Used 2006 Porsche Boxster Consumer Reviews
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All round Porsche
Excellent all around car. Fun to drive. Great performance with good gas mileage. No maintenance issues whatsoever in three years of ownership.
Finance it for 5 years. Keep it for Life!
Buying a pre-owned 987 Porsche Boxster or Cayman can easily turn into an automotive love affair. The build quality is outstanding, fully capable of clocking 200-300,000 miles. And the driving experience will make you want to reach that number sooner versus later! Be careful. Changing oil and filter on schedule is an absolute necessity. And the dreaded intermediate shaft bearing (IMSB) failure is a remote but real issue with older Boxsters (not so much the 2006 MY, which features a larger, more heavy-duty sealed IMS bearing). MY 2009 and newer Boxsters do not have an IMSB, so there is no risk of major engine issues.
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- S ConvertibleMSRP: $24,490110 mi away
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $24,987114 mi away
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $24,990179 mi away
Perfect sports car
The 2006 Porsche Boxster S has razor sharp, balanced handling, great power and torque from the new motor, awesome sound and driving experience, big brakes, short shifter, and an open top...what else could you ask for? This is my first Boxster and third Porsche (two 911s previously)...and I no longer consider the Boxster as a step down from a 911...it's its own amazing car.
Exceeding my Expectations, Former BMW Guy
I just got mine a few days over a BMW X4 si. It is a true dream to drive - its smooth shifting and hydraulic clutch make it easy in traffic. The steering is precise and responsive. Its handling is excellent. It's not eye-poppingly fast but still very quick and inspiring. The brakes are powerful. This car has a LOT of trunk space. One in the back and one in the front, you can use it for groceries even! It's a little cramped inside but I am 6'2" and I fit fine. The interior is just right. I strongly suggest the full leather option. Power seats are not necessary for this car. The build quality is excellent, as Porsche uses only high quality parts which equates to low maintenance. I got it for only $40,000 and it has a $52,000 MSRP. Get one NOW!
After One Full Year of Driving
Just completed one full year of driving my 2006 Boxster so here is a quick assessment. Car is not a daily driver for me so miles are limited. Car drives very well, not as harsh as you might think. I have the 17" wheels which may add to that. To me, the 17s offer a more "big rubber" back tire look as opposed to the 18" wheels with a short sidewall. Handling difference is negligible. Build quality has been very good, no problems, no squeaks / rattles just like you would expect with a new car! Long maintenance terms, factory says first oil change at 20K miles so even if you chicken out and go 15K it's still a long time. Car gets a lot of looks - hopefully resale will be good as well.
Pure FUN!
Rock solid fun! This car has more than enough power to throw you back in your seat as you zoom around town, and the handling enables you to never take your foot off the gas. It has an interior that is larger than most of its peers, important to those of us with above average height, and a ride to go with this no-toy feel. Test drive on a real world street with lots of turns and opportunities to punch it and you will be hooked. Bring your check book!
My First Porsche
I have had other nice cars, including a Corvette, but the handling on this car is light years above the rest. It is exhilirating to drive, with auditory sensory and visual thrills. I paid only $10000 for this car and even with 135000 miles it looks and feels crisp and new. No shakes rattles or rolls. A blast...
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First impressions
Just drove the car 1700 miles in 3 days, so here's my first impression: This car is a blast to drive. I have a couple pet-peeves already, but I have no regrets about my purchase!
Too little, for too much
I traded in my Audi A4 for a Porsche Boxter. I got an automatic with the sport package along with the premium package. It has been a fun car to have but the oil changes are $700.00 every 20,000 miles, and the Bridgestone tires wore out in 18,00 miles which were $1,500 dollars to replace. The interior is cheap for a Porsche, but the sounds system is awesome (Bose).
What a Sports Car
I am have an Acura and Benz, this Boxster S gives me chance to truly experience what a sports car is about. It corners very well and is fast. The 18" wheel makes you feel you are glued to the road. The two trunks are the biggest you can find in all convertible. The seat is pretty comfortable. If you are ever thinking about buying a Porsche, don't think any more, go get one ASAP. You only live once, do I have to say any more?
Best combination of handling and speed
We've had this car for about a year and a half. It is relatively fast, very comfortable and handles great. We had an '01 Boxster, which was a VW compared to this. It is not as fast as some other cars, but the handling more than makes up for it.
A Totally New Boxster That Will Thrill
This is my second Boxster and fourth Porsche. My last one was a 2002 that was great but this 2006 is a totally different car. I am more impressed with this car than any I have ever owned, including a new BMW Z4 3.0 that I bought last March (2005). The interior is much higher quality that previous years. The car "breathes" as you accelerate with the silky smooth 5 speed transmission. The Bose stereo is exceptional! The price was a true value. I highly recommend this car with great enthusiasm.
