2005 Porsche Boxster problems
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The Porsche Boxster and Cayman are mid-engine two-seater sports cars manufactured and marketed by German automobile manufacturer Porsche across four generations—as a two-door, two-seater roadster (Boxster) and a three-door, two-seater fastback coupé (Cayman).
The first generation Boxster was introduced in 1996; the second generation Boxster and the Cayman arrived in late 2005; and the third generation launched in 2012. Since the introduction of the fourth generation in 2016, the two models have been marketed as the Porsche 718 Boxster and Porsche 718 Cayman.
The nameplate Boxster is a portmanteau of boxer, a reference to its flat or boxer engine, and roadster, a reference to the body style. The nameplate Cayman is an alternative spelling of caiman, a member of the alligator family.
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Common 2005 Porsche Boxster problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2005 Porsche Boxster, several common problems have been reported:
- Oil Separator Leaks: Owners of 2007-2010 Boxsters reported leakage at the oil separator, typically occurring around 80,000 miles. This issue led to excessive oil consumption and smoke while driving, sometimes requiring drivers to pull over due to thick smoke. The problem was frustrating for owners and required attention to prevent further damage.
- Airbag Warning Light: The 2007-2010 Boxsters experienced issues with the airbag warning light illuminating. This safety concern stemmed from faulty wiring, poor seat belt buckles, and faulty airbag modules. Addressing this problem was crucial to ensure the safety of the vehicle's occupants.
- Faulty or Failing Ignition Switch: Several Boxster models faced electrical problems due to faulty ignition switches. This issue could manifest in various symptoms, such as preventing the ignition from entering run mode and affecting electronic components. Resolving this problem was essential to maintain the car's functionality.
- Drained Batteries: Owners reported instances where the car batteries would completely drain in as little as 1-3 weeks, even in newly purchased cars. This recurring issue required frequent jump-starts and could be a hassle for owners. Addressing the root cause of battery drainage was necessary to prevent inconvenience.
These problems highlighted the need for thorough inspections and timely maintenance to address issues promptly and prevent further complications. Regular checks and proactive maintenance could help mitigate these common problems associated with the 2005 Porsche Boxster.
Are 2005 Porsche Boxsters reliable?
Very reliable.
Service and performance are great. Extremely happy with the vehicle. 5th Porsche over the years and very happy with it.
What is the main problem with the Porsche Boxster?
The two main issues the Boxster and 996 faced at the start of the 2000s were IMS (intermediate shaft) bearing failures and RMS (rear main seal) issues. Contrary to popular belief, both of these issues, although certainly prelevant in both models, were not a guaranteed issue in models of this era.
Is Porsche Boxster high maintenance?
The annual maintenance cost of a Porsche Boxster is $952. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.
Does the 2005 Boxster have IMS issues?
The single-row IMS bearing used in Porsche Boxster and Porsche 911 996 models from 2000-2005 reportedly had high failure rates of up to 10% under warranty, while the dual-row bearing had a lower rate. However, failure rates outside of warranty are suspected to be even higher.
