Porsche Boxster (2012 – 2016) Review

Porsche Boxster (2012 – 2016) At A Glance

5/5

+All-new Boxster is lighter and more economical. Returns a claimed 36mpg. Good looking redesigned interior. Even better to drive than before.

-Optional extras can quickly push the final price up.

Insurance Groups are between 43–46
On average it achieves 90% of the official MPG figure

Think Porsche and you more than likely think of the iconic 911. But the fact remains that if it wasn't for the Boxster, first launched in 1996, Porsche probably wouldn't exist in the shape it does today.

The Boxster is the car that brought the famous German brand to a much wider audience and since then the company has gone from strength to strength.

This is now the third generation of the open top sports car and although it doesn't look hugely different than its predecessor there are some key differences. Compared to the 911, Porsche is able to take a few more liberties with the styling of the Boxster and this all new model gets a sharper and more aggressive look than before.

Key design features include more pronounced side air intakes and larger alloy wheels - 18-inch on the Boxster and 19-inch on the Boxster S - as standard. It's a great a looking car, especially when viewed from the back with that prominent edge that runs across the back between the rear lights. This also houses the neat pop-up spoiler.

The key strength of the Boxster is that it's such a useable car everyday. It's just as happy sitting in traffic in London as it is on the motorway or thundering down a quiet back road. The ride is amazingly smooth and serene, the gear changes are light and easy plus it's even easy to park. Yet make no mistake. This is a bona fide sports car that handles just like a Porsche should.

Real MPG average for a Porsche Boxster (2012 – 2016)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

90%

Real MPG

23–38 mpg

MPGs submitted

42

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

Air-con failure after purchase - is it covered by the warranty?

"In March, I bought a low-mileage (10,000) 2013 Porsche Boxster from a Porsche dealer, including - what I thought was - a rock-solid two year warranty. Initially, I didn't use the air-con (to save fuel) but when I tried it for the first time on a wet day - on 10 June - I realised that the air-con wasn't working at all. On my return home on 14 June, I reported the problem to both the supplying Porsche dealership and also my local Porsche service centre. I booked the car in as soon as possible for the work to be done, on June 27 - 28, on the assumption that a repair would would be fully covered by the warranty. I was then told that there was stone damage to one of the condensers which had disabled the air-con. I had no option but to pay the bill, just over £700. My perception is that I was sold a car without working air-con. The service dealer regards this as ‘external damage’ and therefore not covered by the warranty. The salesman was sympathetic but referred to the comprehensive pre-delivery check that the car had passed just before I bought it in March. As a gesture of goodwill, he has offered to pay 50 per cent of the bill but that still leaves me £350 out of pocket. Am I likely to be able to recover my loss or is this the best I can hope for?"
Stone damage is the same as any kind of damage to the car. Not warranted. Had you used the a/c from day one you'd have found out if it was working then or not. As it is, you have no proof that a stone did not damage the condenser during your tenure of the car. It's actually stupid not to use a/c. Doesn't affect fuel economy and if you don't use it it doesn't self-lubricate and is prone to lose its refrigerant anyway.
Answered by Honest John

What's the best, fun two-seater convertible or coupe?

"I have up to £7000 for a fun two-seater - ideally a convertible but a coupe would be fine. It will be used for a daily seven mile commute and at weekends. It needs to be reliable, handle well, be quick and fun. I also don't really want the worry of some known inherent problem which would involve significant expenditure. I was thinking of the Mazda MX-5 2.0 or MR2 (storage isn't a priority), but also noticed the Nissan 350Z, BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster. What would you suggest or can you think of something else?"
You'll find the greatest choice among MX-5, but they need to be the 2.0 Sport 6-speed model and you need to be sure you can fit inside comfortably. Also be aware there is very little cabin space for bits and pieces. A 350Z is brilliant, especially the 300PS roadster of around 2006, but they gobble fuel, and clutches. A Boxster could mean scarily big bills. Z4 don't steer very well. MR2 are great fun and good late ones are now appreciating but, like the MX-5, not a lot of room inside and hardly any luggage space. Check out the entries in http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar
Answered by Honest John

Buying a used sports car - Mazda MX5 or Porsche Boxster?

"I’m looking for a fun weekend sports car that will only do a few thousand miles a year and not be used over the winter months. I have narrowed my choices down to a nearly new Mazda MX5 Sport for £20K or a year old Porsche Boxster for £40K. In your opinion is the Boxster worth it at twice the cost of the Mazda?"
They're both fun drives. But, of course, a six-cylinder Boxster is a quicker, purer drive. Unfortunately Boxsters don't take well to sitting doing nothing. Best to keep in a heated garage.
Answered by Honest John

Which Porsche will depreciate the least?

"I am thinking of committing a large amount of cash (for me) on a special car to enjoy in my retirement. Which of the following three cars which I am considering is likely to retain the most value over a period of ownership of probably at least five years, with fairly light use? I am trying to choose between a 2015 Cayman 2.7, a 2013 Boxster S and a 2010 997 Gen 2 911 Carrera. Each one is priced similarly. All have less than 5000 miles on the clock and are literally "as new"; all have the PDK gearbox. I think the 911 is probably the safest investment, though it's only a fairly basic specification, unlike the others. Which would you recommend? "
Depends totally on whether you like driving in the summer with the top down, in which case it's the Boxster S, assuming it's the facelift Boxster 988 and not an older late reg 987. Otherwise I don't see much point in the Cayman v/s the 911.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Porsche Boxster (2012 – 2016) cost?