Porsche 987 Boxster (2005–2012): Redefining Sports Car Excellence
I’ve spent enough mornings with a Porsche 987 Boxster to know the ritual: roof down before the coffee cools, flat-six idling like it’s clearing its throat, and that snug driving position that makes you forget about errands and think about mountain passes. The Porsche 987 Boxster isn’t just a “good used roadster.” It’s the one you recommend to friends who genuinely love driving. And yes, I’ll happily argue that over a pint.
Quick take: Mid-engine balance, hydraulic steering you won’t want to give up, and engines that sing. The 987 still feels special—on Sunday mornings and school runs alike.
A Brief History of the Porsche 987 Boxster
Launched in 2005 as the second-generation Boxster, the Porsche 987 took the winning formula of the 986 and sharpened it. Tauter design, stronger engines, a nicer cabin, and that lovely hydraulic steering that makes modern electric racks feel a bit… muted. In 2009, the updated 987.2 arrived with direct fuel injection, the quick-witted PDK gearbox, and subtle styling tweaks. Funny thing: even now, jump in one and it doesn’t feel “old”—it feels focused.
Living With the Porsche 987 Boxster: Why It Still Hooks You
When I tried it on less-than-perfect back roads, the chassis felt like it was having the time of its life. Mid-engine balance is the magic trick: the front says “trust me,” the rear says “I’ve got you,” and your grin says “one more corner.” The roof drops in seconds, so impromptu sunsets are always on the menu, and the two trunks (frunk plus rear) swallow a weekend’s worth of luggage—yes, even for a couple who can’t pack light. It’s quiet enough on the highway to hear your kids arguing in the back… oh wait, there isn’t a back. Problem solved.
Porsche 987 Boxster Engines, Performance, and Key Specs
987.1 (2005–2008)
- Boxster: 2.7L flat-six, 240–245 hp, 0–60 mph in roughly 5.9–6.2 seconds (manual)
- Boxster S: 3.2L (later 3.4L) flat-six, 280–295 hp, 0–60 mph as quick as ~5.1 seconds
- Transmissions: 5- or 6-speed manual, 5-speed Tiptronic automatic
987.2 (2009–2012)
- Boxster: 2.9L flat-six, 255 hp, 0–60 mph ~5.6 seconds (quicker with PDK + Sport Chrono)
- Boxster S: 3.4L DFI flat-six, 310 hp, 0–60 mph ~4.9 seconds
- Boxster Spyder (2011): 320 hp, lighter, and just a bit wild—0–60 mph ~4.6 seconds
- Transmissions: 6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK dual-clutch
Real-world mpg? Expect mid-20s on the highway if you’re gentle (I rarely am). The soundtrack—especially above 4,000 rpm—is all the encouragement you need to be a little naughty.
Did you know? The 987’s hydraulic steering is a masterclass in feel. On a wet roundabout, it almost narrates the available grip. Old-school, in the best way.
Porsche 987 Boxster Reliability: What Owners (and My Notebook) Say
Is a 2005 Porsche Boxster 987 reliable? With proper maintenance, yes. I’ve spoken to owners with six-figure mileage who treat theirs like faithful spaniels. But let’s be frank:
- Early 987.1 cars can have rare IMS bearing concerns (far fewer than the 986), plus potential RMS and AOS issues. Regular inspections help.
- On some 3.4-liter S models, watch for signs of bore scoring. A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) by a Porsche specialist is money well spent.
- From 2009 on (the 987.2), engines went DFI and ditched the IMS design—generally a safer bet mechanically.
Service them on time, warm the engine before play, and they’re robust. Brakes, tires, and consumables cost Porsche money, sure, but nothing outrageous for the performance you’re getting.
When Did the Porsche 987 Boxster 987.2 Start—and Which Year Is “Best”?
The 987.2 refresh arrived for 2009. If you want PDK and the DFI engines, that’s your year onward. “Best year” depends on your taste. Want the purest, lightest thrill? Try the 2011–2012 Spyder if you can find one. Want the biggest reliability peace-of-mind and modern usability? Any clean, well-documented 987.2 (2009–2012) is a sweet spot. On a budget and love a manual? A sorted 2005–2008 car still delivers 90% of the magic for less.
