Used 2002 Porsche Boxster Consumer Reviews
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seasoned porsche owner
I own a 1990 944 S2 convertible, and when I first saw the Boxster, I knew I had to have one. I also have the best Porsche mechanic in the business. I don't see him very often, because of the reliability of these cars. Personally, I don't want to ever drive another type of vehicle.The name Porsche speaks volumes and their reputation is unsurpassed. You have to know how to drive to appreciate these cars.
It's a porsche - enough said.
This is the best car I have owned to date. It's fun, sporty, handles well and holds its own against any other car out there. You cannot beat the style and I still get strangers coming up to talk about it. I don't buy the "poor man's" Porsche. It has the same interior and front of the 911 - less power, but I'll put the difference in money I saved in the bank and have just as much fun! Regular service calls are a little expensive, but only needs to be done every 18 months. Great car for the $.
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $9,985147 mi away
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $12,000276 mi away
- S ConvertibleMSRP: $22,995409 mi away
So much fun...
Bought the car with 40k miles. Had been looking at a few other cars, Honda S2000 was close, and on paper seems better for the $$ (xenon, glass rear, reliability, great shifter), but I couldn't get myself to like it more. I was a little worried because this model didn't have PSM (stability control), but the handling is so good, and so neutral, that I haven't had a problem. You can kick the rear out with ease, but it's very easy to control. People have lots of complaints about the interior, but I'm not sure why.
Bucket List Car!
I have waited all my life to own a Porsche and finale have a 2002 Boxster. I am in love with my car and totally enjoy driving it. It's the best driving car that I have ever owned. It handles the road and exits great! I have no owners manual with the car and I am in need of one. Also stored the vehicle for the New England winter and now I have to get a code to listen to the radio. I disconnected the battery, that was a surprise, unable to open the hood but thanks to goggle we fixed that. So simple but read up on it first. Looking forward to driving this summer again. Looking for tank away adventures. See you on the Road Again!
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I want to be buried in it when that time comes
Anyone considering a used sports car should absolutely consider a Porsche Boxster S. I just found a first generation example with about 70k miles on the odometer that had already had the clutch, breaks, and IMS bearing done. This car is transcendent on multiple levels. First, it is a true drivers’ car. Nimble, quick, precise, powerful, and small, it offers terrific, fluid feedback and exhibits a solid, analog feel without ever feeling heavy or stiff. Wonderful to drive fast, it is also a pleasure to drive slowly – it just feels great. On another level it is so well engineered that simply operating it gives me joy: the way the trunk latches with a soft ‘click’, the quality of the build and thoughtful engineering everywhere I look, the ‘thunk’ of the door, the lovely way the shifter engages each gear with a firm but precise ‘snick-snick’, the simplicity of the gauge cluster, steering that makes it seem like your hands are connected to the road, buttons that even after 18 years have no free play. I have owned three 3-series BMWs, a late model Subaru WRX, and tracked a GT-R Nismo. Each is turbocharged, which is great as long as you keep the turbo all spooled up but crappy when you aren’t paying attention and a V6 Accord Coupe blows your doors off. All the others have pretty numb steering, the BMWs – two were even Msports – seemed heavy, dull, and bloated, luxurious though they were, the WRX seemed like it wanted to be a Porsche but was about $30 grand short, and the GT-R would have been great on a long track, where it could made good use of all that high-rev power, but on a short track was just getting fun when I would hit another corner. The Boxster’s naturally-aspirated flat 6 makes a splendid sound – a present but not overbearing burble when driven nicely, e.g. from idle through about 3.5k, and a raucous but not harsh howl as the revs climb to redline – and has torque everywhere – I rarely feel like I need to downshift to pick it up. And, while I wouldn’t characterize the Boxster S as luxurious – what it does it does minimally, precisely, and well – the connection it makes between me, the driver, and our shared commitment, the road, is unrivaled in anything I have yet driven. I might tire of driving it daily in stop-and-go on the I-405 in L.A., but good lord am I glad I have it for my grocery getting on the weekends.
