OVERVIEW

The Boxster S is the preferred model, with its extra grunt, but both are sublime to drive, with their wonderful mid-engined chassis balance. But the pre-dfi, M97 engines can suffer two major problems: a worn bearing on intermediate shaft (IMS), which drives the oil pump and camshafts, that can let go and cause serious damage, and cylinder bore wear. However, according to Paul Stacey of specialist Northway Porsche in Berkshire, the problem may be less widespread than many think: ‘I’d say it’s under five per cent of cars, and we’ve seen 200,000-mile Boxsters on their original engine.’