2005 Porsche Boxster car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Porsche Boxster problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2005 Porsche Boxster vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2005 Porsche Boxster complaints
The NHTSA has received 19 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2005 Porsche Boxster.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-05
- VIN: WP0CB29845S
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Foam insulation blows out of windshield defroster vents. It is much worse when heat and fan are turned on. The windshield does not properly defrost and passengers are deluged with particulates and large chunks of black foam. This is a hazard to both breathing and visibility. Porsche is aware of the problem. Dealer says owners view as too expensive to fix. A recent Porsche Club of America newsletter article discusses the problem as a hazard and a paid advertisement pushes an alternative repair.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-31
- VIN: WP0CA29805U
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AT ABOUT 30 MPH, MY 2005 BOXSTER STARTED MAKING A RATTLING NOISE, THEN COMPLETELY DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION ON A CITY STREET WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING. AT THE SAME TIME, ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CAR WAS TOWED TO MY MECHANIC, WHO STATES IT IS AN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BEARING ISSUE/FAILURE. HAD I BEEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT HIGH SPEED, I MOST LIKELY WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE CAR, IT HAS 128,000 MILES AND RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE IS ALL UP TO DATE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-28
- VIN: WP0CA29805U
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PORSCHE BOXSTER. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE IGNITION KEY WAS LOCKED INSIDE THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED A CABLE ADJUSTMENT WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND THE KEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V004000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-12
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WP0CA29895U
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: FALSE AIR BAG MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT CAUSED INITIAL DISTRACTION FOLLOWED BY FALSE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.. TRYING TO STEER THE CAR DURING THIS EVENT AND DEAL WITH TRAFFIC, VEHICLE ENTERED INTERSECTION AND WAS HIT (T BONED) ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE.. AIRBAGS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THEN DEPLOYED.. NO AIRBAGS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DEPLOYED - ONLY THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG PRIOR TO IMPACT.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-19
- VIN: WP0CA29855S
- Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PORSCHE BOXSTER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD NOISE, VARIOUS WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SUGGESTED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED PORSCHE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO VERIFIED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE MOTOR HAD SELF DESTRUCTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE INSPECTED AND REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000. UPDATED 8/12/14*CN UPDATED 8/23/2017*CT
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-09-22
- VIN: WP0CA29805U
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: PULLING AWAY FROM A GREEN LIGHT IN TRAFFIC, THE ENGINE STARTED TO UPSHIFT INTO A HIGHER GEAR MUCH SOONER THAN NORMAL AND THE CAR FELT DOWN ON POWER. THE ENGINE SOUNDED AS THOUGH IT WAS RUNNING ON FEWER THAN NORMAL CYLINDERS. I STOPPED THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY & HAD IT TOWED TO A PORSCHE SPECIALIST. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS AN IMS (INTERMEDIATE SHAFT) BEARING FAILURE AND THAT IS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH M96 AND M97 PORSCHE ENGINES. MINE BEING AN M96 ENGINE. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-02-11
- VIN: 4USBU33576L
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THIS IS A VERY WELL KNOW IMS FAILURE ISSUE WITH PORSCHE BOXSTER WHICH CERTAINLY CALLS FOR A RECALL FROM PORSCHE. MY 2005 ENGINE WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR 20K JUST BECAUSE OF THE VERY OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW PORSCHE HAS IN ITS M96 ENGINES. I AM PRETTY SURE THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS IN PAST BUT NOBODY HAS EVER HEEDED TO IT. I SINCERELY RECOMMEND SOME ONE TO PLEASE LOOK INTO AND ASK PORSCHE TO ACCEPT AND RECALL M96 ENGINES FAILING DUE TO IMS. ANY CAR EXPERT OR MECHANIC OR DEALERSHIP CAN VOUCH FOR THE DESIGN FLAW PORSCHE HAS. ITS POTENTIALLY FATAL TOO. I SINCERELY REQUEST SOMEONE TO LOOK INTO THIS COMPLAINT WITH UTTERMOST SINCERITY. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-07-21