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Boxster
This is my 1st Porsche and the car and service from the dealer is great! If you are shy do not buy a boxster, you get a lot of looks and coments when driving this car - ALL GOOD! Got rid of a chrysler sebring conv to buy my boxster - best thing I ever did! The quality of the fit and the manufacturing of the Boxster is totally different to any USA car I have ever had. If you can afford the 18" wheels it makes the look and handling better. Also heated seats makes driving with the top down at night nice. They have 2 settings - hot gets really hot all the way up the back of the seat.
A Blast!
I bought my red Boxster w/55k miles for weekend fun. The problem is I can't keep my hands off of it. I find myself looking for excuses to run an errand just so I can take it out for a spin. The most fun car I have ever owned. Handling, engine note, brakes, styling are all incredible.
My road trip partner
As long as the IMS bearing was replaced, usually around 60K, (mine was) and it is well-maintained, mine was, this car will give you miles and miles of smiles! Crisp, carves Northern California roads like butter, sounds exquisite, a great "motoring" car for great road trips....aaahhhh!
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There is no substitute!!
I've owned more sports cars over the past 40 years than I care to remember including Corvettes, "Z" and even a Firebird 400. None come close to as much fun to drive as my 02 S Boxster. The acceleration and handling are as much as I need at this point in my life. I've wanted a Porsche for as long as long they have been producing the 911 but never could justify the cost. The Boxster fit my budget and has given me everything I could have wanted in roadster. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a really fun car to drive.
Fun, Fun, Fun
I just bought my Boxster used with the assumption this car was a detuned, poor man's Porsche. Boy was I wrong. This car is a race bread performer! All I can say is, "pinch me" to make sure that I'm not dreaming, when actually I'm ," living the dream." Enjoy.
Every Day Fun in the Sun
I drive the Boxster every chance I get (except in the snow). It's great on long trips and holds enough luggage for two people for a week's travel. I have had no problems and everyone wants to drive it. It is the best car I have ever owned.
Our first anniversary gift to ourselves
My DH and I decided to buy something very unnecessary for our one year anniversary, so glad we did! We had been looking at the 2006 Mustang gt, but those are a dime a dozen now. We picked up our new toy for $16K in excellent condition. We love the comfort, handling, and speed. Yeah baby! We actually fight over who gets to drive! On our test drive, we got it up to 120 mph and it was barely over 3000 rpm ! Need I say more! This is one fun ride! It's a dream to drive in town as well as on the open road. Don't hesitate to buy this car!
can't be compared to any other car
own it for 20 months now never had any prblems, I use it as daily commuter, rain, shine even snow, (yes moderate snow). will not drive any other car (may be 911). owned 10 BMW's previously I loved them all, this one I adore, 36600 enjoyed miles now, no regrets what so ever.
Poor Reliability of the Boxster "S"
My Boxster "S" purchased new by me in October 2001 has been the single most unreliable car that I have ever owned.The attitude of Porsche Cars GB Ltd and the Porsche Centre Reading has been and is one of unhurried indifference towards their customers.This is my fourth and LAST Porsche. It is little wonder that they rate much lower than Skoda on the J.D.Power survey. The car has had continual warranty problems from day one culminating in the failure or the intermediate gear and bearing, cost to me £3344.79 the parts of £873.71 supplied grudgingly by Porsche Cars GB F.O.C as this is a well documented design fault with this model. Porsche need to take some lessons from Lexus.
finally bought one- 2002 Boxster base
This is my 4th Porsche. It's been about 6 years and 2 motorcycles since my last one. I've owned a 76' 911 Targa, and 2- 914's. My "new" Boxster is the best of both worlds. Power of my 70's 911 and mid engine handling of the 914. Every time I think I might be pushing too hard on it, it hunkers right down and just goes! At some point when the right S model comes along I'll trade this for one, but for now, it's just a fun responsive exhilarating ride!
Accept no subsitutes...
