The Porsche 718 Boxster T is a 2-door soft-top convertible based on the Porsche Cayman T. The T model stands for a more driver-focused package that aims to take the regular Porsche Boxster and spruce it up a little bit in order to make it a more engaging car for Porsche purists without costing too much more money.
When it comes to reliability, the Boxster T is pretty much the same as the regular Boxster as there are no major differences between the two when it comes to the engine, the transmission, the drivetrain, and parts of the suspension. Therefore, these two should be equal when it comes to problems and all the costs associated with fixing them.
As such, the most common 718 Boxster T problems are associated with the engine, transmission, the A/C system, the equipment, and overheating. It’s worth mentioning that most of these aren’t associated with lack of maintenance which is not all that common.
Either way, the 718 Boxster T is as reliable as the regular 718 Boxster is which means that it should be able to last a long time if you take proper care of it. Porsche T models are becoming increasingly more popular both in the 718 lineup and the 911 991/992 lineup.
Porsche 718 Boxster T – Engine issues
The most common 718 Boxster T engine issues are related to the spark plugs which can sometimes get stuck or wear out too quickly. Some owners have also reported issues with the ignition coils which will need replacing. As such, it is always a better idea to replace all four coils at the same time as that is likely to cause you any headaches in the near future.
The 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine in the Boxster T is sometimes known to leak oil. These can occur even with lower-mileage cars, typically those that aren’t driven all that often.
Porsche 718 Boxster T – Transmission issues
The Porsche 718 Boxster T is available with two different transmission options, a short-throw manual or the Porsche proprietary PDK 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The manual box is fairly robust, but a lack of skill can destroy the clutch, so be sure to be delicate with it if you want to get the most out of it.
The automatic transmission is a different story. It usually works great, but there are times when you are going to encounter slipping, hesitations, and especially slow downshifts. You should also make sure that your PDK works as best as it can by replacing the transmission fluid whenever necessary.
Porsche 718 Boxster T – A/C system issues
The Porsche 718 Boxster T is sometimes known to experience various issues with the A/C system, more specifically the A/C condenser, and the condenser lines. These are common on all 718 models and they can easily be fixed by a qualified Porsche technician. Refrigerant leaks are rare, but some owners have experienced leaks with their 718 Boxster models.
Either way, be sure to take your 718 to a qualified mechanic who can inspect your entire A/C system quickly and take care of all issues.
Porsche 718 Boxster T – Overheating issues
The 718 Boxster T is a true performance car which means that most people are going to drive it aggressively and at full tilt. This means that the car needs a sophisticated, and more importantly, an effective cooling system in order not to damage any expensive powertrain and drivetrain components due to heat exposure.
However, some owners have reported water pump failures and thermostat failures which can raise the car’s temperature up significantly, even while not going all that fast. If this does happen, be sure to take your car in for a service as you don’t want to risk damaging your Boxster T or even worse, end up in a fire.
Porsche 718 Boxster T – Equipment issues
The Porsche 718 Boxster T suffers from certain equipment-related issues which are fairly common across the entire 718 Boxster range. The first and most common issue is related to the soft top mechanism which can get stuck or become really slow to operate. The rear spoiler is sometimes known to get stuck which prevents it from laying flush with the car’s body.
The rear taillights are a sore point for older Boxster models because they are known to fail as well. Equipment-rated issues are mostly down to lackluster maintenance or issues associated with a lack of quality control from the factory.
FAQ Section
Should I buy a Porsche 718 Boxster T?
If you are interested in buying a 2-seater convertible that is compact, but able to offer you a thrilling experience, the Boxster T is actually a perfect car for you. If you are someone who is used to driving Porsche 911s, you may think that the Boxster T is beneath you, but it really isn’t because these two are vastly different.
If you are particularly tall, or you don’t like small cars in general, the Boxster T certainly isn’t a car for you. If you like large cars with lots of space that can go fast, you are better off with a Porsche Panamera or the Porsche Taycan EV.
Is the Porsche Boxster T better than the regular Boxster?
The Porsche 718 Boxster T starts at around $70,000 while the regular 718 Boxster starts at around $63,000 which is a $7,000 difference. The Boxster T is essentially a 718 Boxster with a few driver-focused optional features added to it in order to make the car more thrilling to drive.
As such, the Boxster T is the better car if you are the type of guy who values the performance side of things. If you don’t care about performance and handling and you just want a Porsche, the Boxster is the better choice for you.
Is Porsche discontinuing the Boxster?
Yes, and no. Porsche said that they will not discontinue the Boxster entirely, yet rather electrify it for the next Boxster model. This means that we are indeed getting a new Boxster, but it is not yet clear if the new Boxster is only going to be offered with an EV platform or a combustion engine as well.
