The Good
The 2002 Boxster offers engaging performance and balanced handling, appealing to enthusiasts. Its iconic Porsche design and open-top thrills provide emotional satisfaction. From a practical standpoint, it's relatively reliable (with proper maintenance), offers decent fuel economy for a sports car, and provides a good value for its performance level.
The Bad
Common weaknesses include the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing failure, which can cause catastrophic engine damage. Rear main seal (RMS) leaks are also frequent. Other potential issues involve the convertible top mechanism, and brittle plastic components in the interior and cooling system. Pre-purchase inspection is crucial.
2002 Porsche Boxster: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 2.7L Flat-6 (Base Boxster)
- 3.2L Flat-6 (Boxster S)
- Horsepower:
- 2.7L: 225 hp
- 3.2L: 258 hp
- Fuel Economy (estimated):
- 2.7L: 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
- 3.2L: 18 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
- 0-60 Times (estimated):
- 2.7L: 6.4 seconds
- 3.2L: 5.7 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not applicable (designed as a sports car)
- Trim-Level Features:
- Base Boxster: Includes power windows, power locks, air conditioning, a basic sound system, and alloy wheels. Features include leather seats, a power-operated convertible top, and anti-lock brakes (ABS).
- Boxster S: Adds more powerful engine, larger brakes, sportier suspension, and often includes upgraded interior trim and optional equipment like a Bose sound system. It usually has additional standard features and a more performance-oriented setup.
2002 Porsche Boxster Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2002 |
| Make | Porsche |
| Model | 718 Boxster |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Convertible |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Finland |
| Manufacturing City | - |
Dimensions
| Doors | - |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 2.7 L 6-Cyl. |
| Engine Size | 2.7L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2002 Porsche Boxster Have?
Cooling system components, such as the coolant expansion tank and water pump, are also known to fail over time due to the age of the plastic materials. There were recalls related to lighting and electrical components during that period. Long-term reliability hinges on preventative maintenance and addressing these known issues promptly. Early detection and repair of IMS bearing issues is crucial. Regularly inspecting and maintaining the cooling system and convertible top can also help prevent costly repairs down the road.
How long will the 2002 Porsche Boxster last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Safety features included dual front airbags and side airbags. It did not offer advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane departure warning or automatic emergency braking, which are common in newer vehicles.
Crash-test ratings from organizations like NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) or IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) are not readily available for this specific model year. However, the 986 Boxster generation was generally considered to be a safe vehicle for its time, with a strong structure and effective safety features for occupant protection in the event of a collision. Keep in mind that advancements in automotive safety have significantly improved since 2002.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2002 Porsche Boxster Prices and Market Value
2002 Porsche Boxster Cost of Ownership
2002 Porsche Boxster Fuel Efficiency
2002 Porsche Boxster Safety Rating
NHTSA
2002 Porsche Boxster Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2002 Porsche Boxster Compare to Other Convertible?
Price-wise, the Boxster was initially competitive, but used prices now reflect the potential maintenance costs. Alternatives to consider include a later-model BMW Z4 (E85/E86), which offers similar performance with potentially better reliability (though still not perfect), or a Honda S2000 for exceptional reliability and a high-revving engine, albeit with less refinement. If you are prioritizing reliability and lower running costs, the Honda S2000 would be a better alternative.
Ranks #2052 Sedan
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (5.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0★) |
| 2052 | 2002 Porsche Boxster | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2002 Porsche Boxster a Good Convertible?
Dean on February 4, 2021
The Boxter S is an adrenaline rushMy car had the IMS bearing replaced. With that said it has been a very reliable car. I use it as an everyday driver and also on the autocross track for fun. It now has 75k miles and is still a very trusted driver. I love this car!
TalkBoxster on September 3, 2020
Best car I’ve ever owned... and I’ve owned a few.Reliability, ease of maintenance, fuel economy, ergonomics, I don’t see what’s not to love about the first generation Boxster. I even decided to keep my 986 boxster over a performance tuned 996 turbo... that’s how much I like this platform. It’s a wonderful design and doesn’t seem to get the attention it deserves. I’ve daily driven my boxster extensively over the past year, road tripping from Colorado to Florida to California and even down to Arizona. Miles of smiles.
Trosario on June 25, 2020
Fast Fun and Reliable!Zippy and Corners like a champ- perfect for sunny days soaking up that vitamin D!! Easy to maintain and turns heads every time I drive it!
WDE on June 19, 2020
Very reliable and quick.Named her Betsy!Betsy loves mountain roads . The feel of her is best when really driven , thrown into curves then so quick to the next. Driving this car is absolutely a pleasure. So very acutely responsive , handles hands down better than any other car I've driven.
MISpuds on June 13, 2020
Original owner, second Boxster. Best car ever!Love it! Great convertible, easy to upgrade and maintain. Bought new, 5th Porsche, 2nd Boxster much more power as an S and easy to handle. Gave to my wife when I ordered 2007 Cayman S/R, which is even faster but not a Convertible.
NautiqueMan on February 4, 2020
Fun, Fun, Fun!GREAT way to enjoy Porsche's performance without breaking the bank. The car fits to your body to make driving a whole-body experience. Drive one! Classy and capable performance.
Master on November 29, 2019
My First CarThe ultimate budget sports car. Made to handle the curves like a dream. One of the sharpest looking cars on the road. As a Porsche it gets attention most everywhere it goes. The only down side is the expense of repairs. Amazing car for the money.
The Hunter on October 13, 2019
Unforgettable MemoriesBought the car used and immediately took off on trips, the first being the Blue Ridge Parkway. The way the car handles around corners, that it will fly when you need it, but will take its time just as well. Never owned a car as long and still love it. Best car for adventures and travel I've ever owned.
Greffy on July 6, 2019
Great fun carThis car has power, panache, and it's a Porsche! Incredible torque and horsepower for such a small car. Beautiful paint. Easy roof retraction. Love it.
Dori on May 21, 2019
Fun to drive, easy to maintain, stylish, practicalPorsche is definitely the best made European car. A used Boxster is so affordable and fun and practical. It is so reliable and easy to maintain.
Jovan
Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.