2012 Porsche Boxster

Introduction:

The 2012 Porsche Boxster is a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car. It is powered by a 2.9-liter flat-six engine that produces 255 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque. The Boxster is available with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The Boxster is praised for its handling, performance, and styling. However, it has also been criticized for its high price and limited practicality.

Engine

• 2.9-liter flat-six engine
  • VarioCam Plus system malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: The VarioCam Plus system is responsible for adjusting the timing of the camshafts. If the system malfunctions, it can cause the engine to run rough, lose power, and even stall.
    • Solution: The VarioCam Plus system must be repaired or replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
• Oil leaks from the rear main seal * Description/Symptoms: The rear main seal is designed to prevent oil from leaking from the engine. If the seal fails, it can cause a significant oil leak. * Solution: The rear main seal must be replaced. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
• Coolant leaks from the water pump * Description/Symptoms: The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant through the engine. If the pump fails, it can cause the engine to overheat. * Solution: The water pump must be replaced. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+

Transmission

• Six-speed manual transmission
  • Clutch problems
    • Description/Symptoms: The clutch can wear out over time, causing it to slip or chatter.
    • Solution: The clutch must be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
• Seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission
  • Mechatronic unit failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The mechatronic unit is responsible for controlling the transmission. If the unit fails, it can cause the transmission to shift erratically or even fail to shift.
    • Solution: The mechatronic unit must be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+

Suspension

• Rear suspension toe adjustment problems * Description/Symptoms: The rear suspension toe can become misaligned, causing the vehicle to pull to one side or the other. * Solution: The rear suspension toe must be adjusted. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+

Electrical

• Battery drain * Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain prematurely, causing the vehicle to not start. * Solution: The cause of the battery drain must be identified and repaired. * Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the cause

Exterior

• Plastic bumper covers cracking * Description/Symptoms: The plastic bumper covers can crack or break, especially in cold weather. * Solution: The bumper covers must be replaced. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Interior

• Plastic trim pieces rattling * Description/Symptoms: The plastic trim pieces in the interior can rattle or squeak over time. * Solution: The trim pieces can be tightened or replaced. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Recalls:

• NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V378000
  • Summary: Certain vehicles may have a faulty oil filter. This can cause the oil filter to leak, which can lead to an engine fire.
• NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V581000
  • Summary: Certain vehicles may have a faulty fuel pump. This can cause the fuel pump to fail, which can lead to the engine stalling.

Summary:

The 2012 Porsche Boxster is a well-made sports car with a number of potential issues. The most serious issue is the VarioCam Plus system malfunction, which can cause the engine to run rough, lose power, and even stall. Other common issues include clutch problems, coolant leaks, plastic bumper covers cracking, and plastic trim pieces rattling.

The severity of the issues with the 2012 Porsche Boxster varies greatly. Some issues, such as clutch problems and plastic trim pieces rattling, are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix. Other issues, such as the VarioCam Plus system malfunction, can be much more serious and expensive to fix.

Overall, the 2012 Porsche Boxster is a reliable sports car. However, potential buyers should be aware of the possible issues before purchasing one.