Porsche Boxster broken cars at copart and IAAI auctions. Ownership history and VIN numbers of damaged cars

The Porsche Boxster is one of the most famous and successful roadsters produced by the German company Porsche. Since its debut in 1996, the Boxster has won the hearts of car enthusiasts around the world thanks to its exceptional design, dynamic characteristics and excellent handling. This model has become an integral part of Porsche history and laid the foundation for the creation of other successful sports cars of the brand.

Over the course of its long history, the Porsche Boxster has gone through several generations and modifications, each of which brought its own unique changes and improvements. From the first generation 986 to the current 718 Boxster, each new release represented a combination of advanced technology and engineering. Importantly, each generation offered a variety of colors and options, allowing owners to create unique cars to their taste.

Over the years, the Porsche Boxster has achieved impressive sales figures, which is a testament to its popularity and recognition among car enthusiasts. In this article, we will look at the number of units sold, identify the most successful models, and also discuss those versions that turned out to be problematic. From sales analysis to discussion of technical aspects and owner reviews, we will try to cover all the key points that make the Boxster such an iconic model in Porsche history.

History of the Porsche Boxster model

The Porsche Boxster was first introduced in 1996, becoming the company's first car in a long time to feature a mid-engine. This solution was aimed at improving the car's handling and balance. The Boxster got its name by combining the words "Boxer" (opposed engine) and "Roadster" (body type), which emphasizes the car's sporty character.

The Boxster was a major step for Porsche, helping the company emerge from the financial crisis of the 1990s. The car quickly gained popularity due to its design, performance, and affordable price compared to other Porsche models. Over the course of its history, the Boxster has gone through several generations and numerous updates.

Development and modifications

The Boxster has gone through four generations since its debut:

Generation 986 (1996-2004): First generation, powered by a 2.5-litre flat-six engine. In 2000, the engine was increased to 2.7 litres, and the Boxster S received a 3.2-litre engine.
Generation 987 (2005-2012): The second generation received updated design and improved performance. In 2007, direct fuel injection engines were introduced, which increased power and fuel economy.
Generation 981 (2012-2016): The third generation introduced a new platform and a significantly updated appearance. In 2015, the Boxster Spyder was equipped with a 3.8-liter engine from the 911 Carrera S.
Generation 982 (2016-present): The fourth generation, known as the Boxster 718, received turbocharged four-cylinder engines, improving fuel economy and performance.

Each generation of the Boxster included various modifications, such as the Boxster S, Boxster GTS and Boxster Spyder, each featuring improved performance and unique design elements.

Colors and Features

Over the years, the Boxster has been offered in a wide range of colours, from classic black and white to bright and unusual shades such as Racing Yellow and Lava Orange. Particular attention has been paid to the individualisation of the cars through the Porsche Exclusive programmes, allowing customers to choose unique colours and trim materials.

Sales and Success

Since its introduction, the Porsche Boxster has become one of the company's most successful cars. As of 2023, more than 400,000 units have been sold worldwide. The model was most popular in North America and Europe.

Problematic points

Despite its success, the Boxster has had its share of problems. The most notorious of these are the intermediate shaft (IMS) issues in the early 986 and 987 models, which could cause serious engine damage. These issues were resolved in later generations, but they have left a mark on the model.

Overall, the Porsche Boxster remains an iconic model, combining Porsche's sporting tradition with innovation, allowing it to remain popular among car enthusiasts and collectors.

Modifications: from classics to modern versions

Over the years of its existence, the Porsche Boxster has come a long way from the first classic versions to modern models, distinguished by high technology and improved characteristics. Each generation of Boxster offered unique modifications that met the needs of car enthusiasts and fans of the brand.

The first Boxster model, presented in 1996, became the basis for further developments and modifications. Subsequently, each new version was improved both technically and in terms of design, adding new functions and improving existing ones.

Main modifications of Porsche Boxster

Boxster (986) : The first model, released in 1996, was equipped with a 2.5-liter engine producing 204 hp. The classic open-top, rear-wheel drive design became the model's signature feature.
Boxster S (986S) : In 1999, a modification with a 3.2-liter engine with a capacity of 250 hp appeared. Improved dynamics and performance made this model popular among enthusiasts.
Boxster (987) : The second generation, introduced in 2005. Updated design, improved engines of 2.7 and 3.2 liters. Power increased to 280 hp for the S version.
Boxster (981) : Third generation, debuted in 2012. Lighter body, new 2.7 and 3.4 liter engines with power up to 315 hp. Significant changes in design and aerodynamics.
Boxster (718) : The fourth generation, launched in 2016. Switch to turbocharged four-cylinder engines with a capacity of 2.0 and 2.5 liters. The GTS version offers power up to 365 hp. Improved fuel economy and performance.

