Porsche 986 Boxster

https://bringatrailer.com/porsche/986-boxster/ · 1193 completed auctions · 60 read in depth · compiled 2026-08-21 · 2 versions on file · 13 parts/memorabilia listings excluded

The figures below were computed by an earlier build of the analysis and do not carry later corrections to it. Refreshing this case file recomputes them from the same cars.

BaT files wheels, seats, engines and memorabilia under the same model page as the cars. 13 such listings were removed before any figure below was computed — e.g. No Reserve: 18×7.5″ and 18×8″ Porsche Sport Design Wheels by BBS; No Reserve: 18×7.5″ and 18×9″ Porsche Sport Design Wheels by BBS; No Reserve: Porsche 986 Removable Aluminum Hardtop.

The 986 has settled into a $13k–$20k plateau where the real price variable isn't mileage — it's whether anyone can prove the IMS bearing was ever touched.

The market

Across 1,193 completed BaT auctions the 986 has sold 1,063 times — an 89.1% sell-through — at a median of $16,250, with the middle half of the market between $13,200 and $20,000 and outliers stretching from $4,100 to $40,500. That all-time median flatters the present. The model peaked in the pandemic bubble at a $19,125 median in 2021 (n=134) and $18,500 in 2022 (n=177), then bled down to $14,575 in 2024, $14,850 in 2025 and $14,500 so far in 2026 (n=119). The last twelve months ran a $14,600 median against $14,375 the year before — up 1.6%, which is statistical noise. Call it flat at roughly 22% below the 2021 high, with no evidence of the appreciation commenters keep predicting.

What is striking in the 60 most recent sales is how compressed the middle is and how wide the tails are. Ordinary, running, sub-70k-mile cars with unresolved IMS land almost mechanically between $11,000 and $16,000 regardless of year or base/S: "No Reserve: 2001 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed" at $14,000 (64k), "No Reserve: 2001 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed" at $14,250 (64k), "No Reserve: 2003 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed" at $15,005 (68k), "No Reserve: 2002 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed" at $12,500 (76k). Bidders are explicitly netting out repair cost — the winner of "No Reserve: 2000 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed" ($11,250, 92k miles) wrote "I'm estimating 4-5k. Which is fine because I'm prepared for that," and Fud's recurring refrain across three separate threads is that any of these needs "$4-7k" to be dependable. That deduction is now baked into the market, which is why an unsorted car at $11k and a sorted one at $15k are the same car in the buyer's arithmetic.

The tails are where the money is. Genuinely exceptional cars break away hard: "20k-Mile 2004 Porsche Boxster S 550 Anniversary Edition 6-Speed" at $36,550, "15k-Mile 2002 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed" (Speed Yellow, Aerokit II, IMS done 2015) at $35,911, "8k-Mile, One-Owner 2001 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed" at $28,000, "37k-Mile 2002 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed" (Seal Grey/cinnamon, $10k of recent work) at $28,250. At the other end, a salvage-title 176k car — "No Reserve: 2000 Porsche Boxster S 5-Speed" — brought $6,666, and "No Reserve: 2003 Porsche Boxster" (tiptronic, 66k) brought just $9,150.

Auction format matters more than almost any option. Two cars in this sample ran twice within weeks. "18k-Mile 2000 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed" failed at $17,000 on 31 July, relisted at no reserve and made $21,500 on 15 August. "36k-Mile 2000 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed" failed at $14,000 on 25 July, relisted at no reserve and made $18,500 on 8 August. Same cars, same photos, +26% and +32%. Reserve auctions on this model mostly signal that the seller has an unrealistic number, and bidders punish it.

What moves the price

Median by transmission

Median by exterior colour

Known issues

Pre-purchase checklist

• Establish the IMS position in writing before you bid: retrofit invoice, installer name, date, mileage, kit type (ceramic Retrofit vs oil-fed Solution) and the LN registration serial. If any of that is missing, price the car as if the bearing is original.
• For 2000–2001 cars, get the last five digits of the engine number and the build date. It gives you odds on dual- vs single-row, not certainty — and the market prices it as odds.
• Borescope every 3.2 S. Combine it with a cold-start-with-sound video and, ideally, a DME over-rev report; the $24,850 30k-mile 2001 S proved how much that package is worth.
• Read the DOT date codes off the tire photos before you place a bid. On sub-40k-mile cars in this sample, 15-25 year old rubber was the norm, not the exception.
• Cycle the convertible top three times, watching the driver-side track for binding, and inspect the rear window for creasing (plastic on pre-2003, glass from 2003).
• Pressure-test the cooling system and confirm the expansion tank, water pump and the plastic coolant pipes under the intake have been replaced — or budget for all three.
• Run the A/C at idle and at speed; look inside the vents for shed black foam and confirm the blend doors move through the full range.
• Scan for stored codes, specifically P0410/P1411 secondary air and any SRS buckle-switch fault, and check whether the car lives in an emissions-testing state.
• Check the plug tubes, oil filler tube and bell-housing seam for weeping oil, and ask whether the AOS has ever been replaced.
• Pull the Carfax yourself and treat any accident or damage entry as a 15-25% haircut regardless of how the seller characterises it — the market does.
• Verify the option sticker in the front trunk against what is actually on the car; two listings in this sample had sticker codes for trim that wasn't present, or a replacement hood carrying the wrong sticker.
• On any 550 Anniversary, confirm the build number, GT Silver over Cocoa interior, and that the gearbox is the six-speed manual — the tiptronic is worth roughly $14k less.

Ask the seller

1. Do you have the IMS retrofit invoice showing installer, date, mileage and kit type — and is it registered with LN Engineering in a way I can verify against the VIN?
2. Were the clutch, flywheel and rear main seal done in the same transmission-out job as the IMS, or separately? Can I see both invoices?
3. What is the engine number and the exact build date?
4. Has the coolant expansion tank, water pump, air-oil separator or the plastic coolant piping under the intake manifold ever been replaced? Which parts were used?
5. Will you supply a cold-start video with sound after the car has sat overnight, plus a full driving video to highway speed?
6. Will you permit a borescope and leak-down at my chosen independent Porsche shop, and can you supply a DME over-rev report?
7. What are the DOT date codes on all four tires, and when was the brake hydraulic system last flushed or opened?
8. Are any warning lights currently illuminated — CEL, airbag, PSM or ABS — and what codes are stored right now, not what a shop said years ago?
9. Does the top cycle cleanly on both sides without a guide, shim or manual assistance? Show me it going up and down twice on video.
10. Does the A/C blow cold at idle, and is any foam coming out of the vents?
11. What exactly does the Carfax damage or accident entry refer to, and can you supply the repair invoices and before/after photos?
12. Why are you selling now, and when did you buy the car? Several of these cars were bought and flipped within weeks.
13. Is the auction at no reserve — and if not, what is the number? Reserve cars in this sample consistently underperformed identical no-reserve relistings.

