Used Porsche Boxster for sale: everything you need to know

Ever since its launch in 1996, the Porsche Boxster has been one of the best sports cars you can buy at any price. Power, weight, and size have all risen over the years, and the Porsche Boxster has become more sophisticated, but new or used, few cars have got close to its mix of handling, usability, and badge appeal.

The current fourth-generation Porsche Boxster arrived in 2016. The initial choice of four-cylinder engines ruffled a few feathers, Porsche having granted the Boxster a 911-style flat six up until this point, but in most other respects the car was better than ever, and Porsche then reintroduced six-cylinder models first with the Boxster Spyder, then the GTS 4.0.

That there are few true open-topped rivals any more means the Porsche Boxster almost has the market to itself. The BMW Z4 offers an open option though, while coupes like the Alpine A110, Toyota Supra, and Porsche’s own Cayman may also appeal to potential Boxster buyers.

Should you buy a Porsche Boxster?

In short, you should absolutely buy a Porsche Boxster. This applies even if you don’t particularly see yourself as a driving enthusiast, as while the Boxster absolutely delivers on driving thrills, it’s equally appealing for its classic open-topped roadster shape, its well-built and luxuriously-trimmed cabin, and for its incredibly liveable nature - using a Boxster every day is no hardship at all.

And while the very early Porsche Boxsters in the mid-90s were occasionally criticised for not quite offering Porsche-style performance, that’s not been the case for a while now. You’d have to be coming from something quite brisk for even the most basic 718 Boxster 2.0 to feel slow, and the availability of the brand’s slick-shifting PDK automatic means it’s easy to make the most of the power on offer.

If you’re into the nuances of driving, then this is where the Porsche Boxster really shines. Control weights are all brilliantly matched, the steering is precise and delivers plenty of feedback, all engines deliver knockout performance, and the chassis is beautifully balanced. Country roads and race tracks are a joy, but with a pair of luggage areas, touring is well within the Boxster’s remit too.

As well as having two boots, there’s good cabin space and the low-set driving position is hard to fault - whichever generation of Boxster you’re looking at. To cap it all, owner surveys suggest the most recent generations of Boxster are trouble-free to own, too.

As we hinted above, rivals are now few and far between, but over the years models like the BMW Z4, Audi TT Roadster, Mercedes-Benz SLK and SLC-Class, and even the lightweight Lotus Elise might have tempted you out of a Boxster. Some are more luxurious and the Lotus is even more involving, but the Boxster’s mix of qualities has been hard to top.

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What’s the best used Porsche Boxster model to buy?

If you’re hooked on the style and image of the Porsche Boxster and aren’t worried about outright performance, then the regular 718 Boxster or Boxster S will more than do the trick. Both have strong performance and to most observers look no less special than the models higher up the Boxster range.

Otherwise, the GTS 4.0 is probably the highlight of the recent Boxster range, with the classic flat-six engine sound, rapid performance, and given the next Boxster is set to go electric, the knowledge that you’ll be driving around in what may well end up being the peak Boxster for driver involvement. If you opt for the slick, tactile manual gearbox, even more so.

It’s worth seeking out cars with desirable options like Sport Chrono and PASM adaptive dampers, while bright colours don’t just look good, but are desirable when you eventually sell the car on too - Porsches don’t seem beholden to the old adage of requiring “resale silver” to be popular with buyers.

Used Porsche Boxster fuel economy and performance

• Porsche 718 Boxster: Since the 718’s introduction in 2016, the basic Boxster has used a 2-litre, turbocharged flat-four configuration engine. At last count it develops a round 300PS, going from 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds with a manual gearbox and 4.9sec with the PDK, and up to 31.7mpg. The Boxster T and Style Edition also use this engine.
• Porsche 718 Boxster S: The Boxster S gets a 2.5-litre version of the turbo flat four, making 350PS. 0-62mph takes 4.6 seconds as a manual, and 4.4 seconds in PDK form. Porsche quotes up to 29.4mpg.
• Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0: As the name suggests, the GTS 4.0 has a 4-litre engine, naturally aspirated, and in flat six configuration. At 28mpg it’s barely more thirsty than the Boxster S, but makes 400PS, and reaches 0-62mph in 4.5 and 4.0 seconds, for the manual and PDK.

What used Porsche Boxster trim levels are available?

Porsche has become a master at spinning off its model lines into various other configurations, but for the time being the 718 Boxster range is simple to understand, with just one special edition (not counting the 718 Spyder RS, which doesn’t use the Boxster name), and three conventional model lines.

• The Porsche 718 Boxster is nominally the entry-level car, though as the facts and figures above show, it’s no slouch in performance terms. It comes with such niceties as 18-inch alloy wheels, sports seats, cruise control, and bi-xenon headlights.
• The Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition is based on the regular Boxster but is distinguished by contrasting colour combinations, such as the bright ‘Ruby Star Neo’ magenta finish, with white wheels and graphics. 20-inch wheels are also standard.
• The Porsche 718 Boxster S offers a few upgrades on top of its more powerful engine, such as standard 19-inch wheels, and a few more things to tick on the sizeable options list.
• The Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 is most easily distinguished by its 4-litre engine, but gets several mechanical upgrades as standard too, including PASM active suspension, a torque-vectoring differential, bigger brakes behind 20-inch wheels, and the Sport Chrono package.

Used Porsche Boxster dimensions and boot size

The Porsche Boxster’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4379mm
• Width: 1801mm
• Height: 1281mm
• Ground clearance: N/A

The Porsche Boxster’s boot size is:

• 150 litres (front)
• 122 litres (rear)

Used Porsche Boxster road tax

All Boxsters built since 2017 are subject to the same flat rate of VED (‘road tax’), at £180 per year - but as all cost more than £40,000 brand new, they’re also subject to a £390 annual surcharge, bringing the total yearly payment to £570 in years two to six of registration.

How much is it to insure a Porsche Boxster?

As a high-performance sports car, it’s no surprise that Porsche Boxster insurance costs will be a little higher than your average saloon or SUV. The engine range sits in groups 48-49 in the 1-50 group system, though your premium will of course vary widely depending on your individual circumstances.

Read our full Porsche Boxster review