Porsche Boxster 987 Gen 2: A Driving Enthusiast's Dream

What’s up, car lovers! Today, we’re diving deep into a machine that’s become a bit of a legend among driving purists: the Porsche Boxster 987 Gen 2. If you’re hunting for a sports car that offers a sublime blend of performance, handling, and that unmistakable Porsche pedigree without necessarily breaking the bank on a 911, then you’ve landed in the right place. This isn’t just any car; it's a mid-engined marvel that has consistently been praised for its pure driving experience. We’re going to explore why this generation, specifically, has earned its stellar reputation and what makes it such a compelling choice for anyone who truly loves to drive. Get ready to geek out with me as we dissect what makes the Boxster 987 Gen 2 a timeless classic.

The Heart of the Beast: Engine and Performance

Alright guys, let’s talk about what really gets the blood pumping: the engine. The Porsche Boxster 987 Gen 2 is renowned for its potent powertrains. When Porsche facelifted the 987 generation, they really upped their game with the engines. Gone were the days of the slightly less desirable IMS bearing issues found in some earlier models (though that's a whole other can of worms for another day!). The Gen 2 models, produced from late 2008 onwards, came with updated engines that were both more powerful and, importantly, more reliable. We’re talking about the 2.9-liter flat-six in the standard Boxster and the absolutely glorious 3.4-liter flat-six in the Boxster S. These aren't just numbers; these engines sing. The 2.9L puts out a healthy 255 horsepower, which is more than enough to have a serious amount of fun, especially given the Boxster’s incredibly light weight and perfect balance. But if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, the Boxster S is where it’s at, boasting 310 horsepower. That surge of power, coupled with the distinctive flat-six growl that only Porsche can produce, is intoxicating. It’s a sound that’s both raw and refined, a symphony for your ears as you climb through the rev range. The throttle response is sharp, immediate, and incredibly rewarding. You feel connected to every combustion event, every rotation of those pistons. And let's not forget the manual transmission – oh boy, the manual! While the PDK dual-clutch automatic is an option and a very good one at that, the six-speed manual gearbox in the 987.2 is a masterclass in mechanical engagement. The clutch is perfectly weighted, the shifter is short, precise, and satisfyingly mechanical. Every gear change feels like a victory. It’s the kind of gearbox that makes you want to find excuses to shift gears just for the sheer pleasure of it. When you combine these engines with the car's relatively light curb weight (around 3,000 lbs), you get performance figures that are genuinely impressive. 0-60 mph times are in the low 5-second range for the standard car and dipping into the mid-4s for the S model with the manual. But frankly, the numbers only tell half the story. The real magic is in the delivery of that power. It’s linear, it’s responsive, and it feels potent throughout the rev band, especially as you approach the redline where these engines truly come alive. The direct injection technology introduced in the Gen 2 models not only boosted power and torque but also improved fuel efficiency, which is a nice bonus for a performance car. So, whether you’re carving up a mountain road or just cruising on the highway, the engine in the 987 Gen 2 Boxster is a constant source of joy and a testament to Porsche’s engineering prowess.

Handling Prowess: The Mid-Engine Advantage

Now, let's get to what arguably makes the Boxster the Boxster: its handling. And guys, the Porsche Boxster 987 Gen 2 is an absolute masterclass in chassis dynamics. Being a mid-engined car means the weight distribution is almost perfectly balanced, typically around 45% front and 55% rear. This isn't just a technicality; it's the secret sauce that gives the Boxster its incredible agility and predictable nature. Unlike front-engined cars that can suffer from understeer or rear-engined cars like the 911 that demand a certain level of respect and skill to manage, the Boxster feels remarkably neutral. You point the nose where you want to go, and it just goes. There’s minimal body roll, even when pushed hard through corners. The steering is perhaps one of its strongest suits. It’s electrically assisted, yes, but Porsche did a fantastic job tuning it. It’s communicative, precise, and provides just the right amount of feedback, letting you feel exactly what the front tires are doing on the tarmac. You can feel the grip levels, the texture of the road, and the subtle shifts in weight transfer. It’s a truly analog experience in a digital world. The suspension setup is firm enough to keep the car planted and composed, but it also manages to soak up road imperfections surprisingly well for a sports car, making it usable as a daily driver or for longer road trips. The suspension geometry is a work of art, designed to maximize grip and stability. When you get on the throttle mid-corner, the car remains planted. There’s no sudden snap oversteer like you might find in some other contemporary sports cars. Instead, it gracefully allows you to apply power, feeling incredibly secure and confidence-inspiring. The brakes are also phenomenal. Porsche doesn't skimp on stoppers, and the 987.2 is no exception. Whether it's the standard brakes or the optional PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes), they offer incredible stopping power, fade resistance, and pedal feel. This means you can brake later and harder into corners, further enhancing the driving experience. The low center of gravity, a direct benefit of the mid-engine layout, means the car feels glued to the road. It turns in with an eagerness that’s addictive, and the way it rotates around its center axis is simply sublime. It’s the kind of car that makes you feel like a better driver than you actually are. Every input – steering, throttle, brake – is met with an immediate and precise response. The stability control systems (PSM) are unobtrusive when you want them to be, but they’re there as a safety net if you get a little too ambitious. You can even turn them off completely for those track days or spirited drives where you want to explore the limits. The overall sensation is one of a car that is perfectly balanced, incredibly agile, and deeply engaging. It’s a driver’s car, through and through.