Walk away when

• The seller answers the IMS question with "not to my knowledge, factor it into your bid." That is now the standard script — on "No Reserve: 2003 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed" ($15,005) and "No Reserve: 36k-Mile 2000 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed" ($18,500) it was almost word for word. It is honest, but it means the car is unsorted.
• Total silence on IMS. On "2000 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed" (Jungle Green, $15,000) the seller dodged for six days; Gus1996's rule applies — "If IMS isn't mentioned as being swapped out, assume it's the original."
• Undocumented IMS claims. "No Reserve: 2003 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed" ($14,986) relayed a secondhand claim with no paper; "No Reserve: 2003 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed" ($11,250) had the LN sticker's outline visible where a sticker had been peeled off. Verbal IMS is worth nothing.
• A clutch replaced without the IMS, or an IMS without the clutch — you are buying a second engine-out job. See "No Reserve: 2003 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed" ($17,986), where schmeidecki established a single-row retrofit with no clutch or RMS work.
• Bought recently, minimal miles added, selling now. "No Reserve: 1998 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed" ($8,999) covered 750 miles in a year; "No Reserve: 2001 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed" ($14,250) was bought and relisted in seven weeks; "Japanese-Market 1998 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed" added 158 miles in nine months. These are inventory, not cherished cars.
• Low-mileage narrative that the tire date codes contradict. On "No Reserve: 19k-Mile 2001 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed" the seller claimed weekend use since 2021 but ran 2013/14 tires; when Jboo pressed, he replied "Unsure how You're able to judge the use of the car from tire age."
• A no-reserve relist weeks after a failed reserve auction is fine — but a car appearing for the third or fourth time, or one where a previous winner backed out, deserves a hard look. "No Reserve: 2000 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed" ($11,000) had a buyer walk after winning; the same car sold three weeks later for $11,250.
• Sellers who won't or can't produce records they've promised. On "No Reserve: 2001 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed" ($15,500) the box of records never arrived before close; on "2003 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed" ($10,555) the seller claimed no access to invoices mid-auction.
• A big invoice for a small stated repair. On "No Reserve: 48k-Mile 1999 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed", Edgewood121 caught a $1,678.95 body-shop bill described as a one-inch sill scratch and forced the real scope out of the seller.
• Aggressive seller cheerleading in the final hours about how underpriced the car is. It appeared on the two reserve-not-met S cars in this sample; ACDrums' reply on the 18k S — "If it's a 'mid 20s car all day long', then why didn't one of the 720 watchers bid mid 20s?" — is the correct response.
• Salvage or rebuilt title, or a transmission that doesn't match the option sticker. "No Reserve: 2000 Porsche Boxster S 5-Speed" had both, plus an owner who repeatedly said he had no idea what had been done, and made $6,666.
• Poor presentation, no driving video, no records. "23k-Mile 2004 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed" had 23k miles and still failed at $15,500; zzracing's summary was "Could be a $22K car with better presentation." That gap is real money and it cuts both ways — it is also where a sharp buyer finds value.

Budget

Driver grade — $9,000 to $13,000. A 70k-130k-mile base or S with unknown IMS, tired tires, a cloudy top and cosmetic wear. "No Reserve: 2000 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed" (92k) at $11,250, "No Reserve: 2001 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed" (55k, single-row likely) at $10,999 and "2001 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed" (124k) at $10,250 are the template. Assume $4,000-$7,000 of catch-up in year one — that figure recurs across at least four separate threads.

Strong — $14,000 to $19,000. Sub-60k miles, real records, several of the known items already addressed, honest disclosure. This is where the modern median lives ($14,600 over the last twelve months) and where most of the sample transacted: "No Reserve: 48k-Mile 1999 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed" at $15,650 with fresh struts and a full brake overhaul; "No Reserve: 48k-Mile 2002 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed" at $17,736; "No Reserve: 2003 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed" (58k, IMS done 2016) at $17,986; "No Reserve: 45k-Mile 1997 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed" at $19,150. Note that a base 986 struggles to break $19k however nice — FarmerPete's cap remark on the 94k 2003 was borne out.

Best-in-class — $22,000 to $30,000. Sub-30k miles, S, manual, documented IMS retrofit with clutch and RMS, one or two owners, engine-health evidence. "One-Owner, 30k-Mile 2001 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed" at $24,850 (with compression, leak-down, cylinder imaging and a DME over-rev report) and "8k-Mile, One-Owner 2001 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed" at $28,000 (everything replaced in March 2026) define the band.

Collector halo — $33,000 to $37,000, and it takes a 550 Anniversary manual or a Speed Yellow low-mile S with Aerokit II. The all-time record is $40,500; nothing since has beaten it.

Outliers

20k-Mile 2004 Porsche Boxster S 550 Anniversary Edition 6-Speed $36,550

The high sale of the sample and near the all-time ceiling of $40,500. Everything the market pays for stacked in one car: #95 of 1,953, 20k miles, six-speed, GT Silver over Cocoa (shared with the Carrera GT), LN IMS retrofit in 2015, PPF and ceramic coating, and a third-party who had seen it at Werks Reunion vouching in-thread. Even so, JMissTX pushed on the fact that a 2015 retrofit is past LN's 4-year inspection interval.

15k-Mile 2002 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed $35,911

Speed Yellow, 15k miles, all-genuine Porsche catalog kit (Aerokit II, 030 suspension, sports exhaust, Sport Design), IMS and RMS done in 2015, plus Riptide007's in-person "Bid with confidence." Roughly 2.5x the 2026 median. Notably the seller declined to supply paint-meter readings and still got the money.

37k-Mile 2002 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed $28,250

Proof that receipted mechanical modification pays on this model. Seal Grey over special-order cinnamon brown, LN IMS plus clutch in 2023, timing chain rails, full suspension refresh, Softronic tune — and an independent 986 S owner posting a detailed test-drive report. Double what unsorted 70-90k S cars bring.

