Want the premium fun and performance of a Porsche without paying a fortune? The used market is a great place to start, even in its current state. And for many, the Porsche Boxster has been the most affordable entryway, new or used, into the German brand. It might be cheaper than a used 911, but the Boxster’s mid-engine design means it arguably handles better. And getting a 987 ‘Gen 2’ example like the 2009 Porsche Boxster S currently listed on Cars & Bids means you won’t have to deal with at least one infamous problem.

The 2009 987 Porsche Boxster solved the IMS issue—and the S sharpened the mid-engine roadster

Few phrases strike as much fear into Porsche fans’ hearts as ‘IMS bearing.’ Although the infamous engine part’s failure rate has been exaggerated, the consequences of a failure are still worrying. And while the IMS bearing looms largest over the 996-gen 911, it found its way into several other contemporary Porsche engines. Among them were the ‘M96’ and ‘M97’ flat-sixes found in the 986- and 987.1-gen Cayman and Boxster.

However, in 2009, Porsche solved the issue with the 987 ‘Gen 2’, aka ‘987.2’ Boxster and Cayman. These cars use more powerful ‘9A1’ flat-six engines, which lack IMSs and thus IMS bearings, PCA explains. As a result, these cars are more desirable than the earlier ‘Gen 1’ cars.

And for those with performance in mind, the Porsche Boxster S is the one to get. For one, it has more power than the standard 987 Boxster. It also has bigger brakes, larger wheels, and a sportier suspension setup. Plus, unlike the standard 987 Porsche Boxster, the Boxster S offered optional carbon-ceramic brakes. Both models, though, offered optional limited-slip differentials and adaptive suspension. And, for the first time, Porsche offered the Sports Chrono package, complete with extra driving modes and launch control, on the Boxster and Boxster S.

But you don’t need the Sports Chrono package to have fun in a 987 Gen 2 Porsche Boxster S. The earlier 987.1’s steering and suspension revisions made this already fun car’s handling even better, MotorTrend reports. And the 987.2 cars’ interiors are significantly better than what the 986 cars offered. Plus, the Boxster’s mid-engine layout makes it surprisingly practical for a two-seater, Evo notes.

There’s a chance to get a manual 987.2 S right now on Cars & Bids

2009 was the first year for the PDK, but the Porsche Boxster S currently listed on Cars & Bids has the standard six-speed manual. It also has bi-xenon headlights, a Bose audio system, heated and cooled seats, and automatic climate control. Plus, Bluetooth, GPS navigation, and an electronically-raising spoiler. And apart from 20” wheels, a Kenwood head unit, and an exhaust muffler delete, it’s stock.

Admittedly, that muffler delete might cause some emissions testing issues, though there’s no CEL illuminated. Plus, this 2009 Porsche Boxster S was in a minor accident, though the seller says that, during the pre-purchase inspection before they bought the car, there was no evidence of damage. The seller also doesn’t have many service records from before the purchase.

But apart from that, as well as some scattered scrapes, scratches, and normal wear, this convertible is in solid shape. And it has less than 59,000 miles on the clock. Also, the seller recently changed the oil and oil filter.

A well-kept 987 Gen 2 Porsche Boxster S is a sports car bargain right now

As of this writing, this 2009 987 Gen 2 Porsche Boxster S is listed on Cars & Bids for $10,600 with three days left in the auction. Considering it originally cost just over $67K, that’s a significant discount. And looking on Autotrader for similarly-equipped Boxsters reveals the next cheapest one costs over three times as much.

The good news for potential bidders is that the 2009-MY updates resolved more than just the IMS issue. Cylinder scoring is essentially a non-issue with the 2009-and-later 3.4-liter engines, and the seller notes the PPI revealed no over-revving incidents. Rear main seal oil leaks are also significantly less prevalent on the Gen 2 cars. And apart from soft-top wear and the odd cracked ignition coil or broken mass airflow sensor, 987.2 cars are fairly solid, Evo reports.

So, if you’ve been looking for a bargain-priced Porsche, this 987 Gen 2009 Boxster S might be worth bidding on.

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