As a former BMW owner, this has got to be one of the best cars I have ever owned. Execellent styling and handling. Bought my 2002 model boxster in in 2005 and I can only imagine how wonderful it could have been brand new. In my reseach this car was described as the "Honda" of the Porsche family. If you are shy don't buy one, this car attracts stranger and many curious on-lookers.
best in class
My Boxster S has performed beyond expectation for both my wife and I. We got the Tiptronic(automatic for her) since she was unsure of the clutch. Yet, I am still have the feel of the clutch and the thrill of shifting. The car's smooth ride on the highways make it very enjoyable for weekend trips or quick trips to the grocery store.
A Purebred Sportscar
I was going to buy a new sports car but decided to get this used Boxster S with 12,000 miles. I drove everything else before, and the only car that came a distant 2nd place was the 350Z Roadster. On paper the 350Z is a much better buy: a bit more power and standard options for significantly less money, but the ineffable driving experience of the Porsche blows the Nissan away. My theory is this difference has something to do with the Porsche being designed from the ground up as a sports car, whereas much of the Nissan components are interchangable with Altima, Maxima and the G35.
Great Car!
I've had this car since 2003, and to this day I still love it. I was one who used to change cars every few years, I've owned a BMW 5 series, Z3, 323i convertible, and a 318. I've also owned a clk430, c320 and a 1999 beetle. So as you can tell I love cars(!) and this so far has been my favorite one. It's never given me any mechanical problems, everything still works, nothing is broken. Wait... the only thing that did tear was the convertible top window, it came unstitched. Aside from that everything works fine. To anyone thinking of buying a car like this one, you won't be disappointed. If possible get one with the upgraded Porsche exhaust... it makes this puppy purrrrr.
Boxster S...There is no substitute
I have had my Boxster S for about 6 weeks and have put 2500 miles on it. This car is a hoot! Great power, although not overwhelming, skateboard like handling and the best manual transmission I have ever used. I traded in a Miata. The Boxster is a much more substantial car, solid, incredibly smooth on the highway. The howl of the engine at 3500 RPM+ is intoxicating. I love this car.
986 Boxster is a great value
Do your homework and get the car inspected. Repairs are infrequent but expensive. Over the years of ownership, this car has been less expensive than if I had purchased a new Corolla or a Fit once depreciation is taken into account. Porsche's depreciate a lot initially and then hold their value pretty well.
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Proud Owner
This car is the funnest car that I have ever driven. So balanced that it reminds me of the racing carts I had when I was in my teens. The only problem I have had with it is the ignition switch had to be replaced (factory recall or something). Car is reliable, high performance, and certainly lives up to the Porsche reputation. Have driven some friends 911's and the Boxster definitely handles better.
Craven Moorehead
For everyone who always wanted a sports car but ended up with just a sporty car, this is the real thing.
Worst car I ever owned!
OK, so the Porsche Boxster S is a great car if you set aside the weekly trips to the dealer, rattles, an interior that looks like a Ford Taurus, nasty sound system, and deadly blindspots. This is the first Porsche I ever owned and the last! I should have bought a BMW Z4, Audi TT or even a Chevrolet Corvette!
Satisfied Customer - 1st Porsche
It took 5 months from order to delivery to receive my 2002 Boxster but well worth the wait. Hard Top, Tip, Comfort & Sport Pkgs. This is my 1st Porsche experience and loving every minute of it. I have no real negatives at this time having only owned it for 4 months. Pleasant experience with my dealership and highly recommend them.
There is no substitute
...Just drive one, you'll understand =)
S - The Poor Man's Expensive Porsche
My first Porsche Boxster S 6-sp. Had BMW 528i, 5-sp. Dealer experience – nothing special. Got options I wanted, except for CD changer. Buyers have to compromise on options. Car handling is exceptional, looks are a little ostentatious, but it's a Porsche after all. Since car is still in break-in phase, cannot reach the superlative engine-note stratosphere, but will get there soon. Decided to go with this impractical auto instead of BMW's M3, which was a serious contender but lost out due to unavailability. Porsche certainly has its exclusive cachet, but other cars are offering better price/performance ratios.