No Reserve: Original-Owner 2004 Porsche Boxster S 550 Anniversary Edition 6-Speed $13,750

A one-owner limited-edition manual that brought base-Boxster money. 106k miles, two Carfax accidents with quarter-panel respray, dead ABS return pump with the PSM light on, torn seat, missing headlight-washer bezel, no dealer records and unknown IMS. Fud's post-sale note — "4-7 k is what it takes to refresh" — explains the number.

No Reserve: 2000 Porsche Boxster S 5-Speed $6,666

The floor of the market. Rebuilt/salvage Washington title from a 2007 total loss, 176k miles, a 5-speed where the factory sticker says six, hood damaged by opening at speed, unknown engine history, unknown modifications, and a seller who repeatedly said he had no idea what had been done. Nitromkv called it before the hammer: "a no reserve auction is about to turn into a nightmare."

No Reserve: 2003 Porsche Boxster $9,150

A clean, presentable 66k-mile 986.2 in Seal Grey that got tiptronic money. The seller himself flagged the IMS as undocumented, and wildwillie4's post-mortem — "I thought it'd be a little higher with the low ish miles, but it's a auto and a boxster" — is the whole story. Useful as the buy-side benchmark for automatics.

No Reserve: 18k-Mile 2000 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed $21,500

The cleanest available demonstration of the no-reserve premium: the identical car failed at $17,000 two weeks earlier as "18k-Mile 2000 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed". Dropping the reserve added $4,500 with no change to the car — and the IMS was still original in both auctions.

Verdict

The 986 is the cheapest way into a genuine, hydraulically-steered, mid-engined Porsche, and the market has stopped pretending otherwise — values are flat at roughly $14,500 and the 2021 bubble is not coming back. Buy on documentation, not on the odometer. The single decision that matters is whether you pay $14-16k for an unsorted car and then hand $5,000 to a specialist for IMS, clutch, RMS, cooling and tires, or pay $22-28k for a car where someone already did it. Financially the two are the same; practically the second is far less likely to go wrong in your ownership. Avoid the middle: a $19,000 car with unknown IMS and 20-year-old tires is the worst buy on this list. If you want the one that will hold value, it is a manual 550 Anniversary in GT Silver over Cocoa with under 50k miles and a registered LN retrofit — expect to pay north of $30,000 and expect competition. If you just want the drive, a $12,000 90k-mile S with honest records and a $5,000 budget behind it is, as stagewex keeps telling these threads, the best bang for the buck in the Porsche world.

Three caveats. First, the transmission and colour breakdowns come from a tiny "analysed subset": Tiptronic n=5 and Speed Yellow, GT Silver and Lapis Blue all n=3. The headline that tiptronics out-earn manuals ($15,500 vs $14,250) is an artifact of that subset containing a 550 Anniversary — every paired comparison in the actual listings runs the other way, and I have weighted the listings over the table. Second, the 60 deep-analysed cars all sold between 26 May and 20 August 2026 — a single selling season, roughly 5% of the full record, and convertible pricing is seasonal. Third, the issue frequencies I quote are how often something was raised in a comment thread, not how often it actually occurs; these are opinions from anonymous bidders, some of whom have an interest in talking a price down. Where I have leaned on a comment I have preferred claims that recur across multiple threads (IMS, coolant tank, tire age, top mechanism) or that a corroborating specialist confirmed — such as the installing dealer GRiehl verifying the LN retrofit on the 98k-mile 2001 S. Single-source technical assertions, including the bore-scoring diagnosis by ear and the argument that IMS failures cluster below 20k miles, should be treated as folklore until your own borescope says otherwise. Finally, no mileage-adjusted regression was run; the mileage-vs-price list is a raw scatter and its middle band (40k-90k) shows essentially no signal.

Bidding patterns

Comparables read in depth (60)

No Reserve: 2003 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed

$15,005

2026-08-20 · 68,000 mi · manual · black

Competently presented 986 Boxster S with clean provenance and no reserve, but critical known failure items (IMS bearing, RMS seals, coolant pipes) remain undisclosed and unaddressed, leaving the buyer to absorb thousands in preventive maintenance.

IMS bearing not replaced · AC blowing foam · IMS bearing not replaced on a car with 68k miles—a known failure mode for 986 Boxsters · Seller evasive on trailing arm condition, did not directly answer question about whether parts appear original or new

No Reserve: 48k-Mile 1999 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$15,650

2026-08-18 · 48,000 mi · manual · arctic silver metallic

Well-maintained, low-mileage 1999 Boxster with recent comprehensive brake and suspension work, but cooling system components—a known weak point for this model year—remain unaddressed, and the scope of a $1.7k door sill repair was initially obscured before clarification.

Cooling system components not yet replaced · Cooling expansion tank and cooling lines not addressed despite being endemic failure points for 1997-1999 Boxsters · Large invoice ($1,678.95) for what was initially described as minor door sill touch-up raises questions about scope of actual repair work

No Reserve: 18k-Mile 2000 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed

$21,500

2026-08-15 · 18,000 mi · manual · arctic silver metallic

A clean, low-mileage, unmodified manual 986 Boxster S with no accident history and honest recent service, but the unreplaced IMS bearing lurks as a latent 1–8% failure risk that the $21.5k winning bid did not fully factor in, and the car's re-listing after a failed July 2026 auction suggests the market may have already priced in uncertainty.

IMS bearing not replaced · IMS bearing failure risk unaddressed in listing despite known concern in 986 community · previously offered on BaT in July 2026 and failed to sell, now relisted at no reserve with same mileage

45k-Mile 2004 Porsche Boxster S 550 Anniversary Edition

$22,317

2026-08-15 · 45,000 mi · tiptronic · gt silver metallic

Well-preserved, low-mileage 550 Anniversary with complete provenance, but an ambiguous 12-year-old ceramic IMS retrofit and missing recent service documentation created enough uncertainty to depress final price by ~$10–15k relative to comparable manual examples.

