Is a Boxster a Good Step Up from an Old 911?
Rennlist Porsche owners sound off on stepping out of an air-cooled 911 and into a first-gen Boxster S. Will it bring the same satisfaction?
For many, the prospect of leaving behind a 911 for a Boxster is downright sacrilege. However, when looking at an air-cooled 911, it’s easy to see how a first-generation, or 986, Boxster or Boxster S could be advantageous. Newer, better functioning climate features, better stereo systems. Overall, it’s often much more comfortable in a modern car. That’s just how it works.
Rennlist user Edward is in this exact predicament. He recently posted a thread shining some light on his thoughts.
“Yeah, I want to ask you guys, my fellow air-cooled devotees: what are your thoughts about a 2000-04 Boxster S? I’m thinking sub $14k so “nice” but not perfect,” he says
He goes on to explain that he never intends to sell his 993. However, his 1982 911 SC does not see much driving time anymore and that paying for smog on it every two years has become cumbersome.
User Spyerx is the first to sound off with admiration for the Boxster, but slight concern regarding his preferred years.
“Boxsters are good cars…That gen you want has 996 era electronics. Decent, but getting older. The IMS bearing tends to worry folks. Part of the reason these old cars are reliable is their simplicity. I don’t think I’d replace an sc with a Boxster and be happy with it.” he says
On the contrary, Grgallo seems to advocate for this deal. Seeing as Edward has another 911 that he’ll be keeping.
“In the recent past I’ve owned an ’87 911 Coupe and a ’00 Boxster, I thought the combination was one of the best I’ve experienced, the raw original feel, sight and sounds of the 911 and the fun of a mid-engine beautifully balanced analog drop top, I love top-down drives. If I were to repeat that combo, I’d stay with the 911 (maybe go for a 964 or 993) and combine it with a Boxster S. I believe there is nothing quite like the combination of a Porsche coupe partnered with a Porsche convertible, the added attraction of what you’d end up with is rear engine/mid-engine contrast,” he says
Of course, this generation Boxster or the 996 911 can’t go without mention of the infamous IMS bearing failure. If you aren’t familiar, the Intermediate Shaft (IMS) bearing is a sealed bearing, and a handful of Porsches from this generation have seen them fail. This can cause catastrophic engine failure that requires a full engine replacement. User Shawn Stanford has some experience with them, though.
“I’ve had two Boxsters, love them. They’re as bulletproof as a Porsche is every likely to get. A great three-season daily. Fun, cheap, easy to DIY. With ordinary maintenance, these cars will make it to 200k with ease. The IMS issues are overblown. It only affects a small portion, it almost always affects cars before they hit 80k, and it generally affects cars that haven’t been driven hard enough,” he says
He also advises that looking to a Boxster S over a Boxster base is not necessary. As he says, this car is built for high-speed handling fun, not necessarily for tire scorching acceleration.
Mike Murphy agrees with the Boxster admiration.
“I went from an 88 Carrera to a 2000 Boxster S. They feel different for sure. Once you get over the fact that you’ll miss that old school driving feel, the Boxster is a great, fun car,” he says
Overall, the consensus seems consistent. If you go from an air-cooled 911 to a Boxster, you will likely find you miss the driving experience of the classic 911, but enjoy the modern benefits of the Boxster. What do you think? Chime in with your thoughts in the Rennlist forums!
Photos: Porsche