- VIN: WP0CB29895U
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP LIGHT IN LIGHT CITY TRAFFIC, ENGINE SUDDENLY HAD REDUCED POWER OUTPUT IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY LOUD SOUNDS OF LOOSE METAL PARTS THROUGH OUT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. UPON INSPECTION BY A PORSCHE SPECIALIST, HE DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE HAD SUFFERED INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FAILURE WHICH CAUSED CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE BY ALLOWING THE VALVES TO MAKE CONTACT WITH THE PISTON HEADS AND SHREDDING BALL BEARS WHICH SENT METAL SHAVING THROUGH THE OILING SYSTEM. THE ENGINE IS CONSIDERED NON-REPAIRABLE AND REQUIRES A COMPLETE REPLACEMENT ENGINE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-09
- VIN: WP0CA29865U
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CATASTROPHIC ENGINE DAMAGE DUE TO INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BEARING FAILURE. THERE ARE NO SIGNS THAT THE PART WILL FAIL. THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE IN THE ENGINE AND UPON STOPPING ALL THE OIL LEAKS OUT. AS SOON AS THE NOISE IS HEARD, THE ENGINE IS IRREPARABLE DAMAGED. INSTANT, CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE. ENGINE IS A TOTAL LOSS. BEARING IS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN AND HAS BEEN REDESIGNED IN NEWER MODELS. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-06-04
- VIN: WP0CA29895U
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TRAVELING 75MPH ON FREEWAY WHEN OIL & ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON AND VEHICLE SIMULTANEOUSLY CAME TO DEAD STOP IN TRAFFIC; DIAGNOSED AS CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE BY DEALER SERVICE MGR., ENGINE REPLACED AT COST OF $17,000+. NO PRIOR WARNING. NO FAULT OF MY OWN PER SVC.MGR. 38K MILES ON 2005 VEHICLE, 3 MO OUT OF WARRANTY. MANY SIMILAR INCIDENTS REPORTED ON SEVERAL WEB SITES. SERVICE MGR REPORTED PORSCHE WELL AWARE OF THIS ISSUE BUT DOES NOTHING BECAUSE ITS TOO COSTLY TO REPAIR AND PREFERS TO HANDLE ON CASE BY CASE BASIS. SOMETIMES COVERS PART OF COST, SOMETIMES NOTHING. HAD I NOT BEEN ABLE TO BRAKE AND COAST TO STOP, I WOULD HAVE ROLLED OVER AND MOST LIKELY BEEN KILLED! DAMAGED ENGINE RETURNED TO PORSCHE IN GERMANY. I HAVE THE PART THAT BROKE FROM WHICH LITTLE BALLS SPEWED THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE. I AM INFORMED THIS OCCURS IN APPROX. 20% OF PORSCHE BOXSTERS AND OTHER PORSCHE VEHICLES FOR SEVERAL YEARS UNTIL THEY REDESIGNED THE BOLT IN 2010 MODELS. UNABLE TO DETERMINE HOW MANY INJURIES AND/OR DEATHS RESULTING FROM THESE CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURES BECAUSE ACCIDENTS WOULD APPEAR TO BE FROM DRIVER ERROR AND NO ONE WOULD KNOW THE ENGINE FAILED UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES! PORSCHE EMPLOYEES ARE INSTRUCTED NOT TO ACKNOWLEDGE KNOWING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS BEING AN ONGOING ISSUE AND NOT TO MAKE REPAIRS AT PORSCHE EXPENSE EXCEPT FOR THE CUSTOMERS WHO RAISE THE BIGGEST FUSS. ANOTHER BOXSTER WAS IN THE SHOP AT THE SAME TIME AS MINE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE GOOGLE ADDRESS LINK BELOW SHOWS A PHOTO OF A BOXSTER CRANKSHAFT AND INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. ONE OF THE CONNECTING RODS BROKE NEAR THE PISTON WRIST PIN END AND THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IS DAMAGED. THIS CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE IS THE RESULT OF: 1) A SEIZED CONNECTING ROD BEARING, 2) A LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE, 3) BAD ORIGINAL COMPONENT DESIGN, 4) INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY FAILURE (BOLTS OR MECHANICAL CONNECTION EG: WELD, CRIMP). THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR. HTTP://WWW.RX8CLUB.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=160705. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-04-28
- VIN: WP0CA29835U
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MY 2005 PORSCHE BOXSTER, 23K MI, HAD CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE AT IDLE. THE ENGINE STALLED;I WAS ABLE TO RESTART BUT A LOUD CLANGING NOISE CAME FROM ENGINE. THE CAR THEN DIED AGAIN. THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS DUE TO AN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT (IMS) FAILURE; THE REQUIRED ENGINE REPLACEMENT IS $14K. THE MECHANIC SAID HE HAS HEARD OF SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF IMS FAILURES (BUT PORSCHE HAS NOT NOTIFIED OWNERS). THERE WERE NO INJURIES, BUT CERTAINLY ENGINE FAILURE LIKE THIS COULD HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. PORSCHE FORUMS ON INTERNET SHOW FREQUENCY OF FAILURES FROM THIS DEFECT (POORLY DESIGNED BEARING ASSEMBLY ON IMS) IS VERY HIGH, AS MUCH AS 8-11% IN ONE FORUM POLL. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-01-30
