2009 Porsche Boxster Review - Auto Broker Magic

The Porsche Boxster has long been one of the must fun-to-drive and prestigious roadsters on the market, and the 2009 Boxster does nothing to alter this reputation.

It's most noted qualities include simply exceptional handling and steering, spirited engines, an outstanding available automated manual transmission, and excellent interior refinements and build quality. They're also highly customizable with a myriad of available upscale options.

It's continued popularity is despite few changes to its original exterior design since it debuted in 1997. That being said, there have been countless mechanical and technological updates since then, resulting in a thoroughly modern car that's hard to beat when it comes to the "fun-to-drive" factor.

And there's changes in the 2009 Boxster as well, most notably an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission ( called PDK for Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe) which many now consider the best available worldwide.

Also new is a larger 2.9 liter base engine with a standard six-speed manual, a still more powerful direct-injected Boxster S engine, further revised suspension tuning, a number of styling alterations and an updated Porsche Control Management system (optional) with an enlarged screen and a hard-drive-based navigation system.

Standard Features:

The 2009 Porsche Boxster roadster is available in two trims, base or S. Standard features on the base model include 17 inch wheels, foglamps, partial leather upholstery, leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power soft top (actually operates at up to 30 mph), heated windshield washer nozzles, cruise control, trip computer, and a four-speaker CD audio system with a 5 inch monochromatic display screen.

The Boxster S model gets all the above, and adds a more powerful engine, 18 inch wheels and a seven-speaker audio system.

Available Options:

There are many (as well as costly) options available. In fact, you could actually double your purchase price by opting to add them all.

Highlights include the PDK transmission, adaptive suspension dampers, a mechanical rear limited-slip differential, various 19 inch wheel styles, ceramic composite brakes, xenon headlights, a removable aluminum hardtop, a button-activated sport exhaust system, full power seats, aggressively bolstered manual sport seats, automatic climate control, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and the Sport Chrono and Sport Chrono Plus packages.

And for those choosing the Porsche Control Management system (PCM), other options include voice-command, iPod integration, a USB port and a Bose surround-sound audio system with a 6-disc CD changer.

Engines And Gas Mileage:

Powering the base Boxster is a mid-mounted 2.9 liter flat-6 engine that produces 255 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque. The Boxster S is outfitted with a direct-injected 3.4 liter version that generates 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both of these engines are mated to a six-speed conventional manual transmission, while the seven-speed PDK automated manual is available as an option.

The base roadster goes from a standstill to 60 mph in about 6 seconds. The Boxster S does it in about 5 seconds.

The EPA gas mileage ratings for the base model are 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The S is rated nearly identically at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg. These are very good numbers for a sports car. Both models run on premium fuel.

Safety:

Standard safety features for both 2009 Porsche Boxsters include antilock disc brakes, traction contol, stability control, dual thorax and head side-impact airbags and roll-over safety hoops.

Drive:

With its midengine design, small size and modest weight, the 2009 Porsche Boxster boasts outstanding handling and performance, which can be enhanced even further with the optional active suspension. Acceleration is brisk to say the least and body roll is pretty much nonexistent.

Related:

Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2009 Boxster, here's a technique that buys one at the lowest possible price.

Price:

Base: listed retail price: $46,600, invoice price: $41,760
S: listed retail price: $56,700, invoice price: $50,850

2009 Porsche Boxster Features And Prices

2009 Porsche Boxster
Features And Prices