2002 Porsche Boxster S from UK and Ireland - Comments

Creaks from soft-top: seems to be common fault on 2003 model year (mountings come "dry" from factory) solved by dealer lubrication. Radio sometimes re-sets its self for no apparent reason.

A rare thing in the motoring world: something which lives up to the hype. The Boxster comes with a big reputation and a fair price tag so it's a pleasure to be able to report it is actually a bargain.

Firstly, it is a huge amount of fun to drive, far more so than many similar competitors. Handling and road feel are excellent and performance from the 3.2 litre engine more than adequate (although the chassis could probably take more power without alteration), the engine is very flexible and will pull from 10mph in 3rd without complaining, it is also very smooth and refined without being too quiet.

Oddly enough, it's not the sporting side of the Boxster which impresses the most because you'd expect it to be good at that. What surprises is what a very accomplished long distance, everyday car it is. The car is very refined on the motorway (03 models now have a glass screen) and the soft-top cuts out more noise than you'd expect. It is a very undemanding long distance car.

Bad points: Some of the fixtures and fittings are a bit cheap and nasty for the price, some of the (expensive) options really should be standard, the 2 year warranty is mean, the cabin is a bit short of leg room and its prone to stone chips.

Costs wise 28mpg can be achieved, 26-27mpg in regular driving although fuel consumption can increase considerably when driving hard.

Recommended.

One problem with the boxter is constantly having to explain to people why you haven't bought a 911.

The reason we didn't buy the 911 is that we probably couldn't afford one! But, wait a minute, not only is it half the price, the 911's engine is hanging over the rear wheels, not in the middle of the car where it should be. Hence the limited legroom in the Boxster cabin. Don't bother with the Porsche upgraded sound. Very, very disappointing and not a patch on the standard equipment in my 5 Series. Save your money! Not too upset though! I find I prefer to listen to all that fantastic engineering whirring away under one's bum. Then there's that lovely exhaust note when you stretch her legs. This is how sports cars should be!

I don't know about the Porsche sound system, but my 2003 Boxster S has the Bose 10 speaker system (10 speakers in that little cabin!) and it sounds great.

Nevertheless, I still turn it DOWN to hear the real music just a few cm behind my head! By the way the facelift (glass rear screen models) have a re-tuned exhaust for more noise. Delicious!

A simply superb car that, when driven hard, brings tingles to my spine - not sure if it's the handling or the soundtrack, probably a bit of both.

I can afford a 911 and bought a boxster...Why? The box is a no brainer to handle, its perfectly balanced... The 911 is REAR not like its mid engined boxster brother, it's a totally different car..

Slow for a porsche. My pal's bought a 3.2 S version and we though it would be quick until I sailed past him in my Astra Turbo. We were both surprised as I thought Porsche was meant to be performance bound. Fair enough, my Astra ain't standard, but it's only running 220bhp. What's the Boxter meant to be?

"Slow for a porsche. My pal's bought a 3.2 S version and we though it would be quick until I sailed past him in my Astra Turbo. We were both surprised as I thought Porsche was meant to be performance bound. Fair enough, my Astra ain't standard, but it's only running 220bhp. What's the Boxter meant to be?"

0-60 mph in 5 seconds is slow to you?

1365kg/220Bhp Your car

1320kg/256Bhp Boxster S.

Seems that the math above would indicate that your friend isn't a very good driver?

Don't make me laugh, I doubt your mate was even trying to race you in your pooey astra turbo. The boxster S is a very quick care and I'd agree with the chap above who said it is safer to drive. The boxster is more forgiving than the 911 but still very fun to drive and very quick!

Got to say, as quick as these are when I see them on the road, I can't help but think it's the runt of the Porsche range, and that it's somebody paying too much money for a badge rather than a car. These are hideous cars, which look like they don't know if they are coming or going, with a boot which looks the same as the front, as though Porsche got bored and only designed half a car, then just copied it for the other end and stuck them together.

I've had the 2.7 and 3.2 Engine versions. I'm 6-1 and my back pains me... but I managed well with both these cars on a daily basis.

The 2.7 was the first one and the love of my life. Drove it from Belfast to Tuscany on one of the best holidays I ever had.

The 3.2 was over specced and had auto gearbox (I am getting old) so it was the SECOND love of my life.

I have only one complaint about these cars and that is that they need a noisier exhaust.

Agreed the exhaust not on my 2002 is way too quiet. (that coming from an old Mustang and Harley rider)

I also have the tiptronic which makes the car seem a little pokey compared to the old American muscle cars that I am used to off the line. Counterpoint - when I look down at the beautiful white backlit speedo' the MPH are way above what I expect, so the speed is deceiving compared to the sense of speed I'm feeling. Hitting the steering wheel button and putting it into first helps, but its traction control keeps me from lighting them up. (again a muscle car trick that is not needed with this car)

I'm 6'2" and have ample room in the cockpit, even on long back road trips. The fit and finish of this car are way above anything else for the price. The handling is far superior to even what I would have expected - the more I drive it and test it, the better it performs. I would love to get this on a road track.

I wonder about the only complaint I have with this car. With the top up I hear a constant "gear" type noise. First I put it off on the big wide Michelin tires. Maybe it's just the belts and drives on that balanced engine I'm sitting against? But, could it be the drive-train? Is it common? People who know what they are talking about, please respond. Do I need to get this looked at or is it just me trying to find something wrong with this almost perfect automobile?

I just drove this car today with the top down, didn't hear any sort of abnormal noise. The ride was great and comfortable. I really don't know what to say about your gear sound, I certainly didn't hear anything like that. By the why this car is meant to take turns fast, so find some S turns and enjoy.

I just bought a 2002 Porsche Boxster S. I can hardly put into words the exhilaration I feel when I drive this car. It fits my 5' 7" 150lb frame like a glove. The sound when I rev it up above 5000rpm is nothing short of amazing. Every time I drive it I feel like I'm driving a race car. The handling is impeccable, the simple instrument panel refreshing. It's quiet when you need it to be and it ROARS when you push it. I've taken turns marked 40mph at 90mph and feel totally in control. I'm glad I got the six speed, as it makes it that much more fun to drive. Everyone I've taken in the car for a spin out the back roads (northern California) has commented on the speed and handling. I love this car. Have I said that I love this car? I was writing this and had to take it out for another spin. btw I love this car :-)

Someone made the comment 3/4 the way through his write up that "With the top up I hear a constant "gear" type noise". I have an 02' Boxster S (which I LOVE) and I could not figure out what it was and it drove me nuts! It turned out that it was the rear CV Joint. No big deal on most cars, but when this happens with the Boxster, the entire axle has to be replaced. -Nick T.