Correct servicing to the Porsche factory schedule is key to ensure a Boxster remains both reliable and operating at its peak.

The service inspection incorporates many visual inspections of parts and systems, this is to make sure they are fit for purpose and good to last until at least the next service interval. The schedule has many checks on the list for the mechanic to inspect and for the key serviceable parts and fluids to be checked and/or changed, in accordance to the level of service. Part of the service is to plug in to the onboard vehicle diagnostics and to read any fault codes which may have been logged. 

The services conducted at Braunton Engineering to the Boxster's over the last 10 years have highlighted a range of common faults which were unknown to the customer prior to the service. Some of the faults were highlighted by the routine diagnostic check and others from the mechanic and his familiarity with the model.

Without the routine service these faults, which were caught early, would have developed and could have caused premature failure affecting the vehicle's road going safety and/or the vehicles reliability or performance. Some of the key faults highlighted at the service interval are listed lower down the page.

The Boxster represents one of the most outstanding sports cars on the market - it's a terrific driver’s car and if well maintained, it is a resilient and reliable prospect as a daily driver, or as a third car for the high days and weekends. One only has to place it into a corner and the car comes alive.

The comparison between the 911 and Boxster is often made. The two models, vary hugely on the road, despite some similarities. It is only when stepping between the two that the driver can pick up on how the different models handle and deliver the power.

Braunton Engineering see these cars on a weekly basis for routine maintenance and attention to some of the common faults...  If you are looking to buy, a specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth every penny and can save one from inheriting a car requiring an expensive first year. Good, frequent service history is key to finding a nice example.

Braunton provide a while-you-wait inspection to establish the overall condition and roadworthy state of the car, and to discuss & put a price to any maintenance that is required. 

Common faults:  Exhaust flange joints, on either side of the engine - fastener corrosion with the nuts and bolts corroding to the point of the flange joint separating. Exhaust clamps - the rear clamps nuts and bolts corrode too. AC condensers and coolant radiators trap road dirt/salt and corrode with time and can perforate - it is now common for the older cars to require work to this area for replacement condensers/radiators.

Engine rear main oil seal - RMS failure causing minor to major oil leak. The engine’s intermediate shaft bearing is also a common failure point – it is a relatively low failure rate estimated at between 7 and 10 percent of the vehicles on the road. The M.96 flat six water cooled engine can develop oil leaks from the spark plug tubes. Engine - cylinder liner failure. Power steering pipe and/or clip - next to steering rack suffers from corrosion, requiring replacement. Water leak - water ingress by heater matrix /scuttle panel - leading to water on vehicle electrics causing ecu/electrical failure. Key fob failure and key fob resync procedure.

By and large these faults are minor niggles that can be rectified without too much outlay and the major faults are few and far between. The information on the forums makes these major faults seem like they are common, but in truth, the major issues represent less than eight percent of the vehicles on the roads in the UK.