Cruisin' with my Speed Yellow Boxster
I traded in my 2000 BMW 323CI Convertible for this Speed Yellow Boxster and I was never wrong in doing it. I have so much fun driving it that I missed my exits 5 times in the first week that I was driving it. The handling is superior especially in winding narrow roads. The sound of the engine is very amusing.
Mountainhunter Review
Boxster S is a perfect balance of power and handling. Not a very satisfactory car for daily driving in city traffic. Unbelievable on open twisting roads and anywhere that there is no traffic in front of you. Last weekend I was stuck behind a BMW M3 who seemed to think he was going through the curves really fast; I wasn't even pushing the Boxster and was stuck on his tail.
Fun, Fun, Fun
This car is fun to drive with excellent build quality and enough performance to put a real smile on your face starting at 6000 RPM's. It is so well balanced that it begs for acceleration entering curves.
It's a fun Porsche
I purchased my 2002 Boxster S with just over 2,000 miles on it. It's the overall performance that sets this car apart. It's straight line performance is acceptable, but this car really shines when you throw it through curves. It has a mild understeer entering a corner, turning into a neutral feel through and exiting the corner. This car has great balance only mid-engine cars can provide - when you toss it around, it feels that all the momentum and weight are around your inner shoulder. It's easy to correct when the rear-end is starting to break loose. This is a sophisticated sport car.
Flawless Reliability
This car has been an amazingly reliable vehicle. I have had it for 4 years and have not had to return it to the dealer once for service. The radio had some problems and the dealer got a little snippy but I managed to fix it myself.
always a blast
I drive my car every day, and it is always fun. It handles every situation with finesse. Nothing could be better than a sunny day with the top down, but it handles rainy weather with confidence. It is more practical than one would expect from a two- seater sports car, but plenty of room with the two trunks. It's my only car, and the only car I need.
Pure Driving Fun
My second Porsche in 15 years and it's absolutely thrilling to drive. Mostly use in spring and summer but definitely a year-rounder if necessary. This is truely a fun car to drive...period. Performance and quality is #1. Zoom Zoom!!
Incredible car
I've owned my Porsche for 4 mos now. I've put about 4500 miles on it, and love it to death. My other car is a 2001 Audi A4, and there is no comparison. The car came w/ almost every option you can think of besides the navigation system. The PSM is worth the $1230. No complaints.
My great 2002Boxster Base
Check the condition of the convertable top, and pay a Porshe dealer to inspect for condition. Money well spent.
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Entry level Porsche
Great handling car in Porsche tradition. Seats take getting used too. Pirelli tires noisy on road, swap for Michelin or Continental if purchasing new. Limited luggage space for travel. Salesman hyped loaner car during service, but reneged on agreement. Expect loss on resale or trade. Fun car to drive, especially at track.
quality not there
too many problems--rear seals seem to have problem on their bulletin boards, clutch is weak, hydraulic front hood that needs to be jumped to open if the battery is dead is a poor design feature
Boxster S Fun, but not best for $60k
Bought Boxster S preowned w/9k miles. Great looks and top easy to drop. Tiptronic acceleration not to good - 0- 60 at 5.9 secs. Handling is cars strength. Interior is very plain even with sport touring package. Cabin is a little tight for me at 6" 3". Still fun to drive. Wish engine compartment was easier to access.
nice boxster s
Only thing I could complain about the car is the very high profit margin to resell value. Mine retailed for almost 60,000 and I am needing to get a coupe (need backseat) and it only has 7,770 miles on it and the best I can get for it is 45,000. that to me is pretty poor. If you are considering buying one please buy a used one from a individual. Save yourself about 15,000 dollars and pick up a nice pre owned one. This is a review for a 2001 boxster s that was purchased new in may of 2001.
BoxsterS2002
"There is no substitute". Enough said.
My review
An absolute blast to drive!
My baby
I love it! I just can't wait until spring to take the top down.
Funster
Makes the trip as much fun as the destination.
986
Great car for its value
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Buy this car!
Porsche there is no substitue!