Interior Comfort and Everyday Usability

So, we’ve established that the Boxster 987 Gen 2 is a performance beast, but can you actually live with it? The answer is a resounding yes! While it’s a dedicated sports car, Porsche managed to make the interior surprisingly comfortable and practical for its class. Sliding into the driver’s seat, you’re greeted by a classic Porsche cockpit layout. The driving position is spot on. The seats, especially the optional sport seats, offer excellent support and comfort, whether you’re on a long highway cruise or attacking a winding road. Everything is intuitively placed, with major controls easily accessible. The build quality is exactly what you’d expect from Porsche – solid, durable, and premium. Even though this car is getting on in years, the materials used feel built to last. You won’t find cheap, flimsy plastics here. The infotainment system in the Gen 2 models is, by today's standards, quite basic. It typically includes a radio, CD player, and optional navigation. It does the job, but don't expect a slick touchscreen interface with all the modern connectivity. However, for many enthusiasts, this is part of the charm – a more analog, focused driving experience. The real surprise package for a two-seater convertible is the luggage space. Thanks to that mid-engine layout, the Boxster offers two trunks! There’s a decent-sized frunk (front trunk) under the hood, perfect for groceries or weekend bags, and another trunk space behind the engine, ideal for softer luggage. Combined, you have more storage than you might think, making it feasible for a weekend getaway for two. Convertible operation is typically a manual affair, but it's quick and easy. With the touch of a button, the fabric roof retracts in about 10-12 seconds, transforming the driving experience. Driving with the top down is an absolute joy, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the sounds of that glorious flat-six engine and the surrounding environment. The wind buffeting is also well-managed, especially with the wind deflector in place, allowing for comfortable conversation even at highway speeds. Visibility is generally good, though the thick A-pillars can create a few blind spots. However, the overall sense of occasion and the connection to the road more than make up for it. Fuel economy is also surprisingly reasonable for a sports car, especially with the direct-injection engines. On a mixed driving cycle, you can expect figures in the high 20s to low 30s mpg, which is pretty impressive. So, while it’s not a Cayenne, the Boxster 987 Gen 2 proves that you don’t have to sacrifice all practicality for pure driving pleasure. It’s a remarkably usable sports car that can be enjoyed every day.

Why the 987 Gen 2 is a Smart Buy Today

So, guys, we’ve talked performance, handling, and practicality. Now, let’s talk about why the Porsche Boxster 987 Gen 2 is arguably one of the best value propositions in the performance car market right now. For starters, it’s a Porsche. That badge alone carries a lot of weight, promising a certain level of engineering, build quality, and driving dynamics that are hard to replicate. But the 987 Gen 2 specifically offers a sweet spot. It’s the generation that truly ironed out the kinks of the earlier 987s and introduced the more robust direct-injection engines. This means you’re getting a more powerful, more reliable, and potentially more fuel-efficient car than its predecessor. The reliability factor is a huge selling point. These cars were built to last, and with proper maintenance, they can be incredibly dependable. The flat-six engines are known for their durability, and the manual gearboxes are bulletproof. While any performance car will require more maintenance than a standard sedan, the cost of ownership for a well-maintained 987.2 Boxster is often less than one might fear, especially when compared to newer or more complex performance vehicles. Depreciation has also leveled off significantly for this generation. While newer Porsches continue to shed value, the 987 Gen 2 has found its floor and, in some cases, is even appreciating in value, particularly well-optioned or low-mileage examples. This makes it an attractive prospect not just as a fun car to drive, but also as a potential investment. The driving experience is the main draw, of course. For the money, it’s incredibly difficult to find a car that offers such a pure, engaging, and rewarding driving experience. The combination of the mid-engine balance, communicative steering, potent flat-six engines, and fantastic chassis dynamics is something typically found in much more expensive exotic cars. It’s a car that connects you to the road and the act of driving in a way that few modern cars can. Think about it: you get a convertible sports car from a world-renowned manufacturer, with exceptional handling, a fantastic engine note, and the ability to be used daily, all at a price point that’s becoming increasingly accessible. Whether you opt for the standard 2.9L or the more potent 3.4L in the S model, you’re getting a serious amount of performance and driving pleasure for your money. The aftermarket support is also strong, with plenty of options for upgrades, maintenance, and customization if that’s your thing. So, if you’re a driving enthusiast on a budget, or you’re looking for a more analog and engaging sports car experience without the stratospheric price tag of a new model, the Porsche Boxster 987 Gen 2 is a seriously compelling choice. It’s a car that offers a lot of bang for your buck and a whole lot of smiles per mile.

The Verdict

So, there you have it, folks. The Porsche Boxster 987 Gen 2 isn't just a car; it's an experience. It’s a testament to what happens when engineers prioritize pure driving enjoyment. With its sublime handling, glorious flat-six engines, surprisingly usable interior, and now a very attractive price point on the used market, it stands tall as one of the best driver's cars of its era. Whether you’re a seasoned track day warrior or just someone who appreciates a beautifully engineered machine that makes every journey feel special, the 987.2 Boxster delivers. It’s a car that rewards skillful driving, connects you to the road, and offers that undeniable thrill of open-top motoring. If you’re in the market for a sports car that offers incredible value, exceptional performance, and timeless style, you absolutely must put the Porsche Boxster 987 Gen 2 at the top of your list. It’s a modern classic that’s ready to put a massive grin on your face.