IMS bearing type uncertainty · IMS bearing retrofit type not definitively documented; no physical evidence (stickers, receipts) distinguishing between standard retrofit and permanent solution · Service records missing for 2023–2026 period despite two oil changes claimed by current owner

20k-Mile 2004 Porsche Boxster S 550 Anniversary Edition 6-Speed

$36,550

2026-08-13 · 20,000 mi · manual · gt silver metallic

Low-mileage, well-documented 550 Anniversary special edition with proactive IMS replacement and recent cosmetic refresh that commanded $36.5k in competitive late-stage bidding, but IMS retrofit service-interval compliance post-2015 installation and full pre-2024 service history remain incompletely documented for this price tier.

Seller acquired the car in 2024 and is reselling after ~2 years; rtpeet questioned motivation. Seller stated he acquired a 'grail car' and the Boxster is not being driven due to space constraints—a plausible explanation but worth noting. · IMS bearing replacement in 2015 at 11k miles; per LN Engineering, retrofit has 4-year or 50k-mile service interval. Seller unable to confirm if inspection was done post-4-year mark (car would be at ~23k miles in 2019 and 27k in 2023); no oil analysis or fragment reports offered beyond technician visual check after oil changes.

2003 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$10,555

2026-08-12 · 94,000 mi · manual · midnight blue metallic

Clean, well-driven late-generation 986 with matching hardtop and full leather interior undermined by unresolved IMS-bearing anxiety, deferred major service work, and recent hood/hardtop refinish that raised reserve-miss questions despite strong provenance.

IMS bearing status unknown and unaddressed · Missing service receipt pages · IMS bearing work promised by previous owner but not completed despite car now at 94k miles · incomplete service receipt documentation (pages 2-3 missing from August 2022 service)

No Reserve: 9k-Mile 1997 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$16,986

2026-08-11 · 9,000 mi · manual · arctic silver metallic

A stunning, low-mileage first-year 986 that checks every box except peace-of-mind: secondary air injection codes surfaced mid-auction (and recurred), IMS status unconfirmed, 18-year-old tires, and deferred maintenance typical of long-stored cars will require five-figure remediation before safe long-distance driving.

Check Engine Light - Secondary Air Injection System · Airbag light illuminated · Secondary Air Injection codes materialized only during listing process and test drive, not disclosed upfront in description · IMS bearing replacement status unknown on 29-year-old M96 engine; critical for this platform

No Reserve: 1998 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$8,999

2026-08-10 · 64,000 mi · manual · black

Low-mileage 1998 Boxster with undisclosed 2013 collision history, unverified IMS bearing, and a seller pattern of evasion on key mechanical questions—the no-reserve closing suggests risk acceptance rather than market confidence.

IMS bearing status unknown · Undisclosed 2013 damage history · Seller purchased car in 2025, drove only 750 miles in approximately one year, and is now selling at no reserve—pattern consistent with quick flip or personal circumstance rather than genuine ownership · Undisclosed 2013 damage with seller claiming invisibility but providing no documentation or repair history

No Reserve: 23k-Mile 1997 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$15,986

2026-08-10 · 23,000 mi · manual · arctic silver metallic

A low-mileage, well-optioned first-gen Boxster with original IMS bearing, recent service work, and strong pedigree undermined by aged tires, undiagnosed oil seepage, and a seller who chose not to investigate or remedy known issues, making it a buyer-beware flip that fetched $15,986 on no reserve.

oil seepage from valve covers and bell housing · airbag warning light illuminated · car previously listed on BaT in August 2022 for reported sale at ~$19k, that buyer was banned as deadbeat non-completer, now relisted years later · tires are nearly 20 years old (2004-2006 production codes) despite only 23k miles, suggesting extended storage or age-related deterioration risk

39k-Mile 2000 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$14,250

2026-08-09 · 39,000 mi · manual · ocean blue metallic

A stunningly well-preserved, low-mileage 986 Boxster with impeccable garage provenance and favorable in-person inspection results, undermined only by inability to confirm IMS bearing type and absence of service documentation.

IMS bearing status unknown · Tire age and longevity for long highway trips · Missing service records despite seller claiming all required services performed · Seller initially unable to retrieve IMS bearing identification stamp; requires transmission removal to determine critical bearing type

No Reserve: 36k-Mile 2000 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$18,500

2026-08-08 · 36,000 mi · manual · black pearl

A stunningly original, single-owner 986 Boxster with a genuinely rare interior color combination and exceptional cosmetic presentation, but without service documentation or IMS bearing replacement—a calculated risk on a low-mileage time capsule with known failure points lurking.

IMS bearing not replaced · No service records from original owner · No service records from original owner despite 26 years of ownership · IMS bearing status not addressed proactively, only when directly questioned

No Reserve: 2001 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed SCCA T3 Race Car

$17,250

2026-08-06 · 81,000 mi · manual · arctic silver metallic

Comprehensively prepared SCCA T3 race car with unverifiable engine history, prior paintwork, and mileage inconsistencies, but recent professional service, solid build quality, and proven racing record support its $17,250 hammer price as fair for a track-ready package sold without road-legal status or title registration.

mileage inconsistency · engine history unknown · complete engine history unknown; motor acquired from unknown source with no documentation · mileage inconsistency flagged by Carfax in March 2022

35k-Mile 2000 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed

Reserve not met

2026-08-05 · 35,000 mi · manual · ocean blue metallic

A well-preserved 35k-mile 986 Boxster S with impeccable cosmetics and fresh suspension work, but hobbled by an underdocumented 2021 accident, unconfirmed IMS/clutch/RMS service, and a reserve that the market voted down by $2,300, signaling buyers want either lower price or pre-purchase IMS warranty.

2021 accident history underdisclosed · IMS bearing not replaced · 2021 accident reported in Carfax with limited detail provided; seller only disclosed after Carfax was mentioned · IMS bearing not documented as replaced on a 26-year-old, 3.2L flat-six—critical failure point on 996/986 generation Porsches

46k-Mile 2002 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

Reserve not met

2026-08-04 · 46,000 mi · manual · speed yellow

A genuinely rare and well-maintained low-mileage Speed Yellow 986 Boxster undermined by the seller's refusal to proactively address the IMS bearing—a known risk point—and unresolved spoiler authenticity, costing it approximately $2–3k in lost bids.

IMS bearing not upgraded · Fixed rear spoiler authenticity unclear · IMS bearing status unresolved despite being a known 986 Boxster risk point · Spoiler authenticity disputed in comments without definitive seller clarification

No Reserve: 19k-Mile 2001 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$13,500

2026-08-03 · 19,000 mi · manual · black

Low-mileage 986 Boxster with clean provenance and original paint, but unaddressed IMS bearing risk, questionable usage history implied by 2013 tires, and original brakes at 25 years make it a speculative buy at $13.5k despite superficial appeal.