Each generation of the Porsche Boxster brought something new to the concept of a sports roadster. Modifications included improved engines, new technologies and design innovations. These changes allowed the Boxster to remain in demand on the market and attract new fans.

Among all the modifications, the most successful ones can be highlighted, such as the Boxster S (986S) and Boxster (718), which have proven themselves as powerful and reliable cars. Despite this, each model had its own weaknesses that required improvements, which were also taken into account in subsequent versions.

Available colors and their popularity

The popularity of different colors has changed over the years, but some shades have always been especially popular among owners. Let's look at the most popular colors and their impact on the success of the model.

Primary colors and their popularity

The Porsche Boxster color range includes both classic and modern shades. Here are some of them:

Black is always a relevant and stylish choice, emphasizing the elegance and power of the car.
White - symbolizes purity and simplicity, giving the car a fresh and modern look.
Red - associated with sportiness and speed, attracting attention on the road.
Silver is a classic and versatile colour that highlights the lines and shapes of the Boxster.
Blue - Offers a fresh and sophisticated look, often chosen for its ability to stand out without being too bright.

Other colours such as Green, Yellow and Orange are also offered but are less common and are chosen by more daring owners looking to add a personal touch to their car.

Among all the colors presented, the most popular have always been black, white and red. These colors not only perfectly emphasize the sporty spirit of the Boxster, but also remain relevant for many years.

Porsche Boxster: Production years and sales volumes

The Porsche Boxster was introduced to the public in 1996 and has since become one of the most popular and recognizable sports cars from Porsche. Designed as a more affordable alternative to the famous Porsche 911, the Boxster attracted attention due to its unique design, high level of performance and handling.

Throughout its history, the Porsche Boxster has gone through several generations and modifications. Each new generation brought updates in design, technical characteristics and technologies, which helped maintain interest in the model on the market and stable sales.

Years of production and sales volumes

1996-2004 (1st generation, 986): The first generation Boxster was produced from 1996 to 2004. During this time, approximately 160,000 cars were sold.
2004-2012 (2nd generation, 987): The second generation entered the market in 2004. Improved engines and updated design helped increase sales to 200,000 units.
2012-2016 (3rd generation, 981): The third generation debuted in 2012. During this period, sales amounted to about 120,000 cars.
Since 2016 (4th generation, 718): Since 2016, the fourth generation, known as the 718 Boxster, has been produced. Since its introduction, more than 80,000 units have been sold (data current as of 2023).

The second generation has the highest sales volumes, due to significant improvements in performance and driver comfort. The first generation also had high sales, as it became the basis for the successful Boxster line. The third generation, although it had modernized performance, showed lower sales volumes compared to the previous ones. The fourth generation continues the success story, maintaining stable interest in the market.

The most successful and problematic models

Throughout its history, the Porsche Boxster has won the love of car enthusiasts thanks to its elegance, performance and driving pleasure. However, not all models have been equally successful. Some generations and modifications have stood out for their reliability and popularity, while others have faced technical problems and criticism.

In this section, we'll look at the most successful and problematic Porsche Boxster models to better understand which versions of this iconic car have left the best impressions and which have caused the most problems for owners.

The most successful models

Porsche Boxster (986) 1996-2004 – the first Boxster, which gained popularity due to its affordability and sporty characteristics. This model range became the basis for the success of the entire Boxster line.
Porsche Boxster S (986) 2000-2004 – a more powerful version with a 3.2-liter engine, which strengthened the Boxster's reputation as a high-performance car.
Porsche Boxster (981) 2012-2016 – this generation brought modern technologies, improved dynamics and design, which made it one of the most popular among buyers.
Porsche Boxster GTS (981) 2014-2016 – a model with increased performance and improved handling, which made it a favorite among enthusiasts.

Problematic models

Porsche Boxster (986) before 2000 - Early first generation models were plagued with engine problems including intermediate shaft (IMS) failure which could lead to serious engine damage.
Porsche Boxster (987) 2005-2008 – This generation also had IMS issues, but to a lesser extent. In addition, some owners reported problems with electronics and finish quality.
Porsche Boxster (718) 2016-present – the switch to four-cylinder turbo engines has drawn criticism from fans of the brand, who are used to the sound and character of six-cylinder naturally aspirated engines. However, the problems are more related to perception than to real technical faults.

In the end, despite some problems with some models, the Porsche Boxster remains an iconic sports car that continues to delight its owners. Its successful modifications brought the company worldwide fame, and the problems identified at the early stages helped improve subsequent generations. Today, the Boxster combines traditional Porsche values with modern technology, remaining true to its roots and continuing to evolve.

Porsche Boxster (125)

Brands

Platform

Sale status

Porsche Boxster (125)

Brands

Filters

Platform

Sale status

Advanced filters