Porsche 987 Boxster Interior Life—and Why Floor Mats Matter More Than You Think
Cabin quality took a nice step up from the 986. The driving position is spot-on, controls are weighted just so, and the soft-top insulation is good enough that long trips don’t feel like a wind tunnel test. Infotainment? Honestly… basic by modern standards. Bluetooth can be fiddly on some cars. But I noticed right away how tightly everything is screwed together—no squeaks on rough roads, just that dense Porsche feel.
If you’re refreshing a used car’s cabin, start under your feet. At AutoWin, I’ve been eyeing their tailored Porsche 987 Boxster floor mats. The fit is proper, materials feel premium, and the designs can either go quiet-and-classy or color-pop to match your seat stitching. For a car that rewards the details, it’s a simple upgrade that keeps the cockpit looking fresh.
The Best Place to Buy Floor Mats for Your Porsche Boxster 987
AutoWin keeps it simple: browse, pick your color/finish, and they ship mats that actually fit—no curling edges, no heel holes after six months. I’ve seen a few owner cars where a fresh set from AutoWin lifted the whole interior. If you’re particular (most Porsche folks are), the customization options make it easy to match your car’s vibe.
Porsche 987 Boxster vs. Rivals: How It Stacks Up
| Car | Layout | Power | 0–60 mph (approx.) | What It Feels Like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porsche 987 Boxster S | Mid-engine RWD | 295–310 hp | ~5.1 to 4.9 s | Telepathic steering, poised, addictive |
| BMW Z4 3.0si (E85) | Front-engine RWD | 255 hp | ~5.6 s | Silky inline-six, planted, not as talkative |
| Honda S2000 (AP2) | Front-engine RWD | 237 hp | ~5.4 s | High-rev fizz, rawer ride, brilliant shifter |
| Mercedes SLK350 (R171) | Front-engine RWD | 268 hp | ~5.4 s | Refined, metal roof, less playful |
| Audi TT Roadster 2.0T | Front/Quattro | 200–265 hp | ~6.3 to 4.9 s | Grip-heavy, style-first, less steering feel |
| Nissan 350Z Roadster | Front-engine RWD | 300+ hp | ~5.5 s | Muscular, heavier, more brute than ballet |
Interesting Facts About the Porsche Boxster 987
- That mid-engine layout gives near-ideal weight distribution and the sort of balance you feel through your fingertips.
- The soft top drops or raises in seconds—perfect for city tunnels, Alpine suns, or quick showers.
- Engines are all flat-sixes, with a crisp exhaust note that hardens as the revs climb. It’s addictive.
- Driver-centric cockpit, with tactile controls and quality materials that have aged well.
- Enthusiasts and critics loved its steering precision and composure; it’s one of those cars that makes average roads feel special.
Feature Highlights I’d Look For
- Sport Chrono (sharper throttle, stopwatch you’ll pretend to use)
- 19-inch wheels with good tires (transforms turn-in, mind potholes)
- PDK on 2009+ if you want the quickest shifts; manual if you love involvement
- Heated seats and wind deflector for top-down winter smugness
- Clean service history; bore-scope report on S models if possible
Final Thoughts: Why the Porsche 987 Boxster Still Matters
Every time I slide into a Porsche 987 Boxster, it reminds me why we obsess over cars in the first place. It’s intimate without being impractical, engaging without being tiring, and special without shouting. If you’re hunting for a premium sports car that fits life—commutes, road trips, impromptu detours—the 987 is still a standout. Pair it with a set of well-made floor mats from AutoWin, keep up the maintenance, and you’ll have a modern classic you’ll never want to “upgrade” from.
FAQ: Porsche 987 Boxster (2005–2012)
- What year is the 987 Boxster? Built from 2005 to 2012, with the 987.2 update starting in 2009.
- Is the 2005 Porsche Boxster 987 reliable? Generally yes with proper maintenance. Early cars can have rare IMS-related and AOS/RMS issues—get a PPI.
- Which year is best? 2009–2012 for DFI engines and PDK; 2011–2012 Spyder for purists; 2005–2008 for value if well cared for.
- Manual or PDK? Manual for involvement; PDK for speed and daily ease. Both suit the car, depending on your style.
- Where can I get quality floor mats? Check AutoWin for tailored Porsche 987 Boxster mats in multiple finishes and colors.
