2002 Porsche Boxster

The 2002 Porsche Boxster is a mid-engine roadster that offers a fun and engaging driving experience. The base model is equipped with a 2.7-liter flat-6 engine producing 217 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, while the Boxster S boasts a 3.2-liter flat-6 generating 250 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Drivers often praise the Boxster for its balanced handling, responsive steering, and overall sporty feel. Downsides often include the limited storage space, some maintenance complexities, and the potential for costly repairs, particularly concerning the IMS bearing.

Engine

2.7L Flat-6

• IMS Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking noises, metal shavings in the oil, or sudden catastrophic engine failure.
  • Solution: Replace the IMS bearing with an upgraded version.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Main Seal (RMS) Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak between the engine and transmission. Visible oil drips on the ground.
  • Solution: Replace the rear main seal. This often done alongside an IMS bearing replacement as they both require transmission removal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+ (if done separately)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Separator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, white smoke from the exhaust, rough running engine.
  • Solution: Replace the oil separator (AOS).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

3.2L Flat-6

• IMS Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking noises, metal shavings in the oil, or sudden catastrophic engine failure.
  • Solution: Replace the IMS bearing with an upgraded version.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Main Seal (RMS) Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak between the engine and transmission. Visible oil drips on the ground.
  • Solution: Replace the rear main seal. This often done alongside an IMS bearing replacement as they both require transmission removal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+ (if done separately)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Separator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, white smoke from the exhaust, rough running engine.
  • Solution: Replace the oil separator (AOS).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Shift Cable Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting into gears, loose or sloppy shifter feel.
  • Solution: Replace the shift cable bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Tiptronic Automatic

• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, or failure to shift.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, vague steering, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the control arm bushings or the entire control arm.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 per corner
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Noises when going over bumps, degraded ride quality.
  • Solution: Replace strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800 per pair
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Convertible Top Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Convertible top fails to open or close, slow or erratic movement of the top.
  • Solution: Replace the convertible top motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Pixelation
  • Description/Symptoms: Pixels missing or faded in the instrument cluster display, making it difficult to read information.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rear Window Separation from Convertible Top
  • Description/Symptoms: The plastic rear window separates from the fabric of the convertible top.
  • Solution: Replacing the convertible top.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Glove Box Latch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Glove box latch breaks, preventing the glove box from closing securely.
  • Solution: Replace the glove box latch or the entire glove box.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Conditioning Evaporator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Weak or no cold air from the air conditioning system, hissing noises from the dashboard, musty odor.
  • Solution: Replace the air conditioning evaporator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Porsche Boxster is a rewarding sports car, but potential buyers should be aware of the common issues. The most significant concern is the IMS bearing failure, which can lead to catastrophic engine damage and carries a hefty repair bill. Other common issues include RMS leaks, AOS failures, suspension component wear, and electrical problems. While some repairs are relatively minor, others can be quite expensive, making it crucial to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified Porsche mechanic. The overall severity of the issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, and the cost of repairs can vary widely.