 25 years old, may be difficult to source. However, as “affordable” Porsches, maintenance may have been overlooked, so check that any car you’re looking at has been cared for. A thorough inspection by an expert may prove to be a canny investment.
High mileages and multiple owners shouldn’t necessarily put you off. These cars still feel taught and nimble, even after 150,000km.
Cars ride best on17-inch wheels, but look better with arches filled by 18-inch rims.
The soft top (electric) is one of the best around, so the lack of a hardtop shouldn’t worry you too much.
Clutches on all but abused cars should last 80,000km or more. If a clutch needs replacement, be sure to change the engine oil seals at the same time – they are notoriously short-lived.
Squeaks are mainly due to aging suspension bushes. They’re annoying but not a real problem.