Used Porsche Boxster for sale in Europe

About the Porsche Boxster

The Boxster is Porsche's two-seat, mid-engined open-top sports car. It was introduced in 1996 and has been built in four generations. The engine sits behind the seats, which gives the car a balanced layout and two luggage compartments, one at the front and one at the rear. The closed-roof Cayman followed later as a separate model.

Most Boxsters built up to 2016 have a flat-six petrol engine with a manual gearbox or an automatic. Later cars offer the PDK dual-clutch gearbox. From 2016 the standard models moved to turbocharged flat-four engines, while some special versions kept a flat-six. Buyers range from first-time Porsche owners looking at older cars to people wanting a recent, high-specification version.

Our listings cover model years 1996 to 2026, so age, condition and specification vary widely. Compare engine size, trim level, service history and ownership record rather than age alone. A basic early car and a late performance variant are very different purchases, even though both carry the same name.

Generations

• 986 (1996-2004) — The first generation launched with a 2.5-litre flat-six, and 2.7-litre and 3.2-litre S versions followed.
• 987 (2004-2012) — The second generation was restyled and, from the 2009 update, gained direct-injection flat-six engines and the option of PDK.
• 981 (2012-2016) — The third generation used a new body and electric power steering, with 2.7-litre and 3.4-litre flat-six engines.
• 982 / 718 Boxster (2016-present) — Sold as the 718 Boxster, it introduced turbocharged flat-four engines, with flat-six versions added later in some models.

Typical prices

Asking prices in our listings rise with newer model years, though not in a perfectly smooth line. The overall median is €26,900. Cars from 2003 have a median of €21,000, and 2013 cars have a median of €50,000. The newest model years sit far higher: the 2025 median is €157,700, and these listings are often higher-specification versions. Mileage, engine, gearbox, service history and condition all move the price within a single year. These are asking prices in our listings on 2026-11-10, not a valuation.

Based on our listings as of 2026-11-10. These are asking prices, not a valuation.

What to check when buying a used Porsche Boxster

Ask for the full service history and see the car in daylight with the engine cold. A specialist inspection is worth arranging for any example, particularly an older flat-six car.

• Intermediate shaft bearing · 986 and 987 (to 2008)

  The intermediate shaft bearing on these flat-six engines is a widely discussed failure point. Ask whether it has been upgraded, who did the work and when. Do not rely on a verbal claim without an invoice.

• Rear main seal leaks · 986 and 987 (to 2008)

  Oil leaks from the rear main seal are a common topic with these engines. Look under the car near the gearbox bell housing for fresh oil, and check whether the seal has been replaced.

• Cylinder bore wear · 987 (to 2008) larger engines

  Some larger-capacity engines of this period have been reported with cylinder bore damage. Ask whether a specialist has inspected the bores, and listen for rough running or unusual noises on a cold start.

• Roof and water ingress

  Operate the folding roof several times and listen for strain. Check the seals, the drain channels and the footwells for damp, and look at the rear window on older cars for cracks or discolouration.

• Cooling and oil leaks

  Check the coolant level and look for staining around hoses, radiators and the water pump. On older flat-six cars also ask about the air-oil separator. Smoke on start-up or a rising oil level deserves a closer look.

• Gearbox behaviour · PDK cars

  On PDK cars, drive in both gentle and firm modes and watch for jerky, hesitant or noisy shifts. Ask for the gearbox service record, as the fluid and filter are maintenance items.

• Turbo engines and updates · 982 / 718 Boxster

  Check that software updates and any recall work have been carried out. Look for signs of heavy track use, such as worn tyres, brake wear and uneven pad condition. Confirm the engine variant matches the paperwork.

Frequently asked questions