Used Porsche Boxster 2004-2012 review

Just when the competition was starting to catch the original Porsche Boxster, this harder, faster and stronger version was released.

Next to that first car, Porsche said that 80% of this one car was all-new – and it does indeed feel like a much more modern machine.

Engines & Performance: Starting things off, you have a 2.7-litre six-cylinder engine with 237bhp, while the 3.2-litre S model produces 276bhp. Those figures fall short of astounding by today's standards, but those engines still deliver enough performance – and noise – to put a smile on your face.

In mid 2006, the 2.7-litre was increased to 245bhp, before being replaced by a 252bhp 2.9-litre. The 3.2-litre was replaced with a 291bhp 3.4-litre in mid-2006, and this was given a 15bhp power increase itself in 2009, to 306bhp.

A new six-speed manual gearbox had a positive action and a slick change. As before, however, the Tiptronic automatic 'box blunted the performance and satisfaction of the drive. With this in mind, the 3.2 S with the manual gearbox is considered to be the ultimate version.

In late 2008, Porsche introduced its smooth twin-clutch PDK automatic gearbox, which is both efficient and enjoyable to use.

Ride & Handling: The Boxster's trademark has always been its composed, balanced, engaging handling and this generation of Boxster is no different. It's a joy in the bends. Over its predecessor, Porsche also worked to improve the car's comfort and it is actually rather smooth riding for a sports car.

Interior & Practicality: The fabric roof underwent a redesign for this generation and it included extra insulation to make the interior quieter at higher speeds, and there's even reasonable luggage space, with two storage compartments. The interior itself is dated by today's standards, but the quality of materials holds up – it still feels like a premium product.

Trims & Equipment: There are no trims per se, just the different engines. There was little offered in the way of standard equipment when new, so you best make sure the Boxster you're looking at didn't belong to a stingy original owner – that's unlikely with Porsches, anyway.

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You can pick up a Porsche Boxster (of this generation) for around £8000, as long as you're happy with an early car with around 60,000 miles to its name. For an S, up that to at least £9000.

For a later model, say, from 2011, you'll need a budget upwards of £14,000 in most cases.

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It's a Porsche, so if you're going to do things properly you'll have to dig deep.

Servicing is vital and, with newer cars, it's best to stick with a Porsche dealer - especially if you're still in the original warranty period. Specialist independent maintenance is acceptable, as long as they use original Porsche parts. The good news is that the schedule calls for work only every 18,000 miles.

All models sit in insurance group 43-48, so premiums are going to be sizeable.

Fuel economy is acceptable, however, with 30.4mpg from the 2.7 and 26.6mpg from the 3.2.

The Boxster's running costs will be higher that its rivals', but it's the best driver's car of the bunch and has great resale values, so it's worth the extra.

The 2.7-litre engine feels fast enough for most people but, if you want more, the 3.2 S model will fit the bill.

In mid 2006, the 2.7-litre was increased to 245bhp, before being replaced by a 252bhp 2.9-litre. The 3.2-litre was replaced with a 291bhp 3.4-litre in mid-2006, and this was given a 15bhp power increase itself in 2009, to 306bhp.

A new six-speed manual gearbox had a positive action and a slick change. As before, however, the Tiptronic automatic 'box blunted the performance and satisfaction of the drive. With this in mind, the 3.2 S with the manual gearbox is considered to be the ultimate version.

In late 2008, Porsche introduced its smooth twin-clutch PDK automatic gearbox, which is both efficient and enjoyable to use.

The active suspension option does improve the handling, but does nothing for the ride quietly, so we'd avoid it.

If you'd like to swap open-air motoring for a slightly sharper drive, consider this Boxster's fixed-roof sibling, the 2005-2013 Porsche Cayman. If you'd prefer to keep the open skies, consider a 2003-2009 BMW Z4 M.

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Interested in buying a used Porsche Boxster? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.