1997 Porsche Boxster
Introduction
The 1997 Porsche Boxster is a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car. It is powered by a 2.5-liter flat-six engine that produces 201 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The Boxster was praised for its handling, performance, and design. However, it was also criticized for its small interior, lack of storage space, and high maintenance costs.
The Boxster was available with two transmission options: a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic.
Engine
2.5L Flat-Six Engine (M96.20)
- VVT Solenoid Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid can fail, causing the engine to run poorly and lose power.
- Solution: Replace the VVT solenoid.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Intermediate Shaft Bearing Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The intermediate shaft bearing can fail, causing a knocking sound from the engine.
- Solution: Replace the intermediate shaft and bearing.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,800+
- Cylinder Head Studs
- Description/Symptoms: The cylinder head studs can loosen or break, causing the engine to overheat and lose power.
- Solution: Replace the cylinder head bolts and studs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
- Recalls: NHTSA 08V389, 11V296, 12E041
- Engine Overheating
- Description/Symptoms: The engine may overheat due to a faulty radiator, thermostat, or water pump.
- Solution: Replace the faulty component.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
- IMS Bearing Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The IMS (intermediate shaft) bearing can fail, causing catastrophic engine damage.
- Solution: Replace the IMS bearing.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5-Speed Manual Transmission (G86.20)
- Difficult Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: The transmission may be difficult to shift, especially when cold.
- Solution: Replace the transmission fluid and/or shift linkage.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Synchronizer Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The synchronizers can fail, causing grinding noises when shifting gears.
- Solution: Replace the synchronizers.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
- RMS Seal Leak
- Description/Symptoms: The rear main seal can leak, causing oil to leak from the transmission.
- Solution: Replace the rear main seal.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200+
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (A66.10)
- Transmission Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: The transmission may slip or hesitate when shifting gears.
- Solution: Replace the transmission fluid and/or solenoids.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to lose power.
- Solution: Replace the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
- ATF Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: The transmission may leak ATF (automatic transmission fluid).
- Solution: Replace the transmission pan gasket or seal.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
Suspension
- Rear Trailing Arm Bushings
- Description/Symptoms: The rear trailing arm bushings can wear out, causing excessive toe-in or toe-out.
- Solution: Replace the trailing arm bushings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Front Lower Control Arm Bushings
- Description/Symptoms: The front lower control arm bushings can wear out, causing clunking noises over bumps.
- Solution: Replace the lower control arm bushings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Rear Sway Bar Links
- Description/Symptoms: The rear sway bar links can fail, causing clunking noises when cornering.
- Solution: Replace the rear sway bar links.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
Electrical
- Alternator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to discharge.
- Solution: Replace the alternator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Starter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The starter can fail, preventing the engine from starting.
- Solution: Replace the starter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain quickly due to a faulty component, such as a light or relay.
- Solution: Identify and replace the faulty component.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the faulty component
Exterior
- Headlight Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: Condensation can form inside the headlight assemblies.
- Solution: Replace the headlight seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Tail Light Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: Condensation can form inside the tail light assemblies.
- Solution: Replace the tail light seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
- Door Lock Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The door lock actuators can fail, preventing the doors from unlocking or locking.
- Solution: Replace the door lock actuators.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
Interior
- Power Window Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The power windows may fail to operate.
- Solution: Replace the power window motor or switch.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- HVAC Control Unit Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The HVAC control unit may fail, causing the climate control system to malfunction.
- Solution: Replace the HVAC control unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Seat Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The seat sensors may fail, causing the airbag warning light to illuminate.
- Solution: Replace the seat sensors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
Summary
The 1997 Porsche Boxster is a fun and rewarding car to drive, but it is not without its problems. The engine is prone to several serious issues, including IMS bearing failure and cylinder head stud failure. The transmission can also be problematic, with common issues including difficult shifting and torque converter failure. The suspension, electrical system, exterior, and interior also have their share of issues, although they are generally less severe and less expensive to fix. Overall, the 1997 Porsche Boxster is a car that should be purchased with caution and only by those who are willing to spend a significant amount of money on maintenance and repairs.