Fun, fun, fun, fun..........
I traded in my BMW 330 for this great machine - passing up the BMW Z4. All it took was one test drive and I was hooked. Driving the twisties is as fun in this car as it is on my motorcycle! Top down, wind in my hair, the sweet music of the exhaust - could you ask for more? The BMW was comfortable, but this car rocks! We get a little bit of rain here in Oregon, so not having to stop to put up the top when it sprinkles is a plus.
Highly Recommended!
This is my second Boxster S so I'm very happy with the styling, handling, and performance. The cost of options is ridiculous. Plus there is a long wait time for "exclusive" options. Beware that options don't appreciably improve resale value so select them carefully. Some options should have been standard such as automatic climate control. The second generation Boxsters (Starting with the'05 model) are greatly improved in almost all ways. I wasn't expecting much difference from my '01 S but was amazed how much improved the '06 S was - certainly enough to compel me to pay the cost of upgrading. Beware that the residual value for used Boxsters is lower than 911s. This could be expensive if you don't intend to keep the car.
Tight and Nimble
This car seems to be well thought out with easy to see displays and a trip computer that provides exceptional trip information. It is fast off the mark, smooth at speeds over 70 mph, and sticks to corners like glue. I use for business trips <250 miles. The two trunks are still small, but I find that, with creativity, all needed items can be stored. The two coat hooks on the back of the seats let me store my suit coat. The seating positioning is comfortable, but only for those who are 6 feet tell and under. I suggest adding protective coating (option) to protect front and wheel areas from nicks from stones, etc.. I have put 2,300 miles on mine in 10 days, enjoying the journey as much as destination! Buy it!
Don't buy this car unless you have deep pockets
I bought this car with 30k miles on it in 2013 and it now has 46500 miles. I have put over $12,000 dollars into it in repairs and maintenance alone. I don't get where Edmunds get the price of repair in the Denver area but it is no where near reality. The dealer charges 150 dollars an hour for labor and the sparks plugs a piece are $18 dollars. Even independents are the same if not higher. The dealer told me I needed a tie rod replacement which is over $2000 but I took it to an independent shop and it did not need it. The Porsche dealer was just trying to create work. I take it to the independent from now on he seems to be honest and does not do anything unnecessary. I finally solved the smoking problem. They fixed a vacuum leak on my brakes line and the smoking went away except for when the car sits. The Dealer had no clue and told me that is the way the cars are.
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New one
I previously owned a '99 blk on blk Boxster in '04. That car blew an engine at 72k miles that cost me $12k to replace. Due to my passion (possible stupidity) I traded in for a '06 Arctic Silver Boxster fully loaded. So far, I have finally had the Porsche experience but miss some of the 986 raw elements. The new '06 is more refined and had the gadgets but lacks some of the 986 prowlness and agility. Overall, the Boxster can't be beat. Buy one and see for yourself what fun you can have.
Boxster Fun
The Boxster is a fun to drive car. I have an automatic. The ride is firm and it hugs the road.The top is a breeze to put down and the windows lower when ever you open the door or put the top down. It gets manny a looks by other drivers and it has get up and go with a push of the pedal. This is such a great car that we ordered a second one for my wife .
Awesome, Awesome Car
I just bought an '06 Boxster with the six speed transmission... and I have to say I have never driven anything as balanced as this car. I will tell you the ride is stiff with the optional 19 inch wheels, but well worth the look and the price. The handling is like nothing I have ever driven. Prior to this car, I had an Audi TT convertible, and before that I had a Porsche 911 coupe. Overall this is the most fun I've had in a convertible. I would highly recommened getting the base Boxster with the optional six speed transmission. The acceleration difference is almost negligable over the S model, and the price savings is substantial. Overall I paid $54,500 for a Boxster with similar performance to the Boxster A.
Best pure sports car anywhere
Porsche has finally given the Boxster its own terrific style and the performance it deserves. This car has unequalled handling, the best braking and slalom times in magazine tests, usable cargo space, amazing seats and upmarket interior, drop dead roadster style ala Carrera GT. For me the Boxster S is so good it is a steal compared to the base Carrera Cab at $30,000 more! Its quality has been excellent, service is reasonable...but buy it for the pure sports car driving experience. I traded a BMW M3 on my 987S because some German cars have forgotten that less weight is more fun than more hp. Porsche has the perfect recipe for performance, style and prestige with the new Boxster!
The Best Roadster!
The '06 Porsche Boxster is the perfect roadster! There is no other....the tag line says it all. The Boxster is perfect!
