Up for auction is this 1998 Porsche 986 Boxster 5-speed finished in Black over a black interior. First introduced in late 1996 as Porsche’s flagship mid-engine roadster, the Boxster has earned recognition among enthusiasts for its agile performance and exciting driving experience. This first-generation 1998 example highlights a long service history on CARFAX and the seller notes the car to have remained under the care of the same owner from new. A lifelong California car, this 986 Boxster 5-speed is now being offered for auction by its seller out of Gilroy, CA with just over 32k miles showing on the odometer.
This Boxster is finished in Black with a matching black retractable soft top. A ceramic coating is said to have been applied within the last year and the seller notes a few small imperfections as depicted in the photo gallery. Distinctive features of the 986 include an automatic rear spoiler, two fixed roll hoops behind the seats, and a central-exit exhaust. This Boxster rides on 17” Twist alloy wheels which come dressed in Bridgestone Potenza tires showing date codes from 2003.
Inside, you will find a nicely presented black partial leather interior with stainless-steel Boxster logo doorsills and power-adjustable seats. Rubber Porsche floormats have been added and the original CDR-220 radio has been retained. The seller confirms all gauges and accessories to be working properly including the automatic climate control system.
Mounted behind the driver is a naturally aspirated 2.5L flat-six engine rated at 201 HP and 181 lb.-ft of torque. The rear wheels are driven by way of a desirable 5-speed manual transmission and stopping power is handled by 4-piston fixed aluminum monobloc brake calipers on all four corners. Independent suspension is also equipped along anti-roll bars front and rear. Maintenance records are said to accompany the sale dating back to 1998, showing a number of services through Stevens Creek Porsche of San Jose. An oil and filter change was recently completed in preparation for sale and oil samples were sent to Blackstone Labs for analysis. A history of service is also provided on CARFAX.
This sale will include a clean title. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or Porsche novice, this low-mile 5-speed Boxster would make an exciting top-down sports car.
Comments (24)
Still surprised it only got to $11,500 still a low mileage 1st Gen Boxster. When these cars hit the 30yr mark, it may surprise many where the market will change to.
Sold for $12,000
Bid in the amount of $12,000
Bid in the amount of $11,500
Bid in the amount of $11,250
Bid in the amount of $11,000
Bid in the amount of $10,750
Bid in the amount of $10,500
Bid in the amount of $10,250
Bid in the amount of $10,000
Bid in the amount of $9,000
@Coachmule ,Thanks for you thinking on the tires. There are lots of tire options and the idea we have is to let the new owner decide what kind of tires they want based on the type driving they expect to do with the car. In this case taxes are only due if the car is registered in California. And the car will pass smog no problems guaranteed before the title changes hands.
Thanks again for looking a the auction and sharing your thoughts.
Bid in the amount of $8,500
Plus to bad this is a dealer car, I’d have to add 5% for Pcarmarket, 10% California taxes and will it pass California smog ? Thanks
Car needs $1500 worth of tires I always wonder why people put there in danger driving on tires that are 14 years older it’s literally the main thing that stops the car. You did all this maintenance but decided to not change the tires. Makes me suspicious. Cool car but I’ll watch these just don’t bring bring big money and the bearing issues are real my neighbors just went out with very low miles. Effectively now the motor and labor cost more then it’s worth almost. Thanks for pointing out you had the oil tested. GLWTA
Underside photos and new video content have been added to the listing page.
@JBoxerGT2 Thanks for your comment. Your point about service items related to rubber and plastic parts are well taken. This also points to the big advantage of having a full service record for the life of the car. The binder the owner kept on this well maintained car looks to have every receipt from the first 30 miles. The receipts inform the new owner what service has been done and when. This record may help prevent doing work that has already been addressed. Thanks again for taking time to comment.
No need to Spaz about the IMS or RMS. Those who not know about the strength and load tolerances of the double row bearing should spend a few hours researching and learning about it all. No need to worry about that, but more importantly cars that sit with very low miles may require a hose or two replaced, making sure AC blows cold, fans come on as they should, would do a water pump replacement and low temp thermostat, new belt, brake inspection and all fluids. Tires if original will need replacement, stuff like that. This car is a cream puff! ?
@viavaquero Thanks for your comment. I also love the mid engine feel of the Boxster and it is always fun to go to one of the Porsche club road events with it.
Beautiful Porsche Boxster. I have one just like it, same year and low milage. I bought the Boxster new and have had no issues with it. Just make sure you service the Boxster as Porsche suggest. The most important service is to change that oil and filter every 5k miles. I still have the original IMS . I check the oil filter every oil change and have also had installed a magnetic oil drain plug. Whoever buys this early Boxster will be getting a beauty. Good luck to the Seller and the Buyer.
Bid in the amount of $7,000
@robmsales You are right, the IMS is worth discussing. As it turns out the 98, 99 and some or the 2000 models were built with a dual row IMS bearing. Porsche experts tell us that this is a superior bearing with an error rate around 1%. So unlike the models with the single bearing where the failure rate is reportedly around 8%, the one in this car is likely safe from the catastrophic failure mentioned.
None the less during the last oil change I sent a sample of the used oil off to Blackstone for an evaluation. The report came back showing no evidence of problems to come. In the report comments Blackstone wrote " ..your Boxster is as good as it gets...These results show your engine isn't having any problems." I will try to post a copy of the report when I am back in the office tomorrow.
Thanks again for your comment.
Looks like you have not had the IMS or rear seal fixed as of the selling date
I see the Boxster only has 32K but that's time to fix or at least talk about that part of Boxster history and if they go- you need a new Boxster with the cost of the engine and labor
Thanks a lot
Thanks for looking at this auction, I look forward to any questions anyone has, happy to see any comments as well.