Lot NM30369: 2010 Porsche Boxster S

Great question! The 2010 Porsche Boxster S is part of the 987.2 generation (2009–2012), which brought some significant improvements over earlier models. Here’s what you should know:

The Good News First ☺️

The biggest worry with older Boxsters—the IMS bearing—isn’t an issue here. The 987.2 switched to the new 9A1 engine with direct fuel injection, eliminating that particular headache entirely. That’s a huge relief!

Common Issues to Watch For:

1. Air/Oil Separator (AOS) Failure The AOS is a common culprit for smoke from the exhaust, especially on cold starts. If you see a puff of smoke when firing it up, that’s often the telltale sign. It’s a wear item that’ll eventually need replacement.

2. Rear Main Seal (RMS) Leaks Still crops up occasionally on the 987.2. Look for oil spots where the engine meets the transmission—a small leak is common, but significant seepage means it’s time for attention.

3. Shift Linkage Cable (Manual Trans Specific) A known issue for 2010 manual models—the shift cable (part #98742404211) can fail, leaving you stuck in gear. There’s at least one NHTSA complaint about this for the 2010 model. Worth checking the shift feel during a test drive.

4. Cooling System Maintenance Those front intake vents love to collect leaves and debris, which can clog the radiators and A/C condenser. Regular cleaning prevents overheating issues. Also, the water pump typically lasts 4–6 years, so on an older car, it may be due.

5. Oil Consumption Some early 987.2 engines were oil-thirsty—about 1 quart per 1,000 miles in worst cases. Check the service history to see if this was noted.

6. Convertible Top & Microswitches The soft top mechanism and door handle microswitches can act up, causing windows to not drop properly when opening doors—classic 987 behavior!

At 87k Miles…

With nearly 88k on the odometer, you’ll want to verify if the water pump, AOS, and clutch have been addressed. The timing chain on the 9A1 is generally robust, but service records are your friend here.

Overall, the 987.2 S with a manual transmission is considered the sweet spot for reliability and driving enjoyment in the Boxster world. Much more dependable than the 987.1, and way less worrisome than the IMS-era cars.

Can I help you find more vehicles like this one, or do you have questions about the market for these? You can check out similar 987.2 S manuals here: https://classic.com/m/porsche/boxster/9872/s-manual/