2002 Porsche Boxster Reviews, Pricing & Specs














































































































































































































































































































What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2002 Porsche Boxster really enjoy the fun driving experience, great handling, and stylish design. Many noted its excellent performance, especially in cornering, while also mentioning that it offers good value compared to other sports cars. However, some owners expressed concerns about maintenance costs and the need for careful attention to the IMS bearing, which can be a costly issue if not addressed."
The experience of driving this car has always been exhilirating, due to its immediate response to any input at the wheel and pedals. It goes, stops and turns exactly where I want it to be. I always feel safe in this car because I know that I am in control and can stay away from trouble.
April 12, 2013Like many of us, I had always wanted a Porsche. Like many of us, I had always wanted a convertible. Like many of us, I couldn't afford to spend a fortune on a car. This 2002 Porsche Boxster was my answer. As the least expensive model in the Porsche line-up, a low mileage 986/987 Boxster can be found for no more than a new family car. But it drives and handles and brings a huge grin to your face far more than any typical family car out there! There's a couple of things you should know: - The non-S version feels quick, but it isn't outright fast. Power is more-than-adequate 95% of the time. For comparison, it's much faster than a 328i, but a bit slower than a 335i. - Handling is just as good as the S version. In fact, this car makes you look like a much better driver than your really are. Mid-engine layout pays off big here. - You'll pay a lot less (both in purchase and in maintenance/repairs) for the non-S. Porsche repairs can be VERY expensive. - If you do a lot of highway cruising (not really the point of this car), you'll wish the non-S had the S's 6-speed. - This is NOT a family car. If you have kids or a spouse, you can only choose one passenger at a time. This can be limiting. - This is NOT a winter car. It's a great 2nd (if you are single) or 3rd (if you are married) car, but I store mine when the salt comes out. If you live where it snows, it's a 3-season car at best. - There are two trunks. No kidding. If you pack well, you can bring whatever you need for that long weekend (short of a set of golf clubs), and it'll fit. Try that in a Z3/Z4, SLK or S2000. I've had this Porsche for 7 years (purchased CPO), and for the right occasions, it's perfect. I only wish that between work and family and travel and lousy weather, there were more of those occasions.
May 21, 2012The vehicle has nice handling, acceleration and driving feel. A very sexy automobile and a joy to drive. Sophisticated eye catching ride. You are able to travel at 70+ with the top down no problem. Smooth ride with independent suspension.
May 10, 2014What owners say
The experience of driving this car has always been exhilirating, due to its immediate response to any input at the wheel and pedals. It goes, stops and turns exactly where I want it to be. I always feel safe in this car because I know that I am in control and can stay away from trouble.
April 12, 2013Like many of us, I had always wanted a Porsche. Like many of us, I had always wanted a convertible. Like many of us, I couldn't afford to spend a fortune on a car. This 2002 Porsche Boxster was my answer. As the least expensive model in the Porsche line-up, a low mileage 986/987 Boxster can be found for no more than a new family car. But it drives and handles and brings a huge grin to your face far more than any typical family car out there! There's a couple of things you should know: - The non-S version feels quick, but it isn't outright fast. Power is more-than-adequate 95% of the time. For comparison, it's much faster than a 328i, but a bit slower than a 335i. - Handling is just as good as the S version. In fact, this car makes you look like a much better driver than your really are. Mid-engine layout pays off big here. - You'll pay a lot less (both in purchase and in maintenance/repairs) for the non-S. Porsche repairs can be VERY expensive. - If you do a lot of highway cruising (not really the point of this car), you'll wish the non-S had the S's 6-speed. - This is NOT a family car. If you have kids or a spouse, you can only choose one passenger at a time. This can be limiting. - This is NOT a winter car. It's a great 2nd (if you are single) or 3rd (if you are married) car, but I store mine when the salt comes out. If you live where it snows, it's a 3-season car at best. - There are two trunks. No kidding. If you pack well, you can bring whatever you need for that long weekend (short of a set of golf clubs), and it'll fit. Try that in a Z3/Z4, SLK or S2000. I've had this Porsche for 7 years (purchased CPO), and for the right occasions, it's perfect. I only wish that between work and family and travel and lousy weather, there were more of those occasions.
May 21, 2012The vehicle has nice handling, acceleration and driving feel. A very sexy automobile and a joy to drive. Sophisticated eye catching ride. You are able to travel at 70+ with the top down no problem. Smooth ride with independent suspension.
May 10, 2014This car is really fun to drive. It's the best handling vehicle I've owned. The styling is timeless. The acceleration is great. Most of all, I love the fact that it's a convertible. I would recommend the Boxster to anyone looking for a really fun car to drive.
July 18, 2014I like driving this car because it always brings something positive to the experience. It is not a car that pleases the driver who is more interested in convenience, sound system or ease. Like all Porsche cars, it is sublimely successful at meeting the design ideals that require man/machine harmony.
April 14, 2013Love this car, it's fun to drive and handles like a dream. Maintenance is a bit costly, but does not require oil changes as frequently as many cars. The stock stereo system could use some inprovements. It's a great car to take out on weekends - definitely catches other driver's attention!
July 29, 2008Great handling car. Buyers beware. You need a car with excellent records of its history. The IMS bearing is this vehicles Achilles heal. The history will tell if its been dealt with.
December 9, 2022There is no car that can handle better, i am even including Ferrari on that list. The car does lack some power and spead, but the car has an extremly solid body even at 120 plus spead. Its a Porsche so like most Porsche it is hand built with the world's greatest quality. It may get a reasonable 20 MPG, but it needs 93 Octance which sadly does not exist in the US so I need to use 91. It is build with bullet proof realiabilty like all Porsches, but the the smallest reapair cost over 2 grand, an engine rebuild on a Honda and Toyota is 2 grand, but for this car its 20 grand. But all the flaws are taken away becasue of the amount of Fun it delivers....
September 1, 2009Great car! So much fun to drive! My car has tiptronic transmission. It's not 6 on the floor, but it still gives me the ability to shift. It has 17" wheels, lapis metallic blue, tan interior and blue soft top.
August 30, 2009J Clarkson has this one wrong. Being the faster version of the market entry model for the Porsche brand, and now having to live with uprated newer peers, might to some be a bit like being fifth in line to the throne and dropping with every new birth. But that is missing the point - this car has top quality breeding and it shows. A 911 cab just does not look right - it was designed to be a hard top. This car was designed to have its roof down at any available opportunity. And if you've driven a 911 round country bends you know where the engine is. A mid-engined Boxster had wonderful balance and handling. Whilst I might be tempted to trade up to clear lights - I still prefer the older styling Boxster. For me, the newer versions are given an aggression not needed for a car with such finesse.
May 13, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $52,365 | Seating 2 |
Engine 3.2L 250 hp H6 | Cargo Capacity 11.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $43,365 | Seating 2 |
Engine 2.7L 217 hp H6 | Cargo Capacity 11.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain RWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$43,365 - $52,365
Current avg. market price
$14,600
Trending up by 0.3% this month
May 2026 - June 2026







