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Expert Rating

Porsche 718 Boxster

(2016 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

62
%
C

Used car score:

56
%
D

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

86
%
A

Safety Rating:

-

Eco Rating:

45
%
C

Reliability Rating:

73
%
C

Running Costs:

20
%
E

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

62
%
C

Used car score:

56
%
D

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

86
%
A

Safety Rating:

-

Eco Rating:

45
%
C

Reliability Rating:

73
%
C

Running Costs:

20
%
E

Summary


The Porsche 718 Boxster is a two-seat roadster, with a sister coupé model called the 718 Cayman. Porsche refers to the current car as the fourth generation of the Boxster, but it’s really more like a mid-life update for the third-generation model.

The 718 numbering is a new addition to the current model and is drawn from an obscure racing Porsche from the 1960s that very few Boxster drivers will have ever heard of. It is part of Porsche’s (so far largely unsuccessful) attempts to garner enthusiasm for its decision to downsize the Boxster’s engine from six cylinders to four.

The Porsche 718 Boxster range, which now includes a higher-performance Spyder model, has received very positive reviews from the UK motoring media. As with previous generations of Boxster, it has been praised for its driving dynamics compared to other open-top sports cars at any price point.

The main criticism has been almost universal condemnation of the new four-cylinder engines that have replaced the six-cylinder units in previous models. A new GTS model with a 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine has addressed those misgivings, although that’s only available on top-level cars.

As of January 2024, the Porsche 718 Boxster holds a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 62%. It earns top marks for its media review scores, which reflect its outstanding driving dynamics. However, it doesn’t perform well when it comes to ownership data – reliability and CO2 emissions are average, while running costs are unsurprisingly expensive.

Key specifications


Body style: Two-door convertible
Engine: petrol
Price: From £53,800 on-road

Launched: Spring 2016
Last updated: Spring 2021
Replacement due: TBA


Media reviews


Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Autocar

+

Car

+

Carbuyer

+

Daily Mail

+

Evo

+

Honest John

+

Parkers

+

The Sunday Times

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

What Car?

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of January 2024, the Porsche 718 Boxster has not been crash tested by Euro NCAP.

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of January 2024, the Porsche 718 Boxster has not been lab tested by Green NCAP

Given that the Boxster is a high-performance, petrol-engined sports car that prioritises performance over economy, it’s unlikely to win any environmental awards…

Reliability rating

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Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Porsche 718 Boxster has a reliability score that’s a little below average, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partners at MotorEasy. This score applies to the current 718 generation (2016 onwards), as well as previous generations.

The majority of all reported problems with the Boxster relate to its engine – with an average repair bill of about £1,300 – and suspension. The other area to look out for is the suspension, although the average bills for these are fairly low. Gearbox problems are rare but they are expensive, with an average repair bill of nearly £1,500.

If you own a Porsche 718 Boxster or if you’re interested in buying a used Boxster, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

Awards


Trophies, prizes and awards that the Porsche 718 Boxster has received

2017

  • World Car Awards – World Performance Car

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the Porsche 718 Boxster, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Alpine A110 | Audi TT | BMW Z4 | Jaguar F-Type | Lotus Emira | Mercedes-Benz SLC | Porsche 718 Cayman | Toyota GR86


More news, reviews and information about the Porsche 718 Boxster at The Car Expert

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Porsche Cayman T & Boxster T launch with handling upgrades

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The Porsche 718 Boxster has received very good media reviews, with praise for its driving dynamics but criticism for its new four-cylinder engines.Porsche 718 Boxster