IMS bearing not replaced · Tire age inconsistency with usage claim · IMS bearing never addressed—critical vulnerability on M97 engine · tire date codes (2013/14) contradict 'regular weekend driver' narrative post-2021 purchase

No Reserve: 2003 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$14,986

2026-08-01 · 61,000 mi · manual · speed yellow

A genuinely low-mileage, well-spec'd Speed Yellow 986.2 with recent documented service and strong eye appeal, but hampered by an undocumented IMS replacement claim, prior right-rear collision damage of unclear scope, and an unexplained passenger-seat defect—sold at a strong premium to an enthusiastic first-time Porsche buyer on the strength of the seller's transparency rather than pristine condition.

IMS bearing status unconfirmed · Right rear collision damage history · Undocumented IMS replacement claim is secondhand with no supporting paperwork · Accident history disclosed only via Carfax, not volunteer disclosure in listing; right rear damage from rear-end collision raises concerns about structural integrity and hidden damage

18k-Mile 2000 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed

Reserve not met

2026-07-31 · 18,000 mi · manual · arctic silver metallic

A solid, low-mileage 986 Boxster S with genuine history and strong cosmetics, but the unreplaced IMS bearing, undisclosed paint variance, and sparse recent service docs are red flags that justified buyers holding back—reserve missed at $17k suggests market skepticism despite the hype.

IMS bearing not replaced · Paint thickness variation on image 55 · IMS bearing not addressed/replaced, a known critical failure point on 986 Boxsters · Paint meter reading variance on image 55 not fully explained by seller

No Reserve: 2000 Porsche Boxster S 5-Speed

$6,666

2026-07-30 · 176,000 mi · manual · arctic silver metallic

A heavily modified, salvage-titled, high-mileage 986 with an unexplained transmission downgrade, no service records, and unknown IMS status that sold at $6,666—well above comparable well-sorted examples—to a bidder who either missed the red flags or is banking on parts value.

Transmission mismatch - 5-speed instead of factory 6-speed · Engine may not be original 3.2L · Salvage and rebuilt title from 2007 total loss - major structural/damage concern · Transmission swapped from 6-speed to 5-speed with no documentation of when or why

No Reserve: 2000 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed

$11,250

2026-07-29 · 92,000 mi · manual · arctic silver metallic

Sound 986 Boxster S with comprehensive recent maintenance and clean title, but IMS bearing inexplicably never replaced despite 26 years and full service history—buyer correctly priced in $4-5k of immediate work needed.

IMS bearing not replaced · Unknown engine mileage separation from track car · Previous auction buyer failed to follow through on winning bid; car is relisting after approximately one month · Hardtop was shown in previous auction but now being sold separately; seller states local interest expressed but no commitment made until this auction closes—suggests flexibility in what's included

9k-Mile 1999 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$15,000

2026-07-28 · 9,000 mi · manual · arctic silver metallic

A low-mileage 1999 Boxster with desirable spec and clean documentation, but unreplaced original IMS bearing, mysterious traction control light, and suspicious quick flip create maintenance risk that justifies the $15k post-auction settlement below initial market expectations.

IMS bearing not replaced · Traction Control warning light illuminated · IMS bearing not preventatively replaced despite being original · Traction Control light on and seller indifferent to diagnosis

No Reserve: 2002 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed

$12,500

2026-07-27 · 76,000 mi · manual · arctic silver metallic

Well-maintained, no-reserve 2002 Boxster S with disclosed IMS/clutch wear concerns and non-functional AC, but solid service history and strong bidding suggest good buyer confidence in remaining mechanical integrity.

IMS bearing and clutch noted as original (known failure point on 986 Boxster); seller acknowledged intent to replace both at next clutch service but no preventive action taken · AC system non-functional and owner did not pursue diagnosis/repair despite ownership since fall 2023

No Reserve: 48k-Mile 2002 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$17,736

2026-07-26 · 48,000 mi · manual · lapis blue metallic

Desirably low-mileage, well-presented 986 in stunning colors with fresh work, but the IMS bearing—the most critical failure point on this platform—remains unaddressed, and the seller's vague answers on other wear items suggest they may lack full mechanical knowledge of what they're selling.

IMS bearing not addressed · Hood replacement with mismatched option sticker · IMS bearing never replaced—critical known failure point left unaddressed despite spending $7,000+ on other work · Replacement hood with incorrect option sticker suggests partial history knowledge gap

No Reserve: Original-Owner 2004 Porsche Boxster S 550 Anniversary Edition 6-Speed

$13,750

2026-07-25 · 106,000 mi · manual · gt silver metallic

A collectible 550 Anniversary Boxster S with desirable spec and original ownership is undermined by incomplete service documentation, unresolved ABS/PSM faults, uncertain clutch health at 106k miles, and past accident damage — a project car requiring $4-7k in catch-up maintenance before reliable ownership begins.

ABS return pump requires replacement · PSM (Porsche Stability Management) warning light illuminated · incomplete service history — dealer records not retained beyond certain point · no confirmation of IMS work despite being known critical service item on 986 Boxster

36k-Mile 2000 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

Reserve not met

2026-07-25 · 36,000 mi · manual · black pearl

A genuinely low-mileage, single-owner 986 Boxster with an uncommonly desirable (if polarizing) interior, but the IMS bearing status remains unconfirmed despite buyer pressure, and dealer hype could not clear a reserve that suggests inflated expectations for an unproven market.

IMS bearing status undisclosed · IMS bearing replacement status never clearly confirmed despite two direct buyer questions—only vague 'to the best of our knowledge, no' response · Seller is a high-volume dealer (Collectible Classics), not original owner—single-owner claim is about prior history only

2001 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$14,000

2026-07-25 · 52,000 mi · manual · lapis blue metallic

An attractively original low-mileage 986 with timely major preventive work, but the M96 engine's sitting history, unaddressed soft-top damage, mysterious ticking, and unspecified recall require a pre-purchase inspection by a marque specialist before committing to $14k.

