REDLINE ALLEYPorsche Boxster 987 buying guide
2004 to 2012. A 987 suits a buyer who wants a sorted mid engine roadster, with the later direct injection cars the simplest choice.
Big jobs
- IMS bearing (early cars). The intermediate shaft bearing can fail. Later cars from about late 2006 have the stronger, relocated bearing.
- Bore scoring (3.4 S before 2009). Bore scoring affects roughly 1 in 20 pre direct injection 3.4 S engines. A low oil level and tapping noises are signs.
- 6 speed popping out of 2nd. The 6 speed manual has a reputation for popping out of 2nd. The fix is a strip down and rebuild with a modified detent.
Workshop jobs
- Rear main seal. A small oil leak from the rear main seal is common and is best fixed with the clutch.
- Oil separator. Blue smoke while running points to a broken oil separator. A brief puff on start up is normal for a flat six.
- Springs, bushes and rose joints. Broken coil springs are very common, bottom arm bushes can delaminate from about 30,000 miles, and trailing arm rose joints wear and knock.
- Front radiators and condensers. Leaves in the front vents rot the radiators and air conditioning condensers, which often fail after about 8 years.
- Roof and drains. A creaking roof suggests dry joints and broken pushrods are common. Blocked roof drains let water behind the seats where an ECU sits.
Questions for the seller
- Is it the 2.7, 3.2 S, 3.4 S or a direct injection car from 2009?
- Has the engine had a borescope check?
- Does it pop out of 2nd gear?
- When were the coil springs and bottom arm bushes last replaced?
- Has the cabin ever been wet?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-03. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.