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Hello 2026
This week: Back at it with 987.2 Boxsters and a 996.2 that's lived
Happy New Year Pepitas!
We're back after a fantastic break.
I must confess: I didn't think about a single Porsche the whole time. First time in weeks.
Now I feel refreshed going into 2026 and ready to see what's out there this year.
More great picks ahead, and more interesting stories around our passion for affordable, unassuming, fun German sports cars.
Onwards!
—RF
“Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.”
PROS
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A few weeks ago I mentioned reports that 987.2 production was extremely limited, making them rare today.
Reader Alex sent me actual sales data from the period. While .2 sales were much lower than .1, they weren't as scarce as the forums suggest.
This week I found two interesting examples. The first is a Guards Red PDK with an honest seller who genuinely enjoys the car, but is also happy to disclose issues like paint imperfections and a minor fender bender in the parking lot.
The second find is a Meteor Grey manual that comes from a dealer with solid reviews. Lower miles at 80K, excellent spec with Sport Chrono and 18" Cayman S II wheels, and a clean history per the listing. It’s excellently priced.
More .2 cars available (especially when priced this well) can only be good news.
Market Report
The Guards Red at $19,500 sits at the lower end for .2 Boxsters, reflecting its honest condition disclosure, PDK gearbox, and over-100K miles.
As for the Meteor Grey, nice, low-mileage, manual 987.2s under $30K don't last long. This one priced at $22K will be gone soon.
Check out my recent 987.2 deep dive for more examples of well-priced cars that sold quickly.
What You (and Your Mechanic) Should Know
The 987.2 generation eliminated IMS bearing and bore scoring concerns with direct fuel injection engines.
Budget for shifter cable replacement on the manual, they fail without warning. Numeric Racing cables are the permanent fix.
Confirm the PDK's service history includes 60K-mile fluid changes.
Battle scars and service records
PROS
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This 996 will be a straight PASS for many of you.
I get it: 155K miles, second engine, yellowed headlights, pitted bumpers, scratched paint... what a presentation card!
What I see, though, is a car that's lived a full life despite those scars. And been loved every step of the way. A second engine with new upgraded LN Engineering IMS bearing, $10K in recent service including new clutch, shocks, struts, motor mounts and more, comfort package with quirky rear wiper, uncommon Arctic Silver color, a seller that discloses everything upfront, the good and the bad.
Compare this to the usual neglected 996s under $20K that hide their issues. This seller put everything in the open and priced it honestly.
This car has earned every bit of wear and now is ready for whatever comes next.
Market Report
996s with high mileage and wear can be found for under $20,000. I don't think this car fits that category though: this is a .2 from a PCA member, with a clear history of maintenance and care every step of the way, not a neglected car that someone is looking to offload on you.
This car reminds me of this project 996 from a previous issue.
What You (and Your Mechanic) Should Know
This 2002 Carrera has the larger 3.6L engine with VarioCam Plus, new Turbo-style headlights, glovebox, and smaller improvements introduced for the .2 revision. The IMS bearing has already been upgraded to a permanent solution, so you may as well forget it was ever a thing.
Porsche Problems
See you next week with more affordable picks!
Take care,
—RF