Open recall status unclear · Soft top tear not directly addressed by seller despite multiple requests for clarification · Engine ticking noise during idle not explained by seller

No Reserve: 2001 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed

$14,000

2026-07-24 · 64,000 mi · manual · arctic silver metallic

Clean-title two-owner Boxster S with low mileage but unverified IMS bearing status, limited documented service history despite dealer assurances, and unidentified open recall—a bargain only if the new owner is prepared for deferred maintenance.

IMS bearing status unclear · Limited service documentation · IMS bearing status unconfirmed despite being critical concern on 986 Boxster · Service records mentioned but not detailed or posted

41k-Mile 1997 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$13,500

2026-07-23 · 41,000 mi · manual · dodge viper race yellow

A well-maintained, low-mileage 1997 first-generation Boxster with expert cosmetic upgrades that disguises the latent IMS bearing risk lurking in the M96 engine—a calculated bet that the odds hold and the buyer enjoys an analog Porsche before that particular failure point arrives.

IMS bearing not addressed · Soft top tracking issue during closure · IMS bearing not replaced and no oil analysis performed on a 1997 M96 Boxster, which is a known failure point for this engine generation · Soft top had a tracking problem on the driver side (seller inserted a metal guide as a workaround rather than factory repair)

No Reserve: 1999 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$14,500

2026-07-22 · 86,000 mi · manual · guards red

A clean-titled, low-mileage first-generation Boxster with desirable equipment and recent professional brake work, but accelerated post-purchase repairs and minor cosmetic damage warrant detailed pre-bid inspection.

Recent acquisition (late 2025) with significant work completed immediately thereafter (November 2025) suggests potential pre-purchase discovery of issues · Seller acknowledges damage to rocker panel but provides anecdotal explanation rather than detailed assessment

No Reserve: Original-Owner, 15k-Mile 2002 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$16,250

2026-07-22 · 15,000 mi · manual · black

Genuinely low-mileage original-owner time capsule with professional presentation, but the undocumented IMS bearing status at the critical 2018 clutch service point is a $4-5k financial and confidence liability that the seller deliberately avoided clarifying, and the car's apparent 2-year dormancy since last service adds operational risk.

IMS bearing status unknown · Clutch replacement reason unclear at 13k miles · IMS bearing replacement not documented despite clutch service in 2018, which is the standard service interval for this critical maintenance · Clutch replacement at unusually low mileage (13k) with vague explanation (seller later claimed 'sticking due to age')

No Reserve: 34k-Mile 1997 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$13,250

2026-07-20 · 34,000 mi · manual · arctic silver metallic

A genuinely low-mileage, well-cared-for first-year Boxster with solid documentation and enthusiastic seller support, but with unresolved minor electrical/mechanical alerts and an unanswered critical question about IMS bearing history, sold cleanly at fair market to a repeat bidder at a price modern market comparables support.

Airbag warning light illuminated · Possible rear panel repainting · airbag system non-functional and not repaired · intermittent convertible top alert not resolved

15k-Mile 2002 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed

$35,911

2026-07-17 · 15,000 mi · manual · speed yellow

An exceptionally preserved, garage-kept low-mileage 2002 Boxster S with factory Porsche modifications and clean history that sold at market value with strong bidding, though minor discrepancies in mileage documentation and lack of paint meter readings should have warranted deeper scrutiny.

No paint meter readings provided despite specific request · Original factory wheels not included

No Reserve: 2000 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$15,000

2026-07-16 · 67,000 mi · manual · arena red metallic

Well-maintained, early-production 986 with statistically favorable IMS timing and consistent service history, though original clutch and bearing warrant budget consideration for the new owner.

IMS bearing status · Original clutch

Japanese-Market 1998 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$9,000

2026-07-16 · 81,400 mi · manual · ruby star

A visually striking Japanese-import Boxster in rare factory Ruby Star livery with incomplete service history on the M96's most critical component (IMS bearing) and unusual modifications (removed soft-top mechanism, misaligned short shifter), sold by an impatient seller in a warehouse-clearing flip at a surprisingly modest final price despite documented paint damage and no independent Japanese market verification.

IMS bearing replacement status unknown · Paint damage and cracking · Color repeatedly misidentified by seller (initially 'pink', then 'Ruby Red Metallic', finally corrected to 'Rubystone/Ruby Star') suggesting possible careless documentation · Entire soft top hydraulic mechanism removed—unusual modification that may complicate future restoration

No Reserve: 2001 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed

$12,750

2026-07-15 · 98,422 mi · manual · arctic silver metallic

A well-maintained 2001 Boxster S with proactively replaced IMS bearing (formally registered), full service documentation, clean history, and only 13k miles added by an attentive owner, marred only by minor cosmetic issues but offering worry-free 986 driving due to major reliability work already completed.

One-Owner, 30k-Mile 2001 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed

$24,850

2026-07-10 · 30,000 mi · manual · black

A meticulously documented, low-mileage one-owner 986 Boxster S with comprehensively addressed major service items and minor cosmetic wear that reflects careful but minimal use, commanding premium pricing due to provenance and pre-purchase inspection rigor.

Tire age · Sparse mileage accumulation over 25 years of ownership (only 5k miles between 2013 and 2026) raises questions about storage and use patterns, though seller attributes this to careful preservation · Steering column lock replacement in December 2021 was done by original owner, not by seller; seller could not provide details of the repair method

No Reserve: 2000 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed

$11,000

2026-07-06 · 92,484 mi · manual · arctic silver metallic

Well-maintained, track-proven driver with comprehensive recent service, but IMS bearing type unverified and factory interior trim options unaccounted for—buy on the suspension and service records, but verify drivetrain internals and original interior components before committing.

IMS bearing type unknown · Option sticker discrepancies · IMS bearing type cannot be verified without transmission drop · option sticker lists interior trim components not visible on car; seller acquired car without history and has not accounted for missing factory-option components

No Reserve: 21-Years-Owned 2001 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$11,600

2026-07-02 · 66,000 mi · manual · guards red

A genuinely low-mileage, single-owner Boxster with clean history undermined by 16 years of unresolved check-engine codes, deferred IMS bearing replacement, and a seller who admits the fault will hurt value but chose candor over correction.

check engine light illuminated · IMS bearing not replaced · CEL has been continuously illuminated for 16+ years despite being brought to a no-reserve auction; seller declined to address before sale despite acknowledging it would 'ding the value' · IMS bearing never replaced — a $3,000-$5,000 risk that is unresolved after 21 years of ownership

No Reserve: 2000 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$11,276

2026-06-29 · 57,000 mi · manual · rain forest green metallic

A well-documented 986 with exceptional service history and original IMS bearing doom looming at $3k-5k, transparently disclosed by a seller who priced it accordingly and found eager bidders willing to accept the risk.

