If you’re looking for an affordable and fun vehicle, consider buying a used Porsche Boxster Spyder. This car is a great choice for anyone who loves to drive, as it has a good power-to-weight ratio and offers plenty of room for passengers. It also has a great ride and excellent engine. Plus, it has plenty of options that will make it easy to keep your budget in check.
Price
Porsche has been producing a number of high-end sports cars and the Boxster is one of them. Known for its excellent performance-to-value ratio, the Boxster is happy to serve as a weekend toy, or as a serious competition car. The newest model features a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Its base model starts at $94,785, but that’s hardly a deal breaker.
If you’re shopping for a new or used model, the Boxster Spyder may be the best choice. The vehicle’s main attraction is its nimble performance. Not only does it boast a torque-vectoring rear differential, but it also uses adaptive dampers to keep the ride smooth.
For a start, the Boxster Spyder’s 3.8-liter flat-6 engine produces a hefty 375 horsepower. The engine is also found in the Porsche 991 Carrera S, but the Spyder is a bit lighter. You can also choose to have yours fitted with carbon ceramic brakes. Click here to check pre-owned inventory of Porsche Boxster Spyder
A six-speed manual transmission is standard. And for the oomph, you should be aware that the boxster Spyder also boasts a nifty roof mechanism that saves 10kg of mass. But despite the claimed weight savings, the manual-operated top is not very easy to use.
In the spirit of the Porsche Boxster, the manufacturer’s name is also attached to a number of high-end options, such as red brake calipers and sport exhaust pipes. Also, you’ll be able to get your hands on a rear-view camera, as well as Bluetooth connectivity and Alcantara and leather upholstery.
Engine
Porsche Boxster Spyder is the ultimate version of the 981 Boxster. The car’s 3.8-liter naturally aspirated engine is the same as the one in the 911 Carrera S. But Boxster Spyder has some distinct differences.
For starters, the engine is a bit busier than in other Boxsters. It is rated to deliver 375 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
Moreover, Boxster Spyder comes with an aggressive nose. A more robust front end helps it to change direction with composure. In fact, the Spyder’s steering is lifted from the 911 Turbo. That means it reacts quickly to the smallest input from your fingers.
The body is also a bit busier than the other Boxsters. But its suspension has a mechanical limited-slip differential that lowers ride height. This makes the car less susceptible to sharper bumps. And its brakes are lifted from the 911 Carrera S.
On the inside, Boxster Spyder has the same interior as the 991 “S”. You can opt for carbon fiber bucket seats that are lifted from the 918 Spyder.
You can add a PDK seven-speed transmission to your Boxster Spyder for an additional $17,200. Seven-speed PDK is an extremely bang-beating gearbox. If you want to save a little weight, you can go with a manual canvas soft top. With that, your total weight will drop by 66 pounds.
Other features in the Boxster Spyder include the anti-roll bar and coil springs. At the rear, the brakes have Vented Discs.
Suspension
Porsche has a new 4-liter engine and suspension on its latest offering, the Boxster Spyder. The new Spyder is more hardcore than the previous iteration. Its suspension is also better.
The most basic of upgrades to the standard suspension will improve the ride height, handling and performance. This is especially important if you intend to drive the car on an uneven road. Adding a set of adjustable coilovers to your ride will allow you to set the height to your liking.
Another option is a more comprehensive air suspension system. Many air suspension systems are rated for light track use, so you should not have trouble finding a set that will suit your needs.
Taking your Boxster Spyder to the next level with a performance suspension upgrade is a no-brainer. A good set will make the car feel like it has more horsepower and torque, as well as a better grip on the track. In addition, a better set will help your car outshine the competition.
One of the best features of a high-quality air suspension is its ability to be tuned for optimal ride height and damping. A good set of air springs will provide a smooth ride, but a set of coilovers will enable you to achieve the perfect height for your riding style.
