A car to be enjoyed and relished
THE PORSCHE Boxster is just as much of an icon as the 911 as far as I’m concerned – an intoxicating driver’s machine that is very nearly perfect.
Driving one is so special. It’s like the first day of the holidays or a big win on the lottery. It’s so good that it seems like an extension of thought – reacting to you almost before you do anything.
The way they cover distance in the hands of an enthusiast is a revelation and having been lucky enough to take one or two out on circuits – and be shown how good they are by a Porsche racing driver – believe me, I know.
These are cars made to be driven – to be enjoyed and relished, not just used.
In fact, despite them being the entry point into Porsche ownership, they are so good I have to wonder why anyone bothers buying the 911 cabrio?
From 2004 to 2011, when the range was updated, basic 2.7 models had around 240bhp, the 3.2-litre S had 252bhp and other models were added with power as high as 305bhp.
These are the most affordable recent Boxsters, most of which should have full service history.
Do not buy one without it or you could find yourself with very costly repairs.
In the next model built between 2011 and 2016 basic power in the 2.7 was up to 261bhp and in the 3.4-litre S to 310bhp.
There was also a model called the Spyder for a couple of years, with a 3.8-litre unit and 369bhp, and the GTS had 325bhp.
All are flat six engines in the Porsche tradition and, despite those heady power outputs, there’s not a turbocharger in sight.
They are all pretty noisy when pressed, with the engine behind your left ear, and although they rev superbly and deliver the most scintillating performance from any speed, to my ears they don’t make the sweetest sound.
But they cost far less than a 911 and have just about as much space inside, albeit with little storage around the cabin.
The handling is sublime, with a perfectly balanced chassis and superb steering that feed information to the driver.
Even in the base pre-’11 2.7, the 0-62mph sprint takes just six seconds and, of course, all the other models are quicker. Economy averages around 30mpg in the government figures, so expect 20-25mpg in the real world.
From 2009, the company’s excellent twin clutch PDK automatic became available and it’s a marvellous bit of kit.
In fact, with the later model after 2011, the clutch in the manual is so heavy, I would advise buying the automatic.
Equipment leaves nothing lacking in standard trim so go on, grab yourself some fun with a capital F, but do make sure you can afford the group 43-plus insurance.
Pay about £12,500 for an ’09 09-reg Sport Edition, £27,000 for a ’14 14-reg PDK automatic.