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> OT: Boxster as a daily driver
Montreal914
post May 10 2026, 09:40 AM
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I am considering buying a used Boxster with manual transmission to use as a daily driver. One of the concern I have is its reliability and maintenance cost. I do plan on maintaining the car myself.

Before I get into my car search, I would like to read on the subject and get to know the car the same way I have read and leaned about the 914s here. I also want to read on what is doable with these cars as far as swapping parts from years to years, like we do on our 914s.

So, is there a "BoxsterWorld" equivalent to our beloved forum? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif)

I would assume there are quite a few Boxster owners/mechanics on this forum. Where are you guys hanging out when discussing the modern 914 stuff? Is Rennlist the place, or there is better?

I am somewhat familiar with the IMS issue as I have read on this a little. Looks like the problem was addressed on 2007 (?) and later models? I have heard about cylinders scoring in the 911 crowd. Ignition key assembly seems to be a classic issue too.

As usual, my budget is limited and I wonder if finding a good survivor driver in the 13-15k$ range is realistic... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) I am not necessarily looking for an S, unless everyone thinks they are a must. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Comments, suggestions, warnings?
Please share experiences and recommendations! Thank you! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)
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930cabman
post May 10 2026, 09:57 AM
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QUOTE(Montreal914 @ May 10 2026, 09:40 AM) *

I am considering buying a used Boxster with manual transmission to use as a daily driver. One of the concern I have is its reliability and maintenance cost. I do plan on maintaining the car myself.

Before I get into my car search, I would like to read on the subject and get to know the car the same way I have read and leaned about the 914s here. I also want to read on what is doable with these cars as far as swapping parts from years to years, like we do on our 914s.

So, is there a "BoxsterWorld" equivalent to our beloved forum? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif)

I would assume there are quite a few Boxster owners/mechanics on this forum. Where are you guys hanging out when discussing the modern 914 stuff? Is Rennlist the place, or there is better?

I am somewhat familiar with the IMS issue as I have read on this a little. Looks like the problem was addressed on 2007 (?) and later models? I have heard about cylinders scoring in the 911 crowd. Ignition key assembly seems to be a classic issue too.

As usual, my budget is limited and I wonder if finding a good survivor driver in the 13-15k$ range is realistic... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) I am not necessarily looking for an S, unless everyone thinks they are a must. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Comments, suggestions, warnings?
Please share experiences and recommendations! Thank you! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)



I had considered having a Boxter in the fleet, and voted NO. Too many electronics, systems, "modern features"

Being an old guy and a CSOB another 914 won out

Currently 5 in the fleet, an original 1975 911S, 1987 Turbo cab, 1985 Alfa spider and an original 1970 Dodge Power Wagon (with history)

I'm sure the Boxter is cool, but I like simple. My 2022 F150 goes to the shop for anything other than oil changes
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Steve
post May 10 2026, 10:18 AM
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QUOTE(Montreal914 @ May 10 2026, 08:40 AM) *

I am considering buying a used Boxster with manual transmission to use as a daily driver. One of the concern I have is its reliability and maintenance cost. I do plan on maintaining the car myself.

Before I get into my car search, I would like to read on the subject and get to know the car the same way I have read and leaned about the 914s here. I also want to read on what is doable with these cars as far as swapping parts from years to years, like we do on our 914s.

So, is there a "BoxsterWorld" equivalent to our beloved forum? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif)

I would assume there are quite a few Boxster owners/mechanics on this forum. Where are you guys hanging out when discussing the modern 914 stuff? Is Rennlist the place, or there is better?

I am somewhat familiar with the IMS issue as I have read on this a little. Looks like the problem was addressed on 2007 (?) and later models? I have heard about cylinders scoring in the 911 crowd. Ignition key assembly seems to be a classic issue too.

As usual, my budget is limited and I wonder if finding a good survivor driver in the 13-15k$ range is realistic... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) I am not necessarily looking for an S, unless everyone thinks they are a must. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Comments, suggestions, warnings?
Please share experiences and recommendations! Thank you! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

2009 was the first year of the non IMS bearing cars. Also the dchunk cylinder issue and RMS (rear main seal) issue. Ping @jim_hoyland he has owned a couple.
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Montreal914
post May 10 2026, 10:30 AM
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QUOTE(930cabman @ May 10 2026, 08:57 AM) *
My 2022 F150 goes to the shop for anything other than oil changes

I understand. I have piled up 275k miles on our familly Sienna minivan and it just won't die. Kids are old and out of the house now. The minivan is my DD and pick-up.

After talking with a 5-speed Boxster owner at the gas station yesterday, I thought it would be nice to daily drive that instead of the auto-trans van.

The owner was 101 years old! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif) He used to race with 914s in his 912 back in the days. Amazing guy! He bought the Boxster at 92! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

Does driving a Porsche keeps you young? He was! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
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Chris914n6
post May 10 2026, 10:46 AM
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By now the IMS has been addressed, either 'fixed' or it's not an issue. It was only like 5% of cars had the issue.
All German cars have pricey repair needs, specially at the 100k mark. Being able to fix stuff yourself eases the pain.

Prices seem to have gone up this year.

I couldn't imagine a stick as a daily. The clutch will need replaced at some point too.
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jim_hoyland
post May 10 2026, 04:23 PM
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Get that VIN ?
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I’ve owned two; a ‘98 986 Stick shift and now an ‘06 non-stick.
I recommend any low mileage Boxster especially if the original owner is the seller and he has all the service records.
I bought my ‘06 from a PCA member who advertised in the Panorama.

I also caution buyers that previously leased Boxsters may be a problem. Dealers leased more Boxsters than they sold new. Now, car lots are selling them.

Prices are pretty good from what I’ve seen; options make a big difference.
Good luck, it’s a fun car to drive.


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