- VIN: WP0CA29855U
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS 2005 PORSCHE BOXSTER. CAR ENGINE SELF-DESTRUCTED WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH. CAUSE WAS FAILURE OF INTERMEDIARY SHAFT BEARING AT 29,000 MILES AS DETERMINED BY ENGINE DISSEMBLY. CAR HAD BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND SERVICED BY PORSCHE FACILITIES FOR ITS LIFE. INTERMEDIARY SHAFT FAILED AFTER BEARING FAILED, SENDING METAL PIECES THROUGHOUT ENGINE INCLUDING INTO OIL SUMP. TIMING BELT PERFORATED CAMSHAFT COVER. ENGINE WAS IRREPARABLE. THERE ARE MANY OTHER REPORTS ON INTERNET SITES, EASILY SEARCHABLE, FOR "PORSCHE ENGINE FAILURE" OF THIS TYPE. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-03-01
- VIN: WP0CA29855U
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 2005 PORSCHE BOXSTER. CONSUMER STATES ENGINE MADE GRINDING A SOUND AND WOULD NOT START *TGW THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. THE CONSUMER STATED NO ONE COULD PROVIDE AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY A VEHICLE WITH SUCH LOW MILES WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-01-04
- VIN: WP0CA29875U
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT 2005 PORSCHE BOXSTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE HE SMELLED AN UNUSUAL ODOR. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE GARAGE AND NOTICED FUEL LEAKING. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO ADVISED HIM NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL LINE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE COULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY SQUIRRELS EATING/ CLAWING THE FUEL LINE. IT WAS NOT A FAILURE OF THE PART. UPDATED 10/19/2011 *LN *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-06-10
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THIS IS THE SECOND TIME, AFTER A RAIN STORM, OUR 2005 PORSHE BOXSTER WOULD NOT START. DEALER SAYS IT IS WATER IN THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS. IS THIS A DESIGN FLAW? *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-20
- VIN: WP0CA29885U
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON THE INNER LANE OF THE FREEWAY AT 65MPH. THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. I MANAGED TO HAVE THE CAR SLIDING TOWARD THE SHOULDER AND GET OFF FREEWAY. THE CAR WASN'T ABLE TO RESTART AGAIN. A HIGHWAY PATROL CAME BY AND HELPED TO PUSH MY CAR TO WILDER SHOULDER FOR SAFETY. THE REAR BUMPER WAS DAMAGED IN THE PROCESS. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND STILL IN THE SHOP NOW. THE MECHANIST SAID THE ENGINE NEED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-10-31
- VIN: WP0CA29815U
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, AND WHEN STATIONARY, THERE WAS A VERY DISTINCT FUME SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE SMELL WAS NOTICEABLE AND CAME IN THROUGH THE VENTS. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNALS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, WHERE THEY REPLACED THE LEFT AND RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD COVER; CYLINDER HEAD CUP SHIELD, MANIFOLD FUEL GASKET AND THE EXHAUST GASKET BUT THE SMELL PERSISTED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-10-31
- VIN: WP0CA29815U
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS OR WHEN STATIONARY, THERE WAS A SMELL OF FUEL COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE SMELL WAS NOTICEABLE AND CAME IN THROUGH THE VENTS. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNALS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, WHO REPLACED THE LEFT AND RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD COVER. ALSO, THE CYLINDER HEAD CUP SHIELD, MANIFOLD FUEL GASKET AND THE EXHAUST GASKET WERE REPLACED, BUT THE SMELL PERSISTED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-22
- VIN: WP0CB29805U
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 2005 PORSCHE BOXSTER S, IS A 2 SEATER THAT LACKS ANY MEANS TO DISARM FRONT/SIDE PASSENGER AIRBAGS. DANGEROUS CONDITION FOR CHILD PASSENGER GIVEN THE LACK OF A BACK SEAT OR ALTERNATIVE SEATING. CERTAINTLY FORESEEABLE THAT CHILDREN WILL RIDE IN SUCH A VEHICLE. *JB
Negative 2005 Porsche Boxster car reviews
Positive 2005 Porsche Boxster car reviews
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I purchased my 2005 Boxster in 2006 and have not looked back since. It's surprisingly comfortable for such a tight-handling car and looks and feels as mean as it sounds. To my surprise, maintenance issues have been few, with only the air/oil separator needing replacement. I couldn't ask for a better all-around sports car. I highly recommend this model and year.