Great Car
Folks who claim this car is a chore around town are just wrong. This car is no more difficult to drive around town than ANY other small car with a manual transmission. And the fun factor on this one wins out every time. There are faster cars out there, but overall the Boxster's performance at this price is a huge plus, not to mention that you don't see Porsches on every corner like other cars in the same price range.
Porsche Boxster
This car is very fun to drive, just a slight push on the gas petal tells you why...The first scheduled maintenance is two years or 20,000 miles...Can you believe that! Oil changes every 20K no way...The dealer advised not to drive it over 120 mph during the first 2,000 miles for brake in..Holy cow...That is as fast as you need to be on U.S.A. roads
All New Boxster
This is my third Porsche Boxster. The 2005 has been completely redone compared to prior years. It has more power, more comfort, and an improvement on an already great design. I've driven the car now for nine months and have no complaints.
Guaranteed Fun! Does Not Disappoint!
Purchased a 2006 base Porsche Boxster with Tiptronic a couple of weeks ago. The driving experience is great! The engine is pleasantly loud. I've found it quietest at about 65 mph, louder at low speeds in the 10-30mph range and fairly loud at 75 mph+. If you're looking for a sports convertible in the $50,000 - $60,000 range, look no further. The storage room is great with the front and rear trunks. I can get 2 sets of golf clubs in the rear (even with top down) and a nice sized medium piece of luggage in the front. That's better than the BMW 3-Series or Audi A4 convertible, which, with top down would require using the whole back seat for storage as well. I put the top down at 55-60 degrees with the heat on, no problem!
Sweet Car
My Boxster is a blast to drive. I can't wait to go on a long road trip! It takes a little while to get the engine noise off your mind, but the pipes on the exhaust let you forget about it once you get on the pedal.
A Tip Of The Hat To Porsche's Engineers
Wow - The new Porsche Boxster S is an absolutely awesome machine. Porsche's engineers have combined body styling suitable for an art museum with the best mechanical engineering I have ever seen in an automobile. With the mid engine design and tiptronic auto/manual transmission even an average driver can feel like a NASCAR driver. This car is easy and fun to drive. You would think the car is mounted on rails when making sharp turns at, shall we say, excessive speeds. Porsche's engineers have designed the ultimate practical fun sports car. My girlfriend and I find the cabin very comfortable during 2 1/2 hour back road trips. The S combines awsome power great stability and superb brakes.
The Only True Sports Car
I used to own the '04 Boxster...now fast forward to November '06 and I just leased the new model. It surpasses a car I didn't think could be surpassed! It has exceptional handling, total control, and an exquisite ride (for 18" wheels). This car does it all and leaves the competition in the dust! The "S" model delivers the high power some of you may require...but the regular Boxster is a driver's "dream come true!" The Japanese manufacturers wish they could make a car drive like this one! The American's don't even bother to try. What a roadster. What an intimate experience between the driver and the road...it's unbeatable!
Not a "Pretender" Sports Car...
What can be said about the new Boxster? Its top of world handling capabilities, more than decent power, elegant German design, and superior build quality make this sports car THE car to measure all other "pretenders" by! This is my second Boxster...we owned an '04 and enjoyed that one before getting this new model. All of the improvements Porsche has made were for the better...except for their BOSE audio system...which was cheapened for some reason? My old car's BOSE system sounded much better by comparison. But who cares? Turn off the radio and listen to the exhaust note! That's what I'm talkin' about!
Fun on the run!
What a fun car to drive. Shifting the manual transmission is easy and fast with tight, short. precise movements. This car will get up to really fast, really fast. The driving position can be highly controlled with the seat adjustments and tilting and telescoping steering wheel. When done right, it feels like I'm wearing the car. This is not an economy car. It requires premium gasoline and maintenance is expensive. The driving pleasure is well worth it though. Putting the top down and hearing the sound of that distinctive Porsche motor makes the world a better place. Someone asked if I was going through my second childhood. I said I never left my first. My whole life I've owned several convertibles and sports cars. This is the best yet!
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Lots of fun, but - careful...
This is a 2006 model S Boxster. it's a great car, but if you buy one, inspect it VERY carefully. Mine wound up needing work on the top lowering mechanism ($ 1200) which could have been avoided had I raised and lowered the top before buying it. It also needed gas pistons (they hold up the trunk lids) for both front and rear lids (not expensive but annoying). Maintenance costs on this car are NOT trivial (oil change with filter about $ 200). There is no navigation unit or bluetooth in the car, so you will need to use your cellphone or buy a new unit ($ 800 to 1500) if you want these things. Trunks are very spacious. Steering and handling are superb. Despite some drawbacks, overall a fun car to drive !
