Skip advert
Advertisement

Porsche Boxster roadster (2004-2011)

"Few cars provide thrills like the Porsche Boxster, but it’s also a car that you could use every day. "

Carbuyer Rating

4.0 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review

Pros

  • Class-leading driving experience
  • Easy performance, rousing engine note
  • Relative practicality and running costs

Cons

  • Expensive options
  • People saying you can’t afford a 911
  • Interior practicality limited

The Porsche Boxster is regarded as one of the finest open-topped sports cars you can buy. It sits below the 911 in terms of price, but outright performance aside, the Boxster is every bit as enjoyable to drive. The standard 255bhp 2.9-litre Boxster is fast, while the Boxster S with a 310bhp, 3.4-litre engine, is faster still. Both offer impressive handling and the ability to keep up with virtually any car on any road. Hugely desirable, the Porsche Boxster should be at the very top of your list if you’re looking for a high-performance roadster.

MPG, running costs & CO2

Long service intervals but short warranty

The Boxster isn’t the cheapest roadster out there on a pound/performance ratio, but it’s a safe place to put your money. Residual values are superb, so it’ll be worth more than rivals like the BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz SLK if you ever sell it. Fuel economy is respectable, too, with both the Boxster and Boxster S achieving near-30mpg on the official combined consumption cycle. Service intervals are 20,000 miles.

Engines, drive & performance

Class-leading handling and performance

Quite simply the Porsche Boxster is brilliant. It delivers all of the driving excitement a sports car should with crushing competence. The mid-mounted positioning of the engine creates perfect balance and the steering is light and direct. Both engine options develop easy to access, yet scintillating performance: the S with 310bhp accelerates from 0-62mph in just 5.3 seconds. Changing gears via the standard six-speed manual gearbox is an absolute joy, although Porsche’s optional seven-speed PDK automatic delivers quicker shifts and makes the Boxster easier to drive in traffic.

Interior & comfort

Smooth and comfortable ride

The Boxster offers pin-sharp steering and fine control in the bends but Porsche’s engineers have achieved that without fitting ultra-hard suspension. Bumps in the road are taken with ease whether the Boxster is fitted with standard suspension, or optional computer controlled Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). The latter allows you to firm up the suspension, but some might find the sportiest setting a bit too extreme. The seats provide plenty of comfort and support, while the driving position is excellent. With the canvas roof up there’s some wind noise, but the engines are quiet on the move and sound great when you push the accelerator harder. The Boxster really is a realistic daily driving proposition.

Practicality & boot space

Remarkably practical for cabriolet

Two-seat sports cars might not be bought with practicality in mind, but the Boxster is better than most. There are two luggage areas thanks to the mid-mounted engine. Up front there’s a deep compartment and at the rear there’s a wide boot which gives the Boxster greater luggage space than you’d imagine. The hood stows quickly and easily at the touch of a button (although the Spyder version comes with lightweight manual roof) and doesn’t encroach on the boot space, either. There are useful cubbies in the doors, and, unusually for a sports car, there are pop-out cup-holders should you need them.

Reliability & safety

Well built, reliable, and safe

Porsche has an enviable reputation among its rivals for making cars that are both reliable and useable. Certainly the Boxster feels very solid inside and out. All Boxsters come with twin-front, curtain and side airbags, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes.

Price, value for money & options

The most basic Porsche available

The Porsche Boxster isn’t very well equipped as standard, as it only comes with basics such as air-conditioning, a CD stereo and part-leather interior. You’ll need to pay more if you want climate control, satellite navigation, or telephone and iPod connections. That Porsche badge counts for a lot though, and compared to the other models in Porsche’s line-up, the Boxster looks like a bit of a bargain.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?
Polestar 4 Prototype drive front quarter
News
22 Mar 2024

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
22 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024