Among the components included in a good quality set are a ride height adjustable top mount, a high-quality coil over shock, a ride-height-adjustable front sway bar, and a top mount for a rear sway bar.
Aerodynamics
If you are looking for a used Porsche Boxster Spyder, there are some important things you should know. The car has a lightweight chassis, an all-wheel-drive system and a powerful naturally aspirated engine. It also has a redesigned rear diffuser.
A new rear diffuser is meant to increase the overall downforce of the car. In its GT4 form, the rear wing alone generates 268 pounds of downforce. This may sound like a lot, but it only accounts for 30% of the total downforce.
The rear spoiler is also designed to generate downforce without causing any drag penalty. In addition, the rear wing is active, which means it powers upward at speeds of 120 kilometers per hour.
The front fender is slightly tucked. That’s due to the leading edge being a bit lower than the rest of the fender.
Aside from the rear spoiler, the 718 Spyder also has a functional diffuser. This is meant to generate a 50% increase in the downforce on the rear axle.
The car comes with a Bordeaux red interior package. This includes two-tone black and red leather, extended Alcantara upholstery, and a GT silver metallic accent. Another option is the Classic Interior Package.
There’s also a mechanical locking differential and a six-speed manual gearbox. The cloth roof on the Spyder requires a manual removal.
The 918 Spyder is a more powerful model. Its top speed is 211 mph.
Weight-saving options
There are several weight-saving options available for used Boxster Spyder models. Most of the modifications involve removing equipment. Some owners even take the convertible top off. However, there are some limitations to such a move.
For example, a Boxster Spyder does not come with a radio, A/C, cupholders, or a spare tire. It also has a lower ride height, shorter side windows, and a manual soft top. This makes it unsuitable for daily driving.
However, if you plan to use your Boxster on a road trip, the Spyder offers a more enjoyable driving experience. The car is more powerful than its predecessor, and has more stability. And, it features a sharper steering and windshield.
But, it also costs more. The base price is $62,150, which is about $3200 higher than the regular Boxster S. Although the Spyder offers many benefits, it is also very expensive.
Despite its price tag, the Boxster Spyder has a strong reliability record. As a result, it has a good residual value. So, you can expect a reasonable return on your investment.
The Porsche Boxster Spyder also comes with a powerful suspension. Suspension components include stiffer springs, shocks, and anti-roll bars. Combined with its lighter bodyweight, this results in a more responsive ride. Even on rough roads, the Spyder’s suspension rebounds more quickly.
If you are looking for a lightweight performance car, the Boxster is a solid choice. The Spyder is a more serious sports car that delivers more power than the Boxster S.
Ride quality
The Porsche Boxster Spyder is the latest iteration of the fabled mid-engine roadster. While it still shares the same 320 horsepower, 3.8-liter flat six engine as its predecessor, the new model also features a new turbocharged 3.0-liter twin-turbo unit.
Compared to the original, the new model is less noisy, slicker to drive and is on wider wheels. It also boasts a new engine, a bigger touchscreen display and retractable cupholders.
Aside from the new engine, the Spyder is also equipped with active suspension. It has a suspension system that is tuned to improve the car’s ride quality. Unlike other cars, the Boxster uses a separate suspension strut that is isolated from the chassis.
On the outside, the Spyder has a new front splitter, a lightweight manual roof, more athletic hardware and aggressive weight savings. The interior offers aluminum door bins and leather upholstery, polished metal-effect panelling, Alcantara seat bolsters, and a well-finished steering wheel.
It also features a six-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, and Bluetooth connectivity. The touchscreen display offers a slick interface for pairing a Bluetooth device and is especially handy for GPS navigation.
Considering the mid-engine layout, the Boxster has an impressively smooth, responsive and precise ride. It’s also an incredibly fun car to drive.
If you are looking for a high-quality car with plenty of bang for your buck, the Porsche Boxster is an excellent choice. You can get a used one for under $25,000, and the price can go down even further if you take the time to do some research.