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Zooom
I had a 1986 Corvette which was lots of fun. Multiply the fun factor by 20...I feel like I am superglued to the road...the five speed manual is smooth as silk...the dual exhaust emulates Ferrari sound...the Boxster is to drive as would be Jennifer Aniston in my bedroom, get it?😎
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Another Former BMW Z Driver Buys a Boxster S
It has been a fun evolution of living with convertibles over 40 years. It started with my parent's Superbeetle Convertible. I bought the neighbor's pre-owned Miata after becoming a parent myself. Drop tops continued with a pre-owned Z3. It continues now with a pre-loved Boxster S. Each of my cars started with about 65k miles. I put 100k fun miles on the Mazda, and sold it off as a track car. The BMW (2001 Z3 3.0i) was a big step up in room and horsepower and cost (!) from the Mazda. After a $5k investment in the motor, I put another 100k on it including 5 years in Italy - mostly top down! So now I was at an impasse with the Z3 at 160k miles - whether to fix the torn seats, blown stereo, shot suspension, broken top, dull exhaust note, rusted quarter panels, and all the other issues (another 20 grand) and bring it back to life. Or, spend that renovation investment on a better car. When our Boxster S came up for sale at a Williamsburg dealer, I had to drive it. I left the Z with the dealer as another track car, and drove home with the Porsche. This 987 is much more car than the Roadster it replaced, in every way. I've read dozens of articles comparing BMW's Z series and Boxsters. I've also been to both factories in Germany. Having used our 987 for a few months now as a daily driver, it is clear why the Porsche always came out ahead to BMWs with comparable numbers. Also clear why Porsches seem to hold their value better. The significant passenger and cargo space is also a bonus. BMW's Z-cars are great machines and Miatas are fun and reliable roadsters, but this Boxster has soul and heart I've not found in any other car. Do your Boxster research, choose your year, pay your money, and fall in love with your car. That's how it worked for me. I really don't think you'll regret it.
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My Boxster S
Like with all cars there are so pros and some cons. The Boxster S does give you the overall speed and control that all speed junkies want to see. It has tight steering and the ability to move through every area as if it was built for the road you are on. You can put the top down and feel free no matter if you are in downtown traffic or on the open road. The only thing I find that is disappointing is that most of the interior parts are plastic and do not last. All of the Porsche lovers want to see their car last and this will not happen with most of the plastics on the inside of the car. This is really the only thing I have found that is a con so all in all it is a wonderful and enjoyable experience to own my Porsche.
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987S Absolutely Rocks!
I have had mine for nine months and this car is a blast to drive! It has a sweet exhaust note, terrific performance, and it is stunning from all angles. I completed my first autocross event and was amazed at how good this car is. The steering, braking, and handling were astonishing. I couldn't get the back end to break loose and believe me I tried! For a fun day find a windy road, drop the top, turn up the Bose stereo, and just blast through the gears. This car is a great stress reliever after a long day in the office. I chose 18" wheels due to the terrible road surfaces here in the Northeast because the 19's tend to have a slightly harsher ride.
Best all around sports car.
I have had my 2006 Porsche Boxster S for less than a month. I test drove the Lotus Elise and the Honda S2000 side by side with the Boxster S. I can truely say it is a very livable, yet unbelievable car. I drive it every day. The space is excellent and it is a comfortable dayly driver. The car fits better than any car I have sat in. The brakes are stunning and the steering is great. I will take it for its first track date in two months (to Virginia International Raceway) and I am sure it will not disappoint. I will update this after that. This is the best all around sports car made.
Second Boxster
I recently purchased my second Boxster; this time an S model. I loved my old car, but everthing that was a little annoying about it has been upgraded on the 2006 model. The ride is fabulous, maybe even better than the 911. I am also impressed with the Bose surround system.
Awesome Sports Car
I was looking for the best handling, convertible sports car I could afford and I found it. The Boxster is awesome. I tested and reviewed BMWs, MBs, Mustangs and Miatas, new and used. I also looked at older Boxsters, but the moment I tested the new Boxster I knew it was the perfect car for me. The 2006 base Boxster has a much nicer interior, better sound system with the Bose (crucial as an audiophile), and with 18" wheels appeared faster than the 2004 S I had tested. The unexpected features that I like are how the top can be raisied and lowered at speeds under 30 with one touch, the surprisingly good fuel economy of 28 mpg, the comfortable ride for a sports car, and most importantly the excellent build quality.
2006 Porsche Boxter
The Boxster has great handeling on the curves and incredible power for such a small car. It is a true sports car!
Different Porsche
Unlike other Porsches, this one has the older style, newer technology, and is more economic than ever.