The Pros And Cons Of Buying A Used Porsche Boxster/Cayman (987)

• Pros
  • The last mid-engine Porsche with hydraulic steering
  • Generally reliable engine and drivetrain components
  • The first Boxster/ Cayman to feature PASM
  • A more classic design than the 986
  • PDK transmission on 987.2 models
  • More modern interior and better materials than the 986 Boxster
• Cons
  • High running costs due to boxer engine and brand
  • Poor practicality
  • Base models may be slow
  • Poor visibility
  • Some issues from the 986 persist

The Porsche 987 is a champion of retaining value

When new, the Porsche 987 Boxster had a base MSRP of $44,595. You would think that after all these years, the mid-engine Porsche roadster would have lost a significant chunk of its value. While true in some cases, there are plenty of used examples with comprehensive service records and not a lot of miles, going for $25,000 and more. It is worth noting that this is a car that is 20 years old in some cases. You can pick up a 987 Boxster for as little as $13,000, but those are far from perfect cars. Things are very similar for the 987 Cayman, although, on the used market, the coupe retains its value slightly better than the Boxster. According to Classic.com, the average price for a used 987 Cayman, over the last five years varies between $27,779 (987.1) and $44,886 (987.2). Meanwhile, average used car prices for the Boxster, it varies between $24,250 (987.1) and $42,263 (987.2).

Limited-edition Porsche 987 models can be a great investment

No other generation of the Porsche Boxster and Cayman has so many special editions, as the 987. There are more than a few and even after nearly 20 years, they have not only retained much of their value but have also appreciated.

• The Porsche Boxster RS60 was released in 2007 and limited to 1960 units, to celebrate Porsche’s 1960 win in the 12 Hours of Sebring. Based on the 987.1 Boxster S, it featured 19-inch SportDesign wheels and PASM as standard. All examples were finished in GT Silver. A new exhaust bumped power from the 3.4-liter flat-six to 299 horsepower.

• The Porsche Cayman S Design Edition 1 was produced in November 2008 as a 2009 model to commemorate 35 years of Porsche design. Production was limited to 777 units. Its distinctive features are a black exterior finish with subtle stripes, 997 Turbo wheels, and 0.4 inches-lower suspension. It also came standard with PASM.

• Porsche Boxster S Design Edition 2 was released for the 2009 model year, in just 500 copies. The treatment was similar to the RS60, aside from the Carrera White exterior finish, with matching, 19-inch wheels.

• In 2008, Porsche released a Porsche 987 Boxster and Boxster S Limited Edition, both of which were limited to 250 examples. The most distinctive feature was the Brilliant Orange paint, paying homage to the 997 GT3 RS.

• The 2010 Porsche Boxster Spyder was based on the 987.2 Boxster and featured signature rear haunches behind the cabin, typical for models like the Porsche 993 Speedster. It also featured a firmer suspension. This was the lightest 987 Boxster, weighing 2,811 pounds - 176 pounds less than the Boxster S it was based on. The engine produced 316 horsepower - 10 more than the Boxster S.

• The Porsche Cayman S Sport is another nod to the 997 GT3 RS. Limite to 700 units, it came with PASM, 0.4 inches lower suspension, 5.0 mm wheel spacers, Alcantara steering wheel and shift knob, short-shifter, Porsche Design 19-inch wheels, sport seats, gloss-black accents, and more. The color options include Signal Green, Bright Orange, Carrera White, Arctic Silver, Speed Yellow, Guards Red, and Black.

The Porsche 987 is generally reliable, but there are a few things to note

Some examples of the Porsche 987 are 20 years old and this means a few things. Firstly, the most common issues should have been dealt with by now, provided they had manifested themselves in the past (more on those in a bit). Secondly, standard wear and tear could mean that what, initially, seems like a bargain, may very quickly, turn into a project car or a restoration. The best thing to do is look for a car with a comprehensive service history.

Modified examples are another thing you should be careful with. Many owners have opted to upgrade the performance of their Porsche 987. Anything that makes the stock hardware (and software) work outside of factory parameters is bound to cause trouble. Exceptions are examples of Porsche Cayman and Boxster that are "touched" by one of the many known Porsche specialists in the business - a case in point being TECHART and its GT Street Flyweight treatment for models like the 911 Turbo S. There are countless names offering specially-developed kits for Porsche’s 911 as well as the equivalent mid-engine platforms.

Although the Porsche 987 Cayman/ Boxster is the brand’s entry-level sports car, do not expect Mazda Miata running costs. Brand tax aside, the mid-engine layout means it is more difficult to get to the engine. Moreover, despite Porsche’s boxer engine having inherent advantages, one of its cons is that due to its width, it makes even basic maintenance like changing the spark plugs, difficult.

Rear main seal (RMS)

Like the Porsche 986 and 996, the rear main seal on the Porsche 987 is prone to leaks. The seal where the engine and transmission connect is known to fail on many Porsche sports cars from the late 1990s to the late 2000s. If the leak is more severe, the oil light may also illuminate frequently due to constant loss of fluid. Another obvious sign of RMS failure is i there is a puddle on your driveway.

Intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing

This common issue is of biblical proportions, at least judging from the amount of internet chatter that goes on. In reality, a fairly low number of Porsche cars have been affected by this issue. While the issue mostly concerns the 986 and 996 models, early 987 and some 997 variants may also suffer from the IMS bearing. More specifically, it concerns Porsche models, powered by the M96 and M97 engines. There are three obvious signs - metal shavings in the oil filter, knocking/ metallic noises, and oil leaks near the rear of the engine.

This is due to improper lubrication and subpar material quality of the ball bearings, making them unable to withstand the physical and thermal loads. There are high-mileage examples that haven’t shown any signs of failing IMS, but many owners have opted for a preventative fix to avoid an expensive engine overhaul. It is worth noting that Porsche’s iconic Mezger engine also has a characteristic metallic noise, but this series of boxer engines does not suffer from IMS failure. Another way to prevent this issue is to shorten the oil-change intervals and drive the car at higher RPMs (when it’s up to working temperature), as it helps the oil pump work more efficiently.

Variocam actuators

Porsche’s version of continuously variable valve timing and lift is, occasionally, prone to issues. These can either become noisy or completely fail. The symptoms include unusual engine noises from the top end, especially on start-ups. This issue isn’t as common and can sometimes be attributed to the owner’s failure to stick to the oil-change intervals.

Bore scoring

Another particularly nasty problem that plagues, not just the 987, but other Porsche sports cars, is bore scoring, which can necessitate a complete engine overhaul. This is due to excessive friction between the piston oil rings and cylinder walls. The culprit is the Lokasil cylinder liners, which combined with the open-deck design means the cylinder banks aren’t as rigidly supported as they should be. The problem persists even on some 981 and 991 models. Typical symptoms are excessive smoke upon starting the engine, uneven soot on the exhaust tips, excessive oil consumption, very dark oil, oil-pooling in the cylinders, and ticking noise.

Convertible top failure ###

If you are looking at a Boxster, keep in mind the electrically-operated soft top (which still has a physical handle you need to work) features plastic ball joints in the rods. Those can degrade over time. The same goes for the rubber seals, the condition of which is always worth checking. The same is true for the rear drains. The ECU is located under the passenger seat, so any sign of water near that area is a sure sign of a problem with the convertible top.

Cooling radiators and A/C condensers

It is always worth checking the cooling radiators and A/C condensers for cracks or damage from debris as these can cause inefficiencies. This is especially true for 987 examples that have seen more track time. Due to the 987’s front-end design, featuring large air ducts, leaves and other debris can accumulate biomass over time which may hinder the cooling system’s proper function. Always check if the A/C works properly and visually inspect the area around the cooling radiator and A/C condenser.

Ignition coil failure

Ignition coils are one of the more minor issues that may plague the Porsche 987. A problem with one or more ignition coils would cause the engine to misfire and deliver power in an uneven manner. The same symptoms can also be attributed to old spark plugs that the previous owner may have decided to skip on changing due to the labor-intensive nature of the job.

Worn suspension components

Worn suspension components are to be expected from any high-mileage car. Struts and shocks tend to go with use, especially if the car has been driven more spiritedly. The front stabilizer bar nuts are particularly prone to loosening, which may cause excessive rattling from the front suspension.

Gearbox issues

Aside from the obvious clutch slippage, resulting in a worn-out clutch pack, automatic transmissions can suffer from solenoid failure. Sometimes, cleaning the solenoid sensors can do the trick, but oftentimes, replacing them is required. The 987.1 models are equipped with a five-speed, Tiptronic automatic, which is the Mercedes 5G-Tronic - a stout unit, capable of handling great torque, but hardly a sporty proposition. The PDK automatic transmission was made available with the 987.2 update. The manual transmissions are five-speed for the early base models and six-speed manual for all other variants.

Other issues you may encounter with a Porsche 987 Boxster or Cayman are:

• Oxygen sensor failure

• Exhaust rattle due to loosened or damaged components

• Electronic gremlins

• Exterior and interior wear

What to do before buying a Porsche 987

Similar to each generation of the 911, there is a Porsche 987 for every taste. Decide which body style, version, and engine/ transmission combination you want. Some models are more sought-after while others are more budget-friendly and fit for projects if you are going down that path.

• Pre-purchase inspection. To avoid serious repair bills or stumbling upon an "endless money pit", always go to a renowned specialist who can thoroughly inspect the car, particularly the weak spots.

• Always look for thorough service records. The further back they go, the better. A high-mileage Porsche 987 isn’t necessarily a bad purchase. These cars are known to be fairly reliable (987.2 over 987.1) when taken care of.

• Preferably avoid modified examples unless they were modified by Porsche specialists

While there is always a bit of luck involved in a used-car purchase, carefully considering these factors can help you get the Porsche 987 that’s right for you while avoiding unpleasant ownership experiences. The mid-engine Porsche is, often, praised as being the best-handling and most capable car in its segment. While not the perfect daily driver, the 987 is one of the more refined and usable two-seater sports cars you can get, and let’s not forget the Porsche badge and all the motorsport heritage that comes with it.