2006 Porsche Boxster

I've owned both a 2005 Porsche Boxster and 2006 Boxster S, the second generation (987) of this mid-engined roadster icon. My review is more applicable to these years than the 97-04 version (986). Much has been written about the excellent driving experience so I'll focus my comments on things to be aware of before purchasing and model pricing, which can be all over the map due to the tremendous amount of OE customization available.

Things to be aware of:
* Early returns on model reliability have been excellent
* These cars chew through expensive tires, especially so on the rears (life = 20-25k front, 12-20k rear)
* Service is at 20k intervals minor/major but costs are reasonable (in-line with competitors). However, overall running costs are not "cheap" (premium gas required) so cost of tires + service + gas should be evaluated before purchasing
* Insurance is not prohibitive as the car is excellent at accident avoidance due to world-class braking and handling as well as excellent safety equipment(includes thorax airbags, for example - first on roadster)
* Car has class-leading cargo space with both front and rear trunks, but can carry only one golf bag in rear
* Ipod integration is difficult and costly, which is a major sore-spot with owners
* In-cabin noise (the engine is right behind your head) can be intrusive (welcomed by some). Surprisingly, engine noise is louder in the base than the S model.
* The shifter/transmission/pedals on Porsches have a different feel than other makes, so it's recommended that manual transmission samples that have accumulated some miles be test-driven to avoid those that have been "worked-over" by the less-capable
* Porsches also have a 2000 mile break-in period that some choose not to follow. Caveat emptor.

Price and Options:

Porsche options are exceptionally expensive and the Boxster's standard kit is only average compared to competitors. One should also note that there has been an increase in horsepower/torque on the 07 models that can be expected to depress pricing on 05-06 models (and already has).

Most popular value-add options that would improve resale would be:

* PCM-Navigation
* Xenon HID headlights
* PASM - adjustable suspension
* Sport Chrono - Stopwatch function on dash, also integrates with OBC/PCM
* Adaptive Sport seats
* Regular Sport Seats
* Wind deflector (a must, and optioned on most samples)
* Embossed headrests (Porsche crest)
* Bose stereo (the standard stereo is not so good and the Bose only a marginal improvement)
* 19" wheels on the S (18" on the base, which comes with 17" rims as standard kit)
* Hard top
* Colored wheel-caps
* Sport steering wheel
* Roll bars painted exterior colour
* Center-console painted exterior colour
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (Standard on 07+)

Options that are expensive but with less discernible value or that show only a fractional return in resale, would include:

* Sport Design Package, although so-equipped samples are rare($5,865 as option)
* Special interior trims (wood, aluminum, carbon-fiber) - Expensive to option
* Full or two-tone leather
* Sport shifter
* Remote CD changer
* Power seats (more power capabilities than standard seats)
* Self-dim mirrors and rain sensors
* Park assist
* Porsche ceramic brakes ($8,150 as option)
* Tiptronic S (automatic transmission)
* Sport exhaust

Good luck with your Boxster purchase and feel free to contact me for more details

I'VE BEEN DRIVING MY GUARDS RED BOXTER TO WORK AND BACK FOR TWO YEARS AND COULD'NT ASK FOR A BETTER RIDE.
WORTH EVERY PENNY! IF YOU DON'T HAVE ONE . . . GET ONE !
FG-SW FLA

Truthfully...I have been waiting since 1997 to buy this Porsche (the Boxster) but I have been driving my beloved 968 as a flawless daily driver and could not justify selling it for the 986/987. This Spring, however, I found "my 987S" online and had to make the committment. I flew to Chicago, picked up the '06 987S and drove it almost a thousand miles back home...one of the greatest experiences to bond with the car. It is my third Porsche and, without a doubt, the finest engineering I've ever experienced in any automobile. The sound of the engine/exhaust is worth getting out of bed to hear each morning. Great torque...abundant power...killer brakes...all the right stuff!!! The reviews (there are many) are right on...exceptional in every catagory for me. I was fortunate enough to get the Sport Chrono package (still learning about it), the Sport Seats (a real comfortable and anchoring option),the Sport Wheel (gotta have for comfort/control), tiptronic (I work in the city)and Bose (great I think with top up or down)...a dream car for those lucky enough to find the right one for them. While pricey I thought at first...it has turned out to be the bargain of my lifetime...I can without hesitation say "go for it"..this will change driving experience as you know it. I rest my case! SANDBOX

Excellent choice for sporty fun top down sports car experience. Excellent dynamics and driver feel to road, out performs all its competition in its price range.Mid engine stability, not twitchy at limits and puts a smile on your face with each drive