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I used to own an E46 BMW M3 convertible (the current M3 for those who are not familiar with it) and I must say that this car surpasses it in every way. Despite having 276 hp compared to the M3's 333 hp, the Boxster S is lighter and handles curves with amazing precision. I compared it to a Z4 3.0i and the Boxster S won hands down. It's difficult to find the limits of this car in a turn, it's just that stable. Additionally, the engine sounds fantastic! My only regret is not getting the sport chrono for the remapped accelerator option, but that's not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. If you're considering buying one, I suggest investing in a good radar detector!
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Despite experiencing some issues with my Porsche, I still love the car and plan to upgrade to a GT3 or 997S model in the future. While the interior could have been better, I believe that the car's performance is impressive for its price range. In fact, I have been able to beat many other cars such as the G35, 350Z, BMW 335ci, old M5, and Vantage. The only improvement I would suggest is to use grippier tires, such as Vredstein.
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my recent experience with the dealership where I've purchased several cars from in the past two years. Two days ago, they brought my new Boxster S arctic silver with black top and I have to say, I was blown away! As soon as I sat down, I instantly realized how much better the seat was than the 2004 model - it was so comfortable! The interior is dramatically improved and much more comfortable too. I traded an Audi A8L for this car and while the A8L had comfortable seats, the Boxster's seats fit my bottom much better with less lateral pinch from the lower seat sides. The new Boxster seems much more civilized, but with a better exhaust note. It, as well as the previous Boxster, are much more fun to drive than the 2004 Carrera 4S! Thanks for listening to my story.
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My wife and I recently purchased this car from a friend of ours who collects sports cars. Although it's technically 'her' car, I must admit that I can't resist taking it for a spin. It's an absolute blast to drive and I'm even considering buying another one so that I don't have to ask her for the keys. The car looks cool, sounds great, and handles like a dream. It's like riding a bolt of lightning when you push it hard through the gears. We're both huge fans of this Porsche and can't thank them enough!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2005 Porsche Boxster problems:
2005 Porsche Boxster Purchase - Owner Issues? - 986 Forum - The ...
Jun 11, 2011 ... I saw the consumer reports for a 2005 Boxster & it showed much worse than average: major engine repairs, minor engine repairs, ...

How reliable is a 2005 Porsche Boxster? - Quora
Jun 28, 2017 ... Porsche, in general, has always ranked in the top few for overall reliability. Given the fact they design their cars to be beaten to death on ...

IMS issue for early model 2005 Boxster - Rennlist - Porsche ...
Nov 15, 2019 ... At least one good thing is that neither the base nor S Boxsters in 2005/2006 had bore scoring issues. Bore scoring affects mainly 2006-2008 ...
Buying a Porsche Boxster 987? 15 Issues to Look Out For ...
Both 986 and 987 Boxsters are vulnerable to rear main oil seal failure, which is expensive to repair as the gearbox needs to be removed in order to fit the ...
Porsche Boxster Common Mechanical & Engine Problems - Poudre ...
Common Problems with Porsche Boxsters · Air/Oil Separator Failure · Engine Block Porosity · Cylinder Head Cracks · Cylinder Lining Cracks · Rod Bolt Failure · IMS ...
Dillon Mayer 2025-02-15
I bought a brand new 2005 Boxster S and had no major issues until about 2 years and 20k miles later when the vehicle experienced complete engine failure due to a broken balance shaft. Fortunately, the car was still under warranty and was towed to my local dealer. Although the dealership service department did not have any loaners available, they were able to fix the car within 3 weeks. However, when I received the car back, I noticed some scratches on the interior and exterior, and the steering wheel was off center. Despite my disappointment, I decided to call and meet with a Porsche representative to discuss the situation. Unfortunately, the Porsche N.A. rep was unable to provide any assistance. Ultimately, due to concerns about reliability, I decided to trade the car in for a Mercedes.
Bobbie Herzog 2024-05-20
Hi there! I'm happy to hear that your car runs great!