Common Colors: 1998 Porsche Boxster Base – SOLD!

August 20, 2021 Update – we confirmed the seller of this 986 Boxster “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

The classic silver over red leather color combination of Porsche’s original 1993 Boxster show car proved to be so popular that during the first several years of production, many consumers opted for what is now known as the “Boxster Red” full leather interior. This 1998 Boxster originally listed in August 2021 on Craigslist near Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio (Sandusky) is our latest example sporting that color and trim combination.  With 89K original miles, everything in working order, and receipts dating back to 2003, the current caretaker is asking $11,500 for their Boxster.  A quick check of the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool that price falls somewhere between the #3 “Good” appraisal of $9,800 and the #2 “Excellent” estimate of $16,500.  Prices for these first-generation 986 Boxsters are on the rise as examples in excellent and stock condition like this become harder to find.

In 2019, Hagerty Insurance listed the 986 Boxster among the Top Ten Collectible Cars that year as the value of these continues to inch forward.  As an owner of a 1998 example in excellent condition, my humble opinion is this a fairly priced example based on the car’s condition and mileage for two reasons.

The first is simply supply. With nearly 30,000 produced in the first three years, on any given day you can find several, low mileage examples base examples such as this one. Starting in 1999, Porsche added the higher horsepower “S” model which typically gets the money being asked for here.  Complicating matters, even more, is the fact that later 987 versions (2005-2014) are starting to hit the bottom of their depreciation curve.

Second is the Intermediate Shaft Bearing (“IMS”)  issue, which keeps potential buyers away from these cars with the misguided notion the engine will blow up at any time. Fortunately, this car is a 1998 example featuring the 2.5L engine that relies on a double-row IMS with an extremely low failure rate.

This 1998 Porsche Boxster commercial still makes us smile every time we watch it:

When buying any Porsche, we strongly encourage potential buyers to have a pre-purchase inspection completed prior to making an offer.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1998 Boxster in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition. Silver with newer optional red leather interior. New soft top. All accessories including power top, windows, mirrors, driver’s seat, and cruise control work as new. Ice cold AC. Maintenance receipts from 2003 to present. Clean CARFAX report. The car is a blast to drive and must be seen. Provide contact info via the email link above and I will contact you the same day. IN PERSON TRANSACTIONS ONLY. LOCAL DELIVERY.”

Show or go: what would you do with this 986 Boxster?  Comment below and let us know!