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Happy 250th, 3 Porsches for the long weekend

This week: A 996 build that made me question my own taste, and more.

July 02, 2026

Happy 250th, America.

Feels fitting that this week's picks are all about doing your own thing. A no-nonsense $23,000 .2 Boxster for the practical crowd. A bespoke 996 build that proves questionable cosmetic mods can still add up to something great.

Good taste doesn't need permission.

Enjoy the long weekend.

Onwards!

RF

Blue 2011 Porsche 987.2 Boxster S with manual transmission parked in a lot, non-silver color option under $25,000

A non-silver .2 Boxster S, with less than 100K miles, for the low 20s.

All I needed to see to catch my attention.

The ad description is barely a list of options, recent work done to the car (tires, brakes, clutch), but with one important detail: "Never been in a body shop".

  • Mechanical issues? Budget for shifter cable replacement. They fail without warning. Numeric Racing cables are the permanent fix.

  • Current market? We've seen base .2 Boxsters for $19K, but those are few and far between. A clean non-S model averages $25,000, normally silver or black.

Silver 2007 Porsche 997 911 Carrera with fresh engine, clutch, and IMS bearing replacement

A "0 accidents, 100% bone stock" 997, always in the south.

It has a new engine, replaced 2,000 miles ago, along with the clutch and IMS bearing. All in, $20,000 in repairs, and all documented.

If you are not a purist about the new engine, this car is priced well.

  • Mechanical issues? Review engine swap documentation and have the new engine checked for bore scoring.

  • Current market? Base 997s average $40-45K, but from time to time dip to the mid 30s like this one.

Basalt Black Metallic 2002 Porsche 996 911 Carrera rear three-quarter view, 69K miles

Another week, another "premium" 996, this time in Basalt Black Metallic (look at those eggplant undertones).

The car is decently optioned (Embossed Headrest Crests, Bose Sound Package, 17 Inch Wheels) and looks to be in very good condition, with only 69K miles.

Description is light on maintenance details, so ask the dealer for full service history.

  • Mechanical issues? Find out about the IMS bearing and any other major maintenance work beyond the stated "complete oil and fluid service."

  • Current market? The sweet spot for mint 996s with good maintenance records is around $35,000.

Out There

Black 2001 Porsche 996 Carrera 4 with roof rack and ski attachment, custom Alpine-inspired build

The fried egg lamp covers were such a red flag. I almost skipped it.

But this owner had a vision ("ready-for-the-snowy-peaks-of-Switzerland-but-this-is-Texas-baby") and they pulled it off.

The description is long and detailed, featuring every option and premium modification behind the build. And wait until you see the Natural Brown full leather interior with factory Porsche-crested headrests. Gorgeous.

Proof that even the most heinous lamp covers are forgivable when the rest comes together this well.

Adopted Puppies

The Midnight Blue Cayman S from the previous issue was "the one" according to its seller. Turns out they were right, it sold right away.

And if we had any doubts that unique colors deserve the extra asking price (I always have them, and I'm always reminded otherwise), the Wimbledon Green 996 Cab with factory hardtop sold almost instantly.

Collage of previously featured Midnight Blue Cayman S and Wimbledon Green 996 Cabriolet marked sold

Porsche Problems

Porsche meme of the week.

See you next time with more affordable picks!

Take care,

—RF