Original IMS bearing requires replacement · Original high-wear IMS bearing not addressed despite 24 years of age and 57k miles · Oil change date of June 2026 is a future date (appears to be typographical error for 2024 or earlier)

No Reserve: 2001 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$10,999

2026-06-27 · 55,000 mi · manual · guards red

A low-mileage, accident-free Guards Red 986 Boxster with unaddressed single-row IMS bearing risk, minor cosmetic misalignment, and no detailed service records—sold at $10,999 with strong bidding suggesting market confidence that the car's age and mileage profile outweigh the mechanical unknowns.

IMS bearing not replaced · IMS bearing status not definitively confirmed despite its notoriety in the 986 community · No engine serial number provided despite multiple requests

33k-Mile 2001 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$14,125

2026-06-26 · 33,000 mi · manual · guards red

Meticulously preserved low-mileage 2001 Boxster with complete service history and IMS/RMS work done, but tires are dangerously aged and require immediate replacement before road use, a material cost that tempered final bid competition.

Tire age and condition · Title is marked 'duplicate' — verify no lien history or prior ownership complications · One key fob does not communicate with car; seller retains it as spare but this suggests partial functionality loss

No Reserve: Single-Family-Owned 1999 Porsche Boxster

$16,750

2026-06-25 · 59,000 mi · tiptronic · guards red

A genuinely low-mileage, single-family-owned 986 with outstanding service records and the desirable hardtop, but poly rib belt service status remains unconfirmed near the 60k-mile service interval—worth verifying before purchase.

Ignition switch failure requiring tow · Poly rib belt replacement status unclear—car at 59k miles (near 60k service interval) but no record of completion; seller claims dealership would have flagged if needed, but car has not yet reached 60k per seller (contradictory) · IMS bearing status not explicitly confirmed; seller not familiar with term and deferred to dealership records; however, dc.Bill clarified 1999 models use dual-row IMS (low-failure design) so this is less critical than 2000+ single-row IMS

No Reserve: 2001 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$14,250

2026-06-24 · 64,000 mi · manual · guards red

A freshly serviced 986 Boxster with comprehensive 60k maintenance completed and clean history, but critical unknowns (original IMS bearing, RMS, clutch) and seller's rushed flip after 7 weeks create material downside risk that buyers will only discover after expensive inspection.

IMS bearing unknown · RMS (rear main seal) unknown · Seller purchased car in 2026 and immediately resold at auction after seven weeks, citing inability to store it properly—timing and rationale suggest quick flip rather than long-term ownership intent · Original IMS bearing status unconfirmed despite being a well-known failure point on M97 engines; seller deflected with statistical probability rather than proof

No Reserve: 45k-Mile 1997 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$19,150

2026-06-23 · 45,000 mi · manual · arctic silver metallic

A genuinely low-mileage, well-preserved first-generation Boxster with correct original equipment and recent key service, though sparse documented maintenance history and unexplained cosmetic damage warrant pre-purchase inspection before committing $19k.

Sparse documented service history · Sparse service documentation - only one Carfax oil change from 2004 despite 45k miles over 27 years · Seller claims prior owners did multiple oil changes but provides no records or evidence

No Reserve: One-Owner 1997 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$16,100

2026-06-22 · 54,000 mi · manual · arctic silver metallic

A genuine, low-mileage, one-owner 1997 launch-year Boxster in iconic colors with strong provenance and careful maintenance, though IMS bearing service documentation is incomplete, the soft top color authenticity is disputed by experts, and fluids require refreshing before regular use.

IMS bearing replacement undocumented · Original service records no longer available; maintenance history documented only through Carfax and dealer records · Soft top provenance questioned by knowledgeable commenter regarding color availability for 1997 model year

No Reserve: 2003 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$13,000

2026-06-21 · 82,000 mi · manual · arctic silver metallic

A solid late-model 986.2 base manual with proactive IMS and clutch service but multiple minor cosmetic issues and an undisclosed recall that merit inspection before taking possession.

Convertible top headliner upholstery separation · Accident history present but characterized only as 'very minor' with no supporting details or photos provided · Open recall mentioned but not identified or addressed

37k-Mile 2002 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed

$28,250

2026-06-19 · 37,000 mi · manual · seal grey metallic

Well-sorted, low-mileage, comprehensively serviced 986 S with legitimate chassis and powertrain upgrades by a specialist, but minor transparency gaps (sticker explanation, prior listing within months) warrant standard due diligence from buyer.

Mysterious sticker on front bumper (interpreted as Wu-Tang Clan, Airborne insignia, or phoenix) visible in early photos but absent in later images—seller claimed it was a lens reflection or image artifact, later revealed by final commenter to be Fabspeed logo sticker. This discrepancy in explanation raises questions about transparency. · Car was previously listed on BaT in September 2025 and reportedly re-listed within months; beagleracing reported receiving scam emails claiming previous sale fell through—suggests heightened buyer caution warranted.

2001 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed

$10,250

2026-06-16 · 124,000 mi · manual · guards red

A cosmetically refreshed 124k-mile 986 with uncertain IMS bearing history, documented prior damage, and unspecified open recall, sold on the strength of recent clutch/suspension work and solid driving dynamics rather than mechanical peace of mind.

IMS bearing replacement status uncertain · Carfax damage history · IMS bearing status not definitively confirmed; reliance on previous mechanic's visual inspection rather than records or replacement · Carfax shows damage history in two separate entries (2015, 2019) but details not disclosed by seller

2000 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$15,000

2026-06-15 · 57,000 mi · manual · jungle green metallic

Low-mileage 2000 Boxster with unique color appeal and a clean title, but the seller's deliberate avoidance of the IMS bearing question during the entire auction, combined with sparse service records and undisclosed paintwork, suggests either an original-bearing gamble or hidden repair history.

IMS bearing status unknown · Foam emission from climate vents · IMS bearing status deliberately avoided for entire auction duration despite direct questioning · incomplete service history for last five years – only 2026 oil change provided

No Reserve: 2003 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$11,250

2026-06-11 · 101,000 mi · manual · meridian metallic

Honest dealer with strong track record sells a well-maintained 986 with critical IMS already addressed, but absence of written documentation and removed IMS sticker create lingering questions about the most important service on the car.

IMS bearing replacement not documented on Carfax · Open recall on record · IMS bearing replacement unverified on Carfax despite critical importance for 986 engines; seller provides only verbal shop confirmation and admits difficulty obtaining written documentation · Missing IMS sticker suggests deliberate removal

No Reserve: 42k-Mile 2001 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed

$14,250

2026-06-10 · 42,000 mi · manual · arctic silver metallic

A cosmetically sound, well-maintained 42k-mile example purchased by a Porsche flipper who performed intelligent recent maintenance but left the three critical long-term-ownership questions—IMS, clutch, RMS—unverified and uninsured, making it a speculatively-priced buy-it-blind proposition for the new owner.

IMS bearing status unknown · Clutch assembly status undocumented · IMS bearing not confirmed despite age/mileage making it a critical concern for 986 Boxsters · clutch and RMS status assumed but undocumented, typical wear items on 25-year-old car

No Reserve: 2001 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed

$15,500

2026-06-04 · 74,000 mi · manual · black

A low-mileage, well-presented 2001 Boxster S that drives well and looks clean, but whose unknown IMS status and absent service records force the buyer to assume a $6K+ mechanical time-bomb and bid blind on the single most important durability question for this car.

IMS bearing status unknown · Service records not provided before auction close · Service records promised but never delivered before auction close · IMS bearing status unconfirmed on 25-year-old car with known failure history

No Reserve: Original-Owner, 11k-Mile 2000 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$15,250

2026-06-03 · 11,000 mi · manual · arctic silver metallic

Extraordinarily low-mileage original-owner 986 with critical preventive service completed, but unexplained cold-start ticking and undisclosed quarter-panel respray leave nagging questions that the seller could not definitively answer before sale.

engine ticking on cold start · left-rear quarter panel repaired and repainted · Engine ticking on cold start raised bore-score concerns; seller unable to provide follow-up video to definitively rule out mechanical damage · Left-rear quarter panel repaired/repainted due to garage incident—accident damage disclosed only in listing, not proactively volunteered

No Reserve: 39k-Mile 2000 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$11,000

2026-06-02 · 39,000 mi · manual · arctic silver metallic

A low-mileage, recently refreshed 986 Boxster with undocumented IMS bearing risk hammered at well below peer value, suggesting weak auction mechanics and limited specialist interest rather than genuine mechanical virtue.

IMS bearing status unknown · IMS bearing service history not documented—critical for 986 Boxsters, known failure point · No PPI mentioned despite typical practice for low-mileage specialty cars

8k-Mile, One-Owner 2001 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed

$28,000

2026-06-01 · 8,000 mi · manual · midnight blue metallic

A textbook one-owner time-capsule 986S with factory originality confirmed by paint meter, every age-related failure point already addressed by a qualified Porsche shop, and a clean driving record—priced fairly given the comprehensive work and rarity of sub-10k-mile examples in the market.

Open recall on file · Open recall not addressed or itemized in listing · Rear window hazing disclosed but characterized as minor without clarity on remedy

No Reserve: 2003 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed

$17,986

2026-05-31 · 58,000 mi · manual · black

Well-presented 58k-mile 986 S with clean history marred by incomplete IMS bearing retrofit and inconsistent maintenance, selling for sub-market price justified by known deficiency and buyer's need for follow-up work.

IMS bearing retrofit is single-row, not permanent solution · Clutch and RMS not serviced · IMS bearing retrofit is not the permanent solution, suggesting incomplete remediation of known weak point · only one oil change in 4 years of ownership despite being weekend car; maintenance inconsistent

No Reserve: 2000 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$9,250

2026-05-30 · 94,000 mi · manual · arctic silver metallic

A clean, well-documented 2000 Boxster 2.7 with tidy recent fluid service and honest IMS/clutch disclosure, sold as a sub-$10k driver's project to someone prepared to budget major engine-bay work within the first ownership year.

IMS bearing not replaced · No clutch replacement on record · No evidence of IMS bearing replacement despite known failure risk on 986 Boxsters; clean oil analysis masks underlying risk · No service records for clutch, which typically coincides with IMS work

No Reserve: 2003 Porsche Boxster

$9,150

2026-05-29 · 66,000 mi · tiptronic · seal grey metallic

Well-presented 2003 Boxster with excellent cosmetics and service evidence undermined by undocumented IMS status and a 2015 accident history, sold no-reserve at $9,150 to a buyer who appears to have captured genuine value in an automatic model market segment that collectors frequently overlook.

IMS bearing status unknown · Oil viscosity incorrect at time of sale · IMS bearing replacement not documented despite previous owner's claim of pre-2010 service · 2015 accident history disclosed but paint damage minimized without prior professional assessment before listing

2002 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed

Reserve not met

2026-05-28 · 71,000 mi · manual · black

A cosmetically sharp 71k-mile 986 Boxster S with good aesthetics and enthusiast modifications but unknown IMS bearing status and original engine mount—solid driver at moderate miles if buyer accepts the known risk profile of the generation.

IMS bearing not upgraded · Previous auction on Carsandbids in 2024 where winner immediately backed out claiming wrong bid—raises questions about transparency or buyer confidence · Seller acquired car in 2025 (stated) yet describes extensive personal enjoyment and seasonal use—timeline unclear

23k-Mile 2004 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed

Reserve not met

2026-05-27 · 23,000 mi · manual · arctic silver metallic

A low-mileage 2004 Boxster S crippled by absent service history, undisclosed IMS bearing risk, and 17-year-old tires—poor presentation and seller evasion compounded buyer doubt, causing reserve miss at $15.5k despite inherent appeal of the chassis.

Tires from 2008 (16-17 years old) · IMS bearing replacement status unknown · No service records or documentation despite 20+ years old · IMS bearing status undisclosed and not inspected—critical for 2004 986 models

No Reserve: 24k-Mile 1997 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

$17,000

2026-05-26 · 24,000 mi · manual · ocean blue metallic

Well-preserved first-year 986 with comprehensive recent service work and legitimate early-Boxster appreciation driving premium pricing, but brake system age and undisclosed accident details warrant due diligence before purchase.

Accident history · Brake hydraulic system never serviced · Accident disclosed in Carfax (November 2003) with no repair details provided · Brake system never opened or flushed under current ownership; unknown service history prior to 2022

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