Porsche 987 Review: Is This Perfect Little Porsche Still Worth It?

The Porsche 987, produced from 2004 to 2012, represents the peak of the analog driving experience in the modern era, offering a raw, engaging, and surprisingly practical sports car at a now-accessible price point. This review breaks down the core strengths, inherent weaknesses, and true value proposition of the 987 generation Boxster and Cayman, helping you determine if its blend of old-school charm and modern performance aligns with your expectations and budget.

The 987 Generation: A Brief Context

Following the revolutionary 986, the 987 (introduced as the 987.1 in 2004, with a significant mid-cycle update as the 987.2 in 2009) marked Porsche’s commitment to keeping the roadster experience central to its lineup. It was the car that saved the brand's soul, according to many enthusiasts, offering a level of mechanical connection and driving purity that feels increasingly rare today. Understanding its place in Porsche's history is key to evaluating its current worth.

The Core Appeal: Driving Dynamics and Engagement

This is where the 987 truly shines and forms the foundation of its enduring appeal. Unlike many modern cars that prioritize comfort and isolation, the 987 was engineered to communicate with its driver. The experience is often described as telepathic.

The Mechanical Symphony

• Flat-Six Engine: The heart of the 987, particularly in the S models, is the horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine. The distinct flat-plane crank exhaust note, a sharp bark at low rpm evolving into a glorious scream near the redline, is an aural experience unmatched by V-8s. As automotive journalist Jeremy Clarkson famously quipped, describing the sound of a similar era Porsche, it’s a noise that possesses a "certain elegance."
• Manual Transmission: The six-speed manual gearbox is one of the best in the business. It’s precise, incredibly short-throw, and fosters a direct connection to the drivetrain. The clutch, while requiring some technique, is perfectly weighted for a balance of control and ease.
• Steering and Chassis: The steering is arguably its best feature—weighted, communicative, and instantly revealing every nuance of the road surface. The chassis is taut and responsive, turning the car with a confidence-inspiring flick. The suspension, while firm, absorbs bumps in a controlled manner, maintaining tire contact without being harsh in everyday driving mode.

The Driving Experience

Driving a 987, especially a Boxster with the top down, is an event. It’s not about brute acceleration, although it is plenty quick, but about the holistic experience. You feel every corner, every expansion joint, and every change in road texture. This constant dialogue between car and driver is addictive. As automotive publication Road & Track noted in a contemporary review, the 987 “delivers a driving experience that is both challenging and rewarding, making you an active participant in the journey.”

Design, Practicality, and The Quirks

The 987’s design, penned by Dutchman Harm Lagaay, is a masterclass in timeless sports car aesthetics. It’s aggressive yet elegant, low and wide, with a retractable hardtop that solves the weather dilemma elegantly.

The Hardtop System

The automatic retractable hardtop is a revelation. In under 20 seconds, the car transforms from a roadster to a coupe, providing security and weather protection without the penalty of a heavy, fixed roof. The mechanism is robust and reliable, a far cry from the fragile tops of older convertibles. It’s a system that genuinely enhances the car’s usability.

Interior Reality Check

While the driving position is excellent, with perfect visibility and supportive seats, the cabin is Spartan by modern standards. Materials are a mix of quality plastics and leather, with a distinctly 2000s aesthetic. Tech is minimal—a basic radio, analog gauges—focused entirely on the driving task. This lack of distraction is a feature for many, but a drawback for those expecting modern infotainment. It’s a cabin built for driving, not lounging.

Practicality Points

1. Trunk Space: The front trunk (“frunk”) is genuinely useful, easily fitting a couple of small bags or a weekend's groceries. Rear trunk space is tight but manageable with soft-top up.
2. Seating: Tight, low-slung seats that are supportive for long drives but can be uncomfortable for passengers on a journey longer than a couple of hours.
3. Visibility: Forward visibility can be hampered by the wide A-pillars, a common trait in sports cars. The rear view is equally limited, requiring liberal use of mirrors.

Reliability, Maintenance, and The Elephant in the Room: Oil Leaks

Owning a 987 requires a specific mindset. These are complex, high-performance machines that demand attention. The primary concern for 987 owners, particularly those with higher mileage, is the infamous valve cover gasket and rear main seal oil leaks.

• Oil Leaks: As the rubber components age, it's common for oil to weep from the front and rear main seals and valve covers. This is not a terminal failure but requires vigilance. Regular oil level checks and timely top-ups are mandatory. A proactive owner will address these seals preemptively, but costs can add up.
• Maintenance Costs: Routine maintenance is expensive. Specialist Porsche mechanics charge premium rates, and genuine OEM parts are costly. Independent shops that specialize in Porsches can offer a more cost-effective solution. Factor in the price of regular oil changes, brake pad replacements, and tire wear, which will be more frequent than in a standard car.
• Electrical Gremlins: The 987, especially early models, is not immune to minor electrical gremlins. Malfunctioning window switches, sensor errors, and issues with the parking brake system are the most commonly reported non-engine-related problems.

Is It Worth It? The Value Proposition

This is the critical question. The Porsche 987 sits at a fascinating price point. You can find solid examples for significantly less than the cost of a new sports car, yet you are buying into a piece of driving history.

The Case FOR “Worth It”

• Pure Driving Prowess: For the money, there is no better way to experience the fundamental joy of driving a lightweight, rear-engine sports car with a perfect chassis balance.
• Depreciation has leveled off: The initial new-car depreciation hit has largely passed. Values have stabilized, offering a degree of financial pragmatism.
• Affordable Entry to Porsche: It provides a relatively affordable gateway into the Porsche brand, allowing you to experience the brand’s engineering and heritage before stepping up to a 911.
• Strong Community: The 987 has a massive, dedicated global community. Sourcing parts, finding repair specialists, and troubleshooting issues is easier because of this robust support network.

The Case AGAINST “Worth It”

• Ongoing Maintenance Costs: The cost of ownership is high. You must budget for premium fuel, high-performance tires, and regular, expensive servicing.
• Compromises: It is a noisy, firm, and visually striking car that is not always practical for daily use in bad weather or for carrying more than one passenger comfortably.
• Age and Wear: A 15-20 year old car will inevitably have wear and tear. Finding a clean, well-maintained example is a challenge and requires a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a trusted specialist.

The Final Verdict

The Porsche 987 is not a car for everyone. It is a tool for the driving enthusiast, a machine that demands respect and involvement. It is also a project, requiring a commitment to its maintenance. However, for the right person, it represents an almost perfect synthesis of a driver’s car’s soul and a modern sports car’s capability. If you can find a clean, well-sourced example and have the budget for its care, the 987 offers a driving experience that is as close to pure and engaging as you will find, proving that its worth is measured not in depreciation charts, but